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DublÃn, IRLANDA 2024
O'Connell Street Upper (O'Connell Street overall) is the principal and widest thoroughfare in Dublin city centre and a core axis of modern Irish history.
Location and Character: The street, located on the Northside of the River Liffey, is a broad and imposing boulevard, famous for its succession of monuments commemorating key figures in Irish nationalism and history. It was formerly named Sackville Street and was renamed in honour of Daniel O'Connell in 1924.
Key Monuments: The Upper part of the street is dominated by:
The Spire of Dublin: A modern, 120-meter-tall stainless steel needle, erected in 2003 on the site of the former Nelson's Pillar (destroyed in 1966).
The GPO (General Post Office): The neoclassical post office, famous for being the headquarters of the rebels during the 1916 Easter Rising. Bullet holes are still visible on its columns.
Statues: The street is lined with various statues, including those of James Larkin (trade union leader) and Charles Stewart Parnell (nationalist leader), which marks the street's northern end.
Historical Significance: The street is not only a commercial hub but an "open-air museum" of Ireland's rebellion and independence history, as it was the scene of numerous pivotal national events.
DublÃn, IRLANDA 2024
Maquay's Bridge is a historic crossing that spans the Grand Canal in Dublin, not the River Liffey. It is situated near Grand Canal Street and the Grand Canal Basin in the Docklands area. The original bridge was constructed in 1791 and named after George Maquay, a banker and director of the Grand Canal Company. Its location is notable for its proximity to old docklands industries and the site of the 1916 Easter Rising at Boland's Mill. The bridge marks the entrance to the first lock on the canal. The structure today likely dates from a later reconstruction, possibly in the 1930s. Nowadays, the surrounding area is a mix of industrial heritage and modern office blocks, including the nearby Aviva Stadium.
DublÃn, IRLANDA 2024
Dublin Castle is one of the most important buildings in Irish history, located in the heart of the old city.
History and Role: From its founding in 1204 by order of King John of England until Ireland's independence in 1922, Dublin Castle was the seat of English and later British rule in Ireland (for 700 years). It served as a fortress, a viceregal residence, a prison, and an administrative centre.
Architecture: The original structure was a medieval fortress. However, a major fire in 1684 destroyed much of the building. What is visible today is primarily a transformation into an 18th-century Georgian palace, which includes the magnificent State Apartments.
Key Features: The only significantly surviving medieval part is the Record Tower. Also notable is the Chapel Royal, an impressive example of the Gothic Revival style.
Current Function: Since 1922, the castle has belonged to the Irish government. Today, it serves as the venue for presidential inaugurations, State receptions (visits by foreign dignitaries), and international conferences.
DublÃn, IRLANDA 2024
The Ha'penny Bridge (Halfpenny Bridge) is one of Dublin's most recognizable and beloved landmarks.
Name and History: Originally called the Liffey Bridge, it was built in 1816 by William Walsh, an entrepreneur who received a license to build a toll bridge on the condition that he dismantle his ferry service. The popular name, "Ha'penny Bridge," comes from the toll charged to pedestrians to cross it (a halfpenny).
Design and Material: It is a cast-iron bridge designed with an elegant, elongated arch. It is strictly for pedestrian use and has been restored several times, most recently in 2001.
Location: It spans the River Liffey, connecting the quays on the Southside (Temple Bar) with the quays on the Northside (near O'Connell Street).
Significance: Beyond its utility, the bridge is an iconic site and a popular destination for tourists, frequently appearing on postcards and promotional material for the city.
DublÃn, IRLANDA 2024
The Temple Bar Pub is, without a doubt, the most famous and photographed Irish pub in Dublin and a landmark of the district that shares its name, Temple Bar.
Founding and Age: The pub's current license can be traced back to 1840, making it one of the city's historic pubs. The building itself, with its signature deep red façade, is a protected structure dating from that era.
Atmosphere and Music: It is renowned for its electric and festive atmosphere (craic), attracting a large crowd of tourists. It features live traditional Irish music every day, from morning until late at night.
Specialities: It is notable for holding Ireland's largest private collection of whiskey, alongside a wide selection of beers, including its own brand of whiskey.
