Things To Do
Trinity College Dublin
Located in the heart of Dublin City Center. Established in 1592, this is one of the 7 ancient universities of Ireland and Great Britain. The buildings are all much more recent but there is a great history with optional tour guides. Entry to the grounds is free but there is a charge for the tour. The Book of Kells, situated in Trinity College, has an entry fee of €21. This is believed to have been written/created around 800AD by Irish and Scottish Monks. This is probably unique in the World and well worth a look. Would probably need to book some weeks in advance during the Summer season.
Dublin Castle
Situated about 10 minutes walk from Trinity College. Charge for entry. the complex contains buildings from the Medieval period up to the 19th Century. This was the administrative centre for British control of Ireland. The tours give a good run through the history of Ireland and British colonisation.
Chester Beatty Library
Situated next to Dublin Castle. Charge for entry. For anyone interested in Asian or Middle Eastern art this is the place to see. The museum's collections are displayed in two galleries: "Sacred Traditions" and "Arts of the Book". Both displays exhibit manuscripts, miniature paintings, prints, drawings, rare books and some decorative arts from the Persian, Islamic, East Asian and Western Collections.[4] The Chester Beatty is one of the premier sources for scholarship in both the Old and New Testaments and is home to one of the most significant collections of Western, Islamic and East & South East Asian artefacts. Chester Beatty was an American born mining engineer.
Christ Church Cathedral
Medieval cathedral located about 10 minutes walk from Dublin Castle. A church was first established on this site in 1028 by a Christianised Viking King of Dublin. So its been a religious site for nearly 1000 years. Was the burial site for many important people including the tomb of Strongbow, who was the original Norman knight that invaded Ireland around 1100ad. Good tours available explaining the history. Charge €10 for the audio tour but access to Cathedral is free. You can also attend a religious service which brings the building to life. Evensong is held at 6.30 every Tuesday and Thursday evening and the 20 strong professional choir will be singing. Admission to service is free, of course, but there is a voluntary collection during it.
St Patrick's Cathedral
The second Medieval Cathedral in Dublin. This one is about 800 years old and is only 5-10 minutes walk from Christchurch or about 15 minutes from Dublin Castle. Audio tours also available for about €10. Access to the Cathedral is free. Jonathan Swift (author of Gullivers Travels) was the Dean here from 1713.
Marsh’s Library
Entry fee €7. Situated around the back of St. Patricks so maybe 5 minutes walk. This was the first public Library in Ireland opened in 1707 and is largely unchanged over the past 300 years. It contains thousands of ancient and rare books. They usually have about a dozen on display and you can read the original text. Interestingly at present (March 2024) the exhibition is about the early colonialisation of North America. Bram Stoker (author of Dracula) used to come here.
National Museum of Ireland
Situated about 10 minutes walk from Trinity College. Free entry. Among other things it contains a display of solid gold ornaments created by the Celtic Irish.
The Little Museum of Dublin
This fan-curated show features musical rarities, signed albums and some great photography. Entry fee varies by tour/exhibit.
Guinness Storehouse
Take a tour and learn the history and brewing process of the famous black stout. Enjoy a 360 degree view of Dublin from the top with a pint of Guinness! Tickets cost 17 euro.
Irish Whiskey Museum
Highly recommended! Entertaining and educational, learn the true origins of whiskey and sample some of the finest Irish whiskeys at the end of the guided tour.
The Brazen Head
Irelands oldest pub, Est. 1198. Enjoy traditional Irish music, Irish food and a traditional Irish bar in the heart of Dublin city. Located around the corner from Christ Church Cathedral.
Johnnie Fox's Pub
This traditional Irish pub is located high in the Dublin mountains and is famous for it's "Hooley shows" with trad music and dancing entertainment. Enjoy the show over a 4-course dinner and drinks. Shuttle bus available for a return journey from the city center.
St Stephen's Green
A beautiful historical park and garden, located in the centre of Dublin city at the top of the main shopping street, Grafton Street. About 15 minutes walk from Trinity College. Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Merrion Square Park
One of Dublin's largest and grandest Georgian squares. The attractive central park features colourful flower and shrub beds. Look out for the statue of Oscar Wilde reclining on the rock. On Sundays, artists hang their works for sale on the railings surrounding the park.
