I have been to so many countries and I've been in so many tours and this is one of the best, our…read moretour guide, Adam, just beautifully portrayed the story of the jail. He was so incredibly captivating. I'm not sure anyone spoke for the full hour of the tour we were all so fascinated in his stories. So sobering and poignant. For only €8 this is an absolute steal. We took the first tour in the morning which I recommend as you get to see everything, including the museum, before the crowds.

Such an incredible tour! As an American, I didn't know too much about the Irish revolution, but…read morethat didn't stop us from deeply appreciating the history and sacrifices of the people who spent time in this place. Definitely a great way to spend a few hours learning about the country.

There are several stories concerning the Jesus in a Box statue…read more It was formerly on O'Connell Street, but it was moved due to the tram improvements to Cathal Brugha Street Supposedly, after battles in the area during the 1916 Easter Rising, this Sacred Heart Jesus statue was found in the rubble. It was put on displace in the center of O'Connell, and has since become the guardian of the area's cabbies. Another story tells that the statue originated in the Gresham Hotel, and was being disposed of during refurbishment, when it was offered to the taxi drivers. I'll let you decide, on which one speaks to you.

For ages I thought this was some poncy modern art exhibit, then I got a closer look at it…read more It's actually quite a touching memorial, payed for by the Taxi Drivers, to one Eugene Lawlor. He was the rank organiser for O'Connell street, and I'll admit that before reading the inscription on the monument I had never heard of him. But that's what monuments are for isn't it? It's also nice to know that a community, like the taxi drivers, can have their values represented right in the heart of the city.

Alice was a wonderful tour guide, very knowledgeable, friendly and a great sense of humorread more

I'm visiting with a girls group of seven. We booked a tour but accidentally double booked with…read moreanother tour. I called Jamison but it went to voicemail. I didn't leave a message. I was immediately called back as they saw a missed call. Fixed our issue immediately. First class customer service. We will be taking the tour tomorrow. I'm so impressed already.

Very quiet beautiful park. Run the dogs, turn your kids loose, enjoy a stroll at your own pace. AND…read moreIT IS FREE!!

I am a big fan of modern art and I feel very lucky that the museum is housed on spectacular…read moregrounds, also on those grounds are the War Memorial Gardens. They are dedicated to the 49,400 Irish soldiers that died during the 1914-1918 war. Sadly for awhile successive governments did not highlight this monument due to them fighting for the British. Thankfully we have moved on from that era in our history. The garden was designed by the famous architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. It truly is a masterpiece of design. It intrigues me how back then the goal was to tame nature so that it is as rigid as a reserved Victorian person. Another remarkable feature is that, 'The names of all the soldiers are contained in the beautifully illustrated Harry Clarke manuscripts in the granite bookrooms in the gardens.'

Not where baby Goths go to stand trial, but a beautiful mansion designed by James Gandon of Four…read moreCourts fame in 1790. The playground of various earls until the 1930s, it was taken over by the Jesuits and eventually handed over to the State a few years ago. One of the most impressive features of Emo is its wonderful gardens, which have been rejuvenated in recent times; they include formal areas, woodland walks, a rake of rare trees, an impressive lake and an abundance of statues. Some of these statues were actually pulled from the lake when the State took over the estate, and it is suspected that they somehow made their way their during the time that the Jesuits were running the place. "Brother, there seems to be an effigy of a naked faun down by the old stables." "I think I know the perfect spot for it. Grab a shovel." The house itself is open to the public from Easter to September, but you are free to roam the gardens all year round.

A lovely house worthy of a visit in the Midlands of Ireland. The house has a history stretching…read moreback to the 18th century, and had an interesting variety of owners- rich English and American gentlement, and the Jesuit Order, before being passed to the Office of Public Works of the state. As with most OPW properties, visiting prices are very reasonable, and the tour guides are interesting and informative. They clearly are passionate about what they do, which is excellent. Something that sticks out for me from the tour was that the Jesuits removed many artworks which were sexual in nature, left behind by previous owners, to avoid tempting the members of the order. I found this quite funny. However, they were good at keeping the art safely stored away to be recovered again in later years. The gardens at Emo Court are also beautiful, and extensive. You can freely roam around in them all year. I particularly like the lake, with many different water birds living there, and a lot of fish. Well worth a visit.

