Ireland - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

PagodaSwan · 11-13-2005, 08:57 AM

Dublin

From the mountains to the sea, Dublin is a truly cosmopolitan city boasting an exuberant people and historical significance.

If you're looking for a taste of the past, beautiful parkland, refreshing coastline and a true shopper's paradise all in one place, then this is definitely the city to visit.

What's more, you can save money at over 30 attractions around the city by purchasing your Dublin Pass before you go, just check out www.dublinpass.com:

Shopping in Dublin - A quick overview

Grafton Street, starting with the Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, and Henry Street/Mary Street, have high street stores to beat the band. Nassau Street has an abundance of Irish craft and gift shops where you can find one-off or limited edition pieces in pottery, glass, bog oak or even peat! Irish clothing is so much more than Aran sweaters although you’ll find lots of those too! Traditional fabrics like linen, lace, tweed and wool find new life in the latest fashion shapes.

Even the most resolute dieter will have a tough time passing by purveyors of coffee, chocolates, liqueurs, whiskeys, cheeses, breads and smoked fish. Most supermarkets have good selections, and there are some specialised food stores both in the city centre and surrounding villages that are to be avoided by those of us trying to be good ! The organic food markets in Meeting House Square, and Cow’s Lane, Temple Bar attract a faithful crowd of foodies every Saturday.

Francis Street is where you should head if you’re an antique aficionado, although antique shops are dotted all over the city. Temple Bar is Dublin’s second-hand clothes mecca and on Saturdays there is a second-hand book market on Temple Bar Square. Speaking of books, it is no surprise that a city that reared a plethora of Literature Nobel Prize-winners has a plethora of excellent book shops where you can pick up the works of the latest young Irish writing sensation, or add a rare or special edition to your antiquarian collection.

Grafton Street, the Westbury Mall and Powerscourt Townhouse nearby are home to many jewellers where you’ll see a gleaming array of Celtic designs in gold and silver, and of course the Claddagh ring, the traditional Irish wedding ring. If the tiny hands point the heart towards the wearer, you’re wasting your time lads, she’s taken.

Spend a day shopping in Dublin and whatever your romantic situation, you’ll be buying yourself a claddagh ring to wear, heart turned in, to show to all your attachment to Dublin.

PagodaSwan · 11-13-2005, 08:59 AM

Practicalities:
Shopping hours in Dublin are, in general, between 09.00 and 18.00 Monday – Saturday. City centre shops are open late on Thursdays until 20.00, while late opening in the suburbs is usually on Fridays. More and more of the larger chain stores are open on Sundays usually from 12.00 – 18.00 especially in the run up to Christmas.

Dublin has long been a centre of art and culture. Apart from the large collections of the National Museum and National Gallery and Irish Museum of Modern Art, the city also boasts many fine small private collections. The range of art and artifacts is enormous, and the visitor will have no problem spending many hours enthralled.

Bank of Ireland Arts Centre

Address:
Foster Place,
Temple Bar,
Dublin 2

Tel: +353 1 671 2261

This centre of 20th century commerce is one of the most striking of Dublin's 18th century building.

Built in 1729 to house the Irish Parliment, it became redundant when the British and Irish parliments were united in London, when the Irish parliment voted itself out of existence.

It would be a shame to leave our noble city without spending a few moments in one of Europe's most unique chambers, the Irish House of Lords. In this magnificent chamber, you can see the 18th century tapestries and a sparkling Irish crystal chadelier of 1233 pieces dating from 1765.

The Bank of Ireland Arts Centre, in an old bank armoury, Foster Place, is host to 'A Journey Through 200 Years of History', an exhibition which reflects the role played by Bank of Ireland in the economic and social development of ireland over the past 200 years.

Opening Times:
The House of Lords: Visitors are always welcome during banking hours.
Mon-Fri: 10am-4pm
Thurs: 10am-5pm(including lunchtime).

Tours of the House of Lords:
Tues: 10.30am, 11.30am and 1.45pm(except Bank Holidays)

Take a journey through 200 years of Irish, Bank of Ireland Arts Centre:
Tues-Fri: 10am-4pm.

