Dublin Bus Tours : Dublin Bus tours offers exciting cultural and diverse sightseeing tours in and around Dublin. This is the most reasonably priced, comfortable and enjoyable way to see our nation’s thriving and vibrant capital city. Discover all the main Dublin tourist attractions or travel further to discover more about our scenic coastlines, such as the beautiful county Wicklow "The Garden of Ireland". Tickets purchased online at Dublinbus.ie/sightseeing (http://www.dublinbus.ie/sightseeing) also receive up to a 20% off discount!

Kilmainham Gaol: Kilmainham Gaol is the largest unoccupied gaol in these islands and in it's current incarnation as a visitor centre, the gaol offers a panoramic view of Irish history. Visitors also find a remarkable and chilling taste of how it must have been to be incarcerated here in the years between 1796 (when it was opened) and 1924 (when it was closed). Leaders of the Irish rebellions were imprisoned here and names such as Robert Emmet and Charles Stewart Parnell, as well as the names of the leaders of the 1916 rebellion are associated with the gaol.

National Wax Museum: Packed full of life-size models of famous figured from Irish history, such as Wolfe Tone, Robert Emmet, and our Presidents and Taosigh. The Children's World of Fairytale and Fantasy is a discovery of joy for children, with beanstalks, magic lamps and genies galore. There are two exits from the Wax Museum: The Chamber of Horrors or the Hall of the Megastars. Depending on whether you prefer bloodcurdling screams or the glittery world of rock and roll, choose carefully. And before you leave, take a closer look at the man reading the Irish Times in the lobby.

Number 29 Fitzwilliam Square: A restored 18th Century townhouse, Number 29 is owned and run by the Electricity Supply Board and the National Museum of Ireland. Faithfully replicating the atmosphere and furnishings of a typical comfortable home in the period of 1790 to 1820. Authentic artefacts and detailed replicas serve to highlight the elegant furniture and decoration. From basement to attic, paintings and embroidery adorn the walls of this fine example of 18th century living.

Ceól - The Irish Music Experience: Irish music is famous around the world and Ce?l is the perfect place to find out more about it's distinct history. An interactive experience that's fun for the entire family, Ce?l draws you into its celebration of Irish music with its fabulous showcases. Videos recount great performances and the state-of-the-art sound system will have the music flowing through your veins. Located in the newly restored Smithfield Village, Ceol will rekindle in you the fire of Irish music. Ce?l is the Irish For Music.

The Guinness Hopstore: Guinness is an Irish brewed black beer (or stout), and has been brewed in Ireland for over 200 years. The exhibition of Guinness's history is housed in the 19th century warehouse that was used for storing bales of hops (hence Hopstore) as recently as the 1950s. The self-guided tour walks you through the brewing process at St James's Gate and illustrates how brewing techniques have changed since the day of Arthur Guinness. At the end of the tour is a short audio visual presentation, followed by a sampling bar where pints of draught Guinness are available to all visitors over 18 years old.

The National Gallery: The National Gallery was opened in 1864 and houses many fine pieces of art. Irish art is strongly emphasised, but there is equal representation accommodated to all of the major European schools of art. Much of the collection in this gallery is owed to generous donations. More than 600 works are on display in the gallery, and there are special exhibitions which are changed regularly. Admission to the gallery is free and group tours are available with prior booking.

Áras an Uactharáin: The residence of the president of Ireland, ?ras an Uachtar?in was originally built by a park ranger before becoming the residence of the Viceroys who oversaw British rule in Ireland. Public tours of the ?ras are conducted on Saturdays, and those interested should contact the Phoenix Park Visitors Centre, where the tickets are dispensed free of charge on a first-come-first-served basis.

Dublin Splash Tours: See Dublin by land and water! For a unique tour of Dublin, board one of the converted "Ducks" (World War II amphibious vehicles), and learn how the Vikings settled in Dublin. Listen from your costumed "Viking Captain" tour guide as he explains the history of Dublin in a colourful and interesting manner. Then brace yourself as you drive into the waters of the historic Grand Canal Basin for the water portion of the tour.

