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.

Even though we did not actually go onto the island itself, the ferry boat tour around the Eye of…read moreIreland was still such a beautiful experience. Being out on the ocean and seeing the island from the water gave us incredible views of the rugged coastline and dramatic seaside cliffs. One of the highlights was getting to see puffins and the many different seabirds that live on and around the island. Watching them fly around the cliffs and rest along the rocks made the experience feel so peaceful and special. The scenery was absolutely stunning and felt like something out of a postcard. The entire boat ride was relaxing, scenic, and a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of the area. I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Howth, especially if you enjoy wildlife, ocean views, and beautiful coastal landscapes.

My review of Ireland's Eye is a little biased considering the weather I got while here. So it's a…read moresmall Island just a few minutes by boat from Howth harbour (so easily accessible from the city by DART). The Island has a nice beach, 7th century castle, Martello tower (climb up the rope to get inside!) and small cliffs that are popular with rock climbers. It's a perfect spot for a picnic and day out in the sun, you will not believe you are still in Dublin. OK, so lets talk about the ultimate way to see this island! On those rare calm days, don your wetsuit, grab a SUP (Stand Up Paddle board) and venture out from Howth harbour. Ok, so most of us can't just do that, but if a calm spell is coming contact the guys in Puremagic (Clontarf Rd). They are a super friendly group and they organise SUP lessons and SUParis around the Island. I went out on a SUP with Puremagic on a Friday evening and it was one of the most amazing things I've done in my 27 years in Dublin. As you approach the Island you will see curious seals starting to pop there heads out of the water. Before you know it you'll be surrounded by over 20 of them, some continued to follow us around the island. The side of the Island facing away from the coast is beautiful cliff face with large nesting bird colones. As I passed peacefully on my SUP just meters from the cliff face I could see thousands of birds flying, diving and skimming along the water. My favorite bird was the razorbill, they seem to struggle flying out of the water and spent most of the time skimming along on there belly, they looked like a cross between a penguin and a flying bird. There are also a few small caves along the cliff that a pretty cool to venture into. There is a sandy beach on the Island and when the tide is in there are a few spots from the rocks that provide a good spot for a bit of diving. So I've rambled, but I can not recommend SUPari around the Island more, so if you get the chance, DO IT!

In the basement of the main post office, this is a wonderful small museum focused on the history of…read moreDublin and the postal service. There are lots of interactive screens which you can touch and read more info and see pictures. A lot of content if you actually go through everything. Really enjoyed seeing the objects and 'sets' of what some of these places used to look like.

Gayle, Fern, Don, and I really enjoyed the "Rebel Rising" tour at the GPO (General Post Office)…read more We took this tour in the afternoon, and on the same day were at the Kilmainham Gaol in the morning. Those 2 taken together really gave us a comprehensive looks at event leading up to the 1916 Easter Rising, Irish Independence, the Civil War and lots of context both before and after. Both tours were docent led which really adds depth over anything self-guided. The exhibits themselves were well curated and interactive. There's also a nice gift shop here, and a working post office in the same building and just through a side door. GPO property remains a magnet for political activism, which was evident when we stepped out the door into the street.

Just like so many other memorials and tributes, this one is dedicated to victims of battle-people…read morefighting for their rights and freedom. No matter the culture, this seems to be a prevailing characteristic of humanity-we like to fight each other. It's a lovely little garden with a water feature in the center. There's a large sculpture at the end which depicts four children who were transformed into swans and will turn back into humans after 900 years, according to the legend of the Children of Lir.

