Free-City-Guides.com http://www.free-city-guides.com Independent sightseeing advice for city breaks Sat, 04 Feb 2012 07:46:35 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Wollaton Hall http://www.free-city-guides.com/nottingham/wollaton-hall/ http://www.free-city-guides.com/nottingham/wollaton-hall/#comments Sat, 14 Jan 2012 17:57:12 +0000 admin http://www.free-city-guides.com/?page_id=6824

This is one of England’s finest urban parks complete with deer and only a few miles from the city centre of Nottingham. The centrepiece is the spectacular Elizabethan Wollaton Hall which is open to visitors and is free. The hall was used as Wayne Manor in the 2012 Batman movie “The Dark Knight Rises” with [...]]]> Nottingham Wollaton Hall Wayne Manor in Batman (www.free-city-guides.com)

This is one of England’s finest urban parks complete with deer and only a few miles from the city centre of Nottingham. The centrepiece is the spectacular Elizabethan Wollaton Hall which is open to visitors and is free. The hall was used as Wayne Manor in the 2012 Batman movie “The Dark Knight Rises” with Christian Bale in the main role. There are a number of museums at the hall which are also free. Parking though, is not. On a warm sunny day, there’s nowhere better within the city to while away some time. Make sure you walk around the grounds too as you don’t realise just how vast the park is until you do. Getting to Wollaton Hall & Park will require a bus or taxi journey from the city centre. This is an extract from our free Nottingham City Guide.

Nottingham Wollaton Hall interior (www.free-city-guides.com)

The main hall inside Wollaton Hall, Nottingham

Inside the hall there are stuffed animals everywhere as this is the city of Nottingham’s Natural History Museum. We were far more interested in the building itself though and there are some areas like the main hall pictured above which have been restored to look how they would in the time when the Willoughby family lived here. There is also an introductary audio visual film which gives some of the history of the hall. This place is an absolute gem, and it felt like the city council didn’t known what it had got. We wanted the whole place to be laid out as a country house! It seems such a waste that so much of it is a museum which could have been housed in any building. We would also have liked to see more of the hall’s rooms. Nevertheless, it’s a lovely place to visit and the Batman connection will surely bring many more visitors.

Nottingham Wollaton Hall stables (www.free-city-guides.com)

The stables at Wollaton Hall which house the cafe and a museum

The Batman movie “The Dark Knight Rises” was filmed here in the summer of 2011. Filming took place over 2 weeks, mainly at night for the garden party scene with hundreds of extras who were sworn to secrecy. A number of daylight scenes were filmed for the movie too. At the time, the people of Nottingham did some star-spotting with Anne Hathaway, Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman and Michael Caine all being seen around the city. Wollaton Hall was chosen as Wayne Manor because it resembles Mentmore Towers in Buckinghamshire in the UK which was used in the first Chistopher Nolan film, “Batman Begins”. In that movie, the plot saw the house destroyed by fire and Bruce Wayne then pledged to re-build the family mansion. This is the trailer for the movie which features a glimpse of Wollaton Hall…

Wollaton Hall is open daily from 11am to 5pm (April to October) and 11am to 4pm (November to March). Admission to the hall and park is free but a car parking charge of £2 for 3 hours or £4 per day applies.

LOCATION & CONTACT

Address: Wollaton Hall & Park, Wollaton, Nottingham NG8 2AE
Tel: +44 (0) 115 915 3900
Email: wollaton@ncmg.org.uk

Wollaton Hall is 3 miles to the west of the city centre and can be found by following the brown signs from the A52 or the A6514. From the M1 take junction 25 and follow the signs.  The postcode for your sat nav is NG8 2AE. A number of buses serve Wollaton Hall, for more information please call 0115 950 6070 or visit Traveline Eastmidlands.

