What to do in Dublin? The 17 must-see places to visit
Located on the east coast of Ireland and the country's capital, Dublin is a city on a human scale where it is pleasant to stroll around . An authentic and absolutely charming metropolis, we discover a very interesting architectural heritage and neighborhoods teeming with life. How can you miss the famous pubs and their lively atmosphere in the evening? Without forgetting of course its museums, which make it a destination of choice for lovers of art and culture. Dublin is a dream city to spend an exotic, festive and cultural weekend,and an essential stopover for all those who wish to discover Ireland and its specificities. And it is also one of the best cities to study in Europe. In France, there are many cities offering flights to Dublin, so there is no reason to miss this unique destination. Here are the essentials of one of the best destinations less than 2 hours away .
1. Getting to Trinity College
Trinity College is the oldest university in the country and, when it comes to sightseeing, it is one of Ireland's top 10 must-sees . Founded in 1592, we have the opportunity to admire the buildings and the courtyard where many statues are located. But if there is one place that attracts all the curious once inside, it is its incredible library, a place absolutely timeless. Walking down the central aisle, more than 60 m long, you discover in a wooded setting and under a vaulted ceiling, shelves where millions of books are arranged which extend as far as the eye can see. Although there is an entrance fee to the library, the place is worth it for the feeling of being in the middle of a film and also to go see the unmissable Book of Kells,
And because no visit to Dublin would be complete without exploring the famous Trinity College, we recommend booking the only official Trinity Trails guided tour here to discover the historic buildings, hidden gems and cobblestone paths of the famous college .
2. A tour of the Guiness Storehouse
You can't go to Dublin without visiting the brewery that makes the most famous Irish drink: Guinness. In a place with seven levels, we learn more about the history of this dark beer with a unique taste and renowned throughout the world . After discovering the secrets of making the drink, we go to the Gravity Bar for a tasting session and also to enjoy a sublime panorama of Dublin. Whether you like beer or not, the Guinness Storehouse is a must-see and attracts thousands of visitors each year. Book your entry ticket to the Guinness Storehouse here in just a few clicks and enjoy a free pint!
3. A stroll through the National Gallery of Ireland
It was in 1864 that the National Gallery of Ireland was inaugurated. The museum is located in Merrion Square and has had to be expanded over the course of its history as the richness of its collection continues to grow. In the 54 rooms that the place contains, we discover more than 800 works which cover periods ranging from the Middle Ages to the 20th century and coming from Western European countries. They are classified in historical, geographical and chronological order. Among the artists whose works can be found throughout the floors, include Monet, Caravaggio, Picasso, Moya and even Van Gogh .
If you want to discover Dublin, we advise you to book this hop-on hop-off bus tour which will take you to visit the National History Museum and the National Gallery of Ireland!
4. Go see St Patrick's Cathedral
St Patrick's Cathedral is the largest church in the country and was built in the 12th century in honor of Ireland's patron saint. Its history is tumultuous since the place has experienced several fires, abandonments and desecration, but it has always been rebuilt and restored to display its current appearance. After taking the time to tour its exterior architecture, you must take the time to go inside to see its plaques, its busts, its stained glass windows and its nave. It is a wonderful testimony to medieval Dublin and a place where it is also good to stroll along the adjacent paths, which border the green lawns.
Book your visit to St Patrick's Cathedral including a self-guide here!
5. A discovery of the Temple Bar district
Dublin is home to neighborhoods that are bursting with life, making it a favorite destination for travelers who like to go out and party. The Temple Bar district is certainly the liveliest in Dublin ! This is where we take the time to stroll through the cobbled and winding streets which reveal a very particular charm once night falls. Among the places to absolutely discover, art galleries, exhibition centers and restaurants where you should stop to recharge your batteries. In the evening, we don't hesitate for a single second to enter a pub , order a good beer and simply have a good time.
6. A picnic at St Stephen's Green
St Stephen's Green is Dublin's largest park, a green lung that appeals to locals and visitors alike. It allows you to escape for a moment from the bustle of the city center and settle down peacefully to enjoy a picnic. The place is particularly pleasant once the sunny days return. It is located near Grafton Street and inside there are pools, fountains, children's play areas, waterfalls, in short, everything you need to spend a quiet moment with the family or with friends in a green and bucolic setting.
7. A tour of Kilmainham Goal Prison
For an unusual visit to Dublin, it is advisable to head to Kilmainham Goal Prison . Opened in 1796, it welcomed within its walls important historical figures and leaders of the rebellion. The conditions of detention there were particularly difficult, with unheated cells and no windows. Which made it one of the most terrible prisons that Europe has known . Today, it is closed and no longer accommodates prisoners. On the other hand, it is a museum open to the public, who can discover the difficult living conditions of former prisoners. A moving and thrilling moment. A guide is available to tell the most precious secrets about the prison.
