Walking south from the GPO on O’Connell Street will lead you to the statue of the Great Liberator, Daniel O’Connell who fought for Catholic Emancipation and an end to the Act of Union of Britain and Ireland.  Continue south over the River Liffey – as you cross look to your right at the Ha’ penny Bridge the first bridge to cross over the river, built in 1816 the toll was of course one-half penny.

Once across the river continue until you arrive at Trinity College on your left.  This four hundred year old institution is one of the finest universities in the world and is noted for housing the Book of Kells.  The Book of Kells is over 1,200 years old, is unique in its illustrations and ornamentation, and is regarded as one of the greatest examples of calligraphy anywhere in the world.  The Book of Kells contains the four gospels of Christian scripture written in black, red, purple and yellow, it is comprised of four volumes (typically two are on display at a single time) and is regarded as one of Ireland’s greatest cultural treasures. 

Exit Trinity College and continue east on Nassau St. until you reach Kildare St. – turn right onto Kildare and continue up the block.  On your left will be the National Gallery which is Dublin’s finest art museum, and the National Museum of Ireland (no entry fee) which has very impressive displays of Ireland’s Archaeological treasures, from Neolithic (stone age) tools to prehistoric gold jewelry and the remains of bog bodies (sacrificial victims preserved for thousands of years in Irelands bogs) dating from over thousands of years.
You may continue south on Kildare St. until you reach St. Stephen’s Green and have a quick walk through the beautiful park.  Exit on the northwest corner and stroll back north towards the river along Grafton St. which has many attractive shops for choosing some gifts and momentos from Dublin.  After Trinity College passes on your right turn left onto Fleet St. and have a look at the famous Temple Bar District.  You can enjoy the end of your day here by stopping into one of the many pubs for a quick pint of Guinness or cider – if you’re lucky there will be some live traditional music playing and you can prolong your stay for a few more pints.