Competition: Win one of four family passes for Dublin Sightseeing Tours

Photo via flickr  jbs300

Your flights are booked, your accommodation is sorted and you have purchased that all important “something green”; you’re heading to Dublin for St. Patricks day.

The New York St Patrick's Day parade may be larger but the Dublin “Paddy’s Day” experience is second to none.Visitors from across the globe jet into Ireland's capital city to take part in the world renowned celebrations. For many the parade which has seen crowds of up to 675,000 lining the capital’s streets is the highlight as marching bands, performers, pipe bands and spectacles from every corner of the globe march down through Dublin in a celebration of all things Irish. 

But when the drum marches have finished and the music of pipes bands no longer fills the air it’s time to explore this great city. Dublin with its Viking walls, stout history, beautiful architecture and parkland has inspired writers such as W.B Yeats, Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett to name but a few. Visitors are spoilt for choice and there is an endless list of things to see and do. 

Sadly few of us have unlimited time when on a trip and so it’s important to make a list of some of the must see destinations, which is precisely what we have done. Here are some of the attractions that topped the WorldIrish list:

1. The Guinness Storehouse

The Guinness Storehouse is Ireland’s number one tourist attraction is found at the heart of the famous St. James Gate in Dublin’s Liberties. Over 7 floors you will discover how the brewery, which was established in 1759 by Arthur Guinness with a 9000 year lease has grown into one of the most recognised brands on the planet. Learn how Guinness is brewed, stored, advertised and exported followed by a pint of the black stuff in the Gravity Bar where you can take in 360 degree views of the city.

2. Dublin Zoo

Dublin Zoo is located in the Phoenix Park, one of the largest parks in any European city, it is also home to the official residence of the Irish President, Áras an Uachtaráin. Spread across 73 hectares visitors can visit the African Plains, the Gorilla Rainforest and even venture to the fringes of the Arctic. The zoo is home to more than 400 animals and combines education and conservation with a great experience for all the family as well as some very cute inhabitants. 

3. Kilmainham Gaol

Built in 1796 Kilmainham Gaol has been the scene of many of the most heroic and tragic events throughout Ireland’s emergence as a modern nation from 1780’s - 1920’s.  It was here that the leader of the 1916 were executed, marking a turning point in the Irish campaign for independence,

4. The National Museum

Copyright of the National Museum of Ireland

The National Museum is madeof the Archeology Museum on Kildare Street, The Natural History Museum on Merrion Street and the Decorative Arts and History Museum in Collins Barracks. The National Museum houses the greatest collection of Irish heritage and natural history in the world including the Tara Brooch, the Ardagh Chalice and a gigantic skeleton of the now extinct Irish Elk, the largest deer that ever existed. Entry to the museum is free of charge to all.

5. The Gate Theatre

The Gate Theatre has been, artistically and architecturally, a landmark building for over 250 years. Established as a theatre company in 1928 by Hilton Edwards and Micheál MacLiammóir, the Gate offered Dublin audiences an introduction to the world of European and American theatre and also to classics from the modern and Irish repertoire. The Gate has a long and rich association with Brian Friel, premièring many of his plays over the past forty-five years. In addition to its artistic programme, the theatre has undergone a continuous process of renovation and upgrading to ensure the preservation of the eighteenth-century building.

6. The Old Jameson Distillery

The competition:

Winners will be chosen at random on February 28th and PM'd via their WorldIrish PM inbox. You must have a profile photo on your profile to be eligible.

Competition Terms & Conditions

This competition is open to all members of the WorldIrish community aged 18 years and over. The winners must be in Dublin in March 2013 to avail of the prize. WorldIrish is not responsible for any travel or accommodation costs the winner may incur. Dublin Sightseeing does not operate on St. Patrick's Day due to road closures. If the prize is unclaimed after reasonable efforts have been made to contact the winner, or the winner cannot avail of the prize for any reason, the Promoters will be entitled to dispose of the prize as they see fit without any liability to the winner for doing so.  All prize details are subject to availability and any terms and conditions governing the elements of the prize. WorldIrish.com are not responsible for any matter arising from or relating to the enjoyment of the prize. Family passes cover bus tour only, admission to attractions mentioned is not included.WorldIrish.com reserve the right to alter, amend or terminate the competition without prior notice if necessary.

Categories: Competition, St. Patrick's Day, Dublin Sightseeing