Dublin

New perspectives for the Irish capital

The streets of Dublin have been home to saints, scholars and rebels. Now they draw in travellers from across the globe, from people tracing their ancestral Irish roots to first-time visitors seeking new and magical experiences. Ireland’s capital city is the nation’s beating heart, where everyone is welcomed like an old friend.

Iconic photographs of Dublin are two a penny, with images of the Ha’penny Bridge and the colourful doors around the old Georgian squares familiar across the world. Here, to tell it differently, we bring you some fresh perspectives of this unique city you might not have seen before.

St Stephen’s Green from above

One of Dublin’s city centre’s most popular parks, St Stephen’s Green is a highly photogenic spot thanks to its lush green grasses, overflowing flowerbeds and the ornamental lake full of ducks. But one of the best snapshots of the area was photographed from above by a drone, showing how the park blends seamlessly into the middle of the busy urban environment that surrounds it.

The Gaiety Theatre exterior

On Dublin’s South King Street, you’ll find The Gaiety – a grand Victorian theatre designed by the renowned architect Charles J. Phipps. It remains Dublin’s longest-established theatre in continuous production. Outside, laid in pavement, are bronze handprints of famous actors who have performed there..

The Samuel Beckett Bridge at night

One of Dublin’s newest landmarks, the ultra-modern Samuel Beckett Bridge was completed in 2009. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, it resembles a harp – a national symbol of Ireland – lying on its side. Here it is photographed at night using a long exposure, as a bright yellow Dublin Bus passes across. The Convention Centre Dublin – the world’s first carbon-neutral convention centre – is seen on the right.

The gardens at Farmleigh Estate

The official guest house of the Irish state, Farmleigh has played host to guests like Queen Elizabeth II of England and the King of Malaysia throughout its history. The estate consists of almost 80 acres, with a Dutch-style sunken garden, a fountain lawn and its own boating pond. Horses, cattle and donkeys are kept on the grounds.

The ‘Sfera con Sfera’ sculpture at the Berkeley Library, Trinity

Most tourists visiting a Trinity College library will head straight for the Old Library, home of the Book of Kells. But they would be remiss not to walk a little further into the grounds to find Arnaldo Pomodoro’s bronze Sfera con Sfera sculpture. Similar Pomodoro creations sit in the United Nations Plaza in New York, the University of California at Berkeley and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Tehran.

Dublin Bay from Clontarf

The seaside suburb of Clontarf lies along the northern edge of Dublin Bay, looking across to its southern peninsula. In this atmospheric photo, you can make out the bright red Poolbeg Lighthouse at the end of the Great South Wall to the right.

Street art near Francis Street

With the National College of Art and Design nearby, Dublin’s so-called ‘Arts and Antiques Quarter’ in the historic area known as The Liberties is one of its most underrated locales to explore. There’s plenty of street art around here, as well as great cafés and vintage stores.

The Dublin Docklands

By day, Dublin’s ‘Silicon Docks’ are home to the headquarters of such tech giants as Google, Facebook and Airbnb, but they really come into their own at night. Designed by American landscape architect Martha Schwartz, Grand Canal Square features angled red light sticks that make the area glow after dark.

Sculptures at the National Botanic Gardens

As well as housing more than 300 endangered plant species, the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin commands an impressive art collection, including sculptures like the one pictured. In the background is the Palm House, originally built in 1862.

Sunset behind St Peter’s Church, Phibsborough

St Peter’s Church in Phibsborough dates back to the 19th century and is famous for its stained-glass windows, especially early works by the Irish artist and illustrator Harry Clarke, installed in 1919.