DK Travel : Dublin

One of the most popular capitals in Europe, Dublin is a city steeped in history. Huddled together within a small vicinity you’ll find Viking remains, medieval cathedrals and churches, Georgian squares and excellent museums. But it’s not just about buildings – music, theatre, literature and pubs play just as strong a part in Dublin’s atmosphere. These highlights are the must-sees for any visitor who wants to truly capture the variety and vibrancy of the city.

National Wax Museum

Geared more towards children than adults, with a Chamber of Horrors and a Wall of Mirrors as well as 300 wax exhibits (see Wax Museum).
Natural History Museum

Stuffed animals and skeletons illustrate the natural world through the ages.
Neary’s

This cosy Edwardian-style pub, backing onto the The Gaiety Theatre, is frequented by theatrical types, including, on occasion, Peter O’Toole. Writer Flann O’Brien used to have a tipple here too.
Newbridge Demesne

A must for architecture fans, this attractive house lies north of Dublin at the seaside village of Donabate. The house was designed for Archbishop Charles Cobbe in 1737 by George Semple – the Cobbe family still live in the upper half of the house although the council bought it from them in the 1980s. Rooms include the beautifully preserved Red Drawing Room, the huge kitchen and the Museum of Curiosities.
Newgrange

The first settlers arrived in Ireland from the Continent around 4000 BC, bringing with them farming skills and rudimentary tools which allowed them to establish small communities. The megalithic stone tomb of the Neolithic Age at Newgrange (see Newgrange and the Boyne Valley) is thought to date from around 3000 BC and is one of the most important passage graves in Europe.
Newgrange

Burial mounds and more - originally built between c.3300-2900 BCE , it is more than 500 years older than the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, and predates Stonehenge trilithons by about 1,000 years (although the earliest stages of Stonehenge are roughly contemporary with Newgrange). It lay lost for over 4,000 years due to mound slippage, until the late 17th century, when men looking for building stone uncovered it, and described it as a cave.
Newgrange and the Boyne Valley

Newgrange is one of the most significant passage graves in Europe but its origins are shrouded in mystery. Celtic legend tells that the Kings of Tara are buried here but New-grange was certainly constructed earlier. All visitors must pass through the excellent Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre and join a tour. Brú na Bóinne (“Palace of the Boyne”) is the Irish name for the area, considered to be the origin of Irish civilization. Anyone with an interest in archaeology will find the Boyne Valley fascinating – its Hills of Tara and Slane also feature in Celtic mythology.
Newport House

This restaurant in a lovely Georgian mansion bases its menu on fresh produce from its own farm, gardens and fishery, and smokes its own salmon. Also has a superb wine cellar.
Nick’s Restaurant

This is an extremely relaxed and jolly place very popular with the locals, with generous portions of traditional dishes.
Nick’s Warehouse

Nick and Cathy Price’s beautifully converted warehouse restaurant can be found on Belfast’s cobbled streets and has a great atmosphere.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €25
- €25–€35
- €35–€55
- €55–€70
- over €70