First thing about these place: it is not easy to find! For some reason my GPS sent me to the other…read moreside of the river and I almost lost my appointment. It is located inside a building so it is really easy to miss. Just be attentive and look for the signs. Once I was there everything went smoothly. The whole thing took less than an hour. I got a number, handed my documents, was told to put my hand bag in the locker (they'll give you a key). Then they tell you to go to the end of the corridor where is the room the exam happens. They'll take a headshot of you and collect your signature. You go to the exam room and you do your thing ;) Once you are done you leave the room and wait in the same area you were waiting before. In what seems to be ages they will finally call your name and tell you if you passed or not. Good luck!

What a beautiful landmark and historic one too. I walked across this bridge daily from my hotel to…read moredowntown. There are plenty of bridges but this one stood out the most, small but surely carried more foot traffic, especially tourists than others. At night, it's such a wonderful lighting with the traditional Irish green. Pretty epic.

Such a beautiful landscape. Definitely brought over a ton…read moreof tourists, but everyone says it's a must see!

The Casino at Marino is one of the best examples of neo-classical architecture in Ireland, and is…read moreone of very few follies still extant in the country (if you don't know what a folly is, it is a type of building that was built by aristocrats to look really good, but not really to perform a specific function. Think of it as a big granite play-house). The building is called 'Casino' as in the Italian for 'little house' (gambling houses were not known as casinos until later), and was built by the architect Sir William Chambers for James Caulfield, the 1st Earl of Charlemont in the 18th Century. The building is like a big optical illusion, as from a distance it looks like it contains only one vast room, but when you get up close, it becomes apparent that it contains a number of rooms across a several floors. And for such a grandiose design, the building itself is actually quite small. And some of the columns were constructed hollow to contain drainpipes in order that the facade would not look cluttered, and the urns on the roof contain chimneys. It's a pity more people don't visit the Casino, although it is understandable as it is located somewhat off the beaten track, not only because it is in the northside suburbs, but also because the entrance isn't even on the main road, you have to go through a housing estate to get there. A sadly overlooked architectural gem on Dublin's northside.

My brother's girlfriend works in Marino teacher training college and she was raving to me how…read moreamazing this place is and was at me to take the tour. The tour takes just under an hour and I am really glad that I heeded her tip. It really is amazing to see the eccentricities too much money will allow you to indulge. "The Casino was designed by Sir William Chambers as a pleasure house for James Caulfeild, 1st Earl of Charlemont. It is one of the finest 18th century neoclassical buildings in Europe The Casino, meaning "small house", surprisingly contains 16 finely decorated rooms, endlessly rich in subtlety and design. It is a remarkable building - both in terms of structure and history." James Caulfeild did not want his guests to be disturbed by the presence of servants, heaven forbid, so there is a separate corridor for them to bring the food etc to the guests in the room.

I really believe in the importance of volunteering, it's something that I always try to do. It's…read morenot something that I do to make myself look good but I really love the personal high I get off it. It also is an excellent way of making new friends, getting experience in an area that interests you or as has been the case for me, a great way to integrate back into a community. I lived abroad for several years and that was the technique I used when there so I carried it over here and the Irish Aid Centre was wonderful at giving me information about programmes that appealed to me. I cannot recommend this place enough especially for people that have been made unemployed and want to occupy their days. They of course offer other services, such as teaching aids, free lectures/events and information on aid programmes in foreign lands. It really is a travesty that their funding has been cut, the work they enable people do do is so crucial it saddens me think how the people that rule this country will look after the corrupt but the needy are always left wanting. The Centre is a modern bright welcoming affair. Inside are various kiosks that people can use to get more information on volunteer programmes abroad and how Irish Aid helps them. Truly wonderful place with a very important mission.

For anyone interested in working in a development country, the Irish Aid Information Centre is a…read moregood place to start your research. If you have no interest in volunteering, or travelling, you should still pop in, if only to check out the exhibitions and learn how the money Ireland dedicates to development aid is spent, but Irish Aid works on diverse projecys in Ethiopia, Malawi, Lesotho, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Timor Leste and Vietnam. Their current exhibition features photographs and information on one of Irish Aid's projects in Malawi and the power of science for smallholder farmers in the country's Khulungira village. Very interesting and thought provoking. They also frequently host lectures and cultural events so check out their website for the schedule. They loose one star for lack of information about volunteering in Ireland. They have plenty of brochures on oversees volunteering opportunities but nothing for those who want to give some of their free time in Ireland. Even though they specialise in oversees aid, I would have thought that the staff could provide some assistance about where to turn.