MORE ON WOLLATON HALL

Wollaton Hall - Official website (Nottingham City Council)
Wollaton Hall – Wikipedia
Hotels in Nottingham – Great rates from Hotels.com
More Nottingham Hotels - Up to 30% off with Expedia.co.uk
Books on Nottingham – Amazon.co.uk

BACK TO…NOTTINGHAM CITY GUIDE

]]> http://www.free-city-guides.com/nottingham/wollaton-hall/feed/ 0 Thermae Bath Spa http://www.free-city-guides.com/bath/thermae-bath-spa/ http://www.free-city-guides.com/bath/thermae-bath-spa/#comments Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:31:41 +0000 admin http://www.free-city-guides.com/?page_id=6800 Thermae Bath Spa roof-top pool. Photo: Edmund Sumner

This is the modern way to enjoy the hot springs of Bath. It’s a world away from the Roman Baths and even from the outside, the spa building design is impressive, melding a historic building in Bath City Centre with ultra modern glass panels. Inside they offer [...]]]> Bath Thermae Pool by Edmund Sumner

Thermae Bath Spa roof-top pool. Photo: Edmund Sumner

This is the modern way to enjoy the hot springs of Bath. It’s a world away from the Roman Baths and even from the outside, the spa building design is impressive, melding a historic building in Bath City Centre with ultra modern glass panels. Inside they offer a range of spa treatments and pool sessions. What you get here is a luxury experience with prices to match but we’d recommend the 4 hour spa session in the main building at twilight for the best experience. Also bear in mind that the promotional pictures of the spa show only a handful of people in the pool, but the reality is somewhat different. This is an extract from our free Bath City Guide.

Bath Therma Spa Exterior Matt Cardy

Therma Bath Spa exterior. Photo: Matt Cardy

The New Royal Bath Spa is the building where new meets old, with the roof-top pool.  The natural thermal waters are also fed into the Minerva Bath in this building and there are a collection of steam rooms and a Waterfall Shower too.  You’ll also find the Cafe and Restaurant here. Prices in the New Royal Bath are £26 for a 2 hour spa session, £36 for a 4 hour spa session and £56 for a full day spa session (2012 prices).

The Cross Bath is the smaller stand-alone bath pictured below with its own changing facilities located in a beautiful historic oval-shaped building across the road from the main structure. It’s a cheaper alternative for soaking up the thermal waters with a 1½ hour spa session costing £16.00 per person (2012 prices) 

The Thermae Bath Spa is open all year round. There are different opening hours for the different pool locations.  The New Royal Bath is open from 9am to 9.30pm daily (pools & steam rooms close at 9pm) and the Cross Bath is open from 10am to 8pm daily (last entry at 6pm).

Bath Thermae Cross Pool Matt Cardy

The Cross Bath at Thermae Bath Spa. Photo: Matt Cardy

LOCATION & CONTACT

Address: Thermae Bath Spa, The Hetling Pump Room, Hot Bath Street, Bath, BA1 1SJ
Tel: +44 (0)1225 33 1234
Email: info@thermaebathspa.com

Thermae Bath Spa is right in the heart of Bath city centre on Bath Street, 200 yards from the towers of Bath Abbey.  The Spa is featured on all the city’s main signposts and waymarkers

MORE ON THE THERMAE BATH SPA

Thermae Bath Spa – Official website
Hotels in Bath - Best prices from Hotels.com
More hotels in Bath – Expedia.co.uk
Roman Baths/Thermae Spa/Pump Room Package
Books on Bath - Amazon.co.uk

BACK TO…BATH CITY GUIDE

]]> http://www.free-city-guides.com/bath/thermae-bath-spa/feed/ 0 Free Walking Tours http://www.free-city-guides.com/bath/free-walking-tours/ http://www.free-city-guides.com/bath/free-walking-tours/#comments Sat, 31 Dec 2011 08:51:21 +0000 admin http://www.free-city-guides.com/?page_id=6757

These daily 2 hour tours are free and they’re organised by the tourist office in Bath. You don’t need to book, just check out the tour times at the sign board outside the Roman Baths in Abbey Churchyard. Our guide was brilliant. He knew so much about the history of the place and [...]]]> Bath Walking Tour Street (www.free-city-guides.com)

These daily 2 hour tours are free and they’re organised by the tourist office in Bath. You don’t need to book, just check out the tour times at the sign board outside the Roman Baths in Abbey Churchyard. Our guide was brilliant. He knew so much about the history of the place and explained it all in compelling way. The tours take in all the highlights of the centre of Bath including the Abbey, the Circus, the Royal Crescent, the Assembly Rooms and many other historic buildings and sights. The guides are volunteers and do not accept tips, although they definitely deserve them! This is an extract from our free Bath City Guide.

