Home to the Earls of Meath since 1618, Killruddery is one of the most successful Elizabethan-Revival mansions in Ireland. It is unique in having the most extensive early formal gardens, still in their original style, surviving in Ireland.

Location: Killruddery House & Gardens are situated 20 kms south of Dublin, in Bray, Co. Wicklow. Take the southbound M1, M50 and N11. From N11 take Bray/ Greystones exit and follow signs for Greystones through two round-abouts. The entrance to Killruddery is 2 kms on right hand side at brown finger post signs. From Bray Town take the Bray/ Greystones road and follow signs from second roundabout at Bray Golf Club and Ramada Woodland Court Hotel.

St. Stephen’s Church, also known as The Pepper Canister Church or the Pepper Pot Church was the last of a series of Georgian Churches built by the Church of Ireland. This “Gem of Dublin” is situated on Mount Street Crescent and is well worth a visit. St. Stephen’s is also a popular concert venue. Major conservation works, including the restoration of the distinctive copper dome cupola and the full repair of the entire front of the church, were completed in 2010 in a restoration programme started in 2007 which has cost in excess of 750,000 Euro. The church is open on Wednesday & Thursday from 12.30-14.30 excluding holiday periods and visitors are welcome.

Location: Mount Street Crescent, Dublin 2.

The Waterways Ireland Visitor Centre is a family friendly visitor attraction located on the waters of the Grand Canal Basin. The staff at the centre will take you on a journey of Ireland’s waterways in history and culture, and also provide advice, guides, maps, and charts for those planning on using the waterways and the activities on and around them. The unique location on the water, in the city and its architectural award-winning structure makes the centre, affectionately known as the ‘box on the docks’. Opening hours: April to September: Wednesday to Sunday 10:00-18:00.

Location: Grand Canal Quay, Dublin 2.

Originally built for the Dublin International Exhibition of 1865, the structure was converted into the central building of University College Dublin (UCD) at the foundation of the National University of Ireland in 1908. When UCD began to relocate to a new campus at Belfield in the 1960s, part of the building was converted, and reopened as the NCH in 1981. Since then, the structure has been shared with UCD. In 2005 it was announced that UCD was to relocate all of its faculties to Belfield, allowing the NCH to develop a major expansion plan on the entire site, bringing it in line with international peers. Today the NCH is one of Ireland’s National Cultural Institutions. The NCH is a statutory corporate body, with a management team, and a Governmentappointed Board.

Location: On Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin, adjacent to the corner of St. Stephen’s Green.

The earliest manuscript dates Christ Church Cathedral to its present location around 1030. The Cathedral was founded by Dúnán, the first bishop of Dublin and Sitriuc, Norse king of Dublin. Archbishop Laurence O’Toole, John Cumin who was the first Anglo-Norman archbishop, and the Anglo-Norman leader Strongbow (Richard de Clare) were all involved in building the Cathedral as we see it today. In 1562, the nave roof vaulting collapsed and destroyed the south nave. The Cathedral was restored to its current condition in the 1870s and the crypt is the oldest surviving structure in Dublin and is one of the largest in Europe, extending the length of the cathedral. The Cathedral Choir traces its origins to 1493 with the founding of the choir school. In 1742 the Cathedral Choir, together with the choir of St Patrick’s Cathedral, sang at the world première of G. F. Handel’s Messiah in nearby Fishamble Street. Christ Church Cathedral holds the world record for the largest number of bells that are rung full circle. They can be heard several times a week, and, most famously, on New Year’s Eve.

Location: Christ Church Place, Dublin 8.

Freemasons’ Hall, home of the Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Ireland, was purpose built by Michael Meade of Brunswick Street between 1866 and 1869. This Victorian building incorporates unique meeting rooms in Classical, Egyptian and Gothic/Tudor styles. There is a museum where Masonic regalia and artefacts are displayed and a library and archive for those interested in learning more about the history of the Order, which dates back to 1725. Portraits of Past Grand Masters and Officers are displayed throughout the Hall and the stairway is adorned by stained glass windows executed by Joshua Clarke & Sons. It may best be described as a living museum, enjoyed by many visitors each year, while continuing to function as a centre for the charitable, ceremonial and social activities of Freemasons in Ireland.

Location: 17 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2.

Undoubtedly the greatest Palladian House in Ireland, Castletown house had fallen into terrible disrepair until rescued in 1967 by the Hon. Desmond Guinness who passed it over to the Castletown Foundation in 1979. The Irish State assumed responsibility for it in 1994 and the OPW is in the process of the monumental task of repair and refurbishment of this magnificent house.

Location: Castletown House and Parklands are 20km from Dublin city centre off the M4. Take the Celbridge West/Leixlip West exit (6) and follow the signage. Dublin Bus 67/67A from Pearse Street to Celbridge, 15 minutes walk up the main avenue to the house.