Its a easy experience to go through, beautiful castle with free lockers to store backpacks.read more

Dublin Castle was originally built in the early 1200s as a medieval fortress under the instruction…read moreof King John of England. For centuries, it was the headquarters of English (and eventually British) rule in Ireland. In 1684, a large fire destroyed a large portion of the castle. Instead of matching the original Gothic style, most of it was rebuilt using a Georgian style, similar to what you'd find in the French Palace of Versailles! It's quite the contrast. When you visit Dublin Castle, you can choose to explore it in two ways: with a self-guided tour to the state apartments or with a scheduled guided tour that visits the Viking Excavation, the Chapel Royal, and the State Apartments. When you first enter the courtyard, you'll immediately see the newer Georgian architecture in the neat red brick buildings surrounding the square. From the 13th century to the early 20th century, the castle was under British control. It served from being a royal palace and parliament to a prison. Dublin Castle was eventually handed over to General Michael Collins on the 16th of January in 1922. Collins was a soldier and a politician who lead the Irish people through their fight for Independence Dublin Castle plays a huge role in Ireland's history and a walk around the grounds is time well spent. Today the castle is a government complex and tourist attraction. Stroll through the famous Chester Beatty Library if time permits

The Samuel Beckett is a cool little bridge across the River Liffey. It's signature is the design…read morethat resembles a harp, the national symbol of Ireland. We had a chance to admire it on our way the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum.

A beautiful Calatrava-designed bridge that immediately reminded me of Puente de la Mujer in Buenos…read moreAires. The design is strikingly similar, with its elegant, harp-like shape. Unlike Puente de la Mujer, this bridge has a lot less foot traffic, as it's shared with cars, but you can still cross it by foot and take in the views. Overall, a stunning piece of architecture.

Is it weird to say that this hotel was my favorite part of visiting Dublin?…read more We stayed for 7 nights and it was an absolute pleasure. The staff was friendly and accommodating. The rooms were well maintained and the decor was to die for. I wish every hotel felt this way. There are 3 bars inside the hotel as well as 2 restaurants. If you need help with anything the staff is always there to assist with a smile. Within walking distance of so many restaurants, pubs and shops.

Whenever I'm in Dublin, I take the opportunity to stay at the Shelbourne. The history that is…read morecaptured in this building undoubtedly warrants it the most unique hotel in Dublin. If you come prepared, they have a concierge and a genealogist on site to help you find your ancestors from Ireland. Many famous people and politicians have stayed in these walls as well. That said, this was a truly special time of year when they're getting ready for Christmas! They took such care and were meticulous with their decorations. It was delightful to come home to each evening. Experience: 1. They will tidy your room everyday 2. Turn down service begins around 6 pm (they will get your slipper, robe, bed, water and chocolate ready for nighttime) 3. Their small guest room includes a king size bed that is superbly fluffy. 4. The deluxe guest room has a deep tub for soaking Staff: The entire front desk staff is very helpful, welcoming and efficient. Marta was especially helpful and kind throughout my stay! As for the porters were just right with their assistance. I did always feel bad that I had not gotten any Euro on my trip, but I will mention Karl was fantastic! Always helpful and nice to talk with. Michele in the health center was informative and helped me find all of the rooms for their current gym as it's under renovation. Facilities: They have a 5 star spa on site that includes one of the best relaxation rooms I have experienced in the world. It's the view and seating that make it amazing. They give you a blanket, fruit, spa water -- all while looking over st. Stephen's park... bliss! (I went on a rainy day which added to the ambiance) The facial with Elemis product was my favorite. PRO TIP! if you're from the states and liked Elemis, there is now an Elemis outlet store at Kildare Village, which is a short train ride away. I made it there in 35 minutes. DINING: Again, 5 star experience and the restaurant is always packed. Chef makes superb food and I thoroughly enjoyed the room service of fish and chips. TONS of fish, perfectly battered and fried. If I could give the shelbourne a 10 out of 5 I would.

Still as evocative today as it was when they laid the last tile in 1974, Desmond Kinney's "The…read moreTáin" is a brilliant piece of Dublin art tying in Setanta House with its mythic namesake. Often read left to right (as you come in at the end of the story and the entrance of the small car park), the wall is a highlight reel of Irish hero Cuchulainn's exploits -cows, queens and bloody battles. As a piece of durable street art, the mural is alive with colour and motion -pulling the observer along its story telling track with fluid bodies and jewel coloured tesserae. I first met this statue at 13 and was awestruck -art existed everywhere in Dublin. That first long picture I snapped would be one of many as I made return trips to the city and this mosaic again and again. Walking past it today feels as if an old friend is just around the corner.

Everyone at the hotel was very professional and kind!!!! The maids were very kind. The people at…read morethe breakfast buffet went up and beyond to make us happy. The hostess was sweet and amazing! Our bedrooms were beautiful and clean! And the door people were very nice also! I would stay here again in a heartbeat!LOVED THIS HOTEL!!!!

The room was beautiful, the service was excellent and food was very good. Big shout out to Jackie…read morein the breakfast area.