Trinity College, Dublin (must see)

Nestled in the heart of the city, Trinity College stands as an imposing architectural set piece with a history dating back to its founding in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. Initially established to shield Irish students from what was perceived as the influence of Catholicism at European universities, the institution has since evolved into a renowned seat of learning, welcoming notable alumni ranging from politicians and philosophers to Nobel laureates and literary giants such as Swift, Wilde, and Beckett.

Perched on College Green, amidst the urban landscape, Trinity College offers visitors a glimpse into its storied past and present-day aspirations. While some corners of the campus may be off-limits depending on the whims of the seasons, sauntering through the gates of the west front unveils the picturesque Parliament Square, where the Chapel and Examination Hall flank the lawn with elegant symmetry, occasionally playing host to concerts. Venturing a bit further, across Library Square, you'll stumble upon the red-brick Rubrics, the college's oldest surviving building, dating back to the early 18th century. The highlight, however, is the Old Library, home to Trinity's oldest books and the legendary 9th-century Book of Kells manuscript, celebrated as a masterpiece of medieval artistry.

But wait, there's more! Beyond the Old Library lies Fellows' Square, bordered by the modernist Berkeley Library and the Arts Building, housing the contemporary Douglas Hyde Gallery, a hub for cutting-edge Irish and international art exhibitions. And as you meander through New Square, you'll find the School of Engineering, which finds its home in the ornate Museum Building, an extravagant display of Venetian Gothic architecture adorned with intricate stone carvings of animals and floral motifs that spark the imagination.