Below are two excerts from a previous post of mine but honestly if you are travelling from the US for just 3 days, I think you would be best of waiting until next year when you will have more time.
Place no. 1 Dublin
There are so many aspects of this town that I love, the most being the gorgeous Georgian architecture especially the hundreds of red brick houses on the south side of the city, which are now mainly law firms offices and financial firms but so much history is contained with in the walls of these building. I always find it unfortunate that so many people who come to Dublin from aboard rarely venture outside the area of Temple Bar and the ubiquitous bars of the area, for failure to do is to miss a great opportunity to see this great city. Yes I have seen all these building before, 100s no 1000s of times before, seeing them on my way to and from work, meeting and catching up with friends. From the Georgian buildings and squares of Merrion and Fitzwilliam and the elegant Customs House, to the stronghold of the GPO and the imposing Four Courts. This is my town with well over a 1000 years of history and a town I appreciated more the more I learnt about it. Kilmainham Gaol is a must for anyone who wants to get a better understanding of Irish history. Many of our patriots from our various up-risings against foreign rule were executed here. I did the Guinness tour years and years ago and it was good, don’t know what it is like now but I know a good few people who have done and they have come back with good reports. This city is not recognisable to the city of 15-20 years ago, it has changed drastically, some good, some bad. There is no denying Dublin has character. The contrast of the elegant 18th century quarter with the dingy “slums” only 2-3 kms away is as much a comment on the Irish mentality as anything. It's a rich experience so don't try and rush it.
Free things to see and do in Dublin:
GPO – The headquarters of our Patriots during our 1916 uprising, it was entirely gutted but thankfully restored during the 1920s. It is now a fully working post office (GPO, stands for General Post Office) so you are totally free to walk around. The exterior is beautiful and the imposing columns still have bullet holds from the uprising. For keen photographers, if you stand in the middle of O’ Connell Street beside the Jim Larkin statue, you can take a great portrait shot of both the GPO and The Spire (you will have to crouch to take it), old and new together, a wonderful shot. I’ve been able to get the whole Spire in the shot. Located in the City centre in Dublin 1.
Garden of Remembrance - This beautiful garden in the heart of the city is dedicated to the memory of all those who gave their lives in the cause of Irish Freedom. The large sculpture is based on the theme of the "Children of Lir". The garden is intended as a place of quiet remembrance and reflection. Located in Dublin city centre, Dublin 1
Hugh Lane Gallery - The Hugh Lane Gallery is funded by Dublin Corporation, houses one of Ireland's foremost collections of modern and contemporary art. The original collection, donated by the Gallery's founder Sir Hugh Lane, has now grown to include almost 2000 artworks, ranging from the Impressionist masterpieces of Manet, Monet, Renoir and Degas to works by leading national and international contemporary artists. The Gallery also stages historical and retrospective exhibitions, particularly of Irish art. Located at Parnell Square North in Dublin City Centre, Dublin 1
St. Mary’s Abbey - St. Mary's Abbey is one of Dublin's best-kept secrets. It was once the wealthiest Cistercian Abbey in Ireland. Today only two rooms remain - the Chapter House and the Slype. Located in the city centre in Dublin 1
Georgian Dublin – Walk around the beautiful square of Merrion and Fitzwilliam and admire the absolutely beautiful Georgian houses around this area and shudder to think what would have replaced these if the governments of the 1950s had actually torn these down as they wanted. Still one of the wealthiest parts of Dublin the houses are now mainly offices for accountant, solicitors etc, if I won the Euro millions, it would be my ideal area of Dublin to live. If only walls could talk. I find this historical area of Dublin fascinating. There are also beautiful Georgian buildings on the north side of the city but the ones on the south side are more visited. Located on both the north and south sides on the River Liffey in Dublin 1 & 2
Merrion Square Park – Lesser known and more tranquil than it’s sister park St. Stephen’s Green. It is my favourite green area of Dublin city, always peaceful, calm and beautiful. At the corner of the park is a statue of Oscar Wilde who was born directly opposite at Merrion Square West; you will always find a number of tourists in the park at his statue. Located in the city centre in Dublin 2.
