Page 19 - The Drivers Guide 2019

The Driver's Guide
ST AUDOEN’S CHURCH
CORNMARKET, DUBLIN 8
Situated in the heart of Dublin, St Audoen’s Church is the only remaining medieval parish church in the city. The Guild Chapel of St Anne houses an award-winning exhibition on the importance of St Audoen’s Church in the life of the medieval city. Visitors to St Audoen’s will see the part of the church still in use by the Church of Ireland as a parish church. They can also view the 17th century memorials to the Sparke and Duff families and the 15th century effigial tomb to Baron Portlester and his wife.
www.staudoens.ie
NATIONAL GALLERY
OF IRELAND
MERRION SQUARE WEST, DUBLIN 2
See the incredible works of some of Ireland’s great artists, including James Arthur O’Connor and Jack B. Yeats, alongside the renowned efforts of Caravaggio, Monet and other masters. And, if you have a chance, definitely check out Ireland’s favourite painting, Burton’s romantic “Hellelil and Hildebrand, the Meeting on the Turret Stairs.”
The collections at the Gallery are diverse and impressive, and you are sure to leave with an even better understanding of Irish culture and its very talented people.
www.nationalgallery.ie
THE LITTLE MUSEUM OF DUBLIN
15 ST STEPHEN’S GREEN, DUBLIN
The Little Museum is one of the hidden gems in Dublin which captures the history of modern Dublin like no other. Telling the remarkable story of the Irish capital, the collection was created by public donation, entry is by guided tour, in the company of friendly experts.
From the visit of Queen Victoria to the global success of U2, this handsome museum is full of amazing things to discover. From James Joyce to John F Kennedy, you will meet some fantastic characters on our famous guided tours.
The Little Museum is a fascinating addition to the cultural map of Ireland’s capital and if you want to know all about Dublin, a visit to the Little Museum is a must.
www.littlemuseum.ie
THE PHOENIX PARK
PARKGATE STREET/ CONYNGHAM ROAD, DUBLIN 8
The Phoenix Park at 707 hectares (1752 acres) is one of the largest enclosed recreational spaces within any European capital city. The Phoenix Park was established in 1662 by one of Ireland’s most illustrious viceroys, James Butler, Duke of Ormond, on behalf of King Charles II. Conceived as a Royal deer park, it originally included the demesne of Kilmainham Priory south of the River Liffey, but with the building of the Royal Hospital at Kilmainham, which commenced in 1680, the Park was reduced to its present size, all of which is now north of the river. About 30% of the Phoenix Park is covered by trees, which are mainly broadleaf parkland species such as oak, ash, lime, beech, sycamore and horsechestnut. A more ornamental selection of trees is grown in the various enclosures. A herd of Fallow Deer has lived in the park since the 1660’s when they were introduced by the Duke of Ormond. The Phoenix Park is a sanctuary for many mammals and birds and a wide range of wildlife habitats are to be found in the park. One such area is the Furry Glen, which is managed as a conservation area. Áras an Uachtaráin, the residence of the President of Ireland, dates from 1750 and is located in the centre of the park adjacent to the United States Ambassador’s residence, which was built in 1774.
www.phoenixpark.ie
ST MICHAN’S CHURCH
CHURCH ST, ARRAN QUAY, DUBLIN 7
Dating back to 1095, St Michan’s Church is one of the oldest churches in Dublin, and Ireland as a whole. A must visit, it is most famous for what lies in the vaults. As you wander below you will witness dozens of coffins containing mummified remains. The main attraction in St Michan’s is that of the 800-year-old mummy known as “the Crusader”. At six and a half feet The Crusader’s legs had to be broken and folded up in order to fit inside the existing coffin.
Other mummified remains include “The Unknown” (a female that nothing is known about), The Thief (who’s missing parts of both feet and right hand) and the Sheares brothers, Henry and John (who took part in the 1798 rebellion).
IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST 17