Bath Walking Tour Abbey Door (www.free-city-guides.com)

The ancient door of Bath Abbey features on the free Walking Tours

There’s quite a lot to see just in the Abbey Churchyard and around half an hour of our tour was spent here before we moved on.  The best thing about the Mayor of Bath Honourary Guides who lead the tours is that they point out things you probably wouldn’t have noticed even though they’re right under your nose. For example the ancient doors of Bath Abbey (pictured above) have a story to tell in the carvings.  After this our tour visited most of the main sights in Bath stopping at cobbled and historic streets along the way.  The big highlight for us was the trip inside the Bath Assembly Rooms, which was part of the tour we were on.  It’s worth pointing out that the tours do vary depending on which guide is leading them and access to the Assembly Rooms is not always possible.

Tours operate daily, starting at 10.30am and at 2pm although there is no afternoon tour on a Saturday.  From May to September addition tours operate on Tuesdays and Fridays at 7pm. No pre-booking is necessary for individuals, but groups of 12 or more should prebook at least 4 weeks in advance by calling the Mayor’s office (number below).

Bath Assembly Rooms Blue Room

TOUR MEETING POINT & CONTACT

Tours meet at the signboard outside the Pump Room in Abbey Churchyard.  They are organised by the Mayor Of Bath’s office

Tel: +44 (0) 1225 477411
Fax: +44 (0) 1225 477408

MORE ON BATH WALKING TOURS

Bath Walking Tours – VisitBath.com
Bath Hop on, Hop off, Bus Tour – An alternative tour of Bath
Hotels in Bath - Best prices from Hotels.com
More hotels in Bath – Expedia.co.uk
Bath Guide Books - Amazon.co.uk

BACK TO > BATH CITY GUIDE

]]> http://www.free-city-guides.com/bath/free-walking-tours/feed/ 0 Kenilworth Castle http://www.free-city-guides.com/shakespeare-country/kenilworth-castle/ http://www.free-city-guides.com/shakespeare-country/kenilworth-castle/#comments Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:32:04 +0000 admin http://www.free-city-guides.com/?page_id=6741

This is the former home of Robert Dudley, earl of Leicester, whose love affair with Queen Elizabeth 1st is widely documented.  The Queen visited the castle a number of times, but most notably in 1575 when Dudley created a garden for her which has now been was re-created in 2009 (pictured above).  Today much of [...]]]> Stratford Kenilworth Castle formal garden (www.free-city-guides.com)

This is the former home of Robert Dudley, earl of Leicester, whose love affair with Queen Elizabeth 1st is widely documented.  The Queen visited the castle a number of times, but most notably in 1575 when Dudley created a garden for her which has now been was re-created in 2009 (pictured above).  Today much of the castle stands in ruins with the exception of the attractive gatehouse, which has been furnished in keeping with the time and the stables which are now the visitor’s centre. This is an extract from our free Shakespeare Country Guide.  

Kenilworth Caste bedroom (www.free-city-guides.com)

A re-created bedroom inside the Gatehouse at Kenilworth Castle

Inside the castle grounds there are lots of areas to explore. It’s worth heading to the visitor’s centre first which is located in the old stables to get a feel for the castle’s history and developments over the years. After that, you’ll probably want to head either to the ruins, or Leicester’s Gatehouse which dates back to the 1570s. The gatehouse has several floors and has been furnished inside in keeping with its use over the years.  On the top floor is an exhibition detailing the relationship between Dudley and the Queen. 

Kenilworth Castle ruins (www.free-city-guides.com)

Some of the ruins at Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire

Some of the ruins still have battlements you can walk on.  Climb to the top for a great view of the surrounding area. There are quite a few surviving staircases and walkways too that you can explore.  It’s hard to picture in your mind exactly how the castle would have looked before it was destroyed, but much of it is explained on the various information signs in locations around the ruins.  We really enjoyed our trip to Kenilworth Castle and we spent a good two hours wandering around before enjoying the coffee shop in the converted stables.

