Museums, libraries and galleries are reopening today, May 10, after being closed since December.
And if that news is not good enough, intercounty travel is finally allowed. So escape Groundhog day, forget the takeaway coffees and the reoccurring walks in your local parks, and discover what Dublin has to offer.
If you were thinking of making the trip to the Big Smoke, or if you already live in the capital but haven’t been a tourist in your own county, you will have plenty of places to see and explore from today.
Here are the top seven places you should check out:
Visit the Little Museum of Dublin
Little by name but not by nature, the museum is home to more than 5,000 artefacts. Situated right in the city centre on St Stephen’s Green, you’d be mad not to pop by.
The Little Museum tells the remarkable story of the Irish capital and its unique greeter programme, City of a Thousand Welcomes, has been described by the Sydney Morning Herald as “the best free thing to do in Europe.”
Dublin Castle
Dream of being a king or queen for a day and wander through the corridors of the 13th century castle. It’s been a military fortress, a prison, a treasury, courts of law and was the seat of English Administration in Ireland for 700 years.
It houses two museums, two cafés, two gardens, Government Buildings and the State Apartments which are the most important state rooms in the country. The grounds of the site are free to explore, as is the Chester Beatty Library and the Revenue Museum, but access to the State Apartments is by guided tour only.
The National Museum of Ireland
This top notch museum has plenty of art and archaeology on display, and it is the perfect family day out. Its 10,000 exhibits provide a glimpse of the natural world that has delighted visitors for more than 150 years. Think skeletons, stuffed dead animals and freaky preserved sea life, not to mention many pieces of fine art.
The Decorative Arts and History is located at Collins Barracks and the Archaeology display is on Kildare Street.
See the Book of Kells
The Book of Kells is housed in one of Dublin’s most iconic and beautiful buildings, Trinity College. A walk through the cobbled stones of the college will bring visitors back to the 18th century, when the magnificent Old Library building was constructed.
And nestled inside is the Book of Kells - a 9th-century gospel manuscript famous throughout the world. Visitors will also get to enjoy the Book of Kells ‘Turning Darkness into Light’ exhibition and the magnificent Long Room which houses 200,000 of the Library’s oldest books.
Etihad Skyline Tour Croke Park
What better way to see Dublin than from 17 storeys high on the roof of Ireland’s most famous sporting arena?
Enthusiastic tour guides share local stories and history while pointing out key landmarks - all from 44 metres above the ground. In the winter months, why not try the special ‘Dusk’ twilight to darkness tour and see the festive glow of Dublin’s lights.
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
This immersive and interactive museum covers the sprawling history of the Irish diaspora and their impact on the wider world. The tourist attraction also celebrates its 5th Birthday this week
St Patrick’s Cathedral
Built in honour of Ireland’s patron saint, the Cathedral is opposite the famous well where St Patrick is believed to have baptised converts on his visit to Dublin.
It’s the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland and dates back to 1220. Enjoy a casual wander inside or take a guided tour Monday to Saturday 10.30-2.30.
For the latest news and breaking news visit dublinlive.ie/news.
Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @DublinLive - the official Dublin Live Twitter account - real news in real time.
We're also on Facebook/dublinlive - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the capital.