Admission Prices:
House of Lords: Free admission.

Bank of Ireland Arts Centre: Adults 1.50 Eur, OAP's and students 1.00 EUR. Weekend tours by appointment only (min of 20 persons).

Group bookings:+353 1 6712261. Pre booked tours are free (min 5 persons).

Email: boi.arts@boimail.com

Web: http://www.boi.ie/artscentre

PagodaSwan · 11-13-2005, 09:00 AM

Chester Beatty Library

Address:
Dublin Castle,
Dublin 2

Tel: +353 1 407 0750

Fax: +353 1 407 0760

European Museum of the Year 2002,
Irish Museum of the Year 2000.

Situated in the heart of the city centre, the Chester Beatty Library's exhibitions open a window on the artistic treasures of the great cultures and religions of the world.

The Library's rich collection of manuscripts, prints, icons, miniature paintings, early printed books and objets d'art from countries across the world offers visitors a visual feast.

Egyptian papyrus texts, beautifully illuminated copies of the Qur'an, the Bible, European medieval and renaissance manuscripts are among the highlights of the collection.

Turkish and Persian miniatures and striking Buddhist paintings are also on display, as are Chinese dragon robes and
Japanese woodblock prints.

In its diversity, the collection captures much of the richness of human creative expression from about 2700 BC to the present day.

Opening Times:

Monday-Friday: 10am-5pm (May to September)
Tuesday-Friday: 10am-5pm (October-April)
Saturdays: 11am-5pm (all year)
Sundays: 1pm-5pm (all year)
Closed Public Holiday Mondays, Good Friday, 24th, 25th, 26th December, 1st January.

Free public tours are available on Wednesdays at 1pm and on Sundays at 3pm and 4pm. Other times by prior arrangement.

Admission Prices:

Admission is free.
Pre-booked adult group rate: €3
Child/Student/OAP groups free

Facilities:

Restaurant, gift and book shop, audio-visual presentations, roof garden, wheelchair access, baby-changing facilities.

How to Get There:

10 minutes walk from Trinity College, en route to Christ Church Cathedral.

Adjacent to the gardens in Dublin Castle.

By bus: 13, 16, 19 and 123 (from O'Connell Street).

Email: info@cbl.ie

Web: http://www.cbl.ie

PagodaSwan · 11-13-2005, 09:00 AM

Guinness Storehouse

Address:
St. James' Gate,
Dublin 8

Tel: +353 1 408 4800

Fax: +353 1 408 4965

No trip to Dublin would be complete without a visit to our Number One visitor attraction-Guinness Storehouse.

Take an incredible journey through the history and making of the world famous beer.

It's a dramatic story that begins over 250 years ago and ends in Gravity Bar with a complimentary pint of Guinness and an astonishing view of Dublin City.

Opening Times:

9:30am-5pm (last admission 5pm).
July and August 9.30am-8pm
Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, St. Stephen's Day & Good Friday.

Admission Prices:

Adults €14
Senior Citizens €9.50
Student with ID under 18 €7.50
Student with ID over 18 €9.50
Children between 6 & 12 €5
Children under 6 free

Group Admission Prices:

Group €13
(Minimum group number is 15)
Family €30

Facilities:

Three Bars (Brewery, Source and Gravity), restaurant, meeting and events facilities, pull the perfect pint opportunity, wheelchair accessible. Complimentary car park on Crane Street.

How to Get There:

Buses 51B and 78A (from Aston Quay) and 123 (from O'Connell Street).

Email: guinness-storehouse@guinness.com

Web: http://www.guinness-storehouse.com

PagodaSwan · 11-13-2005, 09:02 AM

The Bram Stoker Dracula Experience

Address:
West Wood Club,
Clontarf Road,

Dublin 3

Tel: +353 1 805 7824

Fax: +353 1 853 4010

Terrifically Terrifying - The Bram Stoker Dracula Experience is a MUST SEE when visiting Dublin.

