Blog (What to do around Croke Park)
It’s easy to see a game – keep an eye on their site for upcoming matches. But it’s not just GAA matches that are held in this hallowed ground.
There are gigs dotted throughout the year (Ed Sheeran and The Script are both playing in 2015.) You can also visit the GAA Museum or do a skyline tour of the arena on match days. See our write up of the Skyline Tours here.
Croke Park
It had to be number one! Croke Park is a sight that makes the hearts of GAA fans skip a beat. It’s easy to see a game – keep an eye on their site for upcoming matches. But it’s not just GAA matches that are held in this hallowed ground. There
are gigs dotted throughout the year (Ed Sheeran and The Script are both playing in 2015.) You can also visit the GAA Museum or do a skyline tour of the arena on match days. See our write up of the Skyline Tours here.
Distance from Hotel: Less than a minute!
How: Museum access is free on match days.
See: www.crokepark.ie
Glasnevin Cemetery
Frequently voted one of the top sights in Dublin, Glasnevin Cemetery makes for an intriguing and emotional outing. 1.5 million souls have been laid to rest in these grounds, which are also home to a fascinating museum. There are guided tours led by knowledgeable and captivating guides, and you can also pop into the genealogy area to look in to your family background.
Distance from Hotel: 25 minute walk
How: Museum/Tour tickets cost from €6.
O’Connell Street
It’s one of the most bustling throughfares in Dublin, where modern day shopping meets vital city history. It’s here you’ll find the General Post Office, scene of the 1916 Easter Rising - you can even see the bullet holes left on the pillars. Around the corner is Henry Street and Jervis Street, where you’ll find all the high street brands represented. Look out for The Rolling Donut, a Dublin institution that started life as a street cart, and now serves up fresh doughnuts every day from its O’Connell Street location.
Distance from Hotel: 20 minute walk
National Botanic Gardens
On the grounds of the Glasnevin Cemetery, the National Botanic Gardens describe themselves as a Noah’s Arc for future generations. Why? Because the beautiful gardens are home to 300 endangered species from around the world, 6 of which are already extinct in the wild. Plenty of research goes on within the gardens, but they make for a beautiful stroll on a summer’s day.
Distance from Hotel: 30 minute walk
How: Entry is free.
Hugh Lane Gallery
One of the best little galleries in Dublin, the Hugh Lane Gallery is also one of the quietest, and has a fascinating backstory. In it, you’ll find a huge array of works, which change regularly in a swap with the National Gallery in London. One of the most interesting pieces is Francis Bacon’s studio, which was transported piece by piece from London. It’s a fascinating insight into how the man lived and worked.
Distance from Hotel: 15 minute walk
How: Admission is free.
See: www.hughlane.ie
James Joyce Centre
It’s hard not to associate James Joyce with Dublin. Whether you’ve tackled Ulysses or not, the writer led a fascinating life, which is covered in depth in the James Joyce Centre. Located in a beautiful 17th century Georgian building, the museum lays out information about the man over three floors, including a permanent interactive exhibition on Ulysses. Keep an eye on the website for events held in the centre.
Distance from Hotel: 13 minute walk
How: Admission is €5 for adults, or €4 for students/seniors.
See: www.jamesjoyce.ie
You can see more about The Croke Park Hotel here.
