Our Dublin hotels are perfectly located to access a plethora of attractions, bars, restaurants and shops within thriving Dublin.
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Best Bar: Offering live music and a wide selection of drinks, Whelan’s has been a Dublin staple for over 25 years.
Best Restaurant: Temple Bar’s Elephant & Castle is one of the most popular choices in Dublin, made famous for their Elephantburger, chicken wings, and huge portions!
Best Kept Secret: Find a refuge from the hustle and bustle of St Stephen’s Green at Iveagh Gardens (between Harcourt Street and Earlsfort Terrace), a hidden gem for peace and beauty.
Irish Museum of Modern Art
Housed in the magnificent architecture of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, the Irish Museum of Modern Art is home to an engaging array of contemporary work. The museum showcases the world renowned talent of artists such as Carol Rama, Simon Fujiwara, and Ireland’s own post-war realist painter Patrick Hennessy, giving visitors a well-rounded experience of modern art from Ireland and the rest of the world.
You can take part in a number of tours on your visit, including a Touch Tour and one given in Irish language. The Irish Museum of Modern Art is open from 10am-5:30pm Tuesday to Saturday, and from noon-5:30pm on Sundays and holidays, with admission free for all. You can find the museum a 15- minute bus ride or a five minute drive from Leonardo Hotel Dublin Christchurch.
Marsh's Library
One of Dublin’s cultural gems, Marsh’s Library is the oldest public library in Ireland and a landmark of the country’s heritage. The library was founded in 1701 by Archbishop Narcissus Marsh, and is one of the few 18th century buildings still used for its original purpose. It has since built an impressive collection of books and manuscripts – many of which are displayed on antique oak bookcases, giving Marsh’s Library a grand and luxurious finish.
The library is open from 9:30am to 5pm on Mondays and from Wednesday to Friday, and from 10am to 5pm on Saturdays, with admission free for under 16s and €3 for adults. You can find Marsh’s Library just a seven-minute walk from our Christchurch hotel.
Christ Church Cathedral
If you’re looking for an insight into the cultural and historical legacy of Ireland, look no further than Dublin’s Christ Church Cathedral. The architectural masterpiece and ‘spiritual heart of the city’, Christ Church Cathedral was founded c. 1028 and became the centre of Dublin in medieval times, giving it a number of relics and oddities from the time – keep an eye out for the heart of Dublin’s patron saint, St Laurence! You can also drop into the medieval crypt and have a look at the fascinating memorials within, including the ‘cat and the rat’, two unusual mummified inhabitants of the crypt known to the locals as Tom and Jerry.
Opening times vary throughout the year, but are roughly between 9am and 5-7pm, Monday to Friday. Adults can buy a visitor’s pass for €6 while it costs €2 for children. You can find Christ Church Cathedral sitting opposite Leonardo Hotel Dublin Christchurch.
Dublin City Hall
Built over 10 years at the end of the 18th century, Dublin City Hall has been used as a hub for Dublin’s trade for its early years, known as the Royal Exchange, before also being used as a hospital, and as a Garrison for the Irish Citizen Army. Now the building is a civic centre for the city, and houses a variety of historical objects such as statues of 4 famous Irishmen from Dublin’s history, a number of murals, and a mosaic Coat of Arms.
For history and culture fans there is a ‘Dublin’s City Hall: The Story of the Capital’ exhibition that tells you the story of Dublin’s civic history, with tickets costing €3.60 for adults and €1.50 for children. City Hall is open Monday to Saturday, 10am-5.15pm and is a brief three minute walk from our Christchurch hotel.
Custom House
Found just off the River Liffey, Dublin’s Custom House is one of the city’s prized pieces of architecture. It was designed by English architect James Gandon, and the building has a number of statues and sculptures symbolising parts of the history, culture, and folklore of Ireland and the rest of the world.
