Historic Buildings to Visit in Dublin

Trinity College Top Attraction

Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth. It was not until the 1970's that Catholics started entering the university, as they were banned by the archbishop. Among many famous students to attend the college were playwrights Oliver Goldsmith and Samuel Beckett. Trinity's lawns and cobbled quads provide a pleasant haven in the heart of the city. The major attractions are the Old Library and the Book of Kells, housed in the Old Library.

Location: College Green.
Admission: Free to the college; admission to Book of Kells, €8.

Leinster House – Dáil Éireann - Irish Parliament Top Attraction

Originally built for the Duke of Leinster in 1745, the building's Kildare Street façade resembles that of a large town house. Bought by the Royal Dublin Society in 1815. The government obtained it in 1922 for parliamentary use and bought the entire building two years later. Visitors can arrange to tour the main rooms, including the Seanad chamber, and can sit in the public gallery in the Dáil.

Location: Kildare Street.
Admission: Free.
Telephone: (01)-6789911

Bank of Ireland, College Green Top Attraction

The prestigious offices of Ireland's national bank began life as the first purpose-built parliament house in Europe. Completed in 1739 it served as Ireland's Parliament until the Act Of Union in 1801 this imposed direct rule on Ireland from London. Today attendants lead tours that point out the coffered ceiling and oak panelling. There are also huge tapestries of the Battle of the Boyne and the siege of Derry, and a splendid 1,233-piece crystal chandelier dating from 1788. The present building also known as Grattan's Parliament was completed in 1808 after additions were made.

Opening hours: Monday- Wednesday & Friday 10am-4pm, Thursday 10am -5pm.
Guided Tours: Tuesdays: 10:30am, 11:30am, & 1:45pm or by appointment.
Telephone: (01)-6615933.
Location: College Green.
Admission: Free

City Hall Top Attraction

Erected between 1769 and 1779, and formerly the Royal Exchange. It is a square building in Corinthian style, with three fronts of Portland stone. Since 1852, however it has been the centre of the municipal government. The interior is designed as a circle within a square, with fluted columns supporting a dome shaped roof over the central hall. The building contains many items of interest, including 102 royal charters and the mace and sword of the city.

Location: Lord Edward street, Dublin 8.
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am-1pm and 2:15-5pm.
Admission: Free.
Telephone: (01)-6796111.

Number 29 Top Attraction

Situated in the heart of Dublin's fashionable Georgian streets, this is a unique museum - a restored four-story town house that reflects the lifestyle of a Dublin middle-class family during the period 1790 to 1820. The exhibition ranges from artefacts and works of art of the time, to carpets, curtains, floor coverings, decorations, paintwork, plasterwork, and bellpulls The nursery also includes dolls and toys of the era.

Location: 29 Lower Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2.
Admission: Free.

General Post Office (GPO) Top Attraction

Built in 1818 halfway along O'Connell Street (formerly Sackville street), the GPO (right) became a symbol of the 1916 Easter Rising. Members of the Irish Volunteers and Irish Citizen Army seized the building on Easter Monday (24th of April) and Patrick Pearse read out the Proclamation of the Irish republic from its steps. The rebels remained inside for almost a week, but shelling from the British eventually forced them out. Inside the building is a sculpture of the legendary Irish warrior Cuchulainn, dedicated to those who died for their part in the Easter rising.

Location: O'Connell Street.
Opening Hours: 8am-8pm Monday-Sat. 10.30am-6.20pm Sunday.
Admission: Free.

Custom House Top Attraction

No view of Dublin's skyline is complete without a tableau of the Custom House, one of Dublin's finest Georgian buildings. Designed by James Gandon and completed in 1791, it is beautifully proportioned, with a long classical façade of graceful pavilions, arcades, columns; a central dome topped by a 16 foot- statue of Commerce; and 14 keystones over the doors and windows, known as the Riverine Heads because they respect the Atlantic Ocean and the 13 principal rivers of Ireland. Although burned to a shell in 1921, this building has been masterfully restored and its bright Portland stone recently cleaned.

Location: Custom House Quay, Dublin 1.
Admission: Free.
Telephone: (01)-8882000.

Four Courts Top Attraction

The home of the Irish law courts since 1796, this fine 18th century building overlooks the north bank of the River Liffey on the west side of Dublin. With a sprawling 440-foot façade, it was designed by James Gandon and is distinguished by its graceful Corinthian columns, massive dome (64 feet in diameter), and exterior statues of Justice, Mercy, Wisdom, and Moses. The building was severely burned during the Civil War of 1922, but has been artfully restored. The public is admitted only when court is in session, so it is best to phone in advance.

Admission: Free.
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday, 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm.
Telephone: (01)-8725555.

Government Buildings

The offices of the Government Departments (including an Taoiseach’s office) are open to the public at certain times.

Location: Merrion Street Upper.
Guided Tours: Saturdays, 10am & 3:30pm.
Admission: Free, tickets from National Gallery on the day.

Áras an Uachtaráin- President’s House

This is the residence of the President of Ireland. Guided tours are available (which last one hour) and include an introductory film at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, return transport to an tÁras, tour of the exhibition centre and the main state reception rooms.

Location: The Phoenix Park, Dublin 8.
Guided Tours: Tours are available every Saturday between 9:40am-4:20pm.
Admission: Free admission tickets to Áras an Uachtaráin are issued at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre
Telephone: (01)-6709155.

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