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.

Rock of Dunamase

Towering 150 ft (45 m) above a flat plain, the Rock of Dunamase is one of the most impressive and historic sights in Ireland. The sight was included on Ptolemy’s world map in AD 140, such was its fame, and the ruins date back thousands of years. Standing amid its history, you can see all the way to the Slieve Bloom Mountains.
Roddy Doyle

Renowned for his Barry-town Trilogy about Dublin life, Doyle (b.1958) won the Booker Prize in 1994 for Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha! (1993).
Roly’s Bistro

Slightly out of the city centre, this lovely bistro serves dishes such as venison pie, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Rosleague Manor

Connemara lamb and local seafood are specialities of the house, served with the best local ingredients.
Rotunda Hospital

Purpose-built as the first maternity hospital in Europe, founded by Dr Bartholomew Mosse in 1745, the building was designed by Richard Cassels. A number of other distinguished architects had a hand in the creation of the adjoining Assembly Rooms, which now comprise a cinema and the Gate Theatre: John Ensor designed the rotunda in 1764, while the porches were added by Richard Johnston in 1784 and James Gandon in 1786.
Rotunda Hospital

Designed by Richard Cassels, this was the first purpose-built maternity hospital in Europe when it opened in 1745. Inside is a beautiful Baroque chapel.
Roundstone

Cloch na Rón is the official name of this attractively laid out, Irish-speaking “planned village” built in the 1820s. In one way, it’s an authentic, unpretentious lobster-fishing community, but it also has an arty side and many attractions for visitors, including a good beach, a range of eating places, galleries and traditional shops.
Royal Dublin Horse Show

Also known as the Kerrygold Horse Show, this is one of the world’s top international equestrian events. Eleven competitions take place over the five-day event drawing more than 20,000 spectators.
Royal Gunpowder Mills

Gunpowder was one of Cork’s most important industries in the mid-19th century until the mills closed in 1903. Visitors can see the canals, sluices, weirs, mills and workers’ cottages.
Russborough

Another fine Palladian mansion, claiming the longest frontage in Ireland, Russborough was designed by Richard Cassels in the mid-18th century. Standing on raised ground it faces a stretch of water backed by the Wicklow Mountains and is kept in immaculate condition. One of the main reasons to visit is for the outstanding Beit Art Collection, put together in the 19th century by Sir Alfred Beit (1853– 1906). His nephew bought Russborough in 1952 to house the collection.

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