Trinity College Area, Dublin guide

Escape the hustle and bustle in the city centre parks. Follow an art trail around Merrion Square Park, once the sought-after address of Oscar Wilde, WB Yeats and other literary greats. Nearby, St Stephen’s Green is an oasis of grand trees, meadows and water features. Set aside time to spot the colourful birds, sculptures and people passing by.

The college’s magnificent Old Library is where you’ll find its most prized treasures. See the original, illustrated pages of the Book of Kells, a Celtic gospel brought to Ireland 1,200 years ago. Then get a closer look with the Book of Kells 360, an immersive multimedia experience. Browse ancient tomes in the Long Room before seeing them brought to life through state-of-the-art projections.

Since opening its doors in the 16th century, Trinity College Dublin has been the beating heart of university life in Ireland. Amid its elegant buildings and lush lawns, browse contemporary artworks at The Douglas Hyde Gallery and catch a show at Samuel Beckett Theatre. For the ultimate collegiate experience, explore the campus and its secrets on the guided Trinity Trails tours.

Held over seven nights in late June, the Trinity Summer Series is among the hottest tickets in town. The event hosts world-famous musicians from indie rock to folk and soul. In September and October, eclectic performing arts take over the city as part of the Dublin Theatre Festival and Dublin Fringe Festival. See what’s on at The Pearse Centre and Samuel Beckett Theatre.

Grafton Street is the place to go for shopping in Dublin’s city centre. It’s where centuries-old jewellers and department stores vie for business with popular brand-name clothing, footwear and accessory outlets. If it’s a collegiate twist and Irish design you’re after, check out the on-campus shopping. You’ll find everything from Trinity-branded apparel to knitwear and stationery.

The Irish Whiskey Museum isn’t just for learning about the nation’s storied spirit. You can kick-start your evening with a dram or two of the local ‘water of life’. Then hop between traditional pubs, where Guinness flows like the River Liffey and folk music sessions call for sing-alongs. For even more fun, Temple Bar is only a short pub crawl away.

With a pub on just about every corner, you won’t have to look hard to fill up on traditional Irish grub. Some of the best restaurants in the Trinity College Area are located on the campus itself. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, afternoon coffee and pastry or settling into a fine-dining experience, there’s something for most tastes and occasions.

A collection of the most popular museums in the Trinity College Area can be found around the Leinster House parliamentary building. Discover the story of Ireland from prehistory to the Middle Ages at the National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology. Or head to the National Gallery of Ireland to admire masterpieces by Picasso, Rembrandt and other European greats.

For a day with the kids, make a beeline for Trinity College Zoological Museum. Here, you’ll see the fascinating skeletons and taxidermy displays of endemic and extinct animals. There’s more family fun to be had at The National Wax Museum Plus, where Irish cultural icons come to life as wax models.