DublÃn, IRLANDA 2024
Hard Rock Cafe Dublin is a world-famous themed restaurant and entertainment venue located in the heart of the Temple Bar cultural quarter, on Fleet Street.
Establishment and Location: It opened in 2004 and is situated in a very central area, close to major landmarks like Trinity College and Dublin Castle.
Atmosphere and Cuisine: Like all Hard Rock Cafes, it combines an American-style restaurant, a bar, and a live music venue. It is known for its classic American menu (especially its burgers) and cocktails, served in a lively rock and roll environment.
Music Memorabilia: The main draw is its extensive collection of music memorabilia displayed on the walls. This includes items from Irish stars such as Bono (sunglasses and handwritten lyrics) and Phil Lynott (bass guitar), alongside international pieces from legends like Jimi Hendrix.
The Rock Shop: Besides the dining area, it features a retail store where exclusive Hard Rock Cafe Dublin merchandise, such as T-shirts and pins often featuring local landmarks, can be purchased.
DublÃn, IRLANDA 2024
Smock Alley Theatre is a historic Dublin venue and the first public theatre built in the city, originally opening in 1662.
It is located on Smock Alley (now Exchange Street Lower), close to the River Liffey and Dublin Castle.
Its opening marked the beginning of professional, modern theatre in Ireland after the period of Cromwellian prohibition.
It was the venue for the premieres of many works by prominent Irish playwrights, including those from the English Restoration period.
The original theatre was rebuilt and renovated several times but ultimately closed its doors in the late 18th century.
The building fell into disrepair and was repurposed for various uses, including a Catholic chapel named St. Michael and St. John's Church.
In the 21st century, the structure underwent a major restoration, preserving its facade and integrating it into a new space.
The theatre reopened in 2012 with a modern design that honours its heritage, including its original vaulted ceiling.
Today, it functions as a vibrant arts hub hosting theatrical productions, festivals, weddings, and various events.
It symbolises the resilience and rich history of Irish theatre and continues to be a central player in Dublin’s cultural scene.
DublÃn, IRLANDA 2024
The Music Café, located on Grattan Bridge in Dublin, is a cozy cafe known for its relaxed atmosphere and river views. This independent establishment offers the perfect setting for a quiet break, with a touch of background jazz music that contributes to its unique vibe. It's a popular spot for enjoying specialty coffee and a selection of cakes and snacks. The cafe is particularly appreciated for its no-laptop policy, which encourages conversation and social interaction. Its central location makes it an ideal meeting point for locals and visitors seeking an intimate and authentic place.
DublÃn, IRLANDA 2024
The Famine Memorial by Edward Delaney, located at the northeast corner of St. Stephen's Green in Dublin, is a powerful work of art that commemorates the Great Irish Famine. The sculpture, created by the Irish artist Edward Delaney in 1967, consists of several bronze figures that evoke the desperation, hunger, and loss of this tragic period. The figures, with their skeletal forms and gestures of suffering, convey a sense of harshness and desolation. The memorial is considered an example of modern expressionism and stands out for its abstract and evocative character. Its location in one of the city's most central parks makes it a must-visit site for reflection for those who want to understand one of the most painful periods in Ireland's history.
DublÃn, IRLANDA 2024
The Oscar Wilde Monument, located in Merrion Square in Dublin, is a tribute to the famous Irish writer and playwright. Unveiled in 1997, this sculpture is one of the most unique in the city. The main piece shows Wilde reclining on a large quartz boulder, with a dual facial expression: one half of his face smiles, while the other frowns, symbolizing his complex nature and controversial life. The sculpture is crafted from various materials, including green jade, pink, and blue granite. Beside it, there are two bronze pillars with quotes from the writer, one with a female figure representing his wife, Constance, and the other with a male figure. This monument is not only a tourist attraction but also a place for reflection on Wilde's legacy.
