Full Day City of Dublin Private Tour

Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle is a historic castle on the banks of the River Liffey in Dublin, Ireland. It is one of the most important buildings in Irish history, having served as the seat of English, and later British, rule in Ireland for over 700 years.

The castle was originally founded in the early 13th century by Meiler Fitzhenry, the first Norman justiciar of Ireland. Over the centuries, it has been rebuilt and expanded numerous times. The castle is now a complex of buildings, including the State Apartments, the Chapel Royal, the Record Tower, and the Dublin Gardens.

Dublin Castle was the scene of many important events in Irish history. In 1922, following Ireland’s independence from Britain, the castle was handed over to the new Irish government.

Book of Kells & Old Library

The Book of Kells, also known as the Book of Columba, is an illuminated manuscript from the 9th century AD containing the four Gospels of the New Testament. It is widely considered one of the most important works of Western art and is renowned for its intricate and colorful illustrations.

The Book of Kells was created by a group of Celtic monks, possibly at the Columban monastery on Iona, off the coast of Scotland. It took an estimated 20 years to complete and is written in a beautiful insular script, with full-page evangelist portraits, initial letters, and carpet pages.

The manuscript is housed in the Long Room of the Old Library at Trinity College.

Trinity College

The College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth is the sole constituent college of the University of Dublin. Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, Trinity is Ireland’s oldest university and retains a reputation as a research-intensive centre.
Trinity College Dublin is one of the seven ancient universities of Britain and Ireland, and it is a sister college to both St John’s College, Cambridge, and Oriel College, Oxford. The college is situated on College Green in central Dublin, opposite the Houses of the Oireachtas, on a site that was once home to an Augustinian priory. The college is home to over 17,500 students and 2,000 staff, and has a strong reputation for teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines.

Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison in Dublin, Ireland, stands as a stark reminder of the country’s tumultuous past. Built in 1796, the gaol served as a confinement for both common criminals and political prisoners, including many prominent figures in Ireland’s struggle for independence. Its walls echoed with the footsteps of revolutionaries like Robert Emmet, the Fenians, and the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising, fourteen of whom were executed within the gaol’s grounds.

The gaol’s harsh conditions and brutal punishments reflected the oppressive rule of British authority in Ireland. Prisoners faced solitary confinement, forced labor, and flogging, while executions were carried out in the Stonebreaker’s Yard.

Despite its grim history, Kilmainham Gaol has become a powerful symbol of Irish resilience and the fight for self-determination. Its preservation as a national monument ensures that the stories of those who passed through its gates are never forgotten.

St Patrick Cathedral

Standing proudly in Dublin’s heart, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a magnificent landmark steeped in rich history. Its origins trace back to the 5th century when St. Patrick himself is said to have baptized converts on this very site. Over centuries, the cathedral has undergone various transformations, reflecting the changing tides of Irish history. Its construction began in the 1220s, commissioned by Archbishop Luke. The cathedral’s design, a blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles, stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the era. Throughout its existence, St. Patrick’s Cathedral has witnessed pivotal moments in Irish history, from the Reformation to the struggles for independence. The cathedral has also served as a final resting place for notable figures, including Jonathan Swift, the renowned author of Gulliver’s Travels. Today, St. Patrick’s Cathedral remains an iconic symbol of Dublin and a cherished piece of Irish heritage. Its imposing presence and intricate beauty continue to awe visitors from around the globe.

Temple Bar

located on the south bank of the River Liffey. It is known for its cobbled streets, traditional pubs, and lively atmosphere. The area has a long and rich history, dating back to the Viking era. The name Temple Bar is thought to have come from Sir William Temple, who built a house and gardens in the area in the early 1600s. In the 18th century, Temple Bar was a thriving commercial district, home to many merchants and traders. However, it fell into decline in the 19th century, and by the mid-20th century, it was a run-down and neglected area.

In the 1980s, Temple Bar underwent a major redevelopment, and it is now one of Dublin’s most popular tourist destinations. It is home to a wide variety of pubs, restaurants, shops, and galleries. Temple Bar is also a popular venue for festivals and events, such as the Temple Bar TradFest and the Dublin Fringe Festival.

Pheonix Park

The Phoenix Park is Europe’s largest enclosed public park, spanning over 700 hectares in the heart of Dublin, Ireland. Its rich history dates back to the 17th century, when it was established as a royal hunting ground by King Charles II. Over the years, the park has witnessed numerous events, from grand celebrations to political upheavals, becoming an integral part of Dublin’s identity.

In 1745, the Earl of Chesterfield, then Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, opened the park to the public. This marked a significant shift in the park’s purpose, transforming it from a private hunting ground into a shared space for Dubliners to enjoy. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the Phoenix Park played a prominent role in Dublin’s military history. The park hosted various military encampments and maneuvers, reflecting the city’s strategic importance.

The park has been the backdrop for several notable events, including the Phoenix Park Murders in 1882, a political assassination that shocked the nation. It also hosted the Papal visit of Pope John Paul II in 1979, drawing over a million people to a mass celebration.

Today, the Phoenix Park serves as a vibrant recreational hub for Dubliners and visitors alike. It offers a wide range of activities, from leisurely strolls along its tree-lined avenues to cycling, cricket, and horse riding. The park is also home to Dublin Zoo and Áras an Uachtaráin, the official residence of the President of Ireland.

Whiskey Distillery