I really believe in the importance of volunteering, it's something that I always try to do. It's…read morenot something that I do to make myself look good but I really love the personal high I get off it. It also is an excellent way of making new friends, getting experience in an area that interests you or as has been the case for me, a great way to integrate back into a community. I lived abroad for several years and that was the technique I used when there so I carried it over here and the Irish Aid Centre was wonderful at giving me information about programmes that appealed to me. I cannot recommend this place enough especially for people that have been made unemployed and want to occupy their days. They of course offer other services, such as teaching aids, free lectures/events and information on aid programmes in foreign lands. It really is a travesty that their funding has been cut, the work they enable people do do is so crucial it saddens me think how the people that rule this country will look after the corrupt but the needy are always left wanting. The Centre is a modern bright welcoming affair. Inside are various kiosks that people can use to get more information on volunteer programmes abroad and how Irish Aid helps them. Truly wonderful place with a very important mission.

For anyone interested in working in a development country, the Irish Aid Information Centre is a…read moregood place to start your research. If you have no interest in volunteering, or travelling, you should still pop in, if only to check out the exhibitions and learn how the money Ireland dedicates to development aid is spent, but Irish Aid works on diverse projecys in Ethiopia, Malawi, Lesotho, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Timor Leste and Vietnam. Their current exhibition features photographs and information on one of Irish Aid's projects in Malawi and the power of science for smallholder farmers in the country's Khulungira village. Very interesting and thought provoking. They also frequently host lectures and cultural events so check out their website for the schedule. They loose one star for lack of information about volunteering in Ireland. They have plenty of brochures on oversees volunteering opportunities but nothing for those who want to give some of their free time in Ireland. Even though they specialise in oversees aid, I would have thought that the staff could provide some assistance about where to turn.

Staying at a nearby hotel, I spotted the Wellington Monument and had to walk over to check it out…read more Officially the Wellington Testimonial, it is 203 feet tall which makes it the tallest in Europe. It is a tribute to the victories of the Duke of Wellington. The structure is solid - there are no doors or entrances and you can't climb to the top. It is surrounded by an open grass area that's perfect for tossing a ball or having a picnic. There aren't any benches or seats facing the monument. [Review 1985 of 2024 - 166 in Republic of Ireland - 23007 overall]

The Wellington Monument is located in Dublin's Phoenix Park, and is the tallest obelisk in Europe…read more(which is appropriate, as the Phoenix Park is the largest enclosed park in Western Europe). The monument itself is impressive, and it is nice to sit on the steps and look out across the park on sunny afternoon. One might think it strange the monument was not renamed in the early years of this state, however, as the Duke of Wellington held Ireland and all things Irish in distaste. Born in County Meath, the Duke always insisted that he wasn't Irish, using the analogy that being born in a barn does not make one a horse. Asshole. Bad cess to him anyway, but nice monument, though.

To explain my 3 stars first: this is only due to the lack of time allocated for the tour…read more A great way of getting a better idea and feel for irish history, politics and the people involved. And a beautiful and tranquil place to visit. The tour is free, takes place every Saturday and you need to get your ticket beforehand at the tourist center. The tour lasted 1 hour which included a bus transfer from and to the tourist center and a tour through the house and gardens. The gardens are only part of the tour from April (?) to September. Outside this period you have a 45 minute tour of the house. Which I find more appropriate and from what I heard from others during the tour - plus the guides - it's very tight for time doing both parts. So hopefully they learned from this years (first year of doing the gardens) experience and allow more time next year. Both guides (1 in house & 1 in garden) were very good, enjoyed giving the information and interacting with the group. You get to see the presidential historic car that hasn't been used for a while and formal rooms. If the president is not working that day you get to see his office too. No photos allowed in the formal rooms. The garden has several parts. A lovely wide green with some flowers and lots of old trees with many of them planted by visiting presidents or royals. A more natural park where you see gardai horses enjoying their break. The third part we got to see are walled gardens. They are laid out in the shape of a celtic cross and the four corner represent the four seasons. A very enjoyable tour overall - just too short.

Áras an Uachtaráin is where Mary McAleese puts her feet up, pops a bag of Tayto and watches…read moreAmerica's Next Top Model. Built in 1751, by a park ranger called Nathanial Clements (salaries must have been a lot better back then), it was acquired for use by the Viceroys who oversaw British rule in Ireland. That's right, take our best stuff for yourselves. By 1938, we had gotten it back for the sole use of Irish presidents. If you fancy a nose around, the house is open to the public each Saturday and 5,200 people visit the formal rooms and view the grounds each year.

The Casino at Marino is one of the best examples of neo-classical architecture in Ireland, and is…read moreone of very few follies still extant in the country (if you don't know what a folly is, it is a type of building that was built by aristocrats to look really good, but not really to perform a specific function. Think of it as a big granite play-house). The building is called 'Casino' as in the Italian for 'little house' (gambling houses were not known as casinos until later), and was built by the architect Sir William Chambers for James Caulfield, the 1st Earl of Charlemont in the 18th Century. The building is like a big optical illusion, as from a distance it looks like it contains only one vast room, but when you get up close, it becomes apparent that it contains a number of rooms across a several floors. And for such a grandiose design, the building itself is actually quite small. And some of the columns were constructed hollow to contain drainpipes in order that the facade would not look cluttered, and the urns on the roof contain chimneys. It's a pity more people don't visit the Casino, although it is understandable as it is located somewhat off the beaten track, not only because it is in the northside suburbs, but also because the entrance isn't even on the main road, you have to go through a housing estate to get there. A sadly overlooked architectural gem on Dublin's northside.

