Landmarks and Sights in Ireland
Dublin has a rich and vibrant history giving way to some of the most beautiful and interesting landmarks in the world. From the many conflicts the Emerald Isle has been a part of there has risen amazing monuments, fascinating structures, beauty and grief. One thing is certain, however. All that has happened in and to Ireland has simply added to its rich and unique culture. Even beyond the big city of Dublin there is a lot to see and do.
Trinity College: Much more than an academic building, this college dates back all the way to 1593. It has been home to some of Ireland’s and the world’s most famous and influential writers. It is also an amazing sight to behold. The campus itself is huge, filled with cobblestone streets, ancient sculptures, and breathtaking architecture and landscaping. If you love books you must visit the Old Library & Book of Kells, which houses over 200,000 books. Plus, people from around the world wait in line for ages to see the Book of Kells, which are 4 gospels written in around AD 800 and housed at Trinity College. If you love literary history you could spend hours investigating this massive home of books. This beautiful campus is a favorite for Dubliners and visitors alike as it is so beautiful. While it is wonderful to take a stroll through the campus on a sunny day, the clouds and rain don’t take the beauty away, and if you are up for it, it truly should not be missed. Be sure to stop at all of the fabulous sculptures and monuments to learn more about the fabulous Irish history.
Dublin Writer’s Museum: For being such a small country, Ireland has a rich and full literary history giving birth to some of the greatest authors of our time including James Joyce and W.B. Yeats. The Irish people have immense pride in their own unique culture and this museum proves that. The way the history of literature is presented in this small but packed museum makes one wonder how such a small geographical space could produce such excellence and such pride not only in English literature but in works written in Irish as well. It is especially interesting to learn about the current rebirth of Irish going on in Ireland today. This is a great place to visit within Dublin to learn not only about Ireland’s rich literary history but also about the Irish people in general.
Vikings: All over Ireland there are remnants of a brutal past. The landscape is scarred with ancient ruins of Viking hostility and history. Some places are better than others to learn about Ireland’s sordid past. One of the best places to go to get a feeling for Medieval Dublin is St. Audoen’s Church, said to be built in 1212. Inside this amazing place you can see recreations of what Dublin was like during this time and it is fascinating. Dublin Castle is another must-see place. It is quite a beautifully well-preserved area of old Dublin and has a rich history. The tour inside takes you through how it went from a Viking stronghold to housing Irish royalty. The grounds outside of the castle are beautiful and perfect for a rest on a sunny day. The Vikings are part of the rich Irish history and it is fascinating to visit their former strongholds and learn just what exactly happened so many years ago. Plus, it is amazing to think that such magnificent structures were constructed so many years ago.