Dublin has been through much change in its 1000-year history. We’ve seen a Viking trading port and English royal control, modern revolution and civil unrest and are now one of the most modern, progressive cities in Europe. With roots that stretch back to the sixth century, it’s not surprising that Dublin has some of the most significant historic sites anywhere in Ireland. Visit the city and see some of the most important and iconic Dublin historic landmarks with our guide. Book affordable, comfortable accommodation in DCU Rooms and DCU Visitor Suites on our website so you never pay more than you have to.
Glasnevin Cemetery
Some of Ireland’s oldest and most important residents reside in nearby Glasnevin Cemetery, where our ancestors have been buried since 1832. On a guided tour, you’ll be told stories of some of the most famous (and infamous!) former Dublin residents like revolutionaries Daniel O Connell, Michael Collins, Charles Stewart Parnell and Roger Casement. Their fascinating stories are brought to life with the help of expert local tour guides who will also show you the cemetery’s fascinating museum and help you climb one of the only accessible round towers in Ireland. Afterwards, take a stroll in the nearby Botanic Gardens.
Opening hours: Daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm
Glasnevin Cemetery tour prices: Adults €6, children €4
Dublin Castle
Easily one of the most important and recognisable buildings, the 13th Century Dublin Castle has served its purpose throughout the years. It has been the seat of English rule, a fortress, a prison and is now a public garden and space for events in Dublin. It’s said the black pool of water in its ground is where the city got its original name ‘Dubh Linn’ in Gaelic. Now, it’s a tourist attraction with public access to the State Apartments, Medieval Undercroft and Chapel Royal available. On-site, you can also visit Chester Beatty Museum, recognised as one of the best in the world by Lonely Planet.
Opening hours: Daily from 9.45am to 5.15pm
Self-guided tour prices: Adults €8, children €4
The GPO
The General Post Office (GPO) on O’Connell Street is one of Dublin’s most fascinating and poignant historic sites. It still serves as a post office to this day but the inside and outside show the scars of the stories of the battles and the decades it has stood. It was the main stronghold of the Irish Volunteers in the Easter Rising of 1916 and is closely tied to Ireland’s struggle for independence. Its beautiful Greek Revival style is complimented by its stunning interior and there are tours every day bringing you through the life and times of this beautiful building.
GPO Dublin opening hours: Mon to Sat 10:00am to 5:30pm
Admission prices: General Admission is free of charge, tours €14 per adult.
Trinity College
Trinity College is steeped in history and tradition. Still a prestigious and important university of Ireland, alumni include Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, Samuel Beckett, and former Irish president Mary Robinson. It’s home to one of the most impressive libraries in the world – the Old Library at Trinity College fascinating to both literary enthusiasts and architecture lovers. The Old Library houses the magnificent illuminated manuscript The Book of Kells while the Long Room has more than 200,000 books stacked floor-to-ceiling on shelves spanning over 200 feet.
Trinity College Dublin Old Library opening hours: Daily from 9:30am to 17:00pm,
Admission prices: Adults €15, family tickets €30
Christchurch & St Patricks Cathedrals
Did you know that Dubin has two magnificent cathedrals, a stone’s throw from each other? Cathedrals are usually impressive in architecture and both Christchurch & St Patricks Cathedrals do not disappoint. They’re both filled with important religious artefacts and a lot of history kept with medieval stone walls and impressive stained-glass windows. Christchurch is an oasis of calm in the centre of the city while St Patricks stands beside a city park named after the Patron Saint of Ireland Both host regular religious ceremonies and evensongs but you don’t have to be religious to visit.
Christchurch Cathedral opening hours: Daily from 9:30am to 5:30 pm,
Admission prices: Adults €10.50, Children €3.50
St. Patricks Cathedral opening hours: Daily from 9:30am to 17:00pm,
Admission prices: Adults €9, Children €3.50
Kilmainham Gaol
Strange to consider that the largest unoccupied jail in Ireland is also one of its most attractive and popular historical tourist attractions. Kilmainham Gaol has seen tragic and heroic moments, hope and loss, death and suffering of dozens of martyrs who struggled during Irish Independence and Civil War. Revolutionary leaders like Anne Devlin, Henry Joy McCracken and Robert Emmett were detained and executed by English rule. You’ll hear the stories of those who once called it home the inspiration for the famous Irish ballad ‘Grace’, Grace Plunkett. Since it closed as a jail in 1924, it has been given a new lease of life as a museum and educational visitor centre. It’s a must for political and social history lovers.
Opening hours: Daily from 9.30am to 5:00pm
Kilmainham Gaol tour prices: Adults €8, Family €20
Book affordable accommodation in DCU Rooms on our website and explore the city’s historic sites for yourself. Our shared and budget accommodation is available during the summer months and our Visitor Suites are available year-round.
