The National Museum of Ireland has 3 Dublin sites not to be missed while in Dublin. The National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts and History is home to exhibitions ranging from Irish haute couture garments and ceramics to exhibitions exploring Irish military history.   On display in the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology you will find the Treasures Exhibition which contains the famous Ardagh Chalice and the Tara Brooch.  The National Museum of Ireland - Natural History has galleries of animals from Ireland and overseas and also contains geological exhibits from a collection of around 2 million scientific specimens.

The Irish literary tradition is one of the most illustrious in the world and Dublin’s native sons include: Shaw, Yeats, Joyce and Beckett. Be sure to visit the Dublin Writers Museum which features a celebration of the lives and works of Dublin’s many literary celebrities. Also not to be missed is the James Joyce Centre. James Joyce is perhaps UCD’s most famous alumni and even based part of his novel ‘Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man’ in UCD. 

Dublinia & the Viking World is an interactive exhibition tracing the history of Dublin from the capture of the city by Strongbow and his knights in 1170 up to the dramatic closure of the monasteries under Henry VIII in the sixteenth century. Visitors can find out how criminals were punished in the pillories, how heavy medieval armour really was, and what happened if you had a tooth ache 700 years ago!

Delve into Dublin’s republican political history with a visit to Kilmainham Gaol. Kilmainham Gaol gives the visitor a dramatic and realistic insight into what it was like to be confined in this bastion of punishment. Between 1792 and its closure in 1924 the Gaol held famous republican Irishmen from Robert Emmet to Eamon De Valera.

If art is your thing then visit Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane . This gallery houses the foremost collection of Irish and international modern and contemporary art in Ireland. IMMA, The Irish Museum of Modern Art is Ireland's leading national institution for the collection and presentation of modern and contemporary art. 

Dublin offers a wonderful array of products ranging from the traditional to the contemporary in its many shops, boutiques and department stores.  Dundrum Town Centre Shopping Mall is located near UCD and is Ireland’s largest shopping mall.  After you have visited the many shops in the city why not take a break and sample some traditional Irish food. Dubliners like to eat, and the last ten years has seen the emergence of a cosmopolitan and chic food culture, which is mirrored in the hundreds of restaurants you will find throughout the Dublin region.

Where better to go when in the home of Guinness than to the Guinness Storehouse. Learn how to pull the perfect pint and sample the famous stout while admiring the stunning 360° view of Dublin’s skyline in the Gravity Bar.

It is no secret that Dubliners love to party. Dublin is known throughout the world for its music from the Dubliners and the Chieftains to U2 and The Script.  Dublin’s unique spirit of fun and entertainment is evident in the great Irish traditional music sessions that you will find in one of Dublin’s many pubs. Temple Bar is an area located in the city centre which is popular with tourists and Irish people for its lively nightlife with many pubs, restaurants and music venues situated here.

Christ Church Cathedral, one of Dublin’s oldest and most recognised landmarks, was founded c.1030 by Sitriuc, King of the Dublin Norsemen. The ‘Treasures of Christ Church’ collection reflects 1000 years of history, architecture and worship in Dublin.

Dublin is ideally situated on the east coast of Ireland and just a 20 minute journey will bring you from the bustling city to the charming coastal towns and villages of the county which dot the sometimes rugged and sanded coastline, and which provide boundless opportunities for shopping, golf, water sports, seafood, dining and picturesque walks against the spectacular backdrop of Dublin Bay.

Further information on activities and events in Dublin can be found on the Visit Dublin website.

The city is bursting with colours, music, sights and scenes which provide the irresistible backdrop for exploring the magic that is Dublin City and its beautiful surrounding county. Whether you are travelling in a group or individually you will find that there truly is something for everyone in Dublin and we look forward to welcoming you to UCD and Dublin.

Buses from Dublin Airport to City

Aircoach, a private bus service from Dublin Airport to the city centre and destinations south of the River Liffey, operates two circuits. One circuit passes by the main entrance to UCD on the Stillorgan Road.  Another circuit serves Ballsbridge and Donnybrook.  For full details, please see the Aircoach website.

Buses

Dublin Bus runs all public bus services in the greater Dublin area. Dublin Bus operates an exact fare system. You can purchase prepaid bus tickets in stores and online. Timetables of all bus routes are available online also. Dublin Bus operates a night-time bus service called Nitelink, which runs from the city centre to the suburbs. The Nitelink fare costs €5. 

Buses to UCD

46A	City Centre - UCD Belfield campus
39/A	City Centre (Suffolk Street) - UCD Belfield campus
11/A/B	City Centre - UCD Belfield (via Clonskeagh Road)
17	CD Belfield – Smurfit Graduate School of Business, Blackrock

Within the Dublin area, the Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART), runs along the coast from Howth in the north of Dublin to Greystones near the south.

The Luas operates two tramlines servicing Dublin city centre and suburbs: the Green line connects Brides Glen to St. Stephen’s Green. The Red Line connects Tallaght to The 3 arena. Trams run every 5 minutes at peak time and every 10-15 minutes at other times. Please note that the Green Line and the Red Line do not connect. The Student Travelcard is valid on the Luas.

Taxis are available in all cities at hotels, rail or bus stations or at taxi ranks, which are clearly marked. If a taxi is ordered, there may be a pickup charge. Usually a €1 tip is given to the taxi driver.