The capital of Ireland, as one of the oldest cities in Europe, is famous for the beauty of architecture, national identity, and a special atmosphere that can only be felt in this country. The calm, measured life of indigenous Irish people on quiet clean streets, between Victorian-style houses, echoes the spirit of ultra-fashionable boutiques and nightclubs. It is difficult to feel in one day that unique way of being, taken from the depths of centuries, harmoniously blended into our days. Still, the main attractions of Dublin will not escape the prying eyes of an experienced traveler.
Trinity College
It's worth starting with Trinity College. Its full name is "College of Queen Elizabeth of the Holy and Inseparable Trinity near Dublin." In 1592, by order of Queen Elizabeth, a university was founded near the city walls in the monastery of All Saints, which at that time was abandoned. Now, when the city has grown, the student place is in its middle, occupying an area of about 19 thousand. sq.m.
The centuries-old buildings here side by side with the buildings of recent times. Cozy alleys with perennial trees and modern sculptures look slender against the backdrop of cheerful bands of carefree students. For tourists, they arrange free guided tours in English. They tell the history of the village and amuse them with stories from the life of students.
The local library, one of the most beautiful in the world, is not to be missed. It is not only a storehouse of knowledge, but also a real architectural masterpiece. A two-tiered hall with a high vaulted ceiling, decorated with images of prominent scientists, busts of great writers of different times and peoples. The most famous tome of this library is the Book of Kells, which was created, according to experts, in 800.
What paints were used by the monks is still a mystery. Despite all their misadventures, several kidnappings, unsuccessful restorations, all illustrations have retained their brightness and clarity. Tourists have to pay entrance to the building, the proceeds go to the maintenance and renovation of the exhibits.
National Gallery of Ireland
The National Gallery of Ireland, which opened to the public in 1864, contains an extensive collection of works by the masters of painting. About 14 thousand paintings are kept in a relatively small building. Here you can enjoy paintings by Peter Paul Rubens, Claude Monet, Titian, Francisco Goya and other artists.
Monument of Light
The Monument of Light, located at the north end of O'Connell Street, is a significant achievement in contemporary art. The Dublin Needle, as this creation is also called, is visible, perhaps, from all points of the city. Covered with a special reflective material, it shines in the sun during the day, at night it has a mesmerizing appearance, illuminated by aviation lights.
The needle was erected in 2003 when the mayor's office was conducting a company to modernize the city center. The height of the stele is 121 meters, the diameter of the base is 3m, the top is 15cm. Despite the seemingly unpretentious construction, this monument is firmly established in the capital and is its embodiment. As conceived by the architects, it is a symbol of the unbending Irish spirit.
St patrick's cathedral
Another landmark of Dublin is the spire of St. Patrick's Cathedral, its height is 43 meters. Of course, it does not reach the "Needle", but its magnificent features, like the entire sanctuary, exceed all expectations. Built in 1192, over time it turned into a whole complex of buildings, each of which is worthy of the attention of travelers.
The dramatic finishes that adorn the gray walls make them an incomparable example of Gothic architecture. Inside the temple is striking in the splendor of the decoration. Stained-glass windows on huge windows, carved arches extending to the ceiling, amazing tiles on the floor. If you're lucky, you can hear the dizzying sounds of the organ. Interestingly, one of the deans of this cathedral was Jonathan Swift, and he is buried here.
Dublin Castle
The tour will be incomplete if you do not see Dublin Castle from the side. For more than eight centuries, it delights the Irish and guests of the capital with its majestic and elegant appearance. This is a government complex, but if there are no meetings, conferences, or other important events on that day, it is open to curious visitors.
Here you can visit the Birmingham Tower, the Church of the Holy Trinity, the Arts Center, museums of various government services. In the dungeons, concerts are held here, there is a nice cafe, a souvenir shop. Guests of this grandiose complex can trace the history of the development of Irish architecture over several centuries, starting with the XIII.
Brewery at St James's Gate
Beer under the Guinness trademark is another Dublin trademark. It is brewed in the famous "St. James's Gate Brewery". Nearby there is a museum dedicated to the intricacies of making this drink and to Arthur Guinness himself, the famous brewer and creator of the "Book of Records". In the museum, guests get acquainted with the equipment used, which is called "by touch".
You can touch everything with your hands, turn on the machines, observe their work. Learn recipes that use beer, purchase ready-made dishes. For example, chocolates, beer-filled cakes and more. A huge set of beer bottles, dissimilar to each other, decorates the third floor, on the sixth tasting of various varieties is held. At the very top, there is a wonderful observation deck, where you can sip the beer paid for in the entrance ticket, admiring Dublin. An amazing view of the city opens from here.
Temple Bar
You can get around these sights on foot, breathing in the humid sea air, looking around parks, squares, small monuments standing right on the sidewalk, such as Molly Malone, along the way. Few can safely walk past it after a night out in local pubs. The popular Temple Bar area is simply crowned with glory in this sense. For residents of Ireland, beer is a special drink that supports national traditions. More than 600 varieties of it can be tasted in the institutions of the area.
Even more types of snacks from meat, sausages, cheeses, seafood. There is enough entertainment for every taste. Musicians perform their songs, dance floors sparkle with colorful lights. After passing through several pubs in Temple Bar, infected with the cheerful mood of the townspeople, the night passes completely unnoticed.
