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Dublin Excursions

Glendalough

Glendalough

Glendalough is only 18 miles (30km) south of Dublin and is a popular destination for day-trippers. Despite this the site has a very tangible spirituality that can be experienced whilst standing amidst the remains of the monastic settlement. The Gaelic name translates to 'valley of the two lakes' and there are some breathtaking walks around the ruined monastery and along the clear-as-glass lakes. St Kevin founded the monastery in the 6th century and it became a great European centre for learning. His body lies in the 9th century cathedral and the site is adorned with St Kevin's Cross, carved in about 1150. Other buildings here have survived from the 8th and 12th centuries, the most famous of which is the round tower, standing 112ft (34m) high with a base measuring 52ft (16m) in circumference.

Telephone: (404) 45325; Opening time: Daily 9.30am to 6pm (until 5pm from October to March); Admission: €5.30; concessions available

James Joyce Museum

James Joyce Museum

Nine miles (14km) south of Dublin, the Martello Tower is one of 34 towers built in 1804 to protect Ireland against a possible Napoleonic naval invasion. The tower was demilitarised in the 1860s and is now home to the James Joyce Museum. In 1962 Sylvia Beach, the Paris-based publisher of Ulysses, founded the museum here. It was the place where Joyce stayed in 1904 and where he was inspired to set the opening chapter of his book. The exhibition hall contains first editions of most of Joyce's works as well as other memorabilia.

Address: Sandycove; E-mail: joycetower@dublintourism.ie; Telephone: (0)1 280 9265; Transport: DART to Sandycove, or bus 59 from Dun Laoghaire; Opening time: Monday to Saturday 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm, and Sunday and public holidays 2pm to 6pm (April to October). Open by prior arrangement at other times of year; Admission: €6.00 (adults), €3.50 (children aged 3 - 11). Other concessions available

Clonmacnoise

Clonmacnoise

Situated in Shannonbridge in County Offaly, 120 miles (200km) west of Dublin, Clonmacnoise is Ireland's most important monastic site. Founded by Saint Ciaran in the 6th century on the banks of the River Shannon it includes the ruins of a cathedral, eight churches (10th-13th century), two round towers and three high crosses. It provides the visitor with a real sense of what monasteries must have been like in their day. The Visitor Centre displays a large collection of grave slabs, hosts numerous exhibitions and provides further interest with an audio-visual show. As this is a very popular attraction, visitors may experience queues during the summer months.

Address: Shannonbridge, County Offaly; Telephone: (905) 74195; Opening time: Daily 10am to 5.30pm (November to mid-March), 10am to 6pm (mid-March to mid-May, and September to October), 9am to 7pm (mid-May to September); Admission: €5.30, concessions available