A somewhat haphazard series of additions have sprung up here over the centuries. The fine 13th Century Norman Tower (or Record Tower) actually has the look of some rugged part of an old castle. The tower has walls with a thickness of 5 meters, and was rebuilt in 1813. It was used as a prison, then as a storage facility for official documents, and is now the Garda (Police) Museum. The Chapel Royal of 1814 (also the Church of the Holy Trinity) abuts its eastern side, but its neo-gothic design by Francis Johnston is a relatively handsome match since he also rebuilt the tower’s upper section.

On the southwest flank, the most obvious feature of the State Apartments is the pastel colors shelling their exteriors. This lends the castle complex an unfortunate "Disneyland in Dublin" look to it. Try to check out the castle foundations, which offer a more authentic experience to your visit. The Bedford Tower of 1761, north of the great courtyard, has a charming Georgian exterior design. Modern office structures have attached themselves to the castle in recent years.

The Dubhlinn Gardens, a beautiful landscaped area just south of the castle complex, was the original spot of the "dubh linn" (black pool) that gives Dublin its name. The Chester Beatty Library, just west of the Gardens, features a famed collection of Asian art as well as sculptures and illustrated texts. The Dublin City Hall, which originated as the Royal Exchange in 1779, is also nearby.

Christ Church Cathedral is located up near Dublin Hill and is a fine example of 12th century Cathedral building. The grounds are small but provide a break from the surrounding roads. The Cathedral itself is impressive, and you're able to wander around it. The Protestants like to remember great war dead, so you'll find many statues and plaques.

Housed across the road from the Cathedral, and with an interesting bridge over the road, is Dublinia. This is an exhibition of Viking and Norman artefacts and is worth visiting whilst there.

Not too far south of Christ Church is St Patrick's Cathedral, founded around the same time. The Catholic Cathedral has far more relics, statues, plaques etc... You'll also see that it is more grandly decorated. Again it is a fine example of Norman architecture. Interestingly, the Catholics like to remember their great authors and scientists, so you'll find much dedicated to the likes of Swift and Boyle.

If you like Cathedrals then it is important to visit both sides of Dublin's faith. Both Cathedrals are fine architecturely and provide an interesting insight into the differences between the two strands of Christianity.

Dublin Castle is situated near Christ Church. Whilst parts date back to the 13th century, most of it was rebuilt in the 19th century. It's not very big and not very castle-like. It is really a stately home that is a quirky mix of architectural styles. It has a 'lego' feel to it. As a building it is not that impressive, but the state apartments and the grounds may be of more interest to some.