One of the must see free gardens and parks in Dublin. We met our tour guide here as he deemed it…read morethe "staple of the city center" and talked about the significance of the Garden of Remembrance. If you've taken any time to study Irish history - you'll know the Irish fought for their land and freedoms for centuries and often times, they were not the victors. In the few years spent traveling to Ireland you'll hear a lot of the Irish people's plight for freedom and it was never an easy battle. Essentially this garden of remembrance signifies the Irish people and their contributions towards fighting for their freedoms. What I found interesting is that Our tour guide called himself a "blue blood" which in simpler terms he referred to him being a true Dublin local and that these garden means a lot to his people and those working in the city. He taught us a lot about the grounds, the fountains and statues. We toured the grounds with him and they were very nice and well kept. While looking over the fountain statues we were introduced to one of the groundskeepers as well. As lovely as it is it's also a somber place. We were told the story of what the children and swan statue represents, an Irish folklore. All interesting stuff and while the garden is free, I'd highly recommend hiring a local guide as there is so much we wouldn't have learned had we not had someone to tell us the history and stories of what we were looking at on the grounds.

Staying at a nearby hotel, I spotted the Wellington Monument and had to walk over to check it out…read more Officially the Wellington Testimonial, it is 203 feet tall which makes it the tallest in Europe. It is a tribute to the victories of the Duke of Wellington. The structure is solid - there are no doors or entrances and you can't climb to the top. It is surrounded by an open grass area that's perfect for tossing a ball or having a picnic. There aren't any benches or seats facing the monument. [Review 1985 of 2024 - 166 in Republic of Ireland - 23007 overall]

The Wellington Monument is located in Dublin's Phoenix Park, and is the tallest obelisk in Europe…read more(which is appropriate, as the Phoenix Park is the largest enclosed park in Western Europe). The monument itself is impressive, and it is nice to sit on the steps and look out across the park on sunny afternoon. One might think it strange the monument was not renamed in the early years of this state, however, as the Duke of Wellington held Ireland and all things Irish in distaste. Born in County Meath, the Duke always insisted that he wasn't Irish, using the analogy that being born in a barn does not make one a horse. Asshole. Bad cess to him anyway, but nice monument, though.

A free public exhibit! Very interesting learning about the history of Yeats! Just enter and let the…read morereceptionist know you're here for the exhibit! They're also taking donations if you have change to support them! Thank you National Library of Ireland!

Overall the library is not open for public access. But it's worth a quick visit to see the…read morebeautiful entry and the historical exhibit on "Yeats: The Life and Works of William Butler Yeats." Learned a bit about W.B. Yeates and the exhibit was open to the public without charge for admission. Overall cleanliness: excellent Time budget: unless you're a W.B. Yeates fan, budget 15 minutes.

Traveling the streets of Dublin and heading to Connolly Station, it's easy to forget about the…read morehistory here. In Continental Europe, I find the Stolpersteine monuments, the stumbling stones that commemorate the lives of those killed by the N*zis during World War II. This memorial is just as jarring and the history is more recent. It reads, "In Memory of the victims who died in Dublin and Monaghan Bombings 1974." And then it lists the names: Marie Butler | Anne Byrne | Simone Chetrit | John Dargle | Patrick Fay | Brenda Grace | Mary Mckenna | Ann Massey | Ann Marren | Dorothy Morris | Antonio Magliocco | John O'Brien | Anna O'Brien | Ann-Marie O'Brien | Jacqueline O'Brien | Concepta Dempsey | John Walshe | Christina O'Loughlin | Edward O'Neill | Marie Phelan | Siobhan Roice | Maureen Shields | Breda Turner | Josephine Bradley | Elizabeth Fitzgerald | Archie Harper | Peggy White | Jack Travers | Thomas Campbell | George Williamson | Patrick Askin | Colette Doherty | Thomas Croarkin | Baby Doherty | Baby Martha O'Neill The May 17 1974 bombings were a series of coordinated attacks carried out by the Ulster Volunteer Force. Three car bombs in Dublin during rush hour and the fourth in Monaghan 90 minutes later. They were the deadliest attack of the conflict and the deadliest attack in the Republic's history. No one has ever been charged - theories suggest that British security forces may have been involved. [Review 1841 of 2024 - 97 in Republic of Ireland - 22863 overall]

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