Glendalough
A beautiful national park in the heart of County Wicklow that includes the ruins of a monastic city and an original round tower. Great hiking trails for all levels. There is a hotel on the outskirts of the park and other BnB's nearby. 25 minute drive from Tinakilly.
Powerscourt House & Gardens
One of Karen's favorite places! Named 3rd Best Garden in the world by National Geographic, this estate includes 47 acres of carefully curated and maintained gardens and a renovated historic house. Great place to visit for all ages. Casual restaurant dining and Irish design shops located in the house. Free entry to the house but fee to access the gardens. 30 mins drive south from Dublin city center or 30 mins drive north from Tinakilly. Powerscourt waterfall, Ireland's highest waterfall, is also located 10 mins drive from the house and gardens. Playground available for kids. Powerscourt distillery, maker of Fercullen Whiskey, is also located on the grounds of the estate (https://powerscourtdistillery.com/)
Kilruddery House and Gardens
Located in her home town of Bray, this is another favorite spot of Karen's to visit. Kilruddery gardens are more rural and wild compared to Powerscourt. Great place for kids to run around and explore the Faerie Woodland Village. The estate runs a biodiverse farm that serves the farm-to-table Grain Store restaurant on site (highly recommend for lunch or morning coffee and cake). House tours are available for a fee. Entrance fee to access the gardens. Located 40 mins from Dublin city center.
Newgrange
The World Heritage Property of Brú na Bóinne is famous for the spectacular prehistoric passage tombs of Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth which were built circa 3200BC. These ceremonial structures are among the most important Neolithic sites in the world and contain the largest collection of megalithic art in Western Europe. Located about 1 hour drive from Dublin city center.
Kilkenny Castle
One of Ireland's most famous castles located approx 90 min drive south west of Dublin. Very popular with tourists so book your ticket in advance if you plan to visit. Guided tours available. For guests staying overnight in Kilkenny, Butler House is a highly rate 17th Century house nearby for B&B, although there are several other cheaper hotels in the area also.
Rock of Cashel
Probably the most famous historic monument in Ireland for tourists to visit. This limestone outcrop with Medieval edifices includes a 12th-century tower and a Gothic cathedral. Guided and self-guided tours available. Located about 1 hour drive from Kilkenny Castle or 2 hour drive from Dublin city center.
Cahir Castle
Dating back to the 13th century, Cahir Castle is one of Ireland’s largest and best-preserved castles. Located only 20 minutes drive from Rock of Cashel, these two historic monuments are ideal to see in one day. If you have more time for sightseeing in the area, consider visiting the Swiss Cottage, just outside the town of Cahir. This is a cottage orné – a fanciful realisation of an idealised countryside cottage used for picnics, small soirees and fishing and hunting parties and was also a peaceful retreat for those who lived in the nearby big house.
Hook Head & Lighthouse
Explore the oldest intact operational lighthouse in the world. Purpose built 800 years ago by Knight William Marshal, take a step back in time and enjoy a guided tour hearing tales of medieval times and life as a light keeper. Located on a peninsula in the south east of Ireland, 2 hour 20 min drive from Dublin
House of Waterford
Home of the famous Waterford Crystal. Take a factory tour to learn about the manufacturing process and treat yourself to a three course afternoon tea experience. Book tickets in advance for tours and reservations required for afternoon tea.
Garinish Island
Garinish is a small island known to horticulturists and lovers of trees and shrubs all around the world as an island garden of rare beauty. Bryce House, the family residence on the island for many years, also has limited openings for guided tours. Access the island by ferry from Glengariff in Bantry Bay (10-15 min journey). Note that the island does not accept credit cards - CASH ONLY!
Skibereen
Skibbereen is a colorful town located in the heart of West Cork and is an ideal base from which to discover the many delights that the area has to offer. Visit local beaches, islands and the marvelous Megaliths (stone monuments from Pagan times). Plenty of walking trails allow for self-guided exploration. Check out Cottages for Couples (http://www.cottagesforcouples.ie/) for luxury and somewhat quirky self-catered accommodation options in West Cork.
