The Best Things To Do In Dublin

As the capital city of the Republic of Ireland located on the East Coast, Dublin is one of the most visited cities in the entire country. It contains a variety of historic buildings as well as parks, museums and plenty of cultural activities for visitors of all ages. Everything that you can imagine about Ireland is located in Dublin — from the quaint cobblestone streets to the lively pubs and vibrant greenery, there’s nothing about the city the visitors and locals don’t love!

Dublin’s long history — dating back centuries — is seen in many aspects of the city. From the beautiful cathedrals and medieval castles to the modern architecture, the eclectic contrast between old and new is one of the things that gives Dublin its charming personality. While a healthy lifestyle is always recommended, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone at Dublin who doesn’t recommend a night of drinking at one of the traditional pubs filled with high-energy and gracious people. Compared to some of its neighboring cities, Dublin is considered rather modern and throughout the last two decades has grown more diverse in its culture and people — this allows the city to develop more options in flavors and experiences.

Beer lovers never go to Dublin without one important stop – the Guinness Storehouse. The brewery takes guests throughout the property on tours about how this famous beer came to be and offers tastings as well as a rooftop bar, which features amazing views of the city. If beer isn’t your thing, spend the day exploring Dublin Castle, which dates back to 1204 and has a massive museum, gardens, state rooms and more! As the capital city of Ireland, Dublin is also known as the commerce center and where the visitors and locals all gravitate — no matter what your budget or how long you plan on spending in Ireland, a trip to Dublin is often filled with beautiful and historic architecture, new and innovative foods as well as Irish classics and of course an Irish pub experience which should be enjoyed by all even if you choose not to indulge in a brew!

HERE ARE OUR TOP PICKS FOR THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN DUBLIN…

Cliffs of Moher

For spectacular natural beauty, it is hard to go past a visit to the Cliffs of Moher. Stretching for eight-kilometres, the cliffs tower more than 200-metres above the Atlantic Ocean. Take a vantage point at O’Brien’s Tower and absorb the majesty and power of the cliffs meeting the ocean, and then escape the winds and explore the visitor centre that is nestled into the surrounding landscape.

Blarney Castle

Take the trek to fascinating Blarney Castle – a six-hundred-year-old fortress – and climb to the top battlements to kiss the world-famous Blarney Stone; the Stone of Eloquence. Guaranteed to bestow you with the “gift of the gab”, you’ll never be short of a word again! Explore the castle and its architecture and enjoy the gardens for a great day out!

Blarney Stone

Famous for centuries, join the multitude of people that have made the trek to the top of the Blarney Castle, in search of the “gift of the gab”. Mythology says that if you kiss the stone, you will never be short of a word again! Find out for yourself, and before you leave, explore the rest of the magnificent castle and splendid gardens too. It would be a shame to leave Ireland without this “gift” from the stone!

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral

Located next to the site where St Patrick – the patron saint of Ireland – baptised converts, St Patrick’s Cathedral dates to the fifth-century! With a spire towering over forty-metres high, explore the magnificent architecture and head inside to view the stunning stained glass and statues. You can also take a guided tour to appreciate the history and the stories behind so many of the ornaments!

Guinness Storehouse

Stop off at the St James Gate Brewery for a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, and get bragging rights with your friends when you next enjoy a pint of the magic black brew! Spread over seven levels, you will learn about the complete brewing process as well as the magnificent history of Guinness. Once you’re done with the tour, enjoy a pint in the Gravity Bar, with spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of the city!

Giant’s Causeway

When you travel along the wild Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland – just north of Bushmills – stop to marvel at the wonder of the Giant’s Causeway; a natural treasure of around 40,000 basalt columns that fall away into the ocean. You can walk along the columns that form beautiful stepping stones, and admire the spectacular surrounding scenery as you relax and watch the ocean heave against the shore.

Trinity College

In the heart of Dublin, take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and visit Trinity College, the sole college of the University of Dublin, which dates back to the late 1500’s. Head to the Old Library and view the Book of Kells – a famous ancient text – and enjoy the Georgian architecture as you stroll through these magnificent grounds.

Dublin Castle

Dating all the way back to the thirteenth-century, Dublin Castle has played an integral role in the evolution of the city, first as defence, and later as the mint, the police headquarters and then government administration. Today, the castle is largely used for ceremonial purposes. Take a fascinating guided tour and learn not just about the castle, but also the history of Dublin, Ireland, and the relationship with England. This is a fantastic way to bring history to life!

Temple Bar

Take a stroll around the cobbled streets and laneways of Temple Bar, and enjoy the eclectic mix of culture, fun, and entertainment on offer. Calm and sedated during the day, once the sun goes down this district takes on an entirely new persona, filling up with crowded pubs and vibrant restaurants!

Wicklow Mountains

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Dublin and enjoy some time in the magnificent Wicklow Mountains. A popular escape for the locals, there are walks that take you through amazing valleys and past beautiful waterfalls. Just south of Dublin – and stretching through County Wicklow – the views are spectacular with the lake, so take a picnic and enjoy the natural beauty of Ireland!

Saint Michan’s Church

As you wander the streets of the old city, close by the markets you will find St Michan’s Church. Dating back to the eleventh-century, the church was re-done in the 1800’s and the interior reflects the architecture of the time. Wander through the church and admire the beautiful decorations, and then head to the vaults below. These unique crypts hold five burial vaults, where you will find the mummified remains of families buried back to the seventeenth-century. While there are many theories as to why these vaults have preserved the bodies so well, it is certainly a remarkable experience!

Dublin Writers Museum

Lovers of stories and literature flock to the Dublin Writers Museum to admire the achievements of past writers and to seek inspiration for the future. Set in a Historical Georgian house, there is a host of memorabilia from famous writers such as Oscar Wilde and Samuel Becket. Explore the museum and the library, and have a coffee in the café. You can’t help but get caught up the heady atmosphere of this writers’ mecca!

Malahide Castle & Gardens

Dating all the way back to the twelfth-century, the Talbot family made Malahide Castle and the Gardens their home for 800-years. The subdued elegance of this castle comes alive during the guided tour, with portraits and artefacts pointing to the stories of the family – and the region – over the centuries past. With a setting of 260-acres, the gardens are magnificent, so take your time and enjoy the quiet ambience of its magnificent history!

Jameson Distillery

A true hidden gem; the Jameson Distillery is tucked away in a quiet and narrow laneway in Dublin. The old distillery is no longer the main centre of production, but it’s a great way to have fun while you learn about the production process, the history of the company, and of course, taste the final product! Lovers of whiskey and history flock to this fascinating tour, and if drinking the sample whets your palate for more, you can always stay on at the Jameson Bar!

Saint Stephen’s Green

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Dublin and join the locals relaxing at St Stephen’s Green, a twenty-two acre oasis, where picnics around the lake are a favourite pastime. Explore the sculptures of the many famous citizens and take some time to remember that this tranquil setting was once the site for public executions, and punishments such as whipping!

Connemara

One may not truly understand the awesome power of Mother Nature’s beauty until you have visited Connemara. With a countryside that will knock your socks off with the sheer beauty of the peninsula, a plethora of gorgeous flora, and remarkable landscape and coastal view, Connemara is a hiker’s dream.

Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is a route passing through some of the most beautiful scenery is southern Ireland. The route is circular and around 180km in distance. It passes through Killarney with its lovely National Park alongside Lough Leane, around Iveragh Peninsula, passing through Kenmare, Sneem, Waterville, Cahersiveen and Killorglin. Along the way there are beautiful views of castles, forts, historic houses and a sheer rocky island.