JBTI Tours & Packages

Trinity College
	Trinity College was founded in 1592 by Elizabeth I. It is Ireland's most prestigious university and its distinguished campus attracts thousands of visitors each year. The college consists of a series of fine open squares and College Park, which is a leafy oasis in the centre of the city. The major attraction at Trinity is the exquisitely decorated illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells, which dates from 800AD. The book has had quite a troubled history: raided by Vikings, looted, stolen, and finally defaced by Queen Victoria.

Saint Patrick's Cathedral
Address: St Patrick's Cathedral St Patrick's Close Dublin, Ireland Tel: 353-01-475-8117 St Patrick's is one of two Anglican cathedrals in Dublin. It is built on the site where St Patrick is said to have baptised converts to Christianity. St Patrick's Cathedral, in its present state, was constructed in 1192, replacing an original wooden chapel.The main attractions in St Patrick's are the tombs of Jonathan Swift and his lover in the nave. The cathedral also contains the longest medieval nave in Ireland, and a stone slab, engraved with a Celtic cross, that covers the well from which St Patrick baptised the converts. The adjoining garden is a welcome oasis in this densely built-up district of the city.

Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle symbolised English rule for 700 years, ever since the Anglo-Normans built their fortress on this site. Later, the Castle was to serve as the headquarters of the English-appointed Viceroy of Ireland. It was not until 1922 that it was finally handed over to the Irish Free State.

Crypt Arts Centre
Located within Dublin Castle, the former centre of the British government in Ireland, this intimate theatre is housed in an old church crypt, and Dublin's several fringe companies generally make the best of its cramped but atmospheric space. Theatrical styles and quality vary greatly depending on the company involved, but the centre itself has built up a considerable and dedicated audience of its own.
Marsh's Library
Address: St. Patrick's Close, Clanbrassil Street Dublin, Ireland Tel: 353-01-454-3511 Built in 1701, Marsh's Library is the oldest public library in Ireland. The architect, Sir William Robinson, also designed much of Dublin Castle. Commissioned by Archbishop Narcissus Marsh, a Dean of St.Patrick's Cathedral, it was opened in 1707. The library, housed in a splendid Queen Anne mansion, is tucked behind St Patrick's Cathedral and set amid very fine formal gardens. The interior of the library is very decorative, with gilded gables adorning the bookcases and a mitre towering over the shelves. Visitors can see cage-like alcoves, in which readers were locked when they wished to study the rare books. The collection of books from previous centuries is of great interest.
St Stephen's Green
Address: St Stephen's Green Dublin, Ireland Tel: 353-01-605-7700 Dublin's most famous park is steeped in history. It started life as common ground, not far from a lepers' hospital, and was eventually enclosed in 1664. The site of public hangings throughout the 18th century, it was not until Lord Ardilaun's patronage in 1880 that the park took on the landscaped form that we see now. Memorials are dotted around the flower-beds and trees. James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and W.B. Yeats are just some of the famous names commemorated; and the Three Fates measure the thread of humanity's destiny from their fountain at Leeson Street Gate. Free concerts are held on summer days in the bandstand.
Irish Museum of Modern Art
Address: Royal Hospital, Military Road, Kilmainham Dublin, Ireland Tel: 353-01-612-9900 In 1991, the restored site of the Royal Hospital was officially opened as the Irish Museum of Modern Art. This splendid 17th century building is now the venue for some superb exhibitions, both permanent and showcase. The museum also conducts a number of educational and community-oriented projects, in addition to hosting some exclusive classical concerts. Guided tours of the museum are available and these include visits to the chapel, banqueting hall and the beautifully restored baroque garden.