Cosmopolitan, colourful and over a thousand years old, Dublin presents a fine starting point for visitors to Ireland. This capital city is split in two by the River Liffey, which gives form to the city and has no less than nine bridges spanning it. Easily explored on foot, central Dublin presents a wealth of historic landmarks, from ancient cathedrals to gracious Georgian buildings that pay testimony to days gone by. There are several attractions on both sides of the Liffey, ranging from gaols and castles to the birthplaces of famous poets and writers and guided literary trails.

Not far from the city in County Wicklow are the Wicklow Mountains, where hills and glens, forests and waterfalls attract weekend walkers and nature-lovers. Dublin Bay, which lies between the mouth of the River Liffey and the Dalkey headland, is the site of several small coastal towns and the ferry port of Dun Laoghaire. County Kildare is a region of rich farmland and fine reputation for the breeding of thoroughbred horses, while the similar counties of Louth and Meath have evidence of early civilisations and a wealth of castles and monasteries.

Trinity College

Address: Dublin

Telephone: (0)1 896 1000

Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, Trinity College is Ireland's oldest university and counts Jonathan Swift, Samuel Beckett and Oscar Wilde, along with many other great thinkers and writers, amongst it past-students. This 16th century complex is home to many glorious buildings, beautifully manicured lawns, cobbled squares and the campus of the University of Ireland. The celebrated Book of Kells, which dates from the 8th century and is considered to be one of the oldest books in the world, is housed in the College's Collonades Gallery. Other illuminated manuscripts taken from ancient monasteries are also on display.

Temple Bar District

Address: Dublin

The hub of Dublin's nightlife is to be found in this quaint, cobbled district, which is full of shops, traditional pubs, theatres, cinemas and trendy clubs laid out on pedestrianised streets. Busking fiddlers, an overwhelming choice of restaurants and beautifully restored buildings add to the feel of the place and make it worth a visit. The area is bordered by the Liffey on one side and Dame Street on the other. The main street running through the area also is called Temple Bar.

Phoenix Park

Address: Parkgate Street Dublin

Admission: Free Main gate is open 24 hours

Telephone: (0)1 677 0095 (Visitor Centre)

Just two miles (3km) west of the city centre, Phoenix Park offers peace and quiet from the buzz of the city. It is considered the largest urban park in Europe boasting splendid landscaped gardens, ornamental lakes and large grasslands. It is the perfect environment for runners, walkers and sports enthusiasts who flock here to enjoy the park's facilities. Fallow deer can be seen browsing in the leafy woodland and it's a great place for watching the world go by. Within the park is the residence of the president of Ireland, Aras an Uachtarain, and Dublin Zoo.

Dublin Castle

Address: Dame Street Dublin

Admission: Entry by guided tour only, Every 20 minutes. EUR4.50 (adults), concessions available Tours: Monday to Friday 10am to 4.45pm, Saturday and Sunday 2pm to 4.45pm

Telephone: (0)1 645 8813 (tour services)

Dublin Castle was founded in 1204 by order of King John, who wanted a fortress constructed for the administration of the city. It has been added to and rebuilt many times so that all that remains of the original structure is the Norman Tower. By the early 17th century the castle was fully developed with Law Courts, meetings of Parliament, the residence of the viceroy and a council chamber. The magnificent, gilded State Apartments were added in the 18th century and are still used for state occasions today.

National Museum of Ireland

Address: Kildare Street Dublin

Admission: Free Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, and Sunday 2pm to 5pm

Telephone: (0)1 677 7444

The National Museum is the place to see the treasures of ancient Ireland - it is a policy to gather all important artefacts in this one museum. Included in this selection is jewellery dating back to the 8th century BC and medieval antiquities such as the Tara Brooch and the Ardagh Chalice. Also housed here is the 12th-century Cross of Cong, an ornate reliquary of wood, bronze and silver, said to contain a fragment of the True Cross. The museum showcases important exhibitions on Irish history including Prehistoric Ireland, Viking Ireland and The Road to Independence (1900-1921).

