Leinster House, the former residence of the Duke of Leinster, today houses Parliament, and is surrounded by gardens and sculptures. Nearby, on Upper Merrion Street, stands the Department of the Taoiseach, which is similar to the Prime Minister, and also houses the Department of Finance and the Attorney General. Dubliners, known to scoff at any over-the-top pomp, sometimes refer to the ornate building as “Chas Mahal,” a reference to the late Charles Haughey, the sixth Taoiseach. (Most residents, however, simply refer to the structures as “Government buildings.” Simple, but it works.)

All government buildings here are free and open to the public. You must book a tour in advance (for groups only) if you wish to see Parliament, but show up during normal hours of operation at Leinster House and the Department of the Taoiseach and you can view current exhibits and take advantage of free guided tours, free tickets for which can be picked up at the nearby National Gallery (also a free sight).

Once you’ve completed your tour, be sure to take a gander at the structure at One, Merrion Square. This Georgian structure, where Oscar Wilde once lived, is now a museum.

More information, including tour times, can be found on the Dublin Tourism Board’s website.

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Water works

We think the best fountains in London (and there are plenty to choose from!) are the two majestic bronze fountains that flow over Trafalgar Square. Start all free and open to the public—and they provide a fascinating look into church life in England.

After the service, visit nearby St. Margaret’s Church, free and open to the public daily. If you choose to tour the Abbey, only available on weekdays or Saturday, it will cost you £10.

Parliamentary, my dear!

If you want to sit in on a session at the British Parliament, you’ll need to queue up early as it’s one of the most popular activities in town. However, if you are a UK citizen and apply in advance through your local MP (Member of Parliament), you can skip the line altogether and receive a guaranteed place. The best time of day to go is in the morning. If you get in, you may see the Prime Minister on Wednesday mornings, when he appears before the House of Commons for his weekly “Prime Minister’s Questions” session. Parliament is open Monday through Friday. Check the Parliament’s Web site for hours.

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