With so much to see and do in Dublin, here are a few things you might not have heard of and must-see's!
Interesting and Fun Things To Do In A Day In Dublin, Ireland
Walking Around Dublin
There are lovely walks through and around parks, enjoy a stroll around Temple Bar, and don't miss the beloved statue of Molly Malone. Who worked as a fishmonger but also as a working girl and died during an outbreak of Cholera, also affectionately nicknamed 'The Tart with the Cart' by Dubliners.
Did you know you can experience a close encounter with free-roaming fallow deer in Dublin's Phoenix Park? The largest city park in Europe at 1750 acres (707 hectares) more than twice the area of New York's Central Park. It was originally the Royal Hunting Park in the 17th century and the 400 free-roaming fallow deer you see today are their descendants. While visiting please be mindful that these are wild animals, keep a safe distance and do not feed them.
The best time to see the deer is early morning and late afternoon, with sightings taking place by the Papal Cross (116-feet-tall white cross that loomed over 1.25 million people when Pope John Paul II celebrated mass on his visit to Ireland in September 1979). We have visited twice, the first time not so lucky (October). However, the second visit (March) was worth the wait. As we saw so many deer right by the roadside!
While at Phoenix Park (Parirc an Fhionnuisce, in Irish) you might also like to visit Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, The President of Ireland's House - Aras an Uachtarain also known as the 'Irish White House' built in 1751 (open on Saturdays, tickets available from the visitor centre on a first come basis), Dublin Zoo, Victorian Flower Gardens, and Phoenix Cafe/Tea Rooms.
The Little Museum of Dublin
The Little Museum of Dublin is a hidden gem! Discover some of Dublin's history via a humourous one-hour guided tour in a beautiful Georgian townhouse filled with over 5,000 artefacts, located on the northside of St Stephen's Green. Great for all ages!
*Since visiting, I believe currently closed for renovations. A pop-up museum and shop is situated at 33 Lower Pembroke Street*
The National Leprechaun Museum of Ireland
Travel through the world of Irish myth and legends with one of the museum's storytellers at The National Leprechaun Museum of Ireland. This fun guided 50-minute tour explores not only the Irish Leprechaun but also some of its giants and more. Highly recommend!
The Book of Kells - Trinity College Dublin
I had heard of The Book of Kells but never knew what it was. Curious to find out more, I arranged a visit. Wow, you must visit! The Book of Kells originates from the Isle of Iona in Scotland. Created most likely by Christian monks in 800 AD. Regarded as a masterwork, I can understand and see why. The fine calligraphy, symbols, and beautiful colours are extraordinary. The Book of Kells takes its name from the Abbey of kells, located in County Meath, the home of The Book of Kells for centuries. Today one of the greatest medieval treasures can be found at Trinity College, Old Library. The expansive book collection of over 200, 000 books including works by Caravaggio and Jack B. Yeats, is currently undergoing preservation and restoration work. Though, don't let that deter your visit. As well as seeing The Book of Kells, enjoy a walk through the stunning Old Library, you can also witness Gaia (on display until September 2024) and the new digital experience, where you can listen to stories from The Long Room spoken by a world-famous writer (Shakespeare), Philosopher (Socrates), and more.
Do allow enough time to take in all the exhibition on The Book of Kells, Old Library, Gaia, actual Book Of Kells, and the new digital experience (recommendation 90 minutes). Once inside the exhibition space, you can download the free audio app on your mobile phone detailing who, what, where, when, and why The Book of Kells was created. Don't forget your headphones.
I thoroughly enjoyed it! Can't recommend it enough. I could have easily spent more than 90 minutes. The digital experience is incredible. Already planning a return visit to enjoy the Trinity Trails.
I hope you have enjoyed reading Interesting and Fun Things To Do In A Day In Dublin, Ireland, and feeling inspired to visit one or more of these fun, entertaining, and inspirational places in Dublin.
Until next time..safe travels, Michelle
Thank you to Trinity College Dublin and The National Leprechaun Museum of Ireland.
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