DK Travel : Dublin : Places of interest

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Derrynane House

Derrynane is a lovely spot on the coast, with 3 km (2 miles) of dunes and beaches. Derrynane House was the family home of Catholic politician and lawyer Daniel O’Connell (see Government Buildings) and it now contains a museum dedicated to the great leader.
Dingle

A small, attractive fishing town with a fine natural harbour, Dingle is extremely popular with tourists, who appreciate its charm. Fungi the dolphin is the town’s most famous resident and people come for miles to see him play.
Donegal

Donegal is most famous for its tweed production (see Tweed) with Magee’s the biggest manufacturer based here. The Diamond, a triangular central market, is at the heart of the town and an obelisk in the centre commemorates four Franciscans who wrote Annals of the Four Masters in the 1630s. This extraordinary opus follows the history of the Gaelic people from the Great Flood up to the 17th century.
Dublin Castle

Built into the city walls in 1204, the castle was Dublin’s greatest stronghold, designed to defend the British-ruled city against the native Irish. It was at that time protected by rivers on both sides, the Liffey to the north and the Poddle to the south. The castle was completely reconstructed after a fire in 1684 and was further refined during the Georgian period, from which time most of the ornate state apartments date.
Dublin Zoo

Apart from the usual exotic animals there is a pet-care section, play area, and a train ride (see Phoenix Park).
Dublinia

Medieval Dublin is brought to life, through exhibits such as a full-size reconstruction of a merchant’s house.
Dunmore East

A working fishing harbour with brightly coloured boats, and cottages set among woods, this attractive village makes a favourite outing for a drink, lunch or a waterfront stroll. Many of the cottages are available for holiday lets. Nearby sandy coves include the popular Lady’s Cove beach, and there are several enjoyable marked walks and hikes.
Emo Court

Designed in 1790 for the Earl of Portarlington, this is another fine example of architect James Gandon’s work (see City Hall), and his interiors in this lovely house remain unchanged. The fine gardens are divided into two sections: the Grapery leads you down to a lakeside walk; the Cluckery acquired its name from the nuns who used to reside here.
Ennis

This likeable little town, with its bright shopfronts and music pubs, first grew up in the 13th century around the Franciscan community of Ennis Friary. Shut down in 1692, the abbey fell into ruin but what survives – mostly 15th-century – includes the richly carved MacMahon Tomb.
Florence Court

The gardens and grandiose 18th-century Palladian mansion originally belonged to Lord Mount-florence. Among the original features are an icehouse and a water-driven sawmill, while the interior is decorated with ornamental plasterwork and period furnishings.