Free entry into many museums and galleries

Ireland has always been known for its many famous artists and writers. This has resulted in some of the most popular Dublin tourist attractions being museums and galleries that you will find all over the city. And most of these offer free admission! Some of the best Dublin sightseeing includes museums such as the National of Museum of Decorative Arts & History which is housed in Collins Barracks. Another great Dublin museum that can sometimes be overlooked as it lies in the shade of Dublin Castle is the Chester Beatty Library and Gallery of Oriental Art in the Stable Yard of Dublin Castle. Galleries such as The Hugh Lane Gallery is a must see for one of the best contemporary art collections in Dublin including the Francis Bacon studio.

Docklands and Grand Canal Square

If you want to see the modern architecture of Dublin city just take one look at the skyline around Dublin’s Docklands. A walk down the Docklands also makes for the perfect setting for a walk along the River Liffey. This part of Dublin city has seen some major redevelopment over recent years to its buildings, particularly around the area called The Point which is now home to The O2 concert venue. If you walk towards the city centre from The O2 you will be met with some great Dublin sights on both sides of The Liffey including the Famine Memorial sculptures, The Jeanie Johnston replica ship, The Samuel Beckett Bridge, The Convention centre and lots more. Just off the Docklands you will also find the popular Grand Canal Square which is home to the Grand Canal Theatre, offices, restaurants and it’s also a great place to sit out in and enjoy the views.

Kilmainham

Take a walk around the historic Kilmainham Hospital which is now home to the Irish Museum of Modern Art and some beautiful grounds and gardens. Walk through the Richmond Guard Tower and up the long avenue towards the Hospital. By the museum you can also enjoy the Formal Gardens. Around Kilmainham you will also find the Irish National War Memorial Gardens.

Parks

One of the best things about Dublin city is that you are never too far away from a green space. If you are visiting Dublin city and fancy an escape from the noise of the city centre then check out one of the many parks. If you are around Dublin’s north-side then check out the Phoenix Park which is home to Dublin Zoo. Also on the north-side but in the city centre you can find The Garden of Remembrance on Parnell Square. This is small garden but the perfect place to sit in on a nice day in Dublin. On the south-side take a walk around St. Stephen’s Green where you will find beautiful ponds and flower beds. Or go to Merrion Square Park where you will also find some interesting statues like the popular Oscar Wilde sculpture.

Walk from the north side to the south side

For many locals walking from the north side of the city centre to the south side is a daily occurrence. However, there really is so much to see along this short but busy route. The city centre is compact and you can walk to and from either side in a short space of time. Start at O’Connell Street and walk up the middle of one of Europe’s widest streets. Along O’Connell Street you will encounter many statues and monuments of important figures from Ireland’s past. You’ll also come across the GPO which is of big importance in the historical battle for Ireland’s freedom. There’s also one of Dublin’s newer monuments – the Spire. Once you cross over the Liffey using O’Connell Bridge you’re on the South-side of the city. Just off O’Connell Bridge you will find the Boardwalk where you can walk along the River Liffey or just sit back and enjoy the views. Then make your way up towards Grafton Street past more monuments and great architecture and take in all the Dublin sights, sounds and shops along the pedestrianised Grafton Street. From here go across to St. Stephen’s Green and enjoy some more things to do for free in Dublin in this city park.

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