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Dublin's Top Tips
Gui nness Storehouse retained the top spot for a second year running in the
listing of Ireland's top visitor attractions. The iconic Dublin attraction was closely
followed by Dubl i n Zoo, while The Nati onal Gal l ery of I rel and continues its
dominance of the free attractions in the capital. Dublin has a myriad of visitor
attractions to suit all interests and we've compiled the list below of the top visited
attractions in 2012. Have fun!
1. Gui nness Storehouse
Located in the heart of the St Jamess Gate Brewery, which has been home to the
black stuff since 1759, this massive seven-storey building, a former Guinness
fermentation plant, has been remodeled into the shape of a giant pint of
Guinness. A visit will teach you everything you ever wanted to know about this
world famous beer. The highlight for many visitors is the Gravity Bar where you
receive a complimentary pint of Guinness and can relax and enjoy the
breathtaking 360-degree views across Dublin City.
2. Dubl i n Zoo
See many rare and exotic animals living and roaming in a wide variety of natural
habitats. Wander through the African Savanna and gaze at the giraffes, zebras,
scimitar oryx and ostrich, then head to the Kaziranga Forest to see the magnificent
herd of Asian elephants that call this beautiful place home. Dublin Zoo, located in
the Phoeni x Park in the heart of Dublin city, allows you to discover amazing
animals to including tigers, hippos, bats, rare monkeys, gorillas, chimpanzees, red
pandas and reptiles to name but a few!
3. Nati onal Aquati c Centre
AquaZone, at the National Aquatic Centre, is one of the most innovative water
parks in Europe. A whole host of exciting features ensures that there is lots of
family fun, thrills and something for everyone. If you crave extreme thrills, raging
water adventures, flying through the air, or just an enjoyable day with your family,
AquaZone at the National Aquatic Centre has Europe's biggest and best water
rides and attractions waiting for you!
4. The Nati onal Gal l ery of I rel and
Today the collection includes over 2,500 paintings and some 10,000 other works
in different media including watercolours, drawings, prints and sculpture. Every
major European School of painting is extensively represented. It also houses a
renowned collection of Irish paintings. The gallery's highlights include works by
Vermeer, Caravaggio, Picasso, Van Gogh and Monet.
5. Book of Kel l s
The Book of Kells was written around the year 800 AD and is one of the most
beautifully illuminated manuscripts in the world. Its 680 pages of vellum contain
the Latin texts of the Four Gospels. It was written around 800AD by Irish monks
and later buried in the ground for fear of the Vikings and after being eventually
rediscovered it was deposited for safe keeping in Trinity in 1653.
6. Nati onal Botani c Gardens
The Gardens, 19.5 hectares on the south bank of the Tolka contain many attractive
features including an arboretum, sensory garden, rock garden and burren area,
large pond, extensive herbaceous borders, and annual display of decorative plants
including a rare example of Victorian carpet bedding.
7. Nati onal Museum of I rel and - Archaeol ogy
Walk into the Nati onal Museum of I rel and on Kildare Street and be magically
transported back in time. Take time at The Treasury and see examples of Celtic
and Medieval art, such as the famous Ardagh Chalice, the Tara Brooch and the
Derrynaflan Hoard. Gaze in wonder at the finest collection of prehistoric gold
artefacts in Europe, which is to be found in Or - Ireland's Gold. Ramble through
prehistoric Ireland and experience life at the same time of the Vikings in Viking
Age Ireland.
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8. St. Patri ck's Cathedral
Built between 1220 and 1260 the Cathedral is one of the few buildings left from
the medieval city of Dublin. Today St Patricks is the National Cathedral for the
Church of Ireland and is still the largest cathedral in Ireland. Visitors can learn
about the buildings fascinating history including its most famous Dean (head)
Jonathan Swift who is one of around 700 burials on site.
9. Farml ei gh House
Built in the late 18th century, Farmleigh was purchased by Edward Cecil Guinness,
a great-grandson of Arthur Guinness, in 1873. The house ontains many beautiful
features including the Main House, which is a fine example of Georgian-Victorian
architecture, the Sunken Garden, the Walled Garden, the famous Clock Tower and
the Lake and The Benjamin Iveagh Library. The library holds some of the finest
examples of Irish bookbinding from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. The
collection was donated to Marshs Library by the Guinness family.
10. Ki l mai nham Gaol (Jai l )
This historic site gives the visitor a dramatic and realistic insight into what it was
like to have been confined in one of these forbidding bastions of punishment and
correction between 1796 when it opened and 1924 when it closed and offers a
panoramic insight into some of the most profound, disturbing and inspirational
themes of modern Irish history.
11. Sci ence Gal l ery at Tri ni ty Col l ege ; 12. Nati onal Museum of I rel and -
Natural Hi story ; 13. Nati onal Museum of I rel and - Decorati ve Arts &
Hi story 14. Chester Beatty Li brary ; 15. Ol d Jameson Di sti l l ery ; 16. The
Nati onal Li brary of I rel and ; 17. Chri st Church Cathedral 18. Dubl i n Castl e ;
19. Phoeni x Park Vi si tor Centre ; 20. Dubl i ni a
For f urther i nf ormati on on al l vi si tor attracti ons i n Dubl i n cl i ck here
Note: The information compiled is taken from the Filte Ireland Visitor Attractions
Survey 2012
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TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS
Guinness Storehouse retained the top
spot for a second year running.
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