Guinness Storehouse

Address: St James's Gate Dublin

Admission: EUR13.50 (adults); concessions available Daily 9.30am to 5pm (until 8pm in July and August)

Telephone: (0)1 408 4800

Guinness is now brewed all over the world but St James's Gate, in the heart of Dublin, was where Arthur Guinness set up the business in 1759. The Guinness Storehouse celebrates Ireland's favourite brew by taking visitors on a journey, floor by floor, through the past, present and future of the world-famous beer. The glass atrium is shaped like a pint glass and each floor explores a different aspect of 'everything anyone ever wanted to know about Guinness', from the brewing process to who drank the first pint. The tour finishes with a complementary pint of the famous stout in the top floor Gravity Bar, which is also the ideal place to watch the sunset over Dublin and admire the 360° views. During the July and August summer program there are also tasting sessions available, exhibitions and delicious Irish meals from a table d'hôte menu in the Brewery Bar or Source Bar.

National Library

Address: 2 Kildare Street Dublin

Admission: Free Monday to Wednesday, 9.30am to 9pm; Thursday and Friday, 9.30am to 5pm; Saturday, 9.30am to 1pm

Telephone: (0)1 603 0200

The highlight of this historic library is the great domed reading room, which has been home to many Irish students, including James Joyce. The library also contains a heraldic museum, which exhibits coats of arms and banners, but of most interest to tourists may be the genealogical office, where staff can help trace any Irish roots. Its consultation service on ancestry is available Monday to Friday 10am to 12.30 pm and 2pm to 4.30pm.

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Address: St Patrick's Close Dublin

Admission: EUR5.50 (adults), concessions available Daily; (March to October) 9am to 5.30pm, (November to February) Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 9am to 3pm

Telephone: (0)1 453 9472

Ireland's largest church, St Patrick's Cathedral is erected on the site where St. Patrick is believed to have baptized his converts to the Christian faith. The current building dates back to the 12th century, although it's been restored and altered over the years. Jonathan Swift was dean of St. Patrick's from 1713-1745, during which time he penned Gulliver's Travels. Visitors can still see his tomb and pulpit.

Glendalough

Address: 18 miles (30km) south of Dublin Dublin

Admission: EUR3 (adult); concessions available Daily 9.30am to 6pm (until 5pm from October to March)

Telephone: (404) 45325

Glendalough is just south of Dublin and a very popular destination for day-trippers. Despite this the site has a very tangible spirituality that can be experienced whilst standing amidst the remains of the monastic settlement. The Gaelic name translates to 'valley of the two lakes' and there are some breathtaking walks around the ruined monastery and along the clear-as-glass lakes. St Kevin founded the monastery in the 6th century and it became a great European centre for learning. His body lies in the 9th century cathedral and the site is adorned with St Kevin's Cross, carved in about 1150. Other buildings here have survived from the 8th and 12th centuries, the most famous of which is the round tower, standing 112ft (34m) high with a base measuring 52ft (16m) in circumference.

James Joyce Museum

Address: Sandycove Dublin

Admission: EUR7.50 (adults), EUR4.70 (children under 12). Concessions available Monday to Saturday 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm, and Sunday and public holidays 2pm to 6pm (April to October). Open by prior arrangement at other times of year

Telephone: (0)1 280 9265

Nine miles (14km) south of Dublin, the Martello Tower is one of 34 towers built in 1804 to protect Ireland against a possible Napoleonic naval invasion. The tower was demilitarised in the 1860s and is now home to the James Joyce Museum. In 1962 Sylvia Beach, the Paris-based publisher of Ulysses, founded the museum here. It was the place where Joyce stayed in 1904 and where he was inspired to set the opening chapter of his book. The exhibition hall contains first editions of most of Joyce's works as well as other memorabilia.

Clonmacnoise

Address: 120 miles (200km) west of Dublin in Shannonbridge, County Offaly. Dublin

Admission: EUR6 (adult) and EUR2 (child), concessions available Daily 10am to 5.30pm (November to mid-March), 10am to 6pm (mid-March to mid-May, and September to October), 9am to 7pm (mid-May to September)

Telephone: (905) 74195

Situated in Shannonbridge, west of Dublin in County Offaly, Clonmacnoise is Ireland's most important monastic site. Founded by Saint Ciaran in the 6th century on the banks of the River Shannon it includes the ruins of a cathedral, eight churches (10th-13th century), two round towers and three high crosses. It provides the visitor with a real sense of what monasteries must have been like in their day. The Visitor Centre displays a large collection of grave slabs, hosts numerous exhibitions and provides further interest with an audio-visual show. As this is a very popular attraction, visitors may experience queues during the summer months.