This haunting walk-through interactive experience takes you on a heart-pounding journey through Castle Dracula and terrifying enactments creating the unique spine chilling story of the Count and his victims.

This gruesome place filled with cobwebs, blood trickling from the wall, talking Gargoyles, bats and other creepy crawlies and Torture Chamber - You will find it hard to forget your visit here!

Learn all about the fascinating life of Bram Stoker the Irish writer who created this legendary Un-Dead creature if the night – Count Dracula.

Great fun, very educational and scary!

Opening Times:

Friday: 4-10pm
Saturday: 12-10pm
Sunday: 12-9pm

Admission Prices:

Adults €7, Child €4, Student/OAP €5.

Group Admission Prices:

Group rates available experience and restaurant.

Email: info@thebramstokerdraculaexperience.com

Web: http://www.thebramstokerdraculaexperience.com/

PagodaSwan · 11-13-2005, 09:02 AM

Aras an Uachtarain

Address:
Áras an Uachtaráin,
Phoenix Park,

Dublin 8

Tel: +353 1 6770095

Fax: +353 1 6726454

The residence of the President of Ireland.

Áras an Uachtaráin is open Saturdays only. Free admission tickets are issued at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre on the day. Group and/or advance booking is not permitted.

Closed: 24-26 December.

Guided Tours
10.00 - 17.00 Summer
10.30 - 16.00 Winter

Guided Tours Meeting Point:
Phoenix Park Visitor Centre,
Phoenix Park,
Dublin 8

Email: phoenixparkvisitorcentre@ealga.ie

Web: http://www.gov.ie/aras

PagodaSwan · 11-13-2005, 09:03 AM

Ardgillan Castle

Address:
Balbriggan,
County Dublin

Tel: +353 1 849 2212

Fax: +353 1 849 2786

Ardgillan is situated on the elevated coastline between Balbriggan and Skerries and is unique among Dublin’s Regional Parks for the magnificent views it enjoys.

The park consists of 194 acres of rolling pastureland, mixed woodland and gardens, overlooking the bay of Drogheda.

Ardgillan, meaning high-wooded area, is a sanctuary for many species of mammals and birds.

The Castle, the residence at Ardgillan, built in 1738 consists of two stories over a basement which extends out under the south lawns.

The ground floor rooms of the Castle, accessible to wheelchair users, are furnished in Georgian/Victorian style and include the Morning Room, Dining Room and Library.

The first floor area of the Castle is used for an annual programme of exhibitions and Ardgillan is also the home of a permanent exhibition of maps including the 17th century "Down Survey of Ireland".

Opening Times:

April-September:
Tuesday-Sunday & Public Holidays 11am-6pm
October-March:
Tuesday-Sunday & Public Holidays 11am-4:30pm
July and August open seven days.
Closed: Dec 23rd-Jan 1st inclusive
June-August: Guided tour of Ardgillan Gardens on Thursdays at 3.30pm. Park is open daily 10am to dusk.

Admission Prices:

Adults €5
Students and OAP's €3

Group Admission Prices:

€3 (Minimum group number is 10)

Facilities:

Tea-rooms within the castle, picnic area, rose garden, Victorian conservatory and a walled kitchen garden.

How to Get There:

By bus: No. 33 (Eden Quay via Rush and Skerries)
By car: Signposted off M1 and N1.

For information on Ardgillan Gardens see Ardgillan Demesne

PagodaSwan · 11-13-2005, 09:04 AM

Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre

Address:
Castle Steet,
Dalkey,
County Dublin

Tel: +353 1 285 8366

Fax: +353 1 284 3141

Dalkey Castle one of seven original towerhouses 1 of only 2 surviving. Climb the ancient battlements for the best views across Dublin Bay and mountains. Glimpse down the original Murder Hole. Read what Tony-award winning writer Hugh Leonard has written about the importance of Dalkey during the middle ages.

