Dublin is a fairly historic city. Not only has it served as the seat of power of one of the oldest countries to ever exist, but it has also preserved many of its most significant sites. If you want to learn a lot about Irish history while you're in the capital city, go to Dublin Castle, Malahide Castle, Trinity College Dublin, and Christ Church Cathedral. These and a few more are the places to tell Ireland's story. Or at least, parts of it that are worth discovering and learning more about. Fortunately, these are some of the most stunning spots in Dublin too!
Trinity College Dublin
No less than Queen Elizabeth I founded Trinity College Dublin in 1592. How's that for historic? This world-famous educational institution is arguably the most prominent school in Dublin. Not to mention the most famous. The college serves as the only constituent college of the University of Dublin, specifically as a research facility for the broader institution. The college campus is even a popular tourist destination, ranging from its big halls and grand library to its big public park. And among its many celebrated alumni include Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, Rober Emmet, William Trevor, Oliver Goldsmith, and Samuel Beckett, among many others.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Dublin Castle
If you can only
spend one day in Dublin, you'd do well to spend it in Dublin Castle. It's a Motte-and-bailey castle that once served as the seat of power in Ireland. For history buffs, this is a must-see. Many of the country's former leaders, from its kings to its eventual presidents, worked here. Big decisions that shaped the country's history were made here. And many international guests were received and entertained here too. There's probably no limit to the history to be explored in this historic site in Dublin. What more could you ask for?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Malahide Castle
Another historic castle worth visiting in Dublin is the Malahide Castle. When Sir Richard Talbot accompanied Henry II to Ireland in 1174, the former King of England granted him the lands where the castle now stands. The structure was then built also in the 12th century, eventually becoming an official estate in 1185. And from then on, the Talbot family lived and ruled over these lands. They stayed here up until 1976 when the family eventually gave the castle and the gardens to the Irish state. So now, you can explore the castle and the rest of its estate to learn more about the illustrious Talbot family and Irish history.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ William Murphy
Christ Church Cathedral
Dublin has two main Medieval churches. One is Christ Church Cathedral and the other is St. Patrick's Cathedral. Incidentally, both are popular tourist attractions in their own right. The Christ Church Cathedral, in particular, was built back in the early 11th century. It's said that the church was officially established when Hiberno-Norse King Sitric Silkenbeard of Dublin made a pilgrimage to Rome. Since then, many other Irish royalty, nobility, and even foreign aristocracy have visited and graced the majestic walls of the cathedral. Some of them include Henry VIII, Mary I, and James II, among many others.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
St Patrick's Cathedral
Although many would argue that Christ Church Cathedral is the more famous church in Dublin, St Patrick's Cathedral is actually the national cathedral of Ireland. Since 1870, St. Patrick's Cathedral has held the seat of the Archbishop of Dublin, the highest Roman Catholic title in the country. The church was built back in 1191 and a year later, in 1192, the Archbishop of Dublin at the time, John Comyn, raised its status as a Dublin Celtic parish into a cathedral. And like Christ Church Cathedral, St. Patrick Cathedral has seen many local and foreign royals and nobles grace its space.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Kilmainham Gaol
It's no secret that Ireland has a tumultuous history, especially in the more recent centuries. In fact, around the 19th and early 20th centuries, the country turned from a monarchy into a republic. It was a political and social revolution that inevitably changed Ireland at its core. And many of its most central figures, revolutionaries like Robert Emmett, Anne Devlin, and Henry Joy McCracken, were arrested and incarcerated in Kilmainham Gaol. In a way, this now-defunct prison was like Dublin's own version of the now-legendary Bastille Prison in
Paris prior to the French Revolution.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Glasnevin Cemetery
Beyond the typical castles, government buildings, and even prisons, not a lot of people realize that cemeteries are just as historic. These may not be the sites where important events transpired, but they have a lot of history to tell nonetheless. And in Dublin, one such place is the Glasnevin Cemetery. In this beautiful graveyard, the perfect spot to spend
autumn in Dublin, many of the country's most important figures now rest in peace. A few of the more notable ones include the city's former mayor Daniel O'Connell, former Minister for Justice Michael J. Collins, former Minister of External Affairs Seán MacBride, and writer Christy Brown.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ William Murphy
If you want to know more about Dublin and the ever-fascinating history of Ireland, discover the city's most historic spots. From castles and churches to even former prisons, these places embody the true story of this great nation.