Kenilworth castle is open daily in the summer from 10am to 5pm and in the winter on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm. Adult admission is £8 (2011 prices). 

Kenilworth Castle visitors centre (www.free-city-guides.com)

The Visitor's Centre inside the former stables at Kenilworth Castle

 LOCATION & CONTACT

Address: Kenilworth Castle, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 1NE
Tel: +44 (0)1926 852078

The castle is best accessed by car. It is well signed in Kenilworth from the B4103.  Car park charges apply, but these are refunded against castle admission.  If you prefer to travel by bus, from Coventry, Leamington Spa and Warwick you can take Stagecoach services X17 and 16.

 

MORE ON KENILWORTH CASTLE

Kenilworth Castle – English Heritage official website
Kenilworth Castle – Wikipedia
Shakespeare Country – Official website with accommodation, special offers and more information
Hotels in Stratford-upon-Avon – Best prices from Hotels.com
Warwick Hotels - From Hotels.com
Warwick Hilton - Where we stayed – it’s a lovely hotel
Stratford, Warwick Castle, Oxford & Cotswolds Day Trip From London 
Stratford Upon Avon Guide Books – Amazon.co.uk (UK)
Stratford Upon Avon Guide Books – Amazon.com (US & Canada)

BACK TO…SHAKESPEARE COUNTRY GUIDE

]]> http://www.free-city-guides.com/shakespeare-country/kenilworth-castle/feed/ 0 Newstead Abbey http://www.free-city-guides.com/nottingham/newstead-abbey/ http://www.free-city-guides.com/nottingham/newstead-abbey/#comments Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:52:16 +0000 admin http://www.free-city-guides.com/?page_id=6732

This is the ancestral home of the poet Lord Byron and is 12 miles north of Nottingham on the A60.  If you’re coming to Nottinghamshire we think visiting the Abbey is an absolute must.  The house and gardens are beautiful and to this day the house retains its medieval character.  The house is only open [...]]]> Nottingham Newstead Abbey (www.free-city-guides.com)

This is the ancestral home of the poet Lord Byron and is 12 miles north of Nottingham on the A60.  If you’re coming to Nottinghamshire we think visiting the Abbey is an absolute must.  The house and gardens are beautiful and to this day the house retains its medieval character.  The house is only open in the summer months but the gardens are open all year round.  This is an extract from our free Nottingham City Guide.

Nottingham Newstead Abbey side (www.free-city-guides.com)

The side aspect of Newstead Abbey, Nottinghamshire

You enter Newstead Abbey up a long winding access road through a dramatic entrance on the main A60 road.  The parkland outside the official gardens is free to visit and car parks are located at the end of the long drive.  There are two main aspects to your visit to Newstead Abbey, the gardens and the house itself.  The abbey is owned and operated by Nottingham City Council which has struggled over the years to make ends meet at the house.  As such, public access to the inside has now been reduced to Sundays only.  Once inside you’ll see a collection of attractive Victorian rooms and Lord Byron’s private apartments. You’ll also see the desk at which he wrote his poetry!  Read more about the house here.  In the extensive gardens, there are formal areas, a Japanese water garden, a huge stone-lined pool at the rear of the house and a children’s play area.

The house is open in the summer months on Sundays, via house tours.  These take place at 1pm and 2pm (subject to demand) and last approximately 45 minutes.  Groups can arrange tours in advance on Saturdays too.  The gardens are open all year round from 9am to 6pm or dusk, whichever is sooner. Adult Admission to the house and gardens is £10, but admission to the gardens only is £4 (2011 prices).

Nottingham Newstead Abbey formal garden (www.free-city-guides.com)

The formal gardens at Newstead Abbey near Nottingham

LOCATION, DIRECTIONS & CONTACT

Address:  Newstead Abbey, Newstead, Nottinghamshire, NG15 9HJ
Tel:  +44 (0) 1623 455 900
Email:  newstead.abbey@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

If you have a car, follow the A60 north from Nottingham until you see the gates of Newstead Abbey.  Public transport is available in the shape of the Trent Barton ‘Pronto’ bus service which runs regularly from the Victoria Bus Station in Nottingham City Centre to Mansfield, stopping at Newstead Abbey Gates.

