Docklands Tour
The Dublin City Gallery (Formerly known as the Hugh Lane Gallery) is a public gallery with free admission for all. The gallery is open Tuesday to Thursday 9:45am– 6pm, Friday 9:45am–5pm, Saturday 10am–5pm and Sunday 11am–5pm. The Dublin writer’s museum first opened its doors in 1991 and displays some of Dublin’s finest literary works. The museum is open Mon-Fri: 9.45a.m.-4.45p.m. and Sunday 11a.m.-4.30p.m. Across the road the Garden of Rememberance is a memorial to those who gave their lives in the cause of Irish freedom, designed by Dáithi Hanly with a central sculpture depicting the Children of LĂr by OisĂn Kelly, Queen Elizabeth II laid a wreath in the gardens during her state visit to Dublin in 2011. Close to Parnell Square is 14 Henrietta Street - a stunning attraction which depicts life in tenement Dublin.
Here you can see the statue of Daniel O’Connell, who gained Catholic Emancipation for Ireland in 1829 and managed to overthrow the penal laws which denied many rights for Catholics in Ireland. The statue is made of bronze figures with a granite plinth. It stands 40 feet tall and has four angels at it's base which were crafted to represent a virtue most readily associated with Daniel O'Connell, namely patriotism, courage, eloquence and fidelity. It is said that each one also represents the provinces of Ireland, Leinster, Munster, Ulster and Connaught.
Dublin’s central bus station and headquarters of Bus Éireann who offer many regional and intercity routes. There are also connections with the LUAS Red Line and the Airlink Express. Designed between 1945 and 1953 by Michael Scott it is regarded as a fine example of the International Modern style. The building won the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland Triennial Gold medal in 1955 (the hightest award for Irish Architecture). Just around the corner from Busáras is Dublin's Custom House and also the James Connolly Memorial. This stop is also beside Connolly Station - a perfect starting point if you're looking for a day out on Dublin's Dart to coastal villages such as Howth and Malahide on Dublin's Northside, or Seapoint, Bray, and Dun Laoghaire on the south.
Hop off at this stop to visit one of Dublin's best new attractions, Epic – The Irish Emigration Museum. - Highly recommended! You can also visit the Famine Memorial at this stop as well as one of Dublin's most famous landmark buildings The Custom House. The Custom House was originally opened in 1791 with the purpose of collecting customs duties from those who entered Dublin Port. Designed by famous british architect James Gandon (who also designed the Four Courts), the building certainly has a colourful past playing a part in the Irish War of Independence. The Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship is also located beside this stop.
See Dublin’s ultra-modern side with the Convention Centre designed by world renowned Irish-American Architect Kevin Roche, and Samuel Beckett Bridge by world famous bridge designer Santiago Calatrava (one of two bridges by Calatrava on Dublin's Liffey) - all a stone’s throw away from each other These beautiful examples of 21st century architecture were opened in 2010 and 2009 respectively and offer some great picturesque views.
Take a stroll around Hanover Quay and see the modern masterpiece Bord Gáis Energy Theatre by world famous German architect Daniel Libeskind (designer of the new Freedom tower on the grounds of the World Trade Center in New York city) with stunning landscaping by another world famous designer Martha Schwartz. Why not go see a show while you’re there? Just a few minutes walk away from this stop is Windmill Lane Recording Studios.
Visit the Irish Waterways Visitor centre and try out some canoeing or Kayaking, or pop into the famous Pearse Street Library. Pearse Street previously called New Brunswick street is named after famous revolutionary and leader of the Easter rising in 1916 Patrick Pearse (and his brother Willie Pearse) who was born and grew up on the street at number 27 which can still be seen today. Just around the corner is one of Dublin’s most well-known streets Westland Row, which dates back to the late 18th century and is home to Pearse Train Station. Take a trip on the Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) which offers some wonderful views as it travels along Dublin’s North and South coasts. The train goes as far North as Malahide or Howth in co. Dublin and also travels as far south as Bray or Greystones in co. Wicklow. Westland Row is also home to the birthplace of Oscar Wilde.
Get off opposite the Trinity City Hotel and take a walk down Pearse Street to the Science Gallery. Opened in 2008 in Trinity College Dublin the Science Gallery holds various lectures and exhibitions for all ages. Admission to the gallery is free. Open Monday 8.00am-5.00pm, Tuesday-Friday 12.00pm-8.00pm and Saturday/Sunday 12.00pm-6.00pm.
Second last stop on the Docklands tour is Dublin Bus Head Office, 59 Upper O'Connell Street. Across the road is the spire designed by British architect Ian Richie. It's Dublin’s tallest landmark and stands 120 metres (390 feet) tall. O'Connell Street is the main street in Dublin city and was the scene of much of the fighting in the 1916 Easter Rising. Hop off here to join the Original tour.