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MORE FREE THINGS IN DUBLIN

There are plenty of free events in Dublin, and I’ll highlight a few more here.  The Phoenix Park gets a lot of mention, I know, but only because the quality of the freebies is so good, in my opinion.  When I was a youngster, I used to collect chestnuts in the Phoenix Park so we could play a game called Conkers.  So you can see I’m easily pleased.

Big Houses, free guided tours, castles, family fun days and my own favourite, Dublin Festival of History, will be deliberated on in this piece.

 FREE GUIDED TOURS

 Áras an Uachtaráin

The tour of Áras an Uachtaráin (The President's House) is a popular choice among tourists and Dubliners alike, and keep in mind “last tour departing at 3:30pm from the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre. Tickets are limited and are issued on a first come first served basis on the day, no group bookings are available.”

 Formerly housing British Viceroys until 1922, this wonderful 1751 built mansion is the official home of Irish Presidents since 1938.VIPs and visitors to the big white house, over the decades, included Nelson Mandela, President Bill Clinton, President John F. Kennedy and Tomas O’hArgadain (well I did the tour).  So, follow in the footsteps world famous personalities and enjoy a wonderful, guided tour for free. 

Farmleigh

Farmleigh is Ireland’s guest accommodation house for visiting dignitaries. Also situated in the Phoenix Park, this magnificent 78 acres estate offers free, guided tours to the public. Regarding the house, “its great charm lies in the eclecticism of its interior decoration ranging from the classical style to Jacobean, Louis XV, Louis XVI and Georgian.”  An enchanting place with lots of variety to savour, I’d recommend a visit.

Whilst photography and videos are allowed, they are not allowed in the House or Gallery.  Just as well, because I’m always forgetting my memory card.

 Monkstown Castle

This castle has a long history. “The Castle was constructed in the 13th century and was expanded over centuries. It was built by the monks of the great Cistercian house of the blessed Virgin Mary to protect the valuable agricultural land and fisheries they had established in the area.” There’s no interior as such, but the ruins that survived today include a tower and gatehouse.  There are free, guided tours every Tuesday until 30th August, 2016.  No booking required.  I love the history of this castle and I intend to learn more.

 Cabinteely House

Set in the lovely, 45 hectare Cabinteely Park with beautiful gardens and lovely views of the Dublin Mountains, Cabinteely House is a must-see attraction.  “Take a guided tour of Cabinteely House, a stunning eighteenth-century country house. Hear the colourful story of the house including its original owner Robert Nugent and his rise up the social and political ladder as well as Joseph McGrath, revolutionary and key figure in the Irish Sweepstakes.”  There are free, guided tours every Monday, Wednesday and Sunday until the 4th September. No booking required.  Well worth a visit.

For the more athletic among you (I include myself here as I bought a fresh can of WD-40) there’s a weekly 5k run in Cabinteely park, every Saturday at 9am. It’s an organised free run, with the only requirement being that one must register for first run.

 Dublin City Walking Tour

 According to Dublin City Walking Tour, “Dublin City Walk Tour offers a unique experience for Dubliners, Irish, and tourists alike in which they are given the opportunity “to taste” the diversity of Arts and Culture that currently exists in Dublin’s fair city.” They advertise a free tour and donations welcomed. See the website for lots more interesting information.

FAMILY ORIENTED FREE FUN EVENTS

Family Fun at Rathfarnham Castle

For some family fun, take a trip to the magnificent Rathfarnham Castle during Heritage Week( ending 28th August) and get involved in free( there's that lovely word again) family-friendly events. "Visit the Castle and have a go at re-designing the rooms to your taste! Follow the Rathfarnham Castle trail and answer questions as you explore the building! Add your photo to our Snapture Nature Wall - take a nature photo in the grounds of the castle, print it off and have it displayed in the Castle during Heritage Week!" I love the sound of this one.

Tallafest 2016

Adults and kids will also enjoy this fun day in Tallaght on the 10th September, 12-5pm. “This is the fourth year of the village festival, which seeks to energise the village and to celebrate the heritage, arts, culture and creativity for families. It is organised by a team of volunteers and the program includes a wide range of free activities - from guided history walks, art exhibitions, to imaginative child's play and an afternoon of live entertainment on the main stage.”

There will be a Kids Zone with all the usual Games, Crafts and Face Painting; Sports Zone incorporating Demos & Try Outs; Arts and Heritage; Live Stage Performances with Magic, Music, Song & Dance, and much, much, more.  Definitely a great day out for all the family, and free for all. 

 DUBLIN FESTIVAL OF HISTORY

This is the one I will look forward to (history geek that I am). “The fourth annual Dublin Festival of History will feature special guest talks, exhibitions, theatre performances and 2016 will see events take place throughout the programme to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising. Encouraging interest in the history of Dublin, the Dublin Festival of History is expected to draw thousands upon the city with events taking place in various historic venues.”

These events are expected to take place around various Dublin venues, during the dates 23rd September – 08th October 2016.  The fact that admission is free is an added bonus.  Well worth waiting for, and marking our centenary makes it extra special.

All these events mentioned can be found on this website, Ireland.ie, Visit Ireland and Discover Ireland.ie. The ones I discussed here are only a drop in the ocean, but I hope you found them useful.

Have a nice day.

Tomas O’hArgadain

 

 

 

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