Dublin is the perfect mix of rich culture, good food and, of course, the craic. From sampling Irish whiskey straight from the barrel, touring the world’s first cemetery museum, to wandering through award winning gardens, there’s days of fun to be had.
Here are the top 10 things we think you should be do in Dublin:
1. Drink in the History of Dublin
Dublin is not only home to the world’s biggest brand of Irish whiskey, but also the ‘Black Stuff’ aka Guinness. Sightseeing can be thirsty work, so be sure to add a trip to the Old Jameson Distillery and the Guinness Storehouse Factory to your itinerary. Learn how it all began for these world-famous brands. You’ll get to touch, smell, and most importantly taste the good stuff right from the barrel. A perfect pit stop.
Guinness Storehouse Factory:
Blue Line & Red Line, Stop: Guinness Storehouse
Old Jameson Distillery:
Blue Line, Stop: St. Michan’s Church
2. Learn what The Craic is at The Temple Bar
For the full Irish experience you must visit Temple Bar, Dublin’s hotspot for culture and pub hopping (our two favourite things). By day, browse the many open-air markets and galleries. Then come night, watch The Temple Bar’s pub scene come alive with live Irish trad music, international cuisine, and street performers. You’ll soon learn what The Craic is...
Blue Line & Red Line, Stop: Dame St. / Temple Bar
3. Selfie at the Spire of Dublin
A must-see is the Spire of Dublin, also referred to as the ‘Monument of Light’, standing at an impressive 120 meters tall. This striking structure looks like a giant, stainless steel drawing pin, tapering to a mere 15cm at the top. The Spire was inspired by the ever-changing Irish skies, and so has been designed to dance light around the area. The perfect selfie moment we say.
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Blue Line & Red Line, Stop: 13 Upper O’Connell Street
4. Journey back in time at Dublin Castle
Learn about the eventful history of Ireland at the historical heart of the city, Dublin Castle, one of the best places to visit in Dublin. Stroll around the buildings and gardens, and take in the place that was once a prison, a fortress, treasury, court of law, and much more. Dating back to the 13th century, Dublin Castle stands on what was once a Viking site. The Record Tower is still the original building, having survived fires and warfare over the years.
Blue Line & Red Line, Stop: Dame St. / Dublin Castle
5. Read the Book of Kells at Trinity College
Trinity College is famed for having some of Ireland’s most well-known literary and political personalities study. It’s spread over an impressive 47 acres, with its iconic buildings having become a tourist attraction in themselves. Trinity College Library holds its most prized possession, The Book of Kells. An illuminated manuscript in Latin, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament. A librarian turns one page of The Book of Kells every single day. Visit to find out why this book is so precious…
Red Line, Stop: Leinster Street
6. Eat like a Champ
When planning what to do in Dublin, be sure to feature some traditional Irish food into your schedule. Start with a good old fashioned Irish Stew, mopped up with a hunk of beloved soda bread. Tuck into some colcannon and champ to understand why Ireland does comfort food best. Feast on the west coast’s native oyster in Autumn, and take tea with some Barmbrack, a fruity loaf served with lashings of butter.
For our Dublin restaurant guide, click here.
7. Dead interesting museum
A different way to take in Ireland’s history, the Glasnevin Cemetery Museum is a Dublin must-see. You’ll wander through the graveyards of famous Irish political members, writers and poets, all while learning how these ordinary and extraordinary people helped to shape the Ireland of today. The world’s first cemetery museum, Glasnevin Cemeter is a rather different way to delve into the legacy of Ireland’s heroes.
Blue Line, Stop: Glasnevin Cemetery
8. Get involved in Gaelic Games
A fun thing to do in Dublin is to take part in a traditional Gaelic Game. Ireland’s world-famous activities include the stick and ball field sport, ‘hurling’ and Gaelic Football – which is a cross between soccer, rugby and basketball. Take a sports lesson and experience Irish culture and heritage first hand. You’ll leave Dublin having learnt some new, impressive skills too.
9. Browse the National Botanic Gardens
Located in Glasnevin in Dublin, the National Botanic Gardens are a relaxing way to spend the day during your city break. The gardens are famed for their fine plant collection, totalling 15,000 species and cultivar from habitats around the world. Glasshouses to note are the Turner Curvilinear Range and the Great Palm House, both having received awards for their excellence in conservation architecture. Meander through the herbaceous borders, the alpine yard, rock area and rose garden.
Blue Line, Stop: Glasnevin Cemetery
10. Not a tourist trap
Kilmainham Gaol has witnessed some of Ireland’s most significant historical moments. This former prison holds the secrets of the most famous political and military leaders in Irish history that were held here. Now a museum on the history of nationalism, it’s become a must-see in Dublin. Walk the cells and learn what it was like for the prisoners to be incarcerated here. And we highly recommend the gallery on the top floor.
Blue Line & Red Line, Stop: Kilmainham Gaol
Ireland’s legendary capital is a vibrant city full of character and charm. If you manage to get through the above list, you can confidently tick this city off your bucket list. And another great way to get around and see the sights is a bus tour – start planning your Dublin visit now.