The Iveagh Gardens - The Iveagh Gardens are among the finest and least known of Dublin's parks and gardens. Located in the city centre in Dublin 2
Government Buildings - The imposing complex of Government Buildings on Upper Merrion Street was undertaken by the British administration in Ireland.. Fortuitously, the complex was completed in March 1922, and was available immediately to be occupied by the new Irish Free State government. Admission is free and tickets can be obtained from the National Gallery. Located in the city centre in Dublin 2
National Gallery of Ireland - The National Gallery of Ireland houses the national collection of Irish art and European master paintings. Admission to the permanent collection is free. Located in the city centre in Dublin 2
National (History) Museum - The National Museum of Ireland - is the national repository for all archaeological objects found in Ireland and home to over two million artefacts. The archaeological collection is the primary repository of ancient Irish artefacts and an indispensable source for researchers into the development of Irish civilization from prehistoric times until the end of the Middle Ages and beyond. The period covered by the exhibitions extends from the Mesolithic through to the end of the medieval period, and includes internationally known treasures such as the Ardagh Chalice, 'Tara' Brooch and Derrynaflan Hoard. Located in the city centre in Dublin 2.
Bank of Ireland – This beautiful building directly opposite Trinity College is the old Irish Parliament that voted itself out of existence for the 1801 Act of Union. It now houses one of Ireland biggest banks. Architecturally it is very impressive both interior and exterior. Some of the interior has been altered completely, so that it couldn’t be used as a parliament after 1801 but it is still very impressive. It is free to go inside, as it is a working bank. There are also guided tours but I am not sure if they are free.
Arbour Hill Cemetery - The military cemetery at Arbour Hill is the last resting place of 14 of the executed leaders of the insurrection of 1916. Among those buried there are Patrick Pearse, James Connolly and Major John Mc Bride. Located at the rear of the National Museum of Ireland about 1.5km from the city centre in Dublin 7
National (History) Museum - Decorative Arts & History Collins Barracks. This branch of the National Museum of Ireland displays houses fine examples of silver, ceramics, glassware, weaponry, furniture, Folklife, clothing, jewellery, coins and medals. All of these are displayed with imagination in innovative and contemporary galleries, which entice you to go further, look harder and examine more closely. Located in the city centre in Dublin 7
Aras an Uachtarain - Residence of the President of Ireland. Admission is free and ickets are issued at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre only on the day, on a first-come, first-served basis. – Located in the Phoenix Park a few km from the city centre in Dublin 8
Royal Hospital Kilmainham - The Irish Museum of Modern Art, in collaboration with the Office of Public Works, presents the magnificent 17th century Royal Hospital. Located 3km from the city centre in Dublin 8
St. Audoen’s Church - Sited in the heart of the walled medieval city, St Audoen's Church is the only remaining medieval parish church in Dublin. Located in the city centre in Dublin 8
War Memorial Gardens - These gardens are dedicated to the memory of 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in the 1914-1918 war. The names of all the soldiers are contained in the beautifully illustrated Harry Clarke manuscripts in the granite bookrooms in the gardens. Located in Islandbridge in Dublin 8
National Botanic Gardens - The National Botanic Gardens is noted for its fine plant collections holding over 15,000 plant species and cultivars from a variety of habitats from all around the world. Famous for its exquisitely restored and planted glasshouses. About 3.5km north of the city centre in Glasnevin, Dublin 9
Farmleigh - Farmleigh is an estate of 78 acres situated to the north-west of Dublin's Phoenix Park. Developed in order to provide accommodation for visiting dignitaries and guests of the nation, for high level Government meetings and for enjoyment by the public. Farmleigh remains a unique representation of its heyday, the Edwardian period. Located in the Phoenix Park a few km from the city centre in Dublin 15
Whatever you decide to do Enjoy!