My brother's girlfriend works in Marino teacher training college and she was raving to me how…read moreamazing this place is and was at me to take the tour. The tour takes just under an hour and I am really glad that I heeded her tip. It really is amazing to see the eccentricities too much money will allow you to indulge. "The Casino was designed by Sir William Chambers as a pleasure house for James Caulfeild, 1st Earl of Charlemont. It is one of the finest 18th century neoclassical buildings in Europe The Casino, meaning "small house", surprisingly contains 16 finely decorated rooms, endlessly rich in subtlety and design. It is a remarkable building - both in terms of structure and history." James Caulfeild did not want his guests to be disturbed by the presence of servants, heaven forbid, so there is a separate corridor for them to bring the food etc to the guests in the room.

Easily one of the best things about Tallaght, the library was given a sparkling new home in 2008…read more Now on two floors, there's a local history section in addition to the well-stocked books-and-computers fare. Regular exhibitions and special events take place - check out http://www.southdublinlibraries.ie for details. An ideal escape from the hectic Square Shopping Centre across the road.

Sean O'Casey Bridge is a great little pedestrian bridge to catch a sunset or just go for a peaceful…read morestroll. 10/10 would walk this bridge again!

A pedestrian bridge leading from Trinity College/Merrion Square/Pearse St area to the IFSC and CHQ…read morebuilding. It is a pleasant way to cross the Liffey with nice views of City Centre, the Customs House and Docklands.

With the tolka Water running fresh and clear from Co Meath and running through Finglas, glasnevin,…read moreDrumcondra and Ballybough you could almost imagine you are floating towards Dublin bay on a little boat. You will pass through Finglas and you can wave at the young and old fishermen siting under the little bridge near the ballyboggan road, (yes a hidden gem i found, quiet and secluded!) and then onto the little natural pond filled with swans, ducks and moorhens before passing by the edge of the Glasnevin cemetary filled with Dublin's deceased famous and family. Once by the cemetary you will run through the botanical gardens where the scent of roses, lilys and exotic plants and flowers will awaken your senses for a while. Then Griffith park will be the next on the journey's itinary, a park which has always been known as Tolka park to the locals due to the river running through it and a fine park it is too! After that it heads towards the bay at Clontarf but first visiting the bishops palace off Drumcondra road where it once watered the fresian cattles that grazed on its field. There are a few little waterfalls on the way and for the most this is a clean and well kept river. But the tolka river also has a bit of a turbulent history as it has burst its banks a few times in my lifetime! i remember one time that people had to come up Milmount road from the main Drumcondra road by canoe organised by the gardai! we were always thankful we lived up a bit on a hill so the river never reached us but until they created banks and a better drainage system there was always the worry that the river would flood. I

Dublin has many great and beautiful buildings. From Trinity to Kings Inns, from Leinster House to…read morethe Aras. But not since Ireland gained its independence has Ireland dared embark on a building so emblematic of where we are as a nation today as it has with the €300 million Dublin Criminal Courts. Prior to entering the complex you hear stories comparing it to the Colosseum or the Parthenon. You see RTE presenters reporting from the steps and you think that its very nice but nothing, nothing at all prepares you for the size and wonder of this magnificent building. Before I carry on, some of you may be wondering why Ireland needs a vast courts building when we already have the Four Courts. The reason is simple enough to be honest: The Four Courts simply couldn't handle it anymore. They are 200 years old and designed for 200 years old volumes when the only people who went to court were the 100 or so people who owned land and had money or peasants who were to be shipped off to some godforsaken hell hole to eat rocks for a living. This simply wasn't a situation that could be tolerated and so the Criminal Courts were envisaged. The new courts have dedicated press rooms, overspill rooms for popular cases, improved areas for juries, barristers, witnesses etc, very pleasant canteen and a fabulous Great Hall which greets you upon entering. Just a quick note here, you will have to go through security at the entrance. Nothing too taxing, just put your bag through the scanner, dump your metals etc in the box and hope you don't beep. Upon entering, might I recommend taking the lift to floor number 6 and then looking out over the main area. That is when you see the vastness of the complex before you. Also to your right you will then see a large full length window with a view over Phoenix Park and Farmleigh House. The courtrooms themselves are also v nice. The seats aren't that comfortable but hey, who said justice was soft :) If you should decide to go watch a case, and I would recommend it, just get the Luas to the Heuston Station stop and potter to the large round building that you won't be able to miss. Trust me.

What a place it looks more like a hotel then a court was called for jury service and the jury room…read morewas really nice and comfortable thankfully I wasn't call for a case and as gary pointed out in his review the views from the 6th floor of Dublin are amazing you would never know this place is a court