MORE ON NEWSTEAD ABBEY

Newstead Abbey – Official Website
Newstead Abbey – Wikipedia
Hotels near Nottingham (nearest city to Newstead Abbey) – Great rates from Hotels.com
More Nottingham Hotels - Up to 30% off with Expedia.co.uk 
Books on Nottingham – Amazon.co.uk

BACK TO…NOTTINGHAM CITY GUIDE

]]> http://www.free-city-guides.com/nottingham/newstead-abbey/feed/ 0 City Break Advice http://www.free-city-guides.com/city-break-advice/ http://www.free-city-guides.com/city-break-advice/#comments Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:12:57 +0000 admin http://www.free-city-guides.com/?page_id=6671

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Barcelona [...]]]>

If you need help with any aspect of your city break, and our extensive pages don’t already answer it, just ask!  We’ve been travelling to the world’s best cities for over 10 years and have a wealth of tips to share on sightseeing, accomodation, transport, tours etc.  Fill in the comment form at the bottom of the page to ask a question…

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]]> http://www.free-city-guides.com/city-break-advice/feed/ 8 Olympic Stadium http://www.free-city-guides.com/barcelona/olympic-stadium/ http://www.free-city-guides.com/barcelona/olympic-stadium/#comments Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:23:00 +0000 admin http://www.free-city-guides.com/?page_id=6659

Barcelona held the Olympic Games in 1992 and all the facilities are still there to see.  Most impressive is the Olympic stadium, but the whole area around it is known as Parc Montjuic and is nice to walk around as it’s pleasant, slightly out of the city and less busy with tourists.  The best way [...]]]> Barcelona Olympic Stadium Outside (www.free-city-guides.com)

Barcelona held the Olympic Games in 1992 and all the facilities are still there to see.  Most impressive is the Olympic stadium, but the whole area around it is known as Parc Montjuic and is nice to walk around as it’s pleasant, slightly out of the city and less busy with tourists.  The best way to get to the stadium area is to walk – the nearest Metro stop is Placa Espanya which is still 20 minutes away although there is also a fenicular which can be accessed from the metro.  This is an extract from our free Barcelona City Guide.

Barcelona Olympic Stadium inside (www.free-city-guides.com)

Inside the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain

The stadium was originally built in 1927 ready for the International Expo in 1929 and Barcelona’s bid to host the 1936 Olympics.  Sadly, Barcelona lost out to Berlin, so the stadium had to wait another 56 years before it was an Olympic venue!  It was fully renovated in 1989.  The stadium is now named after Lluís Companys, the president of the Catalan government during the Spanish Civil War.  The Olympic Stadium is open in the summer, daily from 10am to 8pm and in the winter, daily from 10am to 6pm.  Admission to the Olympic Stadium is free.

Next to the stadium is the Olympic swimming complex and between the two, there is an array of poles around the Olympic Spire.  The Olympic sports facilities are included in the highly rated Barcelona In One Day Tour. 

Barcelona Montjuice view

The view of Barcelona from Montjuic Mountain

LOCATION & CONTACT

Address: Estadi Olimpic, Parc de Montjuic, Barcelona, Spain
Tel: +32 934 262 089
Email: estadi@bsmsa.es

The Olympic Stadium and other sport facilities are on Montjuic Mountain. To walk from Placa Espanya,  take Avinguda Maria Cristina and enjoy the pleasant water features along the way including the Magic Fountain.  You can also take the Barcelona Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour which stops here.

