I know that today would normally be Style File Friday on the blog with some fashion history content. However, today is St. Patrick’s Day, and I wanted to mark that! I am fortunate that I was able to do my Master of Arts in History in Dublin, and got to live there for a year. Dublin, and Ireland as a whole, is rich in history. If you are ever able to visit Dublin (and travel further), it is a must-see city for anyone who loves history. Over the years I’ve shared some of my favourite places to visit in Dublin and beyond- here are some of my favourite posts! Happy St. Patrick’s Day- I hope this helps with planning your Irish historical travel!
Despite me posting this on St. Patrick’s Day, I would actually recommend that you avoid Dublin and Ireland as a whole for St. Patrick’s Day. It’s an incredibly busy time in Dublin with thousands and thousands heading to the streets to enjoy, so you may not be able to see much if you are hoping to visit museums, historical sites, etc.
Discovering St. Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is in medieval Dublin and although is slightly more tucked away than Christ Church (see below), it’s a gorgeous cathedral. I particularly enjoy St. Patrick’s for its literary history; Jonathan Swift was the Dean of the cathedral and was buried there. Interestingly, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the national cathedral of Ireland (for the Church of Ireland.)
The History of Kilmainham Gaol
Kilmainham Gaol remains one of the most sobering historical sites that I’ve ever visited. Obviously a jail probably will not be a lighthearted party site, but Kilmainham has played host to some of the most difficult and heartbreaking moments in last two centuries in Ireland. Many key figures of the 1916 uprising and were held at Kilmainham, with some even executed there. The tour guides are wonderful; this is a must-visit for anyone in Dublin.
5 Sights to See at Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral is not too far from Trinity College and is always popular with visitors. The cathedral that you can visit dates back tot he Norman period in the twelfth century, and as such, you can see the tomb of Strongbow, the 2nd Earl of Pembroke. (Well, a newer tomb after the original was damaged in the sixteenth century…) It may sound stupid, but when you are visiting Christ Church, make sure to look down- the tiles are incredible.
Dublin: Do This, Not That!
To finish off Dublin, I’ve got my “Do This, Not That” post. My best example is the Guinness Factory Tour. Everyone and their dog goes to the Guinness Factory because “you are supposed to when you are in Dublin”. However, I would recommend doing the Jameson Distillery tour over the Guinness factory time and time again- the tour is much more enjoyable, and it’s not an unguided mass of people.
Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore Abbey always makes me think “remote Downton Abbey”. It’s a gorgeous 19th century estate that has been a convent and a school at various points. It is quite remote so you will have a bit of a drive to get there, but it is absolutely worth it. The displays in the house provided a lot of information and staff were happy to chat. The grounds are also gorgeous- the view does not hurt, either!
3 Reasons Why You Should Visit Glendalough
Glendalough is a very easy day tour from Dublin; you can find many tours heading there if you don’t have a vehicle. This sixth-century monastic community was founded by Saint Kevin; many of the surviving buildings that you can visit now are from the tenth and eleventh centuries. While I love visiting historical sites, I get that your friends and family may not. So, if you are there for the fascinating history, they can go on a hike through the gorgeous valley for some great views.
The Beauty of the Aran Islands
Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands, is one of the most remote places I’ve visited. (And I live in the middle of Canada, so that does mean something.) Obviously you have to travel by boat to get there; there are boats that take you across and tours by van and by bike to see the island. The three islands off the coast of Galway Bay can feel quite desolate, depending on the weather when you visit. However, the locals are lovely. And if you do visit Inishmore, you will be lucky enough to visit a surviving Iron-Age fort, Dun Aonghasa. (It is a short walk but completely worth it.)
Happy St. Patrick’s Day, again! And I wish you well with planning your Irish historical travel!
Cheers,
The Historian
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