Dublin Castle was built at the beginning of the 13th century. The castle is located in the very heart of Dublin City, on the south side of the River Liffey, off Dame Street, en route from Trinity College to Christchurch Cathedral. It was the centre of British power in Ireland for more than 7 centuries, until the new Irish government took it over in 1922. Highlights include the 13th-century Record Tower, the State Apartments; once the residence of English viceroys and the Chapel Royal; a 19th-century Gothic building with particularly fine plaster decoration and carved oak gallery fronts and fittings. The castle's courtyard was used as a setting in the Michael Collin's film.

Location	Palace St. (off Dame St.), Dublin 2
Phone	01 6777129
Web site	www.dublincastle.ie	>>dublin things to do

The best brewery is the Guinness Storehouse. Founded in 1759, the Guinness Brewery is one of the world's largest breweries. Although tours of the brewery itself are no longer allowed, visitors can explore the adjacent Guinness Hopstore, a converted 19th-century building. Here you can find answers to such pressing questions as: Who drank the first pint?, What is it made from? What was Arthur Guinness like?, Is it black or ruby red? To recover from this tiring journey of discovery, you can sample a glass of the famous brew within the observatory restaurant which offers spectacular views of the city.

Location	St. James's Gate, Dublin 8
Phone	01 4084800
Web site	www.guinness.com	>>dublin things to do

The Irish Film Centre is a hip hangout in Dublin's artsy Temple Bar district. The Irish Film Centre houses cinemas, the Irish Film Archive, a library, a bookshop and cafe, and various film-related organizations. A popular hangout and even if you do not choose to go to the cinema you can still enjoy a snack in their popular restaurant.

Location	6 Eustace St., Dublin 2
Phone	01 6795744, 01 6793477
Web site	www.fii.ie	>>dublin things to do

The Custom House sits prominently on the Liffey's north bank. This is is one of Dublin's finest Georgian buildings. Designed by James Gandon and completed in 1791, it is beautifully proportioned, with a long classical facade of graceful pavilions, arcades, and columns, and a central dome topped by a 16-ft. statue of Commerce. The 14 keystones over the doors and windows are known as the Riverine Heads, because they represent the Atlantic Ocean and the 13 principal rivers of Ireland. In the Irish Civil War of 1921-1922 the interior of the Custom House was destroyed when the building was completely engulfed by fire lit by the IRA. The fire blazed for five days, destroying a huge quantity of public records. The visitor center's exhibitions and audiovisual presentation unfold the remarkable history of the structure from its creation by James Gandon to its reconstruction after the War of Independence.

Location	Custom House Quay, Dublin 1
Phone	01/888-2538
Web site	N/A	>>dublin things to do

Best park in Dublin is Phoenix Park, the largest urban enclosed park in Europe. Ornamental gardens, nature trails, and broad expanses of grassland, separated by avenues of trees, including oak, beech, pine, chestnut, and lime. There is no charge to enter the Phoenix park. The park also houses some important institutions.

Áras an Uachtaráin (Irish for "House of the President") was once the summer retreat of the British viceroy. The original 1751 country house was expanded several times, gradually accumulating splendour. In 1938 it became the Official Residence of the President of Ireland and has been used for that purpose since. The house is now used as the official residence of the President of Ireland and is the setting for many public functions. While it is not fully open to the public, some 15,000 people visit each year. Location Phoenix Park, Dublin 7 Phone 01 6709155 Web site www.irlgov.ie/aras >>dublin things to do

Dublin Zoo was established in 1830 and is one of the oldest zoos in the world. In the past few years, the zoo has doubled in size to about 60 acres and houses more than 235 species of wild animals and tropical birds. Highlights for children include the Children's Pets' Corner and a train ride around the zoo. A 20 minute guided Safari Trip makes a journey through the African Plains a real adventure. The focus on preservation and education makes a trip to Dublin Zoo a must. Location Phoenix Park, Dublin 7 Phone 01 6771425 Web site www.dublinzoo.ie >>dublin things to do

Christchurch Cathedral is one of Dublin's finest historic buildings. Dating from 1038, when Sitric, Danish king of Dublin, built the first wooden Christ Church here. The present structure dates mainly from 1871 to 1878, when a huge restoration took place. Highlights of the interior include magnificent stonework and graceful pointed arches, with delicately chiseled supporting columns. The crypt of Christ Church Cathedral dates from the years after 1171-2, is one of the largest medieval crypts in either Britain or Ireland.

Location	Christ Church Place, Dublin 8
Phone	01 6778099
Web site	www.cccdub.ie	>>dublin things to do

Little markets are springing up around Dublin serving both locals and visitors with quality produce.

The Dublin Food Co-op. Open Saturdays 9:30am - 3pm. Hang out with the locals and try your hand at some bartering. This market offers excellent cheese, dried goods and honey. The market also offers fresh organic fruit (both Irish and imported), organic whole foods and fair trade produce. Location 116 St.Andrews Centre, Pearse Street, Dublin 2 Phone 01 8730451 Web site N/A >>dublin things to do

Temple Bar Food Market. Open Saturdays 9:30am - 5pm. This market brings together several continents over a small number of stalls. Location Meeting House Square Phone N/A Web site N/A >>dublin things to do

Although many tourist attractions require deep pockets, Dublin offers plenty to do and see on a shoestring budget.

National Botanic Gardens were established by the Royal Dublin Society in 1795. Occupying a beautiful 50 acre site on the banks of the Tolka River it contains over 20,000 different plant species. The attractions include a Great Yew Walk, a bog garden, a water garden, a rose garden, a herb garden and the famous glasshouses, including Turner's magnificent curvilinear range. There's free roadside parking outside the garden gates. Remember this park when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Location Botanic Rd., Glasnevin, Dublin 9 Phone 01 374388 Web site N/A >>dublin things to do

National Gallery of Ireland; this museum houses the national collection of Irish art and European master paintings. Every major European school of painting is represented, including fine selections by Italian Renaissance artists and French Impressionists. Irish painting is charted from its re-emergence in the 17th century to Jack B. Yeats, Ireland's most important 20th century artist. All public areas are wheelchair accessible. The museum has a gallery shop and an excellent restaurant. Location Merrion Sq. West, Dublin 2 Phone 01 6615133 Web site www.nationalgallery.ie >>dublin things to do

The Four Courts has been home to the Irish law courts since 1796. This fine 18th-century building overlooks the Liffey river. The sprawling 440-ft. facade was designed by James Gandon and is distinguished by its graceful Corinthian columns and massive dome. The exterior statues of Justice, Mercy, Wisdom, and Moses stand proud.. The building was severely burned during the Irish Civil War of 1922, but has been carefully restored. Phone in advance as access to the building is only permitted when court is in session. Location Inns Quay, Dublin 8 Phone 01 8725555 Web site N/A >>dublin things to do

General Post Office (GPO) With a facade of columns this is more than a post office; it is the symbol of Irish freedom. Built between 1815 and 1818, it was the main stronghold of the Irish Volunteers in 1916. Members of the Irish Volunteers and Irish Citizen Army seized the building on Easter Monday and Patrick Pearse read out the Proclamation of the Irish Republic from its steps. The rebels remained inside for almost a week, but were eventually forced out by the British. An impressive bronze statue of Cuchulainn, the legendary Irish hero, is on display within the post office, this is in memory of those who fought in 1916. Location O'Connell St., Dublin 1 Phone 01/705-8833 Web site www.anpost.ie >>dublin things to do

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