MORE ON THE OLYMPIC SPORTS FACILITIES

Barcelona Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour – Stops near the Olympic Stadium
Olympic Stadium (Estadi Olimpic) of Montjuic – Wikipedia
Hotels near Montjuic Mountain – Lowest price guarantee from Hotels.com
Barcelona In One Day Tour – This recommended tour visits all the sights including the Olympic Stadium
More Things To Do In Barcelona – From our Tours & Activities pages
Barcelona Travel Guide Books - Amazon.co.uk

BACK TO…BARCELONA CITY GUIDE

]]> http://www.free-city-guides.com/barcelona/olympic-stadium/feed/ 0 Magic Fountain http://www.free-city-guides.com/barcelona/magic-fountain/ http://www.free-city-guides.com/barcelona/magic-fountain/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:34:13 +0000 admin http://www.free-city-guides.com/?page_id=6648

You have to see this!  It’s free but very busy when it “performs”.  The fountain is basically a music, light and water show. Shows don’t happen every night, so check out the days and times before heading to the fountain.  There is a big flight of steps which everyone sits on to get a better [...]]]> Barcelona Magic Fountain performing (www.free-city-guides.com)

You have to see this!  It’s free but very busy when it “performs”.  The fountain is basically a music, light and water show. Shows don’t happen every night, so check out the days and times before heading to the fountain.  There is a big flight of steps which everyone sits on to get a better view.  Nearest Metro is Placa Espanya.  This is an extract from our free Barcelona City Guide.

Barcelona Magic Fountain Performing 2 (www.free-city-guides.com)

The Magic Fountain is the centrepiece of a collection of water features that you’ll find on Avinguda Maria Cristina (pictured below) between Placa Espanya and Montjuic Park.  It was built in 1929 for the World Fair and has been enjoyed by visitors ever since.  Until the 1980s when the music was added though it was simply a light and water display.  When you’re watching the fountain, think about the 2600 litres of water which are pumped through it every second!   

The fountain performs from 30th April to 30th September, Thursday to Sunday at 9pm, 9.30pm, 10pm, 10.30pm and 11pm.  From 1st October to 30th April performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm, 7.30pm, 8pm and 8.30pm.  It’s free to watch, but get there early to get a decent view from the steps.

Barcelona Magic Fountain walkway (www.free-city-guides.com)
The attractive walkway to the Magic Fountain in Barcelona

LOCATION & DIRECTIONS

The Magic Fountain is a short walk from Placa Espanya.  Take Avinguda Maria Cristina and enjoy the pleasant water features along the way (pictured above).

MORE ON THE MAGIC FOUNTAIN

Magic Fountain of Montjuic – Official website.
Hotels near Montjuic Mountain – Lowest price guarantee from Hotels.com
Barcelona In One Day Tour – This recommended tour visits all the sights including Montjuic
More Things To Do In Barcelona – From our Tours & Activities pages
Barcelona Travel Guide Books - Amazon.co.uk

BACK TO…BARCELONA CITY GUIDE

]]> http://www.free-city-guides.com/barcelona/magic-fountain/feed/ 0 Kilmainham Gaol http://www.free-city-guides.com/dublin/kilmainham-gaol/ http://www.free-city-guides.com/dublin/kilmainham-gaol/#comments Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:00:07 +0000 admin http://www.free-city-guides.com/?page_id=6629

This former prison is another legacy of British rule in Ireland with a grusome past, but it’s also a prison interior you are likely to recognise because it’s been used in many movies and TV Shows.  It was originally built in 1789, but was restored in the 1960s and the main cell block is just [...]]]> Kilmainham Gaol prison cells from the outside

This former prison is another legacy of British rule in Ireland with a grusome past, but it’s also a prison interior you are likely to recognise because it’s been used in many movies and TV Shows.  It was originally built in 1789, but was restored in the 1960s and the main cell block is just as you’d imagine a Victorian prison to look.  We took a guided tour and the guide was excellent.  We got a real sense of how this place was a symbol of the struggle against British rule and the fight for Irish independence. The most notable movies to be filmed here include The Italian Job and In The Name of The Father.  The gaol is slightly outside the city centre on Inchicore Road in Kilmainham. We used the Dublin Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour to get here.  This is an extract from our free Dublin City Guide.

Kilmainham Gaol interior - prison cells

The interior of Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham was decomissioned as a jail in 1924 by the Irish Free State government.  Considering its history, no-one wanted to preserve it and it began to decay. The demolition of the building was even considered in 1936.  An official inspection after world war 2 found that it was in a ruinous condtition.  Things only changed for the gaol when a preservation society was given the keys in 1960. 

