You really can’t avoid strolling down historic O’Connell Street. Dublin’s main thoroughfare is named after 19th century nationalist hero Daniel O’Connell, whose statue is on the left. The 1916 Easter Rising began when Irish nationalists seized the Post Office on O’Connell Street.
Most of Dublin Castle dates from the 18th century but a castle has stood on the site since the time of King John. Having once been the seat of English then British rule, it is now a major Irish government complex.
The gothic Christ Church Cathedral - more formally the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity - was founded around 1030 AD and is the elder of the city’s two mediaeval cathedrals, the other being St Patrick’s.
James Joyce referred to it in Ulysses, Radiohead namechecked it in Kid A. The Liffey flows through the heart of Dublin and provides most of the city’s drinking water, although contrary to belief, the water used in Guinness comes from the Wicklow mountains.
When you’ve seen the sights by day, there’s only one place to head for after dusk. Temple Bar has grand old pubs and fine restaurants, as well as the hustle and bustle you’d expect in a capital city’s “cultural centre” at night.