Dublin Zoo

Address: Phoenix Park Dublin

Admission: EUR15 (adults), EUR10.50 (children 3-15); concessions available Generally open from 9.30am Monday to Saturday and 10.30am on Sundays. Closing times vary from 4pm to 6pm

Telephone: (0)1 474 8900

One of Ireland's most popular attractions, the Dublin Zoo takes visitors on a voyage of discovery from the Arctic to the Plains of Africa via Indian Rainforest. See lions and tigers, Asian elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees and orang-utans, rare monkeys, rhinos, hippos, giraffes and many more exotic and endangered species. There is also a pet's corner for the children, a city farm and a safari train ride around the African Plains. The zoo is recognised as one of the most modern in Europe, placing emphasis on learning about wildlife and conservation along with enjoyment.

The Old Jameson Distillery

Address: Bow St, Smithfield Village Dublin

Admission: EUR13.50 (Adult), EUR8 (Child). Concessions available Daily 9am to 6.30pm (last tour at 5.30pm) Closed Good Friday and Christmas holidays

Telephone: (0)1 807 2355

Located in the heart of Dublin, The Old Jameson Distillery sums up the essence of Ireland. This museum illustrates the history of Irish whiskey, known in Irish as uisce beatha (the water of life) and the expert guides will answer any questions whiskey lovers might have. Visitors can partake in a whiskey tasting in the bar after their tour and sample different Irish, Scotch and American whiskeys.

Viking Splash Tour

Address: 18 Mill Street Dublin

Admission: EUR20 (adults); EUR10 (children) Departs frequently every day, weather permitting

Telephone: (01) 707 6000

A fantastic way to see the sights of Dublin, Viking Splash Tour sees passengers on board an Amphibious World War II vehicle and taken on a tour of the beautiful and historic city of Dublin, both on land and water. The guides will educate passengers on not only Viking Dublin, but also on St Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College, and much more. The tour ends off at the Grand Canal Docklands.

Fry Model Railway

Address: Malahide Castle Demesne, Malahide Dublin

Admission: EUR12 (adults); EUR4 (children). Concessions available April to September: Tuesday to Saturday from 10am - 5pm (Closed lunch 1pm-2pm); Sunday 1pm - 5pm

Telephone: (01) 846 3779

One of the world's largest miniature railways, Fry Model Railway features a unique collection of handmade model trains, covering 2,500 square-feet (232 sq-metres) and featuring models collected by Cyril Fry from the 1930s to the 1960s. Children and adults will love the working models and be in awe of the finest details on each train.

Airfield House & Farm

Address: Upper Kilmacud Road Dundrum Dublin

Admission: EUR6 (adults); EUR3 (children). Concessions available Open daily from 10am – 5pm

Telephone: (01) 298 4301

Kids love nothing more than farms and farm animals, and what better place for them to explore than an actual working farm. The sheep, horses, goats and pigs will provide endless entertainment for young ones and with plenty of space to run around and activities for children to get involved, parents will enjoy themselves too. The Airfield House and Car Museum are also great to explore and this is one of Dublin's must-see attractions.

Imaginosity

Address: The Plaza, Beacon South Quarter, Sandyford Dublin

Admission: EUR8.50 (adults and children); EUR6.50 (toddlers). Concessions available Open Mondays from 1.30pm - 5.30pm; Tuesday - Friday and Bank Holiday Mondays from 9.30am - 5.30pm; Saturday and Sundays from 10am - 6pm

Telephone: (01) 217 6130

Boasting a plethora of exhibits aimed at stimulating children's imaginations and curiosity, Imaginosity is an innovative children's museum that kids will go wild for. The two-storey climbing structure is a favourite, while the art studio, theatres and galleries provide endless hours of entertainment, and at the same time, provide a wonderfully educational experience in a non-threatening way.

