90-Minute Dublin Walking Tour

Get the perfect introduction to Ireland's capital city on this 90-minute walking tour. Walk through the cobbled streets of Dublin's past and present and learn about the colourful events and characters that illustrate and give spirit to its long, proud heritage–from playwrights and whiskeys to Viking invasions, wars, and world economic crises.

Blarney Castle Day Trip from Dublin

See 3 top Ireland attractions in 1 day on this full-day trip from Dublin. Travel through the Irish countryside to visit Blarney Castle, home to the mystical Blarney Stone. Legend has it that those who kiss the stone upside down will receive "The Gift of the Gab" — the ability to speak with eloquence and fluency. Later, see Cahir Castle and the Rock of Cashel Cathedral before returning back to Dublin.

• Web:

  www.irishdaytours.ie/Castle-tours-blarney-castle

Book of Kells

Located in the heart of the historic Trinity College, this lavishly illustrated manuscript of the Gospels dates back to the 9th century. A marvel of Early Christian art is housed in the 65-metre Long Room in the Old Library — an incredible sight in itself. The room with its barrel-vaulted ceiling inspired the imagery of the Jedi Archive in Star Wars Episode II.

• Web:

  www.tcd.ie/visitors/book-of-kells

• Address:

  The University of Dublin Trinity College, College Green, Dublin

• Phone:

  +353 1 896 2320

Book of Kells Tour with Dublin Castle

If you like history and discovering beautiful libraries, you're in for a treat. On this fascinating tour, you start with a visit to Dublin's Trinity College Library, home to the famous Book of Kells—the lavishly illustrated manuscript of the Gospels dating back to AD 800 and widely considered among the most important of all of Ireland's ancient treasures. Then, enjoy a guided tour around the grounds of Dublin Castle, and listen to fascinating stories of its years as a prison, military fortress, and the seat of the English Administration in Ireland.

Boyne Valley

Discover Ireland's Ancient East in the Boyne Valley, just 20 minutes from Dublin International airport. Tours operate frequently, and the wealth of heritage sites makes it worth the trip. The most well-known landmark is the mythical and magical Brú na Bóinne (or "Newgrange"). Every year, crowds flock to Newgrange to celebrate the Winter Solstice and its significance in ancient Pagan culture. The valley's collection of ancient tombs, towers, and runes is accompanied by numerous ancient myths and legends. As well as this, picturesque villages, majestic buildings and the famous Hill of Tara make for an exciting and diverse day out.

• Web:

  www.discoverboynevalley.ie

• E-mail:

  info@discoverboynevalley.ie

• Phone:

  +353 46 909 7060

Chester Beatty

Situated in the heart of the city centre, the Chester Beatty, formerly known as the Chester Beatty Library, is a museum and library in Dublin. It was established in 1950 to house the collections of mining magnate Sir Alfred Chester Beatty. Its rich collection of manuscripts, prints, icons, miniature paintings, early printed books, and art objects open a window to the artistic treasures of the great cultures and religions of the world.

• E-mail:

  info@cbl.ie

• Address:

  Dublin Castle, Dublin

• Phone:

  +353 1407 0750

• Opening hours:

  Tue, Thu–Sat 9:45am–5:30pm; Wed 9:45am–8pm; Sun noon–5:30pm; Mon closed