8. Marvel at Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle is a magnificent 13th century building located in the city center. Don't forget to pay close attention to the Record Tower, the oldest vestige dating from 1258. As for the rest of the monument, the architecture has evolved over the course of history towards a neoclassical style. . Once inside, one of the most beautiful rooms is the Throne Room, the place where kings received their guests from their thrones. The overall architecture of the building is fantastic , of varied styles and the place still hosts today major personalities as well as political ceremonies.
9. Admire Christ Church Cathedral
Lovers of religious architecture cannot fail to admire another superb building in the center of the Irish capital, the Christ Church Cathedral . Founded around 1028, it is one of the most important sanctuaries in the country. Inside is a 12th-century crypt which is none other than the oldest structure in the city. It is home to surprising inhabitants: a mummified cat and a rat! Another amazing part is the small bridge that can be seen from the outside and which connects the cathedral and Synod Hall, which houses the Dublinia museum dedicated to the Vikings and the Irish Middle Ages .
10. A cultural moment at the Irish Museum of Modern Art
In the free Irish Museum of Modern Art , visitors discover a rich collection of contemporary artworks . The venue, which opened in 1991 in the former Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, primarily houses the creations of Irish artists, most of whom are still living. The idea here is to present works that are off the beaten track , including surprising and innovative paintings, sculptures and installations. The museum has a permanent exhibition, but also organizes temporary exhibitions. Also note the presence of a boutique and a coffee shop to end the visit with a gourmet break.
11. Visit the Chester Beatty Library
Alfred Chester Beatty was deeply fascinated by ancient manuscripts. A native of New York, he accumulated a fortune through his mining investments, which he then devoted to preserving his remarkable collection assembled today in the Chester Beatty Library . His frequent travels took him across northern Africa and throughout the Orient, and during these journeys, he methodically assembled a remarkable collection of calligraphic texts, parchments, ancient copies of religious books and of art objects. Above this unique building, a small Japanese garden offers a haven of peace where visitors can recharge their batteries, before resuming their exploration through the picturesque streets of the Christchurch district. Finally, from this terrace, you can observe the snake design imitating Gaelic art which runs across the lawn of the library garden.
If you wish to visit the Chester Beatty Library, we advise you to purchase the Dublin All-Inclusive Pass here which will give you access to all the main sites and attractions to see in Dublin, including the Guinness Storehouse, the Chester Beatty Library, the Cathedral from Christchurch, and many more!
12. Discover famous writers
Literary geniuses (and there are many of them) born in Dublin, or who lived there, have not failed to celebrate, sometimes with vitriol, their beloved dirty old town , and Dublin pays them back. The MoLI is one of the latest museums in the Irish capital. The Museum of Irish Literature opened in 2019 and notably replaced the venerable Dublin Writers Museum. In this new setting, you will be able to see a permanent exhibition on James Joyce (including the first edition of Ulysses) and the main Irish writers. And to conclude the visit, you can also enjoy a charming, somewhat hidden garden and a café. But this museum is far from being the only gift Dublin offers to its pretty feathers. The parks house statues (busts or full-length) bearing the likeness of these geniuses, and some writers' houses have been transformed into retrospective museums.
13. Experience a match at Croke Park
The stadium is legendary, so grab your sky blue gear and blend in with the Dublin kop crowd on a match day ! Don't be afraid of the (fairly simple) rules of hurling or football, there will always be someone to explain to you what's going on. Who to support in Croke Park ? If you have no particular affection for this or that county, support Dublin. Always in a good-natured atmosphere, if a Northern Ireland team is on the field, choose the other and sing in chorus “Go pay your taxes to the Queeeeeeen!” » (“Go pay your taxes to the Queen!”), a song loved by Dubliners to mock the British yoke over Northern Ireland. All you have to do is run and buy your tickets from the nearest GAA retailer.
14. Get emotional at EPIC, the emigration museum
Nestled in the brand new Docklands district, close to the Great Famine Memorial, the EPIC museum , dedicated to the Irish diaspora, is one of our favorite visits in the capital. It opened in May 2016 in a former tobacco, tea and spirits warehouse (known as the CHQ Building) dating from the 19th century . This museum is one of the few in the world that is fully digitalized and the experience offered within its 21 underground galleries is moving, entertaining and interactive. This exceptional environment offers a remarkably realistic immersion in Irish culture,exploring themes ranging from the history of pubs to that of music, including significant events such as the Great Famine, dance, sport, art, and above all, the often difficult migrations which led to the Irish diaspora towards distant horizons, particularly in Boston in the United States. Allow two hours for the visit... without getting bored! Click here to book your EPIC Museum admission ticket and delve into the history of Irish emigrants and Irish culture.
