Full of monuments, neighborhoods and museums to visit, the Irish capital exudes atmosphere and charm that you can feel by talking to the people, walking along the River Liffey or sipping a good Guinness in a traditional pub. Here are the best things to do and see in Dublin.
Top 25 things to do and see in Dublin
If the 'luck of the Irish' is on your side and you find yourself in the city of Dublin, you will have countless things to do and see during your stay. Dublin is not only deeply rooted in its incredible history, culture and alcohol - the people of Dublin are also one of its attractions. Whether they're sharing long-winded stories, singing local songs or telling a weird joke here and there to make you laugh, locals never fail to put a smile on your face. And, as the city is right on the east coast, day trips and mountain or cliffside hikes are just one bus stop away, where you can witness some of the largest and most beautiful scenery in the whole of the country. 'Ireland.
Here is a list of the 25 best things to do and see in Dublin:
Party like the Irish at Temple Bar
Temple Bar is arguably one of the most iconic bars in all of Dublin, with tourists flocking from all over the world to have a drink in its famous walls. Although the history of the bar dates back to the early 1300s, it still remains popular to this day thanks to its famous red facade, its exceptional location in the heart of the city, as well as being a hotspot for Dublin's nightlife . At the moment, Temple Bar is the most popular bar for young tourists - and even some locals - looking for a glass (or two or three) of strong Irish whiskey and enjoying a night of partying.
Drink inside an ancient cathedral
One of the most unique and beautiful bars in town, The Church is not what its name may make it sound. Indeed, The Church is located in what was once the church of Santa Maria; however, the church was closed in 1964, restored and converted into a popular bar and nightclub in 2007. On the main floor, there is a magnificent bar that stretches almost the entire length of the church, complete with booths, tables and stools. guest bar and a small stage with live traditional Irish music. Downstairs, you can find the disco, open every Friday and Saturday night, with a resident DJ playing all the latest popular songs and R'n'B tunes.
Visit the Guinness factory
Located in the heart of the St. James' Gate Brewery, the Guinness Storehouse is one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Ireland . In fact, the interior is designed to look exactly like a pint of Guinness and is reputed to be the largest pint in the world. A Guinness Brewery ticket (around € 18) will take you on a tour of Irish beer history through seven floors, where you'll learn all about the Guinness family and how the beloved robust beer is meticulously crafted to perfection. At the end of the tour, you will be taken to the Gravity Bar on the 7th floor, where you can enjoy a refreshing pint of Guinness with a 360 degree view of the Dublin skyline .
Take a tour of the old Jameson Distillery
Another historic Dublin gem is the Old Jameson Distillery , located just off Smithfield Square. Previously, this place was the original site where whiskey was produced and distilled until production ceased in the early 1970s. A tour of the old distillery will guide you through the history and process of creating the fine whiskey, along with the unique opportunity to participate in a whiskey tasting . At the end of the tour, you will be awarded an exclusive whiskey tasting certificate to officially certify your knowledge of traditional Irish whiskey which you can show to family and friends.
The Spire of Dublin
One of the easiest landmarks to spot from afar, The Spire is located in the center of O'Connell Street and stands 120 meters above the ground. This all-stainless steel structure has a diameter of approximately 3 meters at the base and 15 centimeters at the apex. The tip of the structure is illuminated by an external light source at night to act as a beacon in the night sky.
Be amazed by the beauty of St. Patrick's Cathedral
Known as the largest church in all of Ireland, St Patrick's Cathedral is actually one of two cathedrals built on Dublin's soil. However, St. Patcrick's Cathedral still remains the most popular with tourists. The cathedral was originally founded in 1191 and boasts over 800 years of Irish history and culture. An ingenious architectural marvel, its beauty can be seen both inside and out. It was also the final resting place of Jonathan Swift, author of the travels of Gulliver and Dean of the Cathedral.
A blast from the past at Dublin Castle
The famous Dublin Castle , with over 800 years of Irish memories encapsulated within its walls, has witnessed some of the most pivotal events in the country's history. Spanning over 11 acres, the castle proudly stands on the highest ridge in the city and offers guided tours, including the castle's many chambers, gardens and museums such as Chapel Royal , Chester Beatty Library , Museum of the Garda and the Revenue Museum .
Stroll over Ha'penny Bridge
A stunning white picket beauty, the Ha'penny Bridge is famously known as the first pedestrian bridge across the River Liffey. Its name derived from the price pedestrians had to pay (a "half penny") to cross the bridge when it was built in 1816. Today this bridge has become one of Dublin's main landmarks , depicted on postcards, tourist brochures, books and souvenirs. .
Visit the Christ Church Cathedral
The second of Dublin's medieval cathedrals, Christ Church Cathedral is another of Dublin's architectural wonders . More formally known as the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity , this fully operational church is the cathedral of the United Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough. Although it is open to tourists who wish to admire its Romanesque interior, the cathedral staff charges admission, as the building receives no support from the state. However, the admission price serves to help maintain this beautiful piece of Irish history.
Have a picnic in Phoenix Park
A giant fenced-in park (around 1,700 acres) that is about 2 miles from Dublin city center, Phoenix Park is more than just a park . In fact, in addition to the long stretches of greenery and a multitude of incredible trees and plants (as well as numerous deer in the wild), the park is also home to the Dublin Zoo , a sports field, the Wellington Monument and houses the residences of the Irish president. and the United States Ambassadors. With so much to do and see, you can easily spend the whole day relaxing and wandering around the park.
