Short Break in Dublin - Sight Seeing
Attractions - other articles in this category > Short Break Sight Seeing > Holiday Pub and literary tour > 24hr Dublin BreakYou'll be spoilt for choice for things to do on weekend short breaks in Dublin and although you could spend your whole weekend just rambling the city there are a few sights that shouldn't be missed.
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Trinity College
The city's most obvious attraction is Trinity College, a 16th -century seat of learning and home to some of the city's best architecture and the world-renowned Book of Kells. Take a guided walking tour for the best insight into the history of the college and access to the most interesting rooms.
Saint Patrick's and the National Museum
Other must sees are the two imposing 12th -century cathedrals, Christchurch and St Patrick's, worth a visit for their fine architecture and gripping history. At Christchurch you can visit the Dublinia exhibition which chronicles the city's medieval history.
For culture-vultures on weekend breaks in Dublin, the National Museum should be the first pit-stop for its fine collection of Bronze and Iron Age gold and world-famous collection of Celtic metalwork. Nearby you'll find the National Gallery, home to a collection of works by all the big names of Irish and European art including Yeats, Caravaggio, Turner, Rembrandt and Picasso.
Irish Museum of Modern Art
No short break to Dublin could possibly be complet without a visit to the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) in Kilmainham, housed in the stunning 17th -century Royal Hospital. The permanent collection is augmented by temporary exhibitions of 20th -century Irish and international art. While in the area take the chance to see Kilmainham Jail, the site of the many executions following the Irish uprising in 1916. The chilling building and guided tour serves as a disturbing reminder of the jail's role in Irish history.
More international art can be seen at the Hugh Lane Gallery on Parnell Square. It houses works by Manet, Pisarro and Renoir but its most famous acquisition was the entire contents of Francis Bacon's London studio, lovingly reconstructed and complete with unfinished canvasses, personal effects and paint-strewn floor. Next door to the Hugh Lane is the Dublin Writer's Museum, which celebrates the city's literary history. Joycean fans should also head for the James Joyce cultural centre near by.
For culture of a different nature you should head for Smithfield, home to the Old Jameson Distillery, where you can learn the secrets of Irish whiskey, sample the 'hard stuff' and then head next door for a trip up the old distillery chimney for views over the city and the Wicklow mountains to the south. Dublin's other alco-tourism venture the Guinness Storeouse is featured on or page on 24 hour Dublin breaks.
Dublin - Weekend Breaks
