The National Museum, a fascinating building with a domed rotunda, mosaic floors and iron and glass main hall, houses exhibitions which include the stunning Irish Bronze Age gold jewellery collection, an Egyptian mummy and, for those interested in more recent history, the story of the Road to Independence. Admission to the museum is free and the café there is a good place to take a break, whether for a cuppa, a snack or a meal. The food is excellent. Talking of refreshments, a free sample of the product is part of the package when you visit the Guinness Storehouse or the Old Jameson's Distillery to see how these famous beverages are made. Both attractions come highly rated. In O'Connell Street, north of the River Liffey, as elsewhere around the city, it's fun to spot the monuments and statues, including the Spirit of the Liffey, better known as the Floosie in the Jacuzzi (the one of Molly Malone at the bottom of Grafton Street is known as the Tart with the Cart, thanks to her low-cut costume).
 The street's major historical landmark is the GPO (right), still a working post office, but known for its central role in the fight for Irish independence. Paintings around the walls depict the events of the 1916 Easter Rising and you can see the bulletholes that resulted from the battle there. O'Connell Street and those leading off it are good for department stores and other shops, while the pedestrianised Grafton Street area is the other main draw for shoppers, including the nearby St Stephen's Green Centre and the Powerscourt Centre. Temple Bar is the place for bargains, music, ethnic goods and other unusual items. It's also a haven for buskers and other arty types, but don't expect it to be buzzing in the early part of the day when it can be a bit of a letdown. It really comes alive at night, if nightlife's what you're after.
 The attractions of the older part of Dublin include Dublin Castle, Dublinia and the two cathedrals - Christchurch (donation optional) and St Patrick's (admission charge). Gulliver's Travels author Jonathan Swift was the Dean of St Patrick's and corner of the cathedral commemorating him is particularly fascinating and amusing. There's a pleasant park next door and I found St Patrick's definitely more interesting than Christchurch. This is just a sample of what the Irish capital has to offer. If you've got any favourite haunts or hidden gems in Dublin, why not share them by contacting news@icnorthwales.net? | 
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