Twelve of North Dublin’s most iconic attractions and destinations have launched a new collaborative tourism initiative, Dublin’s Northside Attractions (DNA) Alliance.

This historical collaboration of some of the city's key attractions has been created to highlight the rich cultural heritage that exists within North Dublin and is inviting the public to rediscover Dublin’s DNA. Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe was present alongside representatives from twelve North Dublin attractions to launch the initiative at the Old Jameson Distillery in Smithfield.

Dublin’s DNA is a unique and fascinating tourist trail comprising some of the city’s most vibrant attractions that are a key, not only to the character of Dublin city, but also to its people and the people of Ireland. Dublin’s Northside Attractions are DNA in name and in nature, revealing the people behind the places that are now landmarks of the northside of Dublin and lasting monuments to its citizens – the colorful, the courageous, and the ill-fated; from the everyday working folk to the rebels, poets and pioneers. Visitors will walk in their footsteps along a trail that affords visitors an enjoyable experience and insight into the people who made Dublin and Ireland what it is today.

The collaborating attractions include:

- Old Jameson Distillery

- Glasnevin Cemetery

- National Botanic Gardens

- GAA Museum and Croke Park Stadium

- Mountjoy Square Society

- Guinness Storehouse

- The James Joyce Center

- The Hugh Lane Gallery

- Dublin Tenement , 14 Henrietta Street

- 1916 Rebellion Walking Tours

- EPIC Ireland

- GPO – Witness History

Dublin’s DNA offers a number of touring options starting with a hop on / hop off bus route provided by Dublin City Sightseeing Tours. A number of guided walking trails already exist and new DNA walking trails are in development in association with Failte Ireland and the Discovery Trails created off the Dubline tourist trail. Visitors are encouraged to experience Dublin’s DNA using the variety of options including Dublin Bikes and walking.

The Jameson Distillery event was marked by the unveiling of the new Dublin DNA trail and website, www.dublindna.ie, by Donohoe.

Speaking at the launch Donohue said, “As a proud northsider, I am very familiar with the myriad places of interest and sites of historical significance located on Dublin’s northside. Many of these are well known worldwide; some to a lesser degree. The aim of this initiative is to bring these attractions together under one umbrella organization so that they can have a greater impact as a cohesive unit than they would by working independently.”

Commenting on the significance of the collaboration at the launch of Dublin’s Northside Attractions Alliance was Chairman of the DNA Alliance, George McCullough said, “Each attraction has a unique story to tell with many of them having common threads with each other through the characters and people who worked, lived and died in this area. North Dublin is a small area with a rich history that has changed the world, and the DNA Alliance has been formed to celebrate and showcase this magnificent place.”

He continued, “Between the members we welcome in excess of 2.5 million visitors a year so, we know what the visitor, both international and domestic, wants, and by working together we can deliver an even better experience.”

To celebrate the occasion an original North Dublin cocktail – ‘the DNA Hot Spot’ – was created by the mixologists at the Old Jameson Distillery. The DNA Hot Spot contains Jameson that is infused with Irish spiced tea syrup served with boiling water and lemon.

For more information on the DNA you can log on to www.dublindna.ie.