Heather on her travels

Dublin Tourist Attractions – The Ones You Might Have Missed

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 01:05 PM PDT

Visiting Ireland is the trip of a lifetime for many travelers. When in the country, Dublin is a must-see destination. No matter where you turn, there is plenty to do.

When perusing the city, you will probably want to visit attractions that get a lot of attention and of course stay in one of the many luxury hotels in Dublin. There are, however, plenty of hidden treasures in and around Dublin that you might miss if you don’t do your homework.

Notable Buildings

Aras An Uachtarain in Dublin

Dublin is packed full of beautiful and notable buildings. Some are renowned for the architecture, while others combine beauty with interesting activities. From a cultural standpoint, one of the most important Dublin buildings is the Aras An Uachtarain or President’s Palace. This popular attraction is located in Phoenix Park and offers a guided tour. If you want to get away from the city vibe and enjoy the lushness that Ireland is known for, Ardgillan Castle and Demesne is the place to stop. Not only can guests enjoy the amazing architecture, but the grounds are packed with amazing gardens.

Cultural Attractions

As a large city, Dublin has a wide variety of cultural attractions to offer visitors. While the Abbey Theatre is likely to catch your eye, fewer people enjoy the cultural possibilities offered by the Dublin Writer’s Museum. Celebrating Dublin’s rich literary heritage, 300 years of treasures rest within these walls; travel to 18 Parnell Square North to savor the atmosphere. If you find sports more interesting than books, you might make a stop at the GAA Museum in Croke Park. This venue pays homage to the sporting traditions of Ireland and is connected to the stadium, which is open for tours.

Croke Park in Dublin

Fun Fairs and Festivals

While many Dublin hot spots are available to visitors regardless of their travel itinerary, some of the most interesting Irish attractions are limited-time events. To participate in the Mullagh Fair Day, for example, you have to be in the area on September 11. Whether your party includes the old or young, this one-day fair has a nostalgic flavor with something for everyone. The end of September is particularly packed with fairs and festivals; visitors can spend time at the Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival, the Clare Island Singles Weekend or the New Ross Piano Festival, all of which are held simultaneously around the end of the month. Check your vacation dates to find other festivals that you might enjoy.

No matter where you travel around Dublin, there is plenty to see and do. However, if you want to enjoy the true flavor of this place, look beyond the standard vacation stops and find the hidden treasures. After all, some of the best memories are made when you take to the time to enjoy the attractions you might have missed and for those of you looking for real comfort on your visit here why not stay in one of the fine 5 star hotels in Dublin.

My thanks for this sponsored post to The Doyle Collection of luxury hotels in Ireland, the UK and the US.

Photo credits: Croke Park

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