Read Your Way Through Dublin’s Historical Architecture
With a number of new hotels, restaurants and businesses springing up in Dublin these days, it’s a joy to spot one of old Irish architecture and to see the buildings take on new life.
They can be quite dramatic structures and at times may even be downright majestic in their own right. A number of them still stand today at the heart of Dublin’s modern skyline due to their architectural and historic importance.
1. St. Mary’s Church
The Church of St Mary’s, also known as St. Mary’s on the Green, Dublin was originally constructed as a Romanesque church for the city’s Catholic population. It is a fine example of Medieval architecture in Dublin and is the largest church to be built in that style in the city with a length and breadth of more than 600 feet. It was completed in 1239 and was later enlarged and embellished by the Knights Templars in the 14th century. The church is a listed building and is currently undergoing a €50 million restoration project.
2. National Museum of Ireland
Known as the National Museum, the National Museum of Ireland is the most visited museum in Dublin. The museum houses a collection of artefacts from across the island of Ireland. The museum is most famous for its extensive collection of prehistoric artefacts including the famous Brooches from Tuath in Co Cavan, Ireland’s largest collection of gold artifacts. It is also home to a number of historic paintings created by artists from Ireland and the world.
3. Royal Canal
The Royal Canal was built in the 16th century to facilitate trade between the capital of Ireland and the British Isles. Construction began in 1565 and was completed in 1580. Originally located in the heart of the city, the canal later moved to its present site in the southwest of the city. The Royal Canal today is mainly used by people who love to bicycle and walk along the towpath to visit their many pubs and restaurants.
4. National Museum of Ireland
The National Museum of Ireland was built as a result of the passing of the Public Museums Act of 1931. The National Museum of