County Kerry, often referred to as The Kingdom, is host to many festivals and fairs throughout the month of August. So if you’re planning a trip to Kerry at this time of year it’s not all about the magnificent sights and scenery, your visit will also be steeped in traditional dance, music and “craic”. Read on to find out more about the choice of fun and entertainment that will make your short break in Kerry one to remember. Kerry has been described by many as one of the most outstanding …
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The Bram Stoker Dracula Experience – CLOSED
THIS MUSEUM IN NOW CLOSED For the ultimate Dracula experience, a visit to the Bram Stoker Dracula Experience is a must. Check out our guide to this ghoulish encounter, how to get here as well as information on the famous Irish author and the world’s biggest selling novel. THIS MUSEUM IN NOW CLOSED The Bram Stoker Dracula Experience, on the Clontarf Road in Dublin 3 is great day out. This museum, which opened in 2003, tells the life story of the Irishman who created the well known creature of the …
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Molly Malone Statue
One of Dublin’s most famous landmarks is of course the statue of Molly Malone. The statue portrays Molly, a fishmonger, wearing a seventeenth-century dress pushing a wheelbarrow. Check out our guide to Molly Malone, a semi historical and legendary Irish figure. The famous Molly Malone Statue is located at the end of Grafton Street near Trinity College, around the corner from Saint Andrews Church where she was supposedly baptised. The statue is life size and is made from bronze. The Molly Malone Statue was inspired by the traditional Irish song …
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Dublin City Hall
If historic buildings are your thing then Dublin City Hall is a must. With stunning Georgian architecture and designed by Thomas Cooley it was originally the Royal Exchange, now it’s the administrative headquarters of Dublin Corporation. It’s right next to Dublin Castle on Dame Street (top of Parliament Street). Read on for more… Dublin City Hall was designed by Thomas Cooley and built between 1769 and 1779. The Guild of Merchants originally built it as the Royal Exchange. There’s a central entrance hall, known as a Rotunda, and a large dome …
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James Joyce Museum in Sandycove
After your visit to the James Joyce Centre, maybe there’s still a bit more to learn about one of Ireland’s most famous authors. Why not pay a visit to the seaside suburb of Sandycove and to the James Joyce Museum at the Martello Tower? The Martello Tower (or James Joyce Tower), in Sandycove, certainly has its place in literary history. This is the setting for the beginning of James Joyce’s world acclaimed novel, “Ulysses”. Avid Joycean fans will see the startling resemblance between the tower gun platform and the living …
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Chester Beatty Library
If you’ve an hour or two to spare, why not check out the legacy that Alfred Chester Beatty left to the Irish people? Housed within the magnificent 18th century Dublin Castle, the Chester Beatty Library is definitely one for the “must see” list! Who was Chester Beatty? Alfred Chester Beatty was born in 1875. A native of New York, Beatty graduated as a mining engineer from Columbia University. He built up an international reputation as a mining engineer and in 1908 he had a very successful mining consultancy inNew York. …
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Irish Museum of Modern Art
The Irish Museum of Modern Art is a relatively new addition to the vast portfolio of places of interest in Dublin city. Located at the Royal Hospital on Military Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, a visit to the museum is a must for enthusiasts of modern and contemporary art. The Irish Museum of Modern Art is housed within the 17th century Royal Hospital in Kilmainham. The Royal Hospital was founded in 1684, by James Butler (the Duke of Ormonde) and for almost 250 years it served as a home for retired …
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Sightseeing in Belfast – Stormont Parliament buildings
The Stormont Parliament Building is the headquarters of the Northern Ireland Assembly. It can be found in the Stormont area of east Belfast and although you’ll need prior arrangements to see the inside, it’s well worth take a stroll around the grounds and admire its Greek classical style exterior and surroundings. The Stormont building can be found at the top of the Prince of Wales Avenue, which is a mile long. This building is inextricably linked with the peace process in Northern Ireland and in general the political history of …
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Macnas Festival Parade – Galway city
If you happen to be in Galway city on the 20th of July this year, then you won’t want to miss the Macnas Parade. This year’s Macnas Parade is entitled “Apocolopolis” and starts at 10pm, so it’s sure to make for a spectacular night time event. The Macnas Parade is the highlight of the Galway Arts Festival which runs from Monday 14th of July to Sunday 27th of July. The parade takes place at 10pm on Sunday 20th of July and is a free outdoor event. Get out early to …
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Irish Castle hotel dominates top 10
Glin Castle in County Limerick is the number one castle hotel in Europe and that’s according to Trip Adivsor – the travel information website. The 4 star Glin Castle Hotel stands magnificently on the banks of the River Shannon in County Limerick, surrounded by a beautiful 500 acre demesne. Glin Castle is one of the most important historical castles in Ireland. It has been in the Fitzgerald family – Knights of Glin for over 700 years. The Knights of Glin were a branch of this powerful Norman family. In the …
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