Local attractions, global appeal. Go exploring!
The College Green Hotel Dublin is ideally placed for easy access to many of the capital's unique local attractions. Visitors can enjoy a flavour of real Irish culture- all on our doorstep, from the Book of Kells just across the road at Trinity College, to the grandeur of St Patrick’s Cathedral, to the EPIC museum, which truly lives up to its name. Here, in no particular order, are some of our recommendations.
The Book of Kells
Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure, the Book of Kells is an illuminated vellum manuscript containing the four Christian Gospels in vulgate Latin, as well as other venerable texts. Exquisitely hand-written and illustrated in the Middle Ages, most probably at the scriptorium on Iona, by monks of St Columba, the book incorporates delicate gold inlay placed with the skill of a master jeweller. Displayed in Trinity’s Long Room, one of the world’s most awe-inspiring libraries, the Book of Kells is a marvel of historic splendour. Simply unmissable.
EPIC – the Museum of Emigration
A fully interactive experience, EPIC tells the history of Irish emigration. In touchscreen displays and video presentations the museum reveals the inspiring stories of Irish people who travelled the world, and changed it. Brilliant, audacious, creative, these pioneers challenged the idea of what it means to be Irish. An impressive building set back from the Liffey near the IFSC, EPIC lives up to the name. Your ticket includes access to the Jeanie Johnston, a replica of a Tall Ship which carried emigrants to the new world.
Christ Church Cathedral
Dublin’s oldest structure still in use, Christ Church Cathedral celebrates a thousand years in 2028. Amongst its marvels both sacred and secular are the legendary mummified rat and cat, mentioned in Finnegans Wake; the stained-glass windows and medieval floor tiles of the nave; a copy of the Magna Carta; the largest crypt in Ireland; and the heart of St Laurence O’Toole. Christ Church is a repository of wondrous artefacts, extraordinary tales, and stunning architecture. It is the very beat of our city’s medieval heart.
St Patrick’s Cathedral
The largest cathedral in Ireland, St Patrick’s was founded in 1191 AD, on the site of a well which, it is said, St Patrick used for baptisms. This imposing Gothic cathedral was rededicated during the Reformation to the Church of Ireland. Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels, was once the dean here, and is buried in the crypt. One of the greatest reasons to visit this cathedral, is the renowned St Patrick’s Window, illustrating his life story across 39 glorious panels. An awesome sight to behold.
Temple Bar
Temple Bar is one of Dublin's most popular tourist destinations in the city. This cobbled district hugging the southern banks of the River Liffey has attracted visitors looking for old-school pubs, live music, markets and so much more.
Guinness Storehouse
‘A pint of plain is your only man,’ wrote Flann O’Brien. For a real flavour of Ireland’s famous stout, take a self-guided tour through the Guinness Storehouse, learning all about the history of the world’s most distinctive beer, and the family who made it into an icon, from St James’ Gate, ‘home of the black stuff’, to the world. Then, after such thirsty work, why not enjoy a complimentary pint? On the house – and worth waiting for.
Teeling Distillery
Situated in the Liberties area, Teeling is the first new distillery in Dublin for over 125 years but its skills and methods carry on from the Teeling family’s ancestral distillery. Visitors can take a guided tour to explore a working distillery, learning the whiskey-making process from milling and mashing to maturation. Teeling’s whiskeys include their flagship ‘small batch’, the Single Malt, and more. If you are a connoisseur, you’re sure to find a visit to Teeling Distillery a fascinating, not to mention sensational, experience.
Jameson Distillery
One of Ireland’s most famous brands, John Jameson is a name to be reckoned with. On a tour at the Bow Street Distillery buildings you’ll learn everything there is to know about this adventurous distiller, the history of the building, and how Jameson Whiskey is made. And when you visit the maturation warehouse, you will have the opportunity to see how it all comes together, with a taste of Jameson from the barrel. Then, enjoy a signature cocktail at the JJ Bar.