If you are in Dublin, do the side trip to Howth. It is about 30 minute bus or train ride from the…read morecenter of Dublin. Check to see if a festival is happening as it affects travel times. A Seafood Festival was happening when we were there so it was crowded. If you take the city bus m, it drops you at the top of the cliff walk and you can walk back down. We ended up walking up and catching the bus back to Dublin at the top. The trail we did was the easy one. It went through residential areas for the first half. As we got further up, we could see some of the views. When you get to the top, the view are amazing. You can see a lighthouse and the Eye of Ireland island. The trail was moderately strenuous. A restaurant/bar is about 5 minutes from the top. A parking lot is at the top. You can walk down on different trails. Some trails are along the sea. A small convenience store is across from The bus stop. We waited about 10 minutes for the bis.

The seaside cliff hike was absolutely breathtaking and one of the highlights of our trip. The trail…read moreis about 5K (around 3 miles) and offers stunning ocean views the entire way. The scenery was gorgeous, with lush green foliage surrounding the path and beautiful purple and yellow flowers blooming throughout the hike. The trail was well maintained and easy to enjoy at a relaxed pace while taking in the incredible coastal views. There were so many perfect spots to stop for photos and simply appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and fresh ocean air. If you enjoy nature, scenic walks, and beautiful seaside landscapes, I would definitely recommend this hike. It was such a memorable experience and a perfect way to spend a day outdoors.

This is within Pearse library and it's the place to find copies of newspapers from a few weeks ago…read moreback to the 1800's. My Dad would always take me here each year to check the newspapers on the day I was born to see what was happening. Even though it was the same newspaper each year it never lost it's thrill on me. There is something exciting about the connection you feel with the events that were happening the day you got life. Well worth the visit especially if you can't think of anything to do to fill a few hours.

Love Pearse Library. Downstairs is a public library on the left hand side and an exhibition space…read moreon the right hand side and upstairs has the Dublin City Archives Reading Room. The reading room holds the Dublin and Irish Collections, the Dix Collection of mainly 17th and 18th century Dublin and Irish imprints, the Yeats Collection, the Children's Book Collection and imprints of publishers such as the Dun Emer and Cuala Press. A collection of Thom's Dublin street directories and other Dublin and Irish directories is also maintained. The librarians are extremely knowledgeable and helpful.

O'Connell Street is a large, busy street with lots of people, buses and trams, beautiful buildings,…read moreand lots of stores. It is a little grittier than Grafton Street and felt a little less safe. The 1916 uprising memorial Museum is here. There is a cool Dublin sign that lights up at night. It had lots of small convenience stores. It also intersex with another street that had lots of shopping with brand-name stores, chemist, and restaurants.

The wife and I were on a guided tour along O'Connell Street. Stood at the historic River Liffey…read more(O'Connell Bridge) in Dublin and took in the views. Aside from the tranquil river is the well detailed Daniel O'Connell brass and granite 40 foot tall statue. The main conversation in the street was the pigeon poop dripping from his head from live pigeons (see pic). The street is a main tourist rich neighborhood with eateries and landmarks. Noticed several active Yelpers also taking advantage of this picturesque iconic area.

good to see but much like many of the castles you'll find all over Ireland. If you're in Maynooth…read morecheck it out

Before you visit the castle you should know that this is a ruin. It hasn't been restored and only…read morehas a very small visitor centre. Personally the fact that it hasn't been restored is what would attract me to it, who wants to see a restoration when they can see ruins?! Ruins are so much more authentic and take fabulous pictures. Admission onto the property is free which is great but beware as the gate is not always open throughout the year - when we were younger we used to hop over the fence. Things to notice at the castle: 1. the crest on the front of the castle has two monkeys on it, you should find out why 2. the Geraldine-style toilet outlet 3. The alcove in the archway at the back of the property where the guard used to hide with his sword I'd recommend this place on a sunny day