The Lambert Puppet Theatre

Address: Clifton Lane, Monkstown Dublin

Admission: EUR143 (adults); EUR11 (children) Shows run on selected dates. Contact for more information

Telephone: (01) 280 0974

Guaranteed to have the little ones glues to their seats in suspense, the Lambert Puppet Theatre hosts exciting and educational puppet shows and is the only puppet theatre in Ireland and is home to Ireland's oldest puppet company. Be sure to take the kids to see one of their favourite fairy tales, such as Three Billy Goats gruff or Jack and the Beanstalk. A must for children of all ages and bookings are essential.

St Patrick's Day Festival

Where: City Centre,Dublin

When: 17 March, annually

Nowhere else in the world is St Patrick's Day observed with more fun and celebration than in Dublin. The St Patrick's Day Festival has become a five-day party filled with 'craic' or good times with a varied programme of events, including lots of traditional and contemporary Irish music. The Big Day Out carnival includes street performers, clowns, games, a funfair and lots of singing and dancing, and Pearl@Docklands promises an enchanting performance involving giant inflatable characters. Other highlights include the team Treasure Hunt, the spectacular Skyfest fireworks event; and a huge celebration of traditional Irish dance (Céilí Mór) where everyone can participate in a range of foot-tapping dances. The grand finale of the festival is the spectacular street parade that is a themed procession of colourful floats, marching bands and fantastic performers.

Bloomsday Festival

Where: ,Dublin

When: 16 June annually

James Joyce fans around the world celebrate Bloomsday on 16 June every year, but nowhere as creatively as in Dublin, the birthplace of the famous novelist. The festival commemorates his masterpiece Ulysses, one of the most highly acclaimed works of the 20th century in which Joyce captured the soul of Dublin in the tale of Leopold Bloom and his adventures on Thursday, 16 June 1904. The celebrations include re-enactments of Bloom's day as people visit the places where the novel was set, as well as readings, performances, breakfasts, look-alike contests and visits to the pub.

Festival of World Cultures

Where: Dun Laoghaire,Dublin

When: 23 - 25 July 2010

With more than 160 events in 40 venues throughout Dun Laoghaire town, and featuring artists from 50 countries, the annual international arts and culture festival entertains audiences in excess of 200,000. Its diverse and expanding programme of music, circus, theatre, dance, club nights, markets, exhibitions, workshops and activities for children, aims to develop audiences' experience of the arts, challenging perceptions of international artistic culture.

Irish Derby

Where: Curragh,Dublin

When: 27 June 2010

The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day is one of the most prestigious horse racing events of the year. Held at The Curragh, one of Europe's oldest sporting grounds, this event attracts the attention of horse-lovers from across the globe, and especially in the horse-mad country of Ireland itself.

Hallowfest

Where: South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Tallaght and the Dublin Mountains,Dublin

When: October 2010 TBA

This Halloween Festival takes place over a bank holiday weekend and hosts a range of activities for both young and old, such as games, fun walks, spooky storytelling and a spectacular Fireworks display.

Yeats: The Life and Works of William Butler Yeats

Where: The National Library of Ireland,Dublin

When: Daily

The award winning exhibition 'Yeats: the life and works of William Butler Yeats' features manuscripts from the National Library's collection and covers many aspects of the poet's life and his development as a writer. There are also other fascinating material which has been generously donated by Mrs George Yeats, wife of the poet, and Michael Yeats, the poet's son, over several years.

Dublin Toy and Train Fair

Where: Clontarf Castle, Clontarf Castle Hotel,Dublin

When: February, May, September and November 2010 TBA

The Dublin Toy and Train Fair is always a much anticipated event for children of all ages. With over 46 dealers from the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and England attending, over 70 tables stocked with interesting collectors items can be expected. All sorts of collectible toys will be available including Diecast models by Corgi, and Dinky, Construction sets by Meccano, Bayko, Lead soldiers by Britains, Crescent. For those who prefer reading, a selection of Comics, TV and Film annuals from the 1940s to1960s will also be on offer.