15. From pubs to pubs, Dublin by night
To be honest, whatever your relationship with alcohol, a pub crawl is a must in Dublin. The pub is a real institution, at the heart of the social life of Dubliners . All reasons are good to go for a drink. We go there for a pint after a day of hard work, we go there to watch the Gaelic football match, hurling match, rugby match, football match, horse racing, greyhound racing, we cheer on our team or yell at our nag to move forward faster, always with the pint in hand. We start a conversation with our neighbor about anything and everything, and then we buy each other drinks. Treating is an important tradition in Irish pubs: whether there are two or ten friends gathered that evening, everyone is supposed to offer their round, in turn...
16. Visit the Old Jameson Distillery
Two centuries after the death of its founder, Jameson remains the world leader in Irish whiskeys. Although the distillery is now based in Cork, the historic buildings have been renovated to offer visitors the opportunity to explore the world of Jameson and better understand the process of creating this famous drink. The Old Jameson Distillery tour itinerary includes a multimedia presentation on the history and origins of Jameson, followed by a tour of the distilling facilities where the journey "from grain to glass" is revealed while engaging the senses visitors. All the steps, from fermentation to (triple) distillation through the aging of the whiskey, are explained.Before, of course, a little welcome tasting! Click here to book your tour of the first Jameson distillery in Dublin and discover all the secrets of Irish whiskey making. You will finish with a comparative tasting.
17. Breathe in Howth
A small peninsula northeast of the city center, Howth can provide a real break from the vibrant Irish capital. There are splendid walks there, but also a beautiful beach , very long with a splendid view of the Malahide coast. Howth also has several golf courses, offers various activities, such as a boat trip, with or without angling, paddle or kayak rides and also hosts several Martello towers, a splendid 15th century castle just a few steps away . close to the port and the ruins of a 12th century abbey . Furthermore, the restaurants of Howth represent a real argument in favor of a little getaway there, forenjoy ultra-fresh seafood and simple, tasty cuisine facing the sea.
?Where to sleep in Dublin
Like any European capital, Dublin requires a real housing budget. The cheap options are mostly located somewhat distant on the north shore. Choosing to live in the center is a real plus in Dublin, because the main transport network (buses) is subject to traffic hazards...
The most festive
Located in a vibrant Smithfield neighborhood, with a young and festive atmosphere, Generator Hostel is one of the best hostels in Dublin that you can book
The most luxurious
Located in the heart of Temple Bar, The Clarence is the luxury hotel opened by The Edge and Bono of the legendary group U2. Chic and expensive, we love it! Tempted? Book your room here!
The most user-friendly
A few steps from Trinity College, The Fleet has 93 bright rooms, decorated with great taste and elegance, which you can book in just a few
?What to do in Dublin in 3 days
Day 1. Why not start with an Irish breakfast ? You can find delicious ones in the small streets of the north shore. Then it's time to cross the Half-a-Penny Bridge into Temple Bar. We then take Dame Street towards Trinity College. You can walk through it and exit out the back to find yourself right next to the National Gallery.
Day 2. First a nice stroll in Merrion Square, before going to stroll through the shops of Grafton Street. Then head to Dublin Castle. Behind this building hides one of the most beautiful museums in Europe (the Chester Beatty Library). We continue to descend, to tour the churches, cathedrals and remains of medieval Dublin. Before the unmissable Guinness Storehouse.
Day 3. A nice brunch and a stroll in Saint Stephen's Green and it's game time. Take a seat in the stands at Croke Park and sing along. Afterwards, you can take a trip to Phoenix Park, celebrate the Boys in Blue victory in a pub or go see a play.
?How to get to Connemara from Dublin
Today, this region northwest of Galway is loved by French tourists... Perhaps because the hospitality and gastronomy are there? A mixture of both grandiose and local atmosphere characterizes this wildly beautiful region where one can find probably the most exceptional restaurants and hotels in Ireland. From Dublin, it is easy to get there by car, train (at Heuston Station, route to Galway) or with an Eireann bus .
?When is the best time to go to Dublin
Dublin can be visited all year round . The seasons are less and less marked. Here, there are no harsh winters or scorching summers. But in summer, there are more tourists and prices are higher. The best season is therefore in spring or autumn ( in October for example), where the weather can be pleasant for tourist visits. If you are going during the Saint Patrick's Day festival (March 17), don't forget to book well in advance.
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