A little bit of history on the city of Dublin was necessary to introduce in my blog to immerse you in the universe of this mythical city and full of history. The Celts arrived on the bay of Dublin around 700 BC, to convert to Christianity in the 5th century with Saint Patrick, patron saint of Ireland. With the arrival of the Vikings, the city was divided into two parts: the Celts in the north (Baile Átha Cliath ("the city of the ford of the reed hedges"), hence the name of the airport, and the Vikings in the south who created the commercial area of Dublin thanks to the river Liffey. From the 12th century, the city was definitively controlled by the Normans.
From the 12th century onwards, the city was definitively controlled by the Normans. Between transfers of power between the Normans and the English during the years and the wars, it is finally in 1922 that the Irish Free State is proclaimed and that Northern Ireland remains at the side of the United Kingdom. After the second world war, in 1973, the Republic of Ireland was proclaimed and became part of the European Union (and yes in Dublin, it's the euros :) )
These last years have completely changed the landscape of Dublin. Big companies have settled in the capital and new buildings have changed the skyline of the city. Today, it is a very touristic city visited by thousands of Europeans for the spirit of freedom and youth that it gives off.
In this museum, you'll discover that what it means to be Irish extends far beyond Ireland's borders through the stories of Irish emigrants who went on to become scientists, politicians, poets, artists and even outlaws around the world. Ireland is seen from the outside in. The museum is very playful, lots of animations and activities. You will also be given a small passport to stamp in all the rooms of the museum.
The National Gallery of Ireland houses the national collection of Irish and European art. Founded in 1854 in Dublin, it opened its doors ten years later. Admission is free. The gallery includes several rooms displaying paintings, sculptures . You will find great artists and several artistic trends such as realism, religious works and many others.
Trinity College was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I as a "mother university" on the model of the collegiate universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Today it is the most renowned university in Dublin and is known worldwide. It also houses the Trinity Library and the Book of Kells, a library renowned for its monumental book collection, its architecture and its statues of philosophers.
Dublin Castle was once a Viking settlement, a military fortress, a royal residence, the seat of the Irish Court of Justice and the seat of the English administration in Ireland. Today, it is a place of celebration for state visits.
You can take your own tour by walking around the castle, but you also have the option of taking your tour with a guide, for about an hour. There is also a chapel to visit outside and a small park to walk around. There is also a very nice little café. The castle is located in the center of Dublin, towards the south. The entrance fee is between 4 and 12 euros (depending on age). Nearby are: Temple bar, Christ Church Cathedral, Market Bars, City Hall...
Seat of the Anglican worship of the Church of Ireland, St. Patrick's Cathedral is located in the southern part of Dublin, not far from the castle. It was here that Saint Patrick baptized his followers. This Gothic building was rebuilt by the Normans in 1191, to be finally completed in the 13th century. The church remains today a place of worship, a monumental symbol of the city of Dublin. It can also be visited.
For lovers of beer, but especially of Guinness, the emblematic Irish brand, this is the place to be. Discover the world of Guinness, its origins, its manufacture and take advantage of the store to buy souvenirs made in Dublin and enjoy a pint of beer with their bar 360 view on the city. The visit is fun and friendly with many animations and attractive scenery
The tour bus experience is very nice. As for me, I really enjoyed this time with my family, as it was raining, we had the idea to find an activity that would allow us to visit Dublin even in the rain. The prices are reasonable, you have audio guides, two spaces, one with an open roof. You visit all the most famous places in Dublin.