The National Museum: Opened in 1890 as a result of the merging of a number of collections, the National Museum contains artefacts and antiquities dating from 2000 BC right up to the 20th Century. ?r (Gold), a collection of Ireland's Bronze Age gold features the finest gold jewellery from prehistoric times, while ?r Th?ir na Saoirse (On The Road To Freedom) deals with Irish history from 1916-1922. The collections include such famous artefacts as the Ardagh Chalice and the Tara Brooch.

The Irish Museum of Modern Art: Housed in The Royal Hospital Kilmainham, the Museum of Modern Art was opened in 1991 in the former residential quarters of the 17th Century hospital. The stunning architecture is the work of Sir William Robinson, based on that of Les Invalides, a hospital in Paris. The exhibits include a cross section of Irish and international art and are shown on a rotational basis.

St Patrick's Cathedral: St Patrick's Cathedral stands on the oldest Christian site in Dublin, where St Patrick is said to have Baptised converts in a well near the church. A church has stood on the site since 450 AD, and the original building was replaced by the present one in 1191, which it is the largest church in Ireland. Memorials to celebrated Irish people are plentiful in the Cathedral; Jonathan Swift is honoured, along with Douglas Hyde and Erskine Childers, former presidents of Ireland.

The Hugh Lane Gallery: The Hugh Lane Gallery is funded by Dublin Corporation, and most of the works consists of the private collection of noted art collector Sir Hugh Lane. Works in the collection include masterpieces by Impressionist artists including Monet, Degas, Manet and Renoir. Newly acquired by the Hugh Lane is that of Francis Bacon's Reece Mews studio. The studio, faithfully reconstructed as it was left at the time of Bacon's death lends a unique insight into the workings of this somewhat unorthodox artist.

Temple Bar: Dublin's cultural quarter and a fashionable social spot, Temple Bar was originally developed in the 19th Century with narrow cobbled streets running close to the Liffey. Temple Bar oozes character, and the fact that it is a pedestrian area only serves to enhance the effect. It is crowded with innovative cultural centres: the Irish Film Centre, The Ark (a children's cultural centre) and the Irish Photographic Archive with its Gallery of Photography. Fine restaurants, nightclubs and bars abound, as well as accommodation ranging from budget to deluxe.

Dvblinia Heritage Centre: Housed in the former Synod Hall of the Church of Ireland, Dvblinia is an interactive experience of Medieval Dublin. The Journey Through Time audio tour is available in five languages and guides you through the displays of memorable instances in Dublin's colourful history. There is a scale model of Medieval Dublin and a number of life-sized reconstructions, including a 15th Century merchant's kitchen. The Dvblinia experience is linked to Christ Church Cathedral by a bridge at the top of St Michael's Tower.

Bank of Ireland: Built in 1729 to house the Irish Parliament, the Bank of Ireland building became redundant when the Irish Parliament was united with the British Parliament in London, and doubly so when the Irish Parliament voted itself out of existence. Now a centre for commerce, the Irish House of Lords still remains, decorated in woodworked Irish Oak and 18th Century tapestries. In the old bank armoury at Foster Place "The Story of Banking" is on display, detailing the role of the Bank of Ireland in the social and economic development of Ireland over the past 200 years.

Dublin Civic Museum: Run by Dublin Public Libraries, the Dublin Civic Museum is housed in what was once the City Assembly House. Home to displays ranging from pre-Viking times to 1960's, the purpose of the Civic Museum is to provide an insight into Dublin; it's history and it's people. The permanent collection has displays covering such subjects as Streets and Buildings of Dublin, Traders, Industry, Transport and Political History.

Dublin Writers Museum: The Dublin Writers Museum was opened in 1991 to provide a home for Dublin's illustrious literaty tradition, and the history associated with it. Displays of personal items, letters and books recount the lives of some of Dublin's most famous literary figures, including: Swift, Joyce, Yeats and Beckett. The bookstore provides an out-of-print search, and the restaurant; Chapter One, is excellent.