A landmark of the city for over 2 centuries, the building’s history and cultural significance is revealed in an exhibition found in the Custom House Visitor’s Centre. It covers the development of scientific meteorology in Ireland, the story of the Custom House during the Easter Rising, the construction of the building, and the Custom House Fire of 1921. The Custom House Visitor Centre is open from 10am to 4:30pm with free admission, and you can find the Custom House just a 20 minute walk from our Christchurch Hotel.
National Leprechaun Museum
The first tourist attraction dedicated to Ireland’s mythology, Dublin’s National Leprechaun Museum lets you dive right into the nation’s charming folklore. You’ll be guided by an expert story teller through the magic of the leprechaun, including a journey to a leprechaun-sized world and a trip to the end of the rainbow – will you find the elusive pot of gold?
For a darker version of events come for the adult-only night time tour and hear some of the more twisted tales of Irish folklore! Afterwards you can visit the gift shop and take home goodies like the collected stories of Eamon Kelly or poems by WB Yeats, graphic novels based on 11th century Ireland, and t-shirts or hoodies with classic Irish designs. All of this can be found just a 7 minute walk from Leonardo Hotel Parnell Street, with tours every day from 10am-6:30pm costing €14 for adults.
National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts and History
Part of the National Museum of Ireland, the Decorative Arts and History museum gives visitors the chance to explore the unique history and heritage of Irish decorative art, from clothing and jewellery to furniture and ceramics. Standing out amongst the displays is the Irish Silver Collection, one of the largest collections in the world with items dating from the early 17th century.
The museum also caters to history buffs with exhibitions on the history of the Irish military at home and abroad, from 1550 to today, while budding sketchers and artists are encouraged to test their skills on a range of artefacts! The Decorative Arts and History part of the National Museum of Ireland is free to enter, opening from 10am-5pm Tuesday to Saturday and at 2pm on Sundays. Find it just a 10 minute drive or a 25 minute walk from Leonardo Hotel on Parnell Street.
Dublin Writer’s Museum
Housed in a stunning 18th century mansion, the Dublin Writer’s Museum is a treat for literature buffs wanting to explore and celebrate the rich literary heritage of the Irish capital. Browse the various displays and learn in depth about legendary Dubliners like Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, and Bram Stoker.
You’ll see objects and memorabilia that give you an insight into their personal and professional lives, like Samuel Beckett’s very own phone and one of the first editions of Stoker’s renowned ‘Dracula’, while you can also attend special readings and lunchtime theatre productions that bring their great literary works to life. The Dublin Writer’s Museum is open from 9:45am-4:45pm Monday to Saturday, and from 11am-4:30pm on Sundays, with admission for adults costing €7.50. You can find this treasure hove just a 5 minute walk from our hotel on Parnell Street.
Old Jameson Distillery
At the Old Jameson Distillery you can indulge in the ultimate whiskey experience and learn what makes the drink so special. The distillery offers a guided tour where you can take a lesson in the history of Irish whiskey, including how the legendary spirit is crafted and how best to enjoy it, as well as a tasting session and the award of the official Jameson Whiskey Tasting Certificate.
Whiskey fanatics can also sign up for the Jameson Tasting Experience or the Jameson Whiskey Masterclass, which includes a private Jameson tutorial and a free gift, and you can even bottle your own select reserve cask strength black barrel whiskey, complete with a personalised label! It makes for a must-experience day out for whiskey lovers and fans of Ireland’s unique history, and you can find it just a 16 minute walk from our hotel on Parnell Street. The distillery is open 7 days a week from 9am-6pm Monday-Saturday, opening 10am on Sundays, and tickets for the guided tour cost €16.
The Vaults
Live out strange and beautiful stories inspired by Irish history at The Vaults, the live visitor experience. The show is a theatrical attraction where through improvisation, you get to immerse yourself in interactive magic. Meet Sister Brigid, Vikings, the famous Molly Malone and many more in this spectacular alternative to storytelling!
