Do you have a little Irish in you? Want to find out about your granny's granny, or trace your bloodline back to your native land? Well, at the Genealogy Advisory Service, you can do just that.
Part of the National Library, this free service will help you to put together your family tree. There's loads of information to hand, whether you're just starting out or have experience in researching this kind of thing. Visit during the daytime on a weekday and the staff will be on hand to help you in your quest, too. It's also worth keeping an eye out for their regular free events and workshops as well, which can be fascinating.
There are two other branches of the library; a photography space in Temple Bar's Meeting House Square and the other an exhibition space in the Bank of Ireland on Westmoreland Street (in itself a stunning building). In this, the Cultural and Heritage Centre, there's a long running Seamus Heaney exhibit that's well worth checking out.
The main branch of the National Library is right next to some of the best museums in Dublin. Wander a little down Kildare Street and you'll find the National Museum of Archaeology, filled with literal gold and treasures. Right around the corner is the National Gallery, with an incredible collection of art from Ireland and around the world. The Dead Zoo (also known as the National Museum of Natural History) is just a few steps away, and it's barely changed a jot in 100 years.
Cost: Free
Opening Hours: Mon to Wed: 9.30am - 7.45pm, Thurs and Fri: 9.30am - 4.45pm, Saturday: 9.30am - 12.45pm
Location: 750m/9 minute walk from Wren
Website: nli.ie