Bullet holes remain in the General Post Office, almost destroyed in the 1916 fighting

National Gallery has free weekend tours: Saturdays 2pm and Sundays 1pm and 2pm

Phoenix Park is one of Europe's largest urban parks.

Dublin Zoo opened in 1831, and is the fourth oldest scientific zoo in the world

With its magnificent Georgian architecture, a rich literary heritage and great pub and club scene, Dublin has become one of the top city break destinations in Europe, yet Dublin remains one of the most intimate of capital cities.

Most tourist trail attractions are in easy reach of Dublin city centre and there are plenty of ways to see them, from taking Dublin City bus tours, historical walking tours and pub crawls to simply wandering the streets and soaking up the sights.

With scenic spots at every turn, where you can relax and take in the atmosphere, Dublin has plenty to offer, even for a short city break. Here are some of the main sights you won't want to miss.

Keep an eye out for famous statues like 'The Tart with the Cart', otherwise known as Molly Malone, or 'The Stiletto in the Ghetto', the Spire of Dublin in O'Connell Street.

Dublin O'Connell Street

North of the river, O'Connell Street is a wide boulevard running northwards from Dublin's O'Connell Bridge, said to be the only bridge in Western Europ wider than its long..

The northern end features a 1911 monument to Parnell, the politician who famously always wore two overcoats, as does his statue. One of Dublin's top hotels, the Gresham, is also at the northern end and worth a look for its splendid Georgian interior.

Pride of place is Dublin's General Post Office, almost destroyed in the 1916 fighting, but now fully restored. Reflecting its role in Ireland's fight for independence, the Irish flag flies from the roof. Look for the bullet holes dating from 1916.

St Mary's Pro-Cathedral is Dublin's main Catholic church - curiously, for a predominantly Roman Catholic country, both Christ Church and St Patrick's cathedrals are Protestant.

Dublin Custom House

Sitting on the north bank of the Liffey, the impressive Custom House is one of Dublin's finest buildings. Built in 1791, it was burned to a shell by the IRA in 1921. The original interior was completely destroyed but much has now been masterfully restored. The best view of the long, classical façade, graceful pavilions, arcades and central dome is from across the river, a top photo opportunity on a Dublin city break.

National Gallery of Ireland

There's a feast of Irish art on display at the National Gallery, on Merrion Square West and Clare Street, as well as eye-popping Italian and French collections.

International masters such as Fra Angelico, Caravaggio and Titian feature in the Italian collection. In the French School there is not only Poussin, Fragonard, and neoclassical works by David and Gérard, but also an Impressionists' room with works by Monet, Sisley, Pissarro and the lesser-known pupil of Manet, Eva Gonzales. Twentieth century artists include Picasso, Signac and Nolde.

The Spanish collection has all the big names with an El Greco, an early Velázquez and several pictures by Murillo plus four works by Goya.

National Museum of Ireland and Natural History Museum

You can find virtually anything here covering Ireland's history, including much on the Vikings who originally founded the city. The museum is on Kildare Street between St Stephen's Green and Merrion Square. Free admission.

Almost next door is the Natural History Museum which has recently been renovated. The building, dating from 1857, is magnificent and you'll find exhibits such as a giant deer's skeleton. Free admission.

Dublin Phoenix Park and Zoo

Just two miles from the centre of the city, Phoenix Park is one of Europe's largest urban parks at nearly 2,000 acres. It's a mix of woodland, landscaped gardens and playing fields and is the perfect spot for a picnic.

Opened to the public in 1747, Phoenix Park features Ashtown Castle, a fortified house, once used by the Papal Nuncio, and which now functions as an excellent visitor centre. The original tower house is thought to date from 1430, built from Irish oak and held together without a single nail.

The park's Wellington obelisk is, at 67m (220ft) one of the tallest in the world and commemorates the Battle of Waterloo. A Papal Cross monument recalls the visit to Dublin of Pope John Paul II in 1979 when he held mass for more than a million.

Also in the park is Dublin Zoo, one of Europe's largest at 60 acres and particularly appealing to youngsters with a pets' corner and zoo train. There are often two-for-one deals so check them out before you go.