Trinity College
Visitors can drift through the college among the numerous artistic ghosts in one of the world's most famous centres of learning. Jonathan Swift, Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett and many other seminal thinkers and writers studied at Ireland's oldest university, which was founded in 1592. With its cobbled squares, gardens and grand buildings, Trinity College retains an aura of peace, despite its central location. Its main attraction is the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript dating from around AD800, which is displayed in the magnificent Old Library.

College Street
Tel: (01) 608 2320. 
Website: www.tcd.ie
Opening hours Old Library/Book of Kells: Mon-Sat 0930-1700, Sun 0930-1630 (May-Sep); Mon-Sat 0930-1700, Sun 1200-1630 (Oct-Apr).
Admission charge.

National Museum of Ireland
Among this rich collection of Irish antiquities, dating from 7000BC to the modern day, are the eighth-century Ardagh Chalice and Tara Brooch and the 12th-century Cross of Cong. Ór (Ireland's gold) features the finest collection of prehistoric gold artefacts in Europe. There are also major exhibitions on prehistoric Ireland, Viking Ireland, medieval Ireland and Irish history from 1900 to 1921. This is just one of three venues for the National Museum, with further collections on view at Collins Barracks (Decorative Art and History) and Merrion Street (Natural History).

Kildare Street
Tel: (01) 677 7444.
Website: www.museum.ie
Opening hours: Tues-Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1400-1700.
Free admission.

National Gallery of Ireland
This impressive collection incorporates some 2,500 paintings, as well as watercolours, drawings, prints and sculpture. Although Irish painting holds pride of place, all major European schools of painting are well represented. A major renovation of the museum was completed in 1996 and the award-winning Millennium Wing, a modern architectural masterpiece, showcases Irish art in the first half of the 20th century and houses a sculpture gallery and temporary exhibitions.

Merrion Square West and Clare Street
Tel: (01) 661 5133.
Website: www.nationalgallery.ie
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 0930-1730 (until 2030 Thurs), Sun 1200-1730.
Free admission.

Christ Church Cathedral
Richard de Clare 'Strongbow' (the Earl of Pembroke) founded Christ Church Cathedral on the site of a Viking church in 1172. Highlights include the 'leaning wall of Dublin', the north nave wall, which has leaned 46cm (18 inches) since 1562 (when the roof collapsed), a mummified cat and mouse found in an organ pipe, the heart of St Laurence, the patron saint of Dublin, and a large crypt full of unusual relics.

Christchurch Place
Tel: (01) 677 8099.
Website: www.cccdub.ie
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1800 (Jun-Aug); 0945-1700 or 1800 (Sep-May).
Admission charge.

Dublin Writers Museum
First editions, letters, portraits and memorabilia of Swift, Sheridan, Shaw, Wilde, Yeats, Joyce, Beckett and Behan fill this fascinating museum, set in a spectacular Georgian mansion. There is also a room devoted to children's literature.

18-19 Parnell Square North
Tel: (01) 872 2077.
Website: www.writersmuseum.com
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1100-1700.
Admission charge.

Dublin Castle
Dating from Norman times, the palatial Dublin Castle was originally built on the orders of King John, in 1204. The largest visible remaining fragment of the original 13th-century castle is the Record Tower. It stands beside the 19th-century gothic revival Chapel Royal. Recently uncovered excavations of Viking fortifications can be viewed at the undercroft. Most of the castle was largely rebuilt in the 18th century, including the gilded State Apartments - once the residence of English viceroys. Admission is by guided tour only. Tours run every 20 to 30 minutes. Large groups need to book in advance.

Dame Street
Tel: (01) 645 8813.
Website: www.dublincastle.ie
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1645, Sat and Sun 1400-1645.
Admission charge.