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.

Highly recommend checking out this oddity! It is a tree eating a bench! You will never see anything…read moreelse like it!

This really is a fun landmark to check out. The hungry tree is named so because it is eating a…read morebench! It is found in the beautiful grounds of Kings Inn, it's makes for a great photo opportunity, just don't get too close to the tree or you could be gobbled up next... I know, cheesy but I had to get that in.

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.

What a fabulous tour of a castle still going through renovations. Most of the grounds have been…read morerestored and most rooms of the castle are restored and open to tour. There are additional outbuildings they will restore over the upcoming years. The gardens are beautiful with medicinal and culinary herbs, plus apple trees on the property. We didn't get to do the guided tour, but we got plenty of details from the owner on the history and some of the details. This was so much better than the Dublin Castle and it is the only functional moat around a castle anywhere in Ireland.

Had a guided tour here for €4.50. Excellent value. The castle has plenty of history and is well…read moreworth a visit. It is the only moated castle in Ireland. A duck named George lives in the moat. The gardens are beautiful and the tour guide was really really good. A number of movies used the castle as a location, such as Ella Enchanted and the Tudors. You can rent the main hall for occasions such as weddings and I'd imagine they would be spectacular. Really worth a visit.

Gorgeous landscaping of very unique flowers! Small pond with fountains one can leisurely stroll…read morethrough. A hidden gem. Children's play area off the entrance

This park is around the corner from my office. If there is ever a hint of sunshine this is where I…read morewill go for my lunch hour. I always enter the park through the Blessington st entrance. Empty park benches are usually hard to find here on a warm sunny lunch hour. so u can usually see me speed walking past other hopeful 'empty park bench' wanters. Pretending I am just out for a leisurely speed walk, and then when i reach the only empty park bench I casually stop with a 'oh look an empty bench' look on my face and plonk myself down!!! at about 2pm the fountain in the middle of the pond is turned on. This can be pretty annoying when the wind blows! All the lucky people who managed to get an empty bench turn into synchronized swimmers. With the wind blowing the spray in the direction of the bench sitters - heads turn in beautiful synchronisation to avoid the spray. This usually last for about an hour, then normality resumes.

It's so lovely having this on my doorstep…read more I've never actually been inside the house itself but I love a good wander up around the grounds, especially on days where there's a market happening, or other event. (Check their website for their calendar of events, there's always something going on at the weekends) Even if there's not, there are horses in the fields, donkeys, a gorgeous walled garden, and lovely pathways to walk your dog, kid, BFF or granny. There's also a really cute little gallery which is currently exhibiting illustrated books; again, definitely worth a glance in. If you're going on a market day, make sure you haven't eaten first, cos there's some goooood eatin' to be had.

Located in the Phoenix Park, Farmleigh is the official Irish State Guest House, where visiting…read moredignitaries enjoy a fry-up every morning and get tucked in by Brian Cowen at night. When there is nobody booked in, it is open to the public, so you too can enjoy its extravangant interior, dating from 1752, which includes crystal chandeliers and a ballroom, and its beautiful landscaped grounds.

The oldest building in the Phoenix Park is Ashtown Castle, a restored medieval tower house dating…read morefrom the 17th century or perhaps even earlier. Bizarrely, it was found hidden within the wall of a much larger and more recent building which was used by the Papal Nuncio until 1978. How do you not notice a little castle within your castle? "Where are you off to, Nuncio?" "Oh, I'm just off to have a swim in the indoor moat." "Righto!"

My daughter walked me over here to show me this peaceful spot in the middle of the liberties area…read more We lit a candle for my dad & grandma and enjoyed the peaceful area the church has created.