Attractions in County Dublin

Irish Museum of Modern Art (Dublin)

The Irish Museum of Modern Art is Ireland's leading national institution for the collection and presentation of modern and contemporary art. The Museum presents a wide variety of art and artists' ideas in a dynamic programme of exhibitions, which regularly includes bodies of work from the Museum's own Collection, its award-winning Education and Community Department and the Studio and National programmes. The work of younger artists to create a debate about the nature and function of art and its relationship with the public.

The Museum is housed in the magnificently restored Royal Hospital building and grounds, which include a formal garden, meadow and medieval burial grounds as well as other historical buildings.

Address: Royal Hospital, Military Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8.
Telephone No: (01)-612 9900
Fax No: (01)-612 9999
E-Mail: info@modernart.ie
Location: 3.5km from City Centre, just off the N7 opposite Heuston Station.
Opening Times: Tues-Sat 10:00-17:30; Sun & Bank Holidays 12:00-17:30
Guided Tours: Wednesday & Fridays - 14.30 & on Sundays - 12.15.
Admission: Free of Charge 

National Botanic Gardens (Dublin)

These colourful gardens cover a total area of 19.5 hectares, part of which is the natural flood plain of the river Tolka. The gardens contain a large plant collection which includes approximately 20,000 species and cultivars. There are four ranges of glasshouses including the recently restored Curvilinear Range. Notable features include herbaceous displays, rose garden, rockery, vegetable garden, arboretum, extensive shrub borders and wall plants. Gardens are accessible for people with disabilities but there are some steep gradients.

The new Education & Visitor Centre, due to open in September 2000, is fully accessible for people with disabilities.

Address: Glasnevin, Dublin 9.
Telephone No: (01)-837 7596 / (01)-837 4388
Fax No: (01)-836 0080
Location: 3.5km north from centre of Dublin, off Botanic Road.
Public Transport: 19, (19A), 13 (O'Connell St.) 134 (Middle Abbey St.)
Admission: Free 

War Memorial Gardens (Dublin)

These gardens are one of the most famous memorial gardens in Europe. They are dedicated to the memory of 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in the 1914 - 1918 war. The names of all the soldiers are contained in the granite bookrooms in the Gardens. These gardens are not only a place of remembrance but are also of architectural interest and of great beauty. Designed by the famous architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944), they are one of four Gardens in this country designed by him. The others being Heywood Gardens, Lambay Island and those in Howth Castle. Sunken rose gardens, herbaceous borders and extensive tree planting make for an enjoyable visit to the Gardens in any season.

Address: Islandbridge, Dublin 8
Telephone No: (01)- 647 3000 (Head Office), or (01)-677 0236 (Gardens).
Location: South Circular Road. Islandbridge. Entrance from Con Colbert Rd and South Circular Rd.
Public Transport: Bus Routes: 51 and 61 from Aston Quay.

National Maritime Museum

Located in the 1837 Mariners' Church, here exhibits tell the story of Robert Halpin, who captained the ship that laid the first transatlantic telegraph cable in 1866. Also on display are a huge clockwork-driven lens formerly used at Howth, and a longboat used by French officers during Wolfe Tone's unsuccessful invasion at Bantry in 1796.

Location: Mariners Church, Haigh Terrace, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.
Admission: Free, donations accepted.
Open: May 1 until September 30
Times: Tuesday-Sunday, 1pm-5pm.
Telephone: (01) 280-0969.
Public Transport: DART/bus to Dún Laoghaire.

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