THE DUBLIN ROUND - STOP BY STOP
HOLE 2 - PAR 3
Temple Bar
Let me show you Temple Bar, an area on the south bank of the River Liffey in central Dublin, Ireland. While it has a long history, the neighborhood is now promoted as the city's cultural quarter. You can pick out the specific layout of the district, as it is bounded by the Liffey to the north, Dame Street to the south, Westmoreland Street to the east, and Fishamble Street to the west. It is a lively spot to visit, though I usually stick to the rooftops to avoid the crowds.
HOLE 3 - PAR 3
Spire of Dublin
You will first notice a gleaming, stainless steel pin reaching toward the sky on O'Connell Street. This is the Spire of Dublin, a monument and sculpture designed by architect Ian Ritchie. It had its inception in 2003 and stands 121.2 metres tall. The site is historically significant as it is where the former Nelson's Pillar once stood. You can also hear locals refer to it as the Millennium Spire or the Monument of Light. I usually find it the easiest landmark to spot when I am flying over the city center.
HOLE 5 - PAR 3
Ha'penny Bridge
Look closely at the cast iron work of this pedestrian bridge spanning the River Liffey in Dublin, Ireland. While most people know it as the Ha'penny Bridge, its official name is the Liffey Bridge. Construction on the crossing was started in 1816, with the bridge being built in May 1816. It is a classic piece of city infrastructure that was cast in Shropshire, England. I've noticed the crowds always seem to slow down right in the middle of the span.
HOLE 6 - PAR 3
Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle is a castle located off Dame Street in central Dublin. It is a major Irish government complex, but you can also visit it as a tourist attraction. The site was started in 1204 and currently operates as a conference centre. I find the mix of official state business and open tourism makes for a lively atmosphere in the heart of the city. It is a place where you can see the intersection of historical architecture and the active administration of the country, all while exploring the grounds of this ancient fortification.
HOLE 7 - PAR 3
Saint Patrick's Cathedral
Saint Patrick's Cathedral is located in Dublin. This Anglican or Episcopal cathedral had its inception in 1191 and is built in the Gothic architecture style. It is the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland and operates as a nonprofit organization. When you visit, you can observe the details of the Gothic style and the scale of the building, which has a height of 43 meters. It remains a central place of worship and a point of interest for those exploring the history of the city.
HOLE 8 - PAR 2
Christ Church Cathedral
The Gothic architecture of Christ Church Cathedral defines this site in Dublin, Ireland. Formally known as The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, it is an Anglican or Episcopal cathedral. It is the cathedral of the United Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough. Additionally, it is the cathedral of the ecclesiastical province of the United Provinces of Dublin and Cashel in the Church of Ireland. This site holds a place of seniority in the city, as it is the elder of the two medieval cathedrals in Dublin.
HOLE 9 - PAR 4
St Augustine and St John
E. W. Pugin was the architect of St Augustine and St John. This Catholic church is located on Thomas Street in Dublin, Ireland, and is built in the Gothic Revival style. The construction of the church building was started in 1874 and it opened in 1874. The site has a long history, as the church was built on the site of the medieval St. John's Hospital, which was founded c. 1180. Today, the church is served by the Augustinian Order of friars.
HOLE 10 - PAR 3
Gaiety Theatre
Charles J. Phipps was the architect of the Gaiety Theatre, a theatre building started in 1871. You can find it on South King Street in Dublin, Ireland, situated off Grafton Street and close to St. Stephen's Green. While the venue specialises in musical and operatic productions, it also hosts occasional dramatic shows. I've noticed the crowds always seem to be in a hurry to get inside when the lights go down, and the atmosphere outside the doors is always buzzing with anticipation before a big show begins.
HOLE 11 - PAR 3
National Museum of Ireland, Natural History
You will find this national museum on Merrion Street in Dublin. It is a branch of the National Museum of Ireland, though many people simply call it the Dead Zoo. The museum was founded in 1856 and was built that same year to house parts of the collection of the Royal Dublin Society. Eventually, the building and the collection were passed to the State. It remains a popular stop in the city, with 108,615 annual visitors. I usually see plenty of crumbs left behind by tourists outside the front doors.
HOLE 12 - PAR 3
Museum of Literature Ireland
You might expect a standard archive, but this is the Museum of Literature Ireland. Founded in 2019, the museum opened in September of that same year. It is a partnership between the National Library of Ireland and University College Dublin, situated within UCD's Newman House in St Stephen's Green. You can see a permanent collection of James Joyce–related material here, including his Copy No. 1 of Ulysses. It's a great spot for a stroll, though I usually prefer the crumbs left behind by the tourists on the Green.
HOLE 14 - PAR 2
Royal Hibernian Academy
The Royal Hibernian Academy in Dublin is an art museum and an art academy. It also functions as an arts association and a nonprofit organization, serving as an artist-based and artist-oriented institution in Ireland. Founded in 1823, the academy has a distinct history regarding its title. While most of Ireland became the Irish Free State in December 1922, the academy retained the word Royal. I have always found it interesting how names can hold onto the past like that, especially in a city with so many layers. You can see that legacy every time you walk past the building.
HOLE 15 - PAR 3
National Concert Hall
Let me show you the National Concert Hall. This charitable organization in Dublin had its inception in 1865. It is a concert hall and music organization that keeps the city loud and lively, hosting over 1,000 events each year in various chambers. You can pick out the work of the National Symphony Orchestra Ireland here, as the hall comprises the orchestra along with three choirs: National Symphony Chorus Ireland, NCH Cór na nÓg and NCH Cór Linn. I've seen plenty of crowds gather here for a show.
HOLE 16 - PAR 3
Fitzwilliam Square
Look at the greenery of this Georgian garden square. Located in the south of central Dublin, Ireland, Fitzwilliam Square is one of five such squares in the city. It holds a unique place among them as the smallest of the group and the final one to be built. I've always found the layout of these squares makes for a great stroll, and this one is no exception. Whether you are here for the history or just the fresh air, it is a standout spot in the city center.
HOLE 17 - PAR 3
St Stephen's Green
William Sheppard designed the landscape for St Stephen's Green. This urban park is a garden square and public park located in the city centre of Dublin, Ireland, and it is adjacent to Grafton Street. You can find it informally called Stephen's Green by many people. Lord Ardilaun officially re-opened the park to the public on Tuesday, 27 July 1880. It is a great spot to stretch your legs, and I've noticed the greenery is a nice break from the pavement.
STOP 19
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
You will find EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum located in Dublin's Docklands. This museum covers the history of the Irish diaspora and emigration to other countries. It is a privately owned space that was founded in 2016 and designed by the London-based design firm Event Communications. Because of its approach to history, it was voted as Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction at the 2019, 2020 and 2021 World Travel Awards. I've noticed it's a great spot to duck into when the Docklands wind gets a bit too brisk for comfort.