Kilmainham Gaol is open every day from April to September between 9.30am and 6pm.  From October to March, the gaol is open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 5.30pm and on Sunday from 10am to 6pm.  Access is only available via the frequent tours which cost 6 Euros for adults (2011 prices) but admission is free with the Dublin Pass.

Kilmainham Gaol exterior - door and flag pole

The exercise yard at Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin

LOCATION & CONTACT

Address:  Kilmainham Gaol Historical Museum, 2 Inchicore Road, Dublin 8, Ireland
Tel: +353 1 453 5984
Email: kilmainhamgaol@opw.ie

The gaol is approximately 3 miles from Dublin City Centre. We used the Dublin Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour to get there.  Alternatively, you can catch bus services 79, 79A, 78A & 51B all from Aston Quay in Dublin.

 

MORE ON KILMAINHAM GAOL

Dublin Pass - Free entry to Kilmainham Gaol
Kilmainham Gaol – Heritage Ireland Official Website
Dublin Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour – Stops at Kilmainham Gaol
Kilmaiham Gaol – Wikipedia
Dublin Historical Walking Tour - Learn about Dublin’s history
Hotels near Kilmainham Gaol Historical Museum – Lowest price guarantee from Hotels.com
Dublin Guide Books – Amazon.com (US & Canada)
Dublin Guide Books – Amazon.co.uk (UK)

BACK TO…DUBLIN CITY GUIDE

]]> http://www.free-city-guides.com/dublin/kilmainham-gaol/feed/ 0 National Gallery http://www.free-city-guides.com/dublin/national-gallery/ http://www.free-city-guides.com/dublin/national-gallery/#comments Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:06:42 +0000 admin http://www.free-city-guides.com/?page_id=6619

As you’d expect, you’ll find the best works that Ireland has to offer inside the National Gallery.  The building was puropse built in 1864 and the exhibits inside have been built up since then.  The main entrance is on Clare Street and amongst the paintings and other art works to look out for, [...]]]> Dublin National Gallery exterior

As you’d expect, you’ll find the best works that Ireland has to offer inside the National Gallery.  The building was puropse built in 1864 and the exhibits inside have been built up since then.  The main entrance is on Clare Street and amongst the paintings and other art works to look out for, there’s the Taking of Christ by Caravaggio, For The Road by Jack Yeats and the Sick Call by Mathew James which depicts the suffering of the Irish poulation following the famine. To be honest, the gallery is vast and you could spend the best part of a day in here. Even if you don’t have lots of time though, it’s worth a quick visit to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre especially as admission is free.  This is an extract from our free Dublin City Guide.
Dublin National Gallery Painting

Johannes Vermeer's 'A woman writing a letter with her maidservant'

Inside the gallery there are 15,000 works of art! Amongst them is ‘A woman writing a letter with her maidservant’ by Johannes Vermeer (pictured above).  The building itself is interesting too, especially the Millennium extension which gives the gallery a modern street frontage and grand atrium entrance.  The gallery also has a nice cafe and restaurant. 

The National Gallery of Ireland is open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 5.30pm (8.30pm on Thursdays), Sunday from 12pm to 5.30pm and on Public Holidays from 10am to 5.30pm.  Admission is free.

Dublin National Gallery interior

LOCATION & CONTACT

Address:  The National Gallery of Ireland, Merrion Square West, Dublin 2, Ireland
Tel: +353 1 661 5133
Email: info@ngi.ie

The Gallery is less than ten minutes on foot from St Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street.  The main entrance is on Clare Street.  The Dublin Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour stops nearby. 

 

MORE ON THE NATIONAL GALLERY

National Gallery of Ireland – Official Website
Dublin Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour – Stops near the National Gallery
National Gallery of Ireland – Wikipedia
Dublin Historical Walking Tour - Learn about Dublin’s history
Hotels near the National Gallery of Ireland – Lowest price guarantee from Hotels.com
Dublin Guide Books – Amazon.com (US & Canada)
Dublin Guide Books – Amazon.co.uk (UK)

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