Dublin Things to Do

With its original construction dating between 1204 and 1220, Dublin Castle encompasses some of the city’s oldest surviving structures, although today much of its façade dates back to 18th century restorations. The dramatic fortress boasts a varied history, built on the site of an earlier Viking fortress and serving as the seat of British for over 700 years. Since the 1922 establishment of the Irish Free State, the castle has become a major conference centre for the Irish Government, as well as topping the list of Dublin tourist attractions.

While visitors to Dublin flock to marvel at the historic grounds of Dublin Castle, few take the time to wander the castle gardens, a pocket of tranquility despite their central location, and a popular picnic spot for locals in the know.

Travel is increasingly facilitated by smart phone. Forget dragging an unwieldy travel guide around in your backpack, you can slip your phone into your pocket and have so much of what you need to know right there at hand. The Temple Bar Cultural Trust in Dublin has seen the way of the future and developed an app for a culture trail in Dublin.

Launched in 2011, it features 16 of Dublin’s top cultural venues including Trinity College, the Chester Beatty Library at Dublin Castle, Temple Bar Gallery and Studios, Dublin City Hall, The Hugh Lane Gallery, Christ Church Cathedral and Project Arts Centre, some outdoor markets and other places in Temple Bar which is the heart of Dublin’s contemporary arts scene.