Irish Music and Dance Show

Where: The Merry Ploughboy Pub, Dublin City Centre,Dublin

When: Nightly

The banquet and show is a highly entertaining performance of live traditional Irish music, ballads and Irish dancing which takes place at the Merry Ploughboy Pub. Guests can enjoy a baquet while relaxing with a pint of Guiness and being entertained by the very best of Irish ballad bands, such as Dublin's very own Merry Ploughboys. The Irish ballad session is usually interrupted midway by a spectacular dance routine incorporating the best of contemporary and traditional Irish dancing. Once the dancing comes to an end, the band begins to let loose and a night of authentically Irish entertainment is guaranteed, with both musicians and dancers involving the entire audience in their high energy performance.

Festival of World Food

Where: Marley Park,Dublin

When: October 2010 TBA

The Festival of World Foods hosts cookery demonstrations and workshops from around the globe creating a taste sensation for everyone. Highlights include the Agri Aware Mobile Farm and 'Meet the Spuds' demonstration Unit where children can get up close to farm animals and farm life. The Back to Basics area will feature an authentic 'Yurt' dwelling where people can enjoy home made ice-cream, smoothies and raw foods and Guest Head Chef, Traweekak Trakoolwattana from award winning Thai and Vietnamese restaurant, Saba who previously cooked for the king and queen of Thailand, will do cookery workshops showcasing his unique ingredients and cooking style. Live music from a popular 7-piece string band, 'Prison Love' will be performed and a Hoe Down with a pig roast, corn on the cob and baked potatoes will ensue.

Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show

Where: Royal Dublin Society complex,Dublin

When: 4 - 8 August 2010

The Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show is a summer event not to be missed. The show features five days of international competition, social functions, shopping and live entertainment. This horse show is held annually in the RDS (Royal Dublin Society) complex, with top events including the Nations' Cup and the Aga Khan Challenge Trophy. Additional events, such as the Blossom Hill Ladies' Day and an arts and crafts exhibition, take place outside the main arena.

Abbey Tavern

Address: Abbey St., Howth, Northern Suburbs Dublin

Food Type: International

Renowned for its traditional music ballad sessions, this 16th century tavern, complete with blazing fires, original stone walls and gas lights, features a wonderful restaurant upstairs. The menu changes on a seasonal basis but features such culinary delights as crepes fruits de mer (seafood crepes), roast duckling with ginger and pineapple, or spinach and ricotta tortellini. After the meal, guests can enjoy the live entertainment downstairs in the form of some tradition Irish music. Open for dinner Monday to Saturday from 7pm to 11pm. Bookings are recommended and credit cards accepted.

Café Mao

Address: 2 - 3 Chatham Row Dublin

Food Type: Asian

The iconic Café Mao has been a firm favourite with Dubliners since its opening a few years back and is frequented by anyone who's in the mood for a little Asian flair. The exposed kitchen lines an entire wall, and the rest of the space is wide open which makes this an excellent environment for people watchers. The menu comprises everyone's favourite Asian dishes, such as Thai fish cakes, nasi goreng, chicken hoisin and salmon ramen, to name a few. Everything on the menu is delicious and it is hard to go wrong when dining here. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended.

Nosh

Address: 111 Coliemore Rd, Dalkey Dublin

Food Type: International

This trendy laid-back restaurant is highly popular with Dubliners for a tasty weekend brunch where club sandwiches, soups and salads are the order of the day. Dinners are slightly more exotic with Nosh offering some wonderfully different dishes such as grilled filet of plaice with crabmeat. Open Tuesdays to Sundays from noon until 10pm. Closed on Mondays. Reservations recommended.

Jacob's Ladder

Address: 4 - 5 Nassau St Dublin

Food Type: Local

Offering wonderful views of Trinity College, Jacob's Ladder serves some of Dublin's finest Irish fare, from a rich prawn bisque with sautéed spinach for starters to a roast loin of wild boar with a tarte fine of red onions. The food and service here are excellent. And there is also a good range of vegetarian dishes on the menu. Open Tuesday to Friday for lunch and dinner. Saturday dinner only, closed on Sunday and Monday. Reservations recommended.