Models give you flavour as to how the town developed from an outport of Dublin over the centuries. Learn about booming Victorian Dalkey when quarrying provided the granite for the majestic asylum harbour at Dun Laoghaire. Exhibition includes Dalkey's famous transport history when people travelled "on air" by the world acclaimed atmospheric railway.

Read about the literary greats such as Synge Shaw, Joyce and more contemporary writers who frequent the town. Neighbouring the castle is a quiet early Christian church and graveyard St. Begnets which a stroll around is a magical experience.

Opening Times:

Monday-Friday: 9.30am - 5.00pm
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 11.00am-5.00pm
(All year round except Christmas)

Admission Prices:

Adults €6
Child €4
Concession: €5
Family: €16 (2 adults and 2 or more children)

How to Get There:

By car: Dalkey is 12.8km south on N11.
Parking locally.
By train: DART directly to Dalkey 30 minutes from Dublin City Centre.

Email: diht@indigo.ie

Web: http://www.dalkeycastle.com

PagodaSwan · 11-13-2005, 09:04 AM

Dublin Castle

Address:
Dame Street,
Dublin 2

Tel: +353 1 677 7129

Fax: +353 1 679 6433

Dublin Castle is the heart of historic Dublin. In fact the city gets its name from the Black Pool - 'Dubh Linn' which was on the site of the present Castle garden.

The Castle stands on the ridge on a strategic site at the junction of the River Liffey and its tributary the Poddle, where the original fortification may have been an early Gaelic Ring Fort.

Later a Viking Fortress stood on this site - a portion of which is on view to visitors at the 'Undercroft'.

The south range houses the magnificent State Apartments that were built as the residential quarters of the viceregal court. They are now the venue for Ireland's Presidencies of the European Community, Presidential Inaugurations and State Functions.

The State Apartments, Undercroft and Chapel Royal are open to visitors.

Opening Times:

Monday-Friday: 10am-4.45pm
Saturday: 2pm-5pm
Sunday & Public Holidays: 2pm-4.45pm
Closed Good Friday, 25th-26th December, 1st January.

Admission Prices:

Adults: €4.50
Senior Citizens & Students (with I.D.): €3.50
Children (under 12 years): €2

Group Admission Prices:

Leader free with groups of 20+.

Facilities:

The Vaults Restaurant, Heritage Centre and Craft Shop are also open to visitors. (On occasion the State Apartments only may be closed for State Purposes).

How to Get There:

By foot: 5 minutes walk from Trinity College en route to Christ Church.

By bus: 77, 77A, 56A and 49 (from Eden Quay), 123 (from O'Connell Street) stop at Palace Street Gate.

Email: dublincastle@eircom.net

Web: http://www.dublincastle.ie

PagodaSwan · 11-13-2005, 09:05 AM

Kilmainham Gaol

Address:
Inchicore Road,
Kilmainham,
Dublin 8

Tel: +353 1 453 5984

Fax: +353 1 453 2037

If for no other reason, Kilmainham Gaol would be remarkable for being the biggest unoccupied gaol in these islands.

As such, it gives the visitor a dramatic and realistic insight into what is 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.

Leaders of the rebellions of 1798, 1803, 1848, 1867 and 1916 were detained here. Such names as Robert Emmet, Charles Stewart Parnell, leaders of the 1916 Rising and DeValera are associated with the gaol.

The visit includes a guided tour and exhibition. Please note that this is a very busy site and visitors may experience a delay during the summer months.

Opening Times:

April-September: 9.30am-5pm daily
October-March: Monday to Saturday 9.30am-4pm, Sundays 10am-5pm.

Admission Prices:

Adults €5
Children/ Students €2
Senior Citizens €3.50
Family €11

A visit to the Gaol includes a guided tour and an exhibition.

Group Details:

All groups must be pre-booked. Bookings can be made by phoning the Gaol directly.

Facilities:

Toilets, disabled toilets and tearooms. Please contact the Gaol for information on ongoing temporary exhibitions.

How to Get There:

Buses: 51B, 51C, 78A, 79 from Aston Quay.

Email: kilmainhamgaol@opw.ie

Web: http://www.heritageireland.ie