WHAT TO DO IN DUBLIN (IRELAND🇮🇪)?
Capital and largest city in Ireland, Dublin separated in two by the Liffey River, interspersed with beautiful bridges.
On the more chic south shore, you’ll find most of the tourist sites with remains of the medieval city and the university. On the more popular north shore, you’ll find civil monuments and the major shopping streets.
The Irish capital is a very friendly city that offers many things to do and see for art and history lovers, party people with its nightlife, or nature lovers. And a big advantage is that everything can be visited on foot.
When to go to Dublin? The best times to visit Dublin are May and June, which are the sunniest months.
How long to stay in Dublin? It is better to take your time to explore the city, and three days in Dublin seems to be the ideal time to get a good overview.
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Here are 10 best things to do and see during a trip to Dublin:
1. Kilmainham Gaol Museum
During your guided tour of Kilmainham Gaol Prison, you can discover the modern architecture of one of the country’s toughest detention centres. Windowless cells, cold and damp, were the living conditions of the hundreds of prisoners who lived there from 1796 to 1924. Today, the prison is a paying museum that offers a poignant testimony to the great events that shook Ireland, such as the Easter insurrection in 1916.
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2. St-Patrick and Christ Church Cathedrals
Begun in 1028, Christ Church Cathedral is the oldest in the city. It was completely restored during the 18th and 19th centuries. During your visit, you can explore its medieval crypt, observe its rich collection of relics and listen to its choir singing 4 times a week during the evening prayer. St. Patrick’s Cathedral, on the other hand, has a greater architectural beauty. This Gothic monument remains very famous in Ireland, as it would have been the place of worship of the country’s most famous historical figure: St. Patrick. The entrance to both cathedrals is subject to a charge.
3. The Guinness Storehouse Museum and Brewery (and the liberties)
A must for beer lovers, buying your ticket to the Guinness Storehouse will give you access to the whole history of Ireland’s most famous drink. You can learn how to pull your own pint of beer, discover all the tricks of the brewer’s trade and the history of the Guinness family. A small bonus, the Gravity Bar at the top will offer you a magnificent 360° view of the whole city of Dublin and the Liberties District. After your visit to the museum, consider taking a walk through it to enjoy the unique architecture and atmosphere of one of Dublin’s oldest districts.
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4. Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle is a 13th century building that can be partially visited. This paid visit will allow you to discover 4 towers built in totally different styles. The Record Tower is the oldest in the castle, the only one of its time to have been preserved intact. The throne room will offer you a magnificent architectural show. Located nearby, the Chester Beatty Abbey Museum is an impressive free library. It contains a splendid collection of ancient sacred and artistic manuscripts. Papyrus, bibles, Korans, history lovers will be able to observe some documents dating back to the 1st century.
5. The Little Museum of Dublin
Located in a splendid Georgian-style residence, this small museum traces the history of the city during the 20th century. Often considered the best museum in the capital, it was founded and nurtured by the people of Dublin. The paid guided tour is certainly the best way to get to know this historic city by reliving the social, cultural and political events that marked it, such as the wars of independence, the visit of Queen Victoria and the U2 epic.
6. St. Stephen’s Green Park
This Victorian park is the best way to relax in peace and quiet between two visits. Its 9 hectares include children’s games, lakes, gardens and a waterfall. To the west of the park, the Carrière de Pulham is home to many concerts during the summer. Visited daily by many bird species, St. Stephen’s Green Park will provide a good overview of Irish flora and fauna. Its entry is free of charge.
7. The Temple Bar district
A trendy and upscale place, the Temple Bar district will offer you a great insight into the nightlife of the capital. It’s located in the heart of Dublin, as well as in the heart of its people. You will admire the many restaurants, pubs and shops that contribute to the warm and festive atmosphere that prevails there. During your evening in the Temple Bar area, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a pint of beer to music in Dublin’s oldest pub: Brazen Head, opened in 1613.
8. Dublin National Botanical Garden
This garden, dating from the late 18th century, is home to more than 17,000 plant species. It will be an essential opportunity to discover varieties from all over the world, some of which have even disappeared in the wild. Decorated with fountains, paths and original decorations, it’s a free garden divided into several thematic areas. You can walk in the Chinese garden, the vegetable garden, the rose park or in the orchid greenhouse. Dublin’s National Botanical Garden is certainly the perfect place to take some colourful pictures of Ireland’s most beautiful flowers while breathing in some fresh air.
9. The National Museum of Archaeology
With its artefacts dating back to the Mesolithic, Roman and Ancient Egyptian periods, the National Museum of Archaeology is the essential meeting place for history enthusiasts. Celtic invasion, Viking conquest, medieval battles, relive the whole history of Ireland through exceptional objects that attract visitors from all over the world. Admission to the museum is free and will allow you to observe the Tara brooch, a Celtic gold jewel inlaid with precious stones from the 8th century. The Ardagh chalice, a silver cup from the early 8th century, is another highlight of the museum’s rich collection.
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10. Trinity College and its library
The only university in Dublin that can be visited is really worth a visit. Indeed, some of Trinity College’s buildings date back to 1592 and have a particularly neat architecture. Founded by Queen Elizabeth I, this university has welcomed many prestigious students throughout its history, such as writer Samuel Beckett and politician Theobald Wolfe Tone. Only the entrance to the library is charged. Its thousands of works on display on two floors include some 5th century manuscripts. Among them, you can see the magnificent book of Kells, a religious work illustrated and illuminated by Celtic monks at the end of the 8th century.