L'Ecrivain

Address: 109 Lower Baggot St, Fitzwilliam Square Dublin

Food Type: French

One of Dublin's finest restaurants, L'Ecrivain offers diners a relaxed and unpretentious experience. Chef Derry Clarke's food is absolutely mouth-watering, from his seared wild Irish venison loin with caramelized pear, or seared Bere Island scallops with lobster strudel. Menu prices are changed regularly and are extortionate but L'Ecrivain gives guests the opportunity to sample some of its dishes in the form of a two-course lunch menu at a more reasonable price. Open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner. Saturday dinner only, closed Sunday. Reservations essential.

The Wicked Chef

Address: 73 Meath St Dublin

Food Type: Café

This affordable neighbourhood eatery serves some of the most humble Irish cuisine Dublin has to offer. It's a firm favourite packed with locals who come to enjoy its flagship dish of Irish stew cooked in Guinness as well as its 'Dublin Coddle', among other local specialties. Open Sunday to Friday for lunch and dinner. Saturday dinner only. Reservations recommended.

The Bad Ass Café

Address: 9-11 Crown Alley Dublin

Food Type: American

This loud and busy restaurant has been a much-loved eatery with Dublin's locals for over 20 years. The menu serves old favourites such as burgers, pasta, steaks and salads, appealing to just about everyone. This quirky restaurant, where orders are clipped to a wire before being whizzed off to the kitchen, is known as the place where Sinead O'Connor used to wait tables. Open daily from 11.30am until late.

Tante Zoé's

Address: 1 Crow Street, Temple Bar Dublin

Food Type: Cajun

Located in Dublin's very own French Quarter, Tante Zoé's serves some of the finest Creole and Cajun cuisine this side of the Mississippi. With cosy and colourful décor, calypso music and warm hearty meals, this restaurant does not disappoint. Try the fresh fillet of pan-fried seabass served with a coconut lime and chilli sauce, or the Dooky gumbo, a hearty Cajun stew with whiskey salami, Kabonossi sausage, chicken, pork & beef. Open Monday to Sunday. Closed Sunday lunch. Bookings recommended.

Yamamori Noodles

Address: 71 - 72 S. Great George's St Dublin

Food Type: Japanese

Popular at lunchtime, Yamamori Noodles has a casual yet lively atmosphere with an exciting menu to boot. Prices range from bargain to complete over indulgence and meals like chile chicken ramen or the yamamori yaki soba with its mound of wok-fried noodles piled high with prawns, squid, chicken, and roast pork won't break the bank. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations only for parties of four or more.

Juice

Address: 73 - 83 S. Great Georges St Dublin

Food Type: Vegetarian

This aptly named restaurant situated in the Trinity College area offers around 30 types of juices and smoothies. With a wonderfully light and airy décor and such a diverse and exciting menu, most guests at Juice probably wouldn't even notice that it's a vegetarian restaurant. Brunches include pancakes and French toast with fresh fruit and maple syrup, while the rest of the day can be spent sampling dips such as hummus, tapenade and roasted carrot pâté with crudités. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended.

Yamamori Sushi

Address: 38 - 39 Lower Ormand Quay Dublin

Food Type: Japanese

With its long wooden bench tables, stone pillars, clean lines and light, airy atmosphere, this spacious eatery lends itself perfectly to the ritualistic art of eating sushi. A favourite with locals and tourists alike, Yamamori Sushi is one of Dublin's favourite Asian restaurants, and for very good reason. Feast on Karubi beef, salmon teriyaki and Yamamori Ramen, which is made up of char-grilled chicken, king prawns and char shu with crispy tofu, egg, wakame, menma and spring onion in a chicken and pork stock. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended.

One Pico

Address: 5 - 6 Molesworth Place Schoolhouse Lane Dublin

Food Type: Irish

One of Dublin's most popular eateries, One Pico has becoming something of an institution in dining out in Dublin. Thus multi award winning restaurant serves delicious local fare including organic smoked salmon with pickled cucumber, remoulade and herb crème freche, and a firm favourite on the menu, the fillet of Irish Hereford Beef served with a white onion puree, parmesan fondue and crispy tempura onion. Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Reservations essential.