Glasnevin is a large suburb on the north side of Dublin. The area is home to some interesting attractions, including Prospect Cemetery (known locally as Glasnevin Cemetery). This cemetery is the resting place of many Irish historical figures, including Charles Stewart Parnell and Daniel O’Connell. Also located within Glasnevin is the lovely, Irish National Botanic Gardens. This 49-acre park has been open since 1795, and it is the centre of botany in Ireland.  Glasnevin is also home to Dublin City University and the Helix arts centre.

Kilmainham is a suburb located on the south side of Dublin. The area is home to numerous attractions, not least the Royal Kilmainham Hospital, which was constructed on the site of the Knights Templar priory. Today, this building and its beautiful grounds have been transformed into the Irish Museum of Modern Art, a wonderful, progressive museum housing both Irish and international modern art. Another poplar attraction is Kilmainham Gaol (pronounce ‘jail’). This large, grey building will provide a fascinating visit for anyone with an interest in Irish history. It was in Kilmainham Goal that the leaders of the Easter Rising were executed.

The Phoenix Park is a huge park located on the north side of Dublin. The park is the largest urban park in Europe, and it is home to numerous attractions. Aside from the stunning landscape, the Phoenix Park also boasts numerous monuments, including the Papal Cross and the Wellington Testimonial. The park is also home to Aras an Uachtarain (residence of the President of Ireland), as well as the lovely, landscaped People’s Garden. Without a doubt, the most popular attraction in the Phoenix Park is Dublin Zoo. This is a large, modern zoo with an impressive conservation record.

Wood Quay is a historic area in the heart of Dublin. Resting on the south side of the River Liffey, the area was developed as Ireland’s first Viking settlement in 841. Situated close to the popular tourist destination of Christchurch Cathedral, Wood Quay is today home to Viking remains, which visitors can view at the Dublinia exhibition. This exhibition boasts life-size reconstructions of Medieval Dublin, as well as a wonderful view of the city from the 60m St Michael’s Tower.

Merrion Square is a beautiful Georgian Square located in the heart of Dublin’s city centre. Spanning 12 acres, the square combines stunning Georgian Terraces, with impressive buildings such as Leintser House, the National Gallery and the Natural History Museum. These stunning buildings surround a beautiful park that is a popular lunchtime destination for Dubliners working in the city. The park is home to beautiful landscaped areas, pretty sculptures, numerous wild birds and even some foxes.

Moore Street is a colourful market street on the north side of Dublin city. Located close to O’Connell Street, Moore Street stretches from Henry Street to Parnell Square. This lively area is constantly treated to the almost deafening cries of the local stall-holders. Even if you have no interest in buying fresh fruit, vegetables or flowers, the area is an exciting place for visitors to see. The street is also lined with numerous small restaurants and cafes, many of which are ranked amongst the city’s best-kept secrets.

Grafton Street is the main shopping street in the city of Dublin. This pedestrianized stretch spans the area between St Stephen’s Green and College Green; and it is dotted with landmarks including statues of Molly Malone and the musician, Phil Lynott. The street is home to an abundance of high-end shops, with smaller boutiques located along the side streets. The street also boasts numerous restaurants and cafes, the most famous being Bewley’s Café. Shoppers are always treated to the sounds of local buskers, and some of Grafton Street’s more famous musicians include Damien Rice and Rodrigo Y Gabriela.

Clontarf is a charming suburb located on the north side of Dublin. This attractive area was first settled in the 12th century, and it is overlooked by a beautifully reproduced tower house. Clontarf is a charming coastal suburb home to numerous restaurants and pubs, which take advantage of the lovely scenery. The area is home to Bull Island, which has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, due to the large number of waterfowl that live on the island.

Smithfield is a bustling area on the north side of Dublin, not far from the city centre. Formerly a working class residential area, Smithfield has undergone extensive rejuvenation over recent times, and it is fast becoming one of the city’s trendier locations. The area is dotted with fashionable bars, cafes and restaurants, and it is extremely lively at night. The area is centred around a large, cobbled square known as Smithfield Plaza, which is transformed into an ice-skating rink during winter. Smithfield is also home to the Old Jameson Whiskey Distillery, which boasts an observation tower.

Castleknock is a charming area on the north side of Dublin city. This up-market area boasts some lovely architecture, from Georgian houses to impressive mansions.  The area is home to numerous wonderful restaurants, which serve cuisine from across the globe. The area is also a popular destination for northsiders who want to avoid the chaos of Dublin city, but want to enjoy a lively night out. Castleknock is located close to the beautiful Phoenix Park, which is the largest urban park in Europe.