DublÃn, IRLANDA 2024
The National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology, located on Kildare Street in Dublin, is the main repository for ancient Irish artifacts. It opened its doors in 1890 and its exhibitions span from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages, with a collection of over two million objects. Among its most celebrated pieces are the Iron Age "bog bodies," prehistoric gold treasures, and relics from the Celtic, Viking, and medieval periods. This museum is an indispensable source of information for researchers and a major attraction for tourists. The building itself, in a Victorian Palladian style, is also a point of interest.
DublÃn, IRLANDA 2024
Ulysses is the modernist masterpiece by James Joyce, published in 1922, and regarded as one of the 20th century's most significant novels. The book chronicles the thoughts and activities of three main characters—Leopold Bloom, Stephen Dedalus, and Molly Bloom—over the course of a single day. That day is June 16, 1904, a date commemorated annually in Dublin as Bloomsday. Structurally, the novel parallels the episodes of Homer's Odyssey, with Bloom serving as the modern-day Odysseus. The action unfolds entirely within the streets, pubs, and landmarks of Dublin, which Joyce recreated with obsessive accuracy. The city becomes far more than just a setting; it is a central character, captured in intense detail. Joyce employs the "stream of consciousness" style to delve into the minds of the characters, most famously in Molly Bloom's final monologue. Its legacy in Dublin is celebrated with walking tours and festive events that invite fans to retrace Bloom's steps. The novel's faithfulness to the Dublin landscape has made it a timeless literary guidebook to the city.
DublÃn, IRLANDA 2024
Oscar Wilde House, located at 1 Merrion Square, is the childhood home of the celebrated writer and playwright. The Georgian building is now a museum and cultural center that offers a glimpse into the life of Wilde and his family. His parents, Sir William and Lady Jane Wilde, made the house a hub of social and cultural life in Victorian Dublin. The interior, with its period furniture, transports visitors to the environment where the young literary genius was formed. This house is a testament to the creative atmosphere in which Wilde grew up, and its interactive exhibitions explore his life and the legacy he left in literature.
DublÃn, IRLANDA 2024
Boland's Mills is a historic complex of warehouses and flour mills located in Grand Canal Dock, Dublin. Originally built in the 19th century, it was a vital centre for the city's milling industry before gaining its historical fame. The site is most famous for its pivotal role during the 1916 Easter Rising, serving as the headquarters for the 3rd Battalion of the Irish Volunteers. This battalion, led by Éamon de Valera, controlled a crucial access route into the city, engaging in fierce fighting with British forces. After standing derelict for decades, the complex underwent a major, heritage-sensitive redevelopment project. Now known as Boland's Quay, the refurbishment preserved the original buildings while adding striking modern office and residential towers. Today it sits in the heart of the area known as the "Silicon Docks", with the majority of its office space occupied by Google's engineering hub.
DublÃn, IRLANDA 2024
The National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology is the central repository for Ireland's archaeological artefacts, located on Kildare Street, Dublin. The building itself is a landmark Victorian-Palladian structure featuring a magnificent rotunda and mosaic floors. The collections span over 7,000 years of Irish history, from the Mesolithic period to the Late Middle Ages. One of the most famous exhibits is the 'Treasury,' featuring iconic Celtic Christian metalwork. Priceless pieces like the Ardagh Chalice and the Tara Brooch are housed here. The museum also showcases one of the most significant collections of prehistoric gold in Europe. Another major highlight is the display of the well-preserved Iron Age 'bog bodies.' Additionally, there is an extensive section dedicated to Viking Age artefacts recovered from the Wood Quay excavations in Dublin. Admission is free.
DublÃn, IRLANDA 2024
Grand Canal Dock is a Dublin docklands district that has undergone a spectacular urban transformation. Originally opened in 1796 as one of the world's largest docks, the area became derelict by the mid-20th century. Regeneration began in the late 1990s, converting the former industrial land into a thriving technological and residential hub. It is now famously nicknamed "Silicon Docks" due to the high concentration of European headquarters for tech giants like Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn. The area is noted for its modern architecture, including the striking Grand Canal Square designed by Martha Schwartz. It is also home to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Ireland's largest fixed-seat theatre, designed by Daniel Libeskind. The district has become one of Dublin's most desirable and vibrant areas, blending history (such as the old Boland's Mill) with luxury apartments and modern offices.