The show is a walk-through experience lasting 1 hour and you can catch a show every 15 minutes from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Sunday. Located in the heart of The Liberties, in a former schoolhouse, The Vaults is just a a 7 minute-walk from our hotel on Christchurch.
James Joyce Walking Tours – James Joyce Centre
James Joyce is one of the many literary legends hailing from Ireland, and he took inspiration for much of his work from the streets of Dublin themselves. With the James Joyce Walking Tours you have the opportunity to relive the steps he took and visit locations featured in his works, for example The Gresham Hotel from ‘The Dead’ or Middle Abbey Street from ‘Ulysses’.
The James Joyce Centre also holds a number of exhibitions dedicated to Joyce’s life and work where you can learn more about the celebrated author, and you can round off the day with a trip to the gift shop for a few souvenirs, from copies of his classic texts to gifts like clothing and stationary. The James Joyce Centre is just a 6 minute walk from Leonardo Hotel Dublin Parnell Street, open from 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm-5pm on Sundays with tickets costing €5 for adults.
St Stephens Green
Find a place away from the crowds of Dublin’s city centre and take a walk around the lush urban oasis of St Stephen’s Green. Offering a haven of peace and quiet, the park offers a number of rambling routes where you can take in the greenery and scenery, like the picturesque Pulham rockwork and the beautiful waterfall on the lake. You can also get to know the heritage and culture of the area with a downloadable audio guide, letting you learn at your leisure! Find St Stephens Green a short 12-minute walk from Leonardo Hotel Dublin Christchurch.
Guinness Storehouse
A Dublin gem and a key part of Ireland’s heritage, The Guinness Storehouse is an experience not to be missed. You’ll go on an educational and inspiring journey through every aspect of the Guinness story, from the ingredients used in the ‘craft of brewing’ to how the legendary stout is advertised and transported, as well as a lesson on how to pour the perfect pint!
The Storehouse is also home the largest pint glass in the world – it spans the whole building and it can hold 14.3 million pints of Guinness! At the top you’ll find the famous Gravity Bar, where you can enjoy a pint of Guinness and savour a stunning 360 degree view of Dublin’s historic skyline. Tickets cost €16.20 for adults, €6.50 for children aged 6-12 and €12 for 12-18 year olds. The Guinness Storehouse is a short 15-minute walk from our Christchurch hotel.
Indulge in the vibrant shopping scene in Dublin, the lively capital of Ireland. From iconic department stores to charming local boutiques and bustling markets, Dublin offers a diverse range of retail destinations. Embark on a shopping spree through the bustling streets, immersing yourself in the city's unique blend of traditional and contemporary shopping delights. Experience the allure of shopping in Dublin!
Grafton Street
With a reputation known worldwide, Dublin’s Grafton Street is the must-see destination for shopaholics and cultural enthusiasts visiting the city. The variety of retail outlets give you a ton of options, from department stores like Brown Thomas to shops such as Footlocker, Next, and Marks & Spencer.
After a day of shopping you might want to grab a bite to eat from one of the many fast food joints, restaurants, and cafes dotted around the area – or if you’re feeling lively, there are also a number of bars and clubs where you can get your night life on, and even a theatre where you can sample Dublin’s talented dramatists. You can find all this and more just a short 11-minute walk from Leonardo Hotel Dublin Christchurch.
Arnotts
Known for being the oldest and largest department store in Ireland, Arnotts is the destination of choice if you’re looking for a day of food, fun, and most importantly, retail therapy. Over 300,000 square feet, the store is home to all you could need in the way of fashion, jewellery, homeware, electrical goods and more.
After a long day of shopping, there’s a place to rest your feet and let your taste buds do the work with restaurants and cafes like Clodagh’s Kitchen, Bewley’s, and Homemade at Arnotts – we suggest sampling the full Irish breakfast before hitting the stores as it’s sure to give you enough energy for endless shopping! You can find Arnotts just a 4 minute walk from our hotel on Parnell Street.