Midleton Distillery
Home of seven iconic Irish whiskey brands – Jameson, Redbreast, Powers, Midleton Very Rare, The Spot Whiskeys, Method and Madness and Knappogue Castle. The Midleton Distillery Experience has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind whiskey experience that takes you beyond process and taste and brings you to the very essence of Irish whiskey.
Ring of Kerry
A 179km ultra scenic route around the Wild Atlantic Way coastline in Kerry, often referred to as the "Kingdom of Ireland". The route includes rolling green hills, lakes, beaches and cliffs. Perfect for those wanting to explore the West coast of Ireland, although expect a lot of tourists in August!
Skellig Islands
While touring the Ring of Kerry, visit the famous rocky Skellig islands where two Star Wars movies and some scenes from a Harry Potter movie were filmed.
Killarney National Park
Spanning 10,000 hectares of land combining rugged mountains (highest mountain range in Ireland), lakes, woodland and waterfalls. Lake Hotel Killarney is recommended for its fantastic views.
Cliffs of Moher
One of Ireland's most famous attractions. Walk the paved pathways and view the famous Cliffs on Europe’s western frontier and enjoy the spectacular vistas over the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands.
Burren National Park
Throughout 1800 hectares of bare limestone rocky ground, shaped by a glacier, grow a variety of unique flora. Great place for nature lovers. Located 40 mins drive inland from the Cliffs of Moher.
Aillwee Caves
Located in the heart of the Burren region of County Clare, the Aillwee Cave is a geological wonder with history stretching over 330 million years. Take a guided tour to experience this ancient underground landscape.
Craggaunowen Castle
Explore this 16th century restored Medieval Castle. Tours allow visitors to experience how Bronze Age settlers lived. Located 1 hour drive from Cliffs of Moher
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
Explore the acclaimed 15th century castle and attend a 4 course Medieval banquet with entertainment by the castle singers. The folk park recreates a village from 19th century Ireland. Ideal for families. Located 10 mins from Shannon airport or 2+ hours from Dublin city center.
The Mustard Seed at Echo Lodge
A country house hotel sitting on acres of manicured lawns, an orchard and a working kitchen garden. The Mustard Seed restaurant is also open to those not staying in the hotel. Located 10 mins from Adare village and 2 hour drive from Dublin.
Céide Fields
This neolithic system of fields, dwelling areas and megalithic tombs together make up the most extensive Stone Age monument in the world. Located 2 hours north of Galway city.
Aran Islands
Group of three stunning islands located off the coast of Galway. Many locals speak Irish language (Gaeltacht region) as well as English, The largest island, Inis Mor, is where the recent film Banshees of Iniserin was filmed. It is also home to Dun Aonghasa, a world heritage site perched on top of a 300 foot cliff. The smallest island, Inis Oirr (Karen's favorite), has beautiful views of the Cliffs of Moher and one of Ireland's most stunning sandy white beaches. The islands are accessible by ferry from Galway and Doolin but cars are not allowed on the ferries. Rent a bike or explore the islands by foot.
Benbulbin
Climb Ireland's unique tabletop mountain, 526m high, providing views of the beautiful Sligo landscape. Distance: 6.9 miles out and back.
Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
This is the oldest and the densest concentration of Neolithic tombs in Ireland. Remains of over 35 passage tombs are found here, constructed almost 6,000 years ago. Located 2 hours drive north of Galway city or 2.5 hours from Dublin city.
GOLF COURSES
The following courses are highly rated and all in close proximity to our wedding venue: Powerscourt House, Co. Wicklow, has two courses, East and West https://powerscourtgolfclub.com/ The European Links golf course, Brittas Bay, Co. Wicklow http://www.theeuropeanclub.com/ Blainroe Golf Club, Co Wicklow https://www.blainroe.com/ Druids Glen Gold Course, Co. Wicklow https://www.druidsglengolf.com/ Green fees vary but they are all in the range of €50 - €75 per round.