The National Library of Ireland is Ireland's national library located in Dublin, in a building designed by Thomas Newenham Deane. The Minister for Arts, Sport & Tourism is the member of the Irish Government responsible for the library. The mission of the National Library of Ireland is 'To collect, preserve, promote and make accessible the documentary and intellectual record of the life of Ireland and to contribute to the provision of access to the larger universe of recorded knowledge'. It has a large quantity of Irish and Irish-related material which can be consulted without charge; this includes books, maps, manuscripts, music, newspapers, periodicals and photographs. Included in their collections is material issued by private as well as government publishers. The Chief Herald of Ireland and National Photographic Archive are attached to the library. The library holds exhibitions and an archive of Irish newspapers. It is also ISSN National Centre for Ireland.

Trinity College, Dublin, formally known as the College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth was founded in 1592 by letters patent from Queen Elizabeth I as the "mother of a university", and is the only constituent college of the University of Dublin. It is Ireland's oldest university. Originally established outside the city walls of Dublin in the buildings of the dissolved Augustinian monastery of All Hallows, Trinity was set up in part to consolidate the rule of the Tudor monarchy in Ireland, and it was seen as the university of the Protestant Ascendancy for much of its history; although Roman Catholics and Dissenters had been permitted to enter as early as 1793, certain restrictions on their membership of the college remained until 1873, and the Catholic Church in Ireland forbade its adherents, without permission from their bishop, from attending until 1970. Women were first admitted to the college as full members in 1904.

This building is the symbol of Ireland’s independence from Great Britain. It has been known as the Irish Parliament House, but today is known as the Bank of Ireland, College Green because it is used as a branch of the National Irish Bank. The Bank of Ireland is the world's first two chamber parliament house. Many important events in modern Irish history have taken place here.

For a lot of people the word “Viking” evokes huge Norsemen attacking small undefended villages for a spot of rape and pillage, but the reality is a far cry from the legend, so do visit Dublin’s Viking Adventure on Essex Street to find out how these brave voyagers really lived.

Vikings settled in Ireland over 1000 years ago and the museum has faithfully recreated the village of Dyflin, the earliest recorded settlement on the land which became Dublin, in the Wood Quay area of the town. Excavations have shown that this village holds the most important ruins outside Scandinavia.

The Vikings were not only the greatest navigators of their time; they were also hunters, farmers and craftsmen. In the museum you will see examples of their post-and- wattle houses, animal skins, weapons and tools of the époque. There is a reconstruction of a 30ft Viking longboat and a short video explaining how it was built.

You will learn able the daily lives of the people and in particular the work of the settlement’s black and silver smiths. There is a weaving loom and a short video on how it was used to weave cloth. You will also learn about the Viking’s conversion to Christianity, even though they still raided monasteries and Christian churches even after they accepted Bible teaching.

The museum Craft Shop sells souvenirs and books about Viking history and legends, and there is a very good café that sells homemade scones and cream.

The Irish Celtic Craftshop is a family run enterprise, in operation since 1992. Ideally sited near Christchurch Cathedral in the oldest part of Dublin, this store is a real treasure trove of gifts, and a definite must-visit for any souvenir seeking tourist. On offer are Celtic products such as jewellery (silver/gold/costume with designs of Claddagh, Shamrock or Harp), books and wall hangings. There are also traditional Celtic-themed souvenirs like brass ware, thimbles, scarves, t-shirts and t-towels, as well as Bodhrans (Irish drums), Tins whistles, Irish sweaters, glassware and posters. The presented variety is fit to satisfy any budget. The shop also offers goods of renowned brands such as Wild Goose, Waltons, Celtic T, Royal Tara, Guinness, Clara and Island Turf.

While you are in Dublin you really should visit the Christ Church Cathedral which is the oldest medieval church in the city.

In the early 11th century the Norse-Gael King, Sitric Silkenbeard, went on a pilgrimage to Rome and on his return he founded the cathedral overlooking the Viking settlement in Wood Quay. The first building was wooden and was rebuilt in stone in 1180. An extra nave and the Chapel of Saint Laurence O’Toole where added in the 13th century.

The church is somewhat unique in the fact that it is the seat of both the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Ireland and the Anglican Church of Ireland. While the cathedra remains in the church, the Archbishop uses St Mary’s Church and the cathedral is managed by the dean and chapter.

The crypt dates back to 1172 and is the largest in Ireland. It is also the earliest surviving structure in Dublin. It houses the oldest secular carvings and carved statues in the country. There is a 17th century tabernacle and candelabras and you can see 17th century stocks that were once set up beside the church doors to publicly punish offenders. An unusual display in the crypt is the mummified remains of a cat and a rat, found trapped behind the organ.

In the crypt you can watch a short video on the history of the cathedral and visit the cathedral shop where you will find souvenirs and documents about the beginning of Christianity in Ireland. The cathedral café is also to be found in the crypt; it serves sandwiches, a variety of cakes and scones and cream, as well as tea and coffee.

At the west end of the building an ancient stone bridge leads to the former synod hall, which today is home to the Dublinia Exhibition of Medieval Dublin. The cathedral has 19 ringing bells; bell ringing is carried out by the Master of the Tower and the Ringing Master.

The Brazen Head originally opened back in the medieval ages. Today, this establishment retains its original look and atmosphere despite all the changes that it has been through. The Brazen Head’s decor reflects the bar's long history, earning its place in Irish history. Remarkable Irish people like James Joyce, Patrick Kavanagh and Brendan Behan frequented this old haunt. The live traditional Irish music and Guinness are never ending here.