Trinity College Library
An incredible architectural marvel and a room most bibliophiles would dream of being in, Trinity College Library is the largest library in all of Ireland . Here is housed the famous Book of Kells , a beautifully ornamented 1,000-year-old manuscript containing all four New Testament Gospels. Its most famous section, known as The Long Room , is known for resembling the Jedi Archives from Star Wars. Unfortunately, the main library is only open to university staff, graduates and students, but that doesn't stop tourists from checking out the Old Library open to visitors and located in its neighborhoods.
Have lunch at the Avoca Wool Shop & Café
In addition to Guinness beer and whiskey, some of Ireland's finest and most famous products are the wool and mohair artifacts made from local sheep scattered across the hills and valleys of Ireland. Although the actual wool mill is located just outside Dublin in the small town of Avoca, the company also sells the wool in various Avoca stores around Dublin. In Dublin city center you can shop for handmade scarves, sweaters or blankets made from local Irish mohair . Also visit their cafe upstairs, where you can enjoy a light lunch, Irish tea or dessert.
Visit the abandoned Kilmainhan Gaol prison
A must-see destination for all history lovers, Kilmainham Gaol is an abandoned prison offering guided tours of its restored neighborhoods. Priced at € 4 per person, the ticket includes a 45-50 minute tour of the facilities where an expert guide will guide you through the history of the prison, describing the treatment of inmates during that period, along with countless other interesting facts about politics and the restoration of the prison.
Take a trip to the Wicklow Mountains
One of the best day trips out of the city, a must-see on your trip to Dublin, is the Wicklow Mountains Tour . A basic tour costs around € 27 and covers transport to and from Dublin, along with a brief history of the region, a traditional Irish lunch and some free time to explore the beauty of the place. Don't forget to bring your camera.
Visit the Dublin Zoo
Located within the Phoenix Park, Dublin Zoo offers a huge variety of animals to see and a very well laid out map. Don't forget to visit the Meerkat Café , where you can watch meerkats up close while enjoying a drink or snack!
Day trip to The Cliffs of Moher
Another spectacular journey that awaits you just beyond the city is a tour of the stunning Cliffs of Moher . These stunning cliffs have also been used for various film shoots, such as Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and The Princess Bride , and seeing them for yourself is a breathtaking experience. It is possible to visit any tourist center in Dublin to organize a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher , which costs around 40 euros per person. To be seen.
The Dublin flea market
Although you can probably find a flea market on almost every corner or side street in Dublin (especially on weekends), Dublin Flea Market is a huge indoor flea market held on the last Sunday of every month. and has become one of the most loved in Dublin . With over 60 stalls selling everything from reusable household items to old clothes, you can always find something interesting.
Discover the doors of Dublin
Since most housing complexes are built to look the same, owners use to paint their door in an original color to distinguish their home from the neighbor's. Although in the past this custom was used to identify one's home, it has over time become a significant feature of Dublin itself. Photos of these colorful and unique looking doors can be found on postcards and calendars in the town's souvenir shops.
The Glasnevin Cemetery Museum
Placed at number 1 on Tripadvisor's list of best things to do in Dublin , the Glasnevin Cemetery Museum is an atypical, but absolutely interesting way to immerse yourself in Irish history. Here you can stroll through the graves of Irish political figures, poets, writers and other famous people.
Learn to play like the Irish at Experience Gaelic Games
Another incredibly unique and fun way to experience true Irish culture and heritage is to participate in Experience Gaelic Games . Located just 10 minutes from Dublin city center, Experience Gaelic Games gives you the opportunity to learn some of Ireland's most famous sports games , such as the famous team game of bat and ball, called 'hurling' or Gaelic Football (a combination of football, rugby and basketball all in one) and many more! Great fun, especially if you are in a group.
Relax at St. Stephen's Green
Another popular Dublin park to relax in is St. Stephen's Green , filled with lush green grass, a variety of plants and flowers, and some beautiful bodies of water. If that's not enough, there are also a few scattered monuments to see and plenty of trails to walk, cycle or jog. Bring a book, a packed lunch or stop by a café before heading to St. Stephen's Green to enjoy a nice day at the park.
The National Botanic Gardens in Dublin
The National Botanic Gardens is a great place to visit, whether with the family or alone. With so many plants, flowers and other special things to see, you can easily spend an entire day wandering around these lush gardens. Inside there is also a sculpture garden, a vegetable garden designed to look like an old castle and glass houses. Admission is completely free , but the guided tour costs 5 euros.
Little Museum of Dublin
The Little Museum of Dublin tells the history of the city in a unique way , through the many objects donated by the people of Dublin, each with its own unique story. Entrance to the museum costs 7 euros, with exhibits ranging from films to music to politics, history and culture. While the museum may be "small", it is certainly packed with enough knowledge and history to stand up to the largest museums in the city.
A history lesson at the National Museum of Ireland
One of the best free museums in all of Dublin is definitely the National Museum of Ireland . Among the museum's most notable exhibits are the Viking exhibit, the exquisite display of gold artifacts and the remarkable collection of 'bogs' - bodies found and recovered from swamps across Ireland. Each body has a story that will give you a spectacular insight into the life of these men who once lived in the country and have now become a permanent part of Irish history.
Irish Whiskey Museum
Combining the best of Irish heritage, history and alcohol, the Irish Whiskey Museum offers a detailed history of all types of whiskey (not just Jameson). At the end of the tour, you will taste three unique types of whiskey.
