Strike up the band at Richmond Barracks

Welcome Returns: Rediscover Dublin 8

Strike up the band as visitor attractions and cultural institutions across the city begin to reopen

29.06.20

Life, Visit

The dustsheets are being removed and the welcome mats brushed down at many of the area’s cultural institutions and visitor attractions, as the city continues to emerge from its 15-week long Lockdown due to coronavirus. With the beginning, today, of Phase 3 of Reopening Ireland, a number of high profile locations have opened their doors and eagerly await visitors. This summer is set to be the perfect time to #RediscoverDublin8.

 

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and the adjoining Archbishop Marsh’s Library both reopen today. The cathedral is the Church of Ireland’s National Cathedral and displays monuments and markers to the great and the good of past centuries inside its majestic nave. The cathedral is open daily to visitors from 9.30am to 4.30pm. More details at www.stpatrickscathedral.ie. 

Just a stone’s throw away, the wonderful Archbishop Marsh’s Library is the city’s oldest public library – its beautiful bookcases lined with many rare and ancient manuscripts and books. Check out the specially-built ‘cages’ where bookworms were locked in to ensure they didn’t walk out with precious books in tow. Marsh’s Library reopens to the public from Tuesday 30th June, 10.30am to 4.30pm. More details at www.marshlibrary.ie.

The city’s other great Cathedral – Christ Church – reopens to the public on Thursday 2nd July. This 1,000 year old institution, founded by the Norse King of Dublin, Sitric Silkenberd, includes the magnificent medieval vaults which contain many of the Cathedral’s treasures, as well as the stunning Victorian-era embellishments from its restoration in the 1860s. Its well worth a visit. Outside you can catch the sun in the beautiful new garth or forecourt area. The Cathedral will be open Thursday to Sunday 10.00am – 4.00pm throughout July and August. More: www.christchurchcathedral.ie.

Next door to the Cathedral is Dublinia, a fascinating interactive museum looking at Dublin’s viking and medieval past. Dublinia is packed full of great family friendly activities and learning. You can top off your visit with a climb to the top of St Michael’s Tower and panoramic views of the surrounding area. Dublinia welcomes visitors from Monday 29th June  and opens daily from 10.00am – 4.00pm. More: www.dublinia.ie.

Spend some time after your visit to Dublinia, in the adjoining St Audoen’s Park. A beautiful relaxing spot off busy High Street. The park includes the most intact remaining section of Dublin old city walls. You can also explore some features of archaeology in the park uncovered during its recent refurbishment. And enjoy the installations of the park’s interactive sound garden. The park is open daily.

Whiskey and brewing are synonymous with The Liberties. One of the area’s new generation of whiskey distilleries, Teelings of Newmarket, reopens to the public on Monday 29th June. You can learn about the history of distilling in Dublin, take a tour of the facility and learn how they make their award-winning blends, and finally sample some of their finest uisce beatha. Teelings Distillery is open daily from 10.00am to 7.00pm: www.teelingwhiskey.com

At St James’s Gate Brewery, the world-famous Guinness Storehouse is set to reopens it doors on 11th July. For many, it will be the first chance to experience the venue’s new expanded 360^ Gravity Bar – boasting spectacular views of the city. The Guinness Storehouse is developing a whole range of attractions inside its famous pint-shaped venue including a food offer, the Story of Guinness, displays from the fascination Guinness Archives and of course, a chance to enjoy the perfect ‘perfect pint’. The Storehouse is set to open daily from 11.30am to 5pm and later into the evenings on Fridays and Saturdays. More details: www.guinness-storehouse.com.

Its sister venue, Open Gate Brewery also reopens from 11th July, while the new Roe & Co Distillery on James Street is expected to open later in the month.

The turquoise doors of the Pearse Lyons Distillery on James Street will open from later in July. The boutique distillery tour also includes the story of the 1000’s of burials in the adjoining graveyard, among the city’s most historic. Keep an eye on www.pearselyonsdistillery.com for further details of upcoming tours and events.

 

And dont forget to venture farther afield. Nearby Kilmainham and Inchicore also boast some of the city’s great cultural institutions and many fascinating links to the great events of Irish history.

IMMA – Ireland’s Museum of Modern Art – is housed within the stunning 18thC Royal Hospital Kilmainham. The RHK and its grounds reopen from 29th June with the galleries opening the day after. IMMA is hosting a number of new exhibitions and installations from now until later in the year. You can also relax in its new People’s Pavillion, especially created with social distancing in mind! More details on all the activities at IMMA from its website. IMMA is open each day (except Mondays) until 5.30pm.

The historic Richmond Barracks and Goldenbridge Cemetery is one of the city’s newest cultural venues. Celebrating the social history of the vibrant community of Inchicore, the building co-locates a library, workshops and cultural activities, along with a programme of historical tours and talks. The adjoining Goldenbridge Cemetery was the first Catholic burial ground, developed after Catholic Emancipation in 1829. Now hosting Dublin City Council’s Cuture Connects programme, Richmond Barracks and Goldenbridge Cemetery are open daily with regular tours and events. Check out their website for details: www.richmondbarracks.ie.

 

There’s plenty to rediscover in Dublin 8!

 

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