On the eastern coast of the Irish Island, straddling the banks of the Liffey River that flows into the Irish Sea, lies Dublin. Founded by the Vikings, it has been the capital of Ireland since 1652.

One of Dublin’s most famous „attractions” are its pubs. Often referred to as the capital of pubs, a visit to Dublin is incomplete without enjoying a good beer. 🙂

Attractions in Dublin

Dublin Castle

Originally built by the Normans in 1204, only the Record Tower remains. It’s been the inauguration site for Irish presidents since 1937.

The basement next to the entrance houses an archaeological exhibition tracing the castle’s history. The Chester Beatty Library, showcasing the collection of an Irish-American millionaire, is located in one of the towers.

Don’t miss the garden, small but adorned with sculptures and art pieces.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Built outside the medieval city walls, it’s believed to stand where St. Patrick baptized Dubliners by the Poddle stream.

Gained its current form in 1864 and is one of the two main cathedrals of the Church of Ireland.

Impressive from the outside, it’s adjacent to a beautiful park.

Guinness Storehouse

A must-visit in Dublin, the city of pubs. This museum is dedicated to the production and history of one of the world’s most consumed beers.

The seven-story building houses a modern exhibition, including Arthur Guinness’s office. The tour ends with a tasting session.

Enjoy panoramic city views from the bar at the top floor.

More information available here!

Teeling Whiskey Distillery

The newest whiskey distillery in Dublin, it offers a tour explaining whiskey-making processes and a tasting session at the end.

More information available here!

O’Connell Street

Dublin’s „main street” is one of the widest and most friendly avenues in Europe.

This street is home to the city’s iconic structure, the Spire. The 120-meter high steel tower narrows as it rises. Its reception among locals is mixed, with some feeling it lacks cultural or architectural connection to the city.

Also on the street are statues of Jim Larkin and William Smith O’Brien.

O’Connell Bridge

One of Dublin’s most significant bridges spanning the Liffey River, it was built at the end of the 18th century.

It connects the southern Aston Quay to the northern Bachelors Walk and O’Connell Street. A statue of its namesake is located at the northern end.

Interesting fact: the bridge is wider than its length.

Temple Bar

South of the Liffey River, this city district in Dublin is bustling with tourists and nightlife.

Once rundown, it’s now a vibrant area with numerous pubs and restaurants.

It’s home to Ireland’s oldest pub, The Brazen Head, operating since 1198.

Trinity College

Ireland’s oldest university, it began in a former monastery in 1592 under Queen Elizabeth I.

Initially aimed at creating a well-educated Protestant intelligentsia in Ireland, it didn’t admit Catholics until 1970.

The building and its park are beautiful, but the two-level library is the real gem. A haven for book lovers and those interested in Irish history, it’s reminiscent of a Harry Potter film set.

The library houses some of the world’s most beautiful medieval Irish manuscripts, including the famous 9th-century Book of Kells.

Merrion Square

A small square with a park, featuring the colorful statue of the famous Irish poet Oscar Wilde, who lived at No. 1 Merrion Square.

The square has been home to other notable figures, such as the namesake of O’Connell Bridge and Austrian physicist Schrödinger.

National Museum of Ireland

Consisting of four museums: Natural History, Archaeology, Decorative Arts & History, and Country Life.

All offer free admission! More information available here!

National Gallery of Ireland

Opened in 1864, the gallery displays landscapes, historical tableaus, portraits, and works by impressionist Irish artists.

Features international artists like Titian, Picasso, Goya, Rembrandt.

Free admission! More information available here!

Kilmainham Gaol

Built at the end of the 18th century and closed in 1924, it’s now a museum.

Guided tours showcase where leaders of the Irish independence movement were imprisoned.

Has been a setting for several films and music videos, most notably „In the Name of the Father”.

St Stephen’s Green

A popular park among locals for relaxation and walks.

Features a lake, waterfall, and statues.

Phoenix Park

Located in west Dublin, it’s Europe’s largest city park. Home to wild deer and fallow deer.

Renting a bike is recommended to explore the vast park.

Hosts Dublin Zoo, good but not outstanding among capital city zoos.

Attractions near Dublin

Howth

18 km from Dublin, this peninsula offers a great afternoon trip.

Beautiful cliffs border the coastline, offering picturesque views without traveling to Ireland’s west. A walking trail runs along the coast.

Boats from the port travel to the nearby Ireland’s Eye island, offering a beautiful natural environment and wildlife viewing.

Killiney Hill Park

Located in the suburban area of Killiney, the park is situated on a hillside.

Offers stunning views to the south and northwest towards Dublin. An obelisk crowns the hill.

Manderley Castle, owned by famous Irish singer Enya, is in the park’s southern part.

Malahide Castle

North of Dublin, Malahide Castle and its gardens are noteworthy.

The castle, inhabited continuously for 800 years by the Talbot family (until 1973), displays antique furnishings and portraits.

Ideal for families, the garden features various sculptures, and Europe’s largest model railway museum is opposite the castle.

Wicklow Mountains

South of Dublin, known as „Ireland’s Garden”, the range includes Ireland’s highest waterfall, Powerscourt Waterfall, at 121 meters (visible only from the bottom).

The popular Wicklow Way trail starts south of Dublin and ends in Clonegal, spanning 127 km with a 3200-meter elevation gain.

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Located in the northwestern part of Europe on its third largest island, the Island of Ireland, it has undergone significant development in recent decades.

Best places in Ireland

Dublin

Starting with the capital, founded by the Vikings, Dublin is a tourist favorite.

Its most beautiful sights include the castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the centuries-old Trinity College. The college’s library is world-renowned, reminiscent of a Harry Potter film setting.

Not to be missed is the pub tourism! There are numerous pubs, especially in the Temple Bar district, where you’re never far from a cozy pub.

Dublin attractions

Cliffs of Moher

One of Ireland’s most spectacular natural formations, these cliffs stretch for eight kilometers along the country’s western coast.

At their highest point, near O’Brien’s Tower, they rise 214 meters above the Atlantic Ocean. On clear days, the views extend up to 20-30 km, encompassing the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, and the mountains and valleys of Connemara.

The cliffs are home to a diverse array of wildlife, particularly birds, with around 29 species and thirty thousand individuals nesting on the steep walls, including the notable puffin.

Rock of Cashel

Located between Dublin and Cork, this is considered one of Ireland’s unmissable attractions.

For several hundred years before the Norman invasion, it was the seat of the kings of Munster. In 1101, the King of Munster, Muirchertach Ua Briain, donated the fortress on the rock to the church.

The picturesque complex has a distinctive character, showcasing a remarkable collection of Celtic art and medieval architecture.

Blarney Castle

Located near Cork, this castle was built in the 15th century by the MacCarthy of Muskerry dynasty.

Most tourists visit to kiss the Blarney Stone at the top of the tower, which, according to legend, endows eloquence.

The castle’s grounds have marked trails, showcasing natural rock formations with imaginative names such as the Druid’s Circle, Witch’s Cave, and Wishing Steps. The area also includes a poisonous garden with various toxic plants.

Kylemore Abbey

Located in the western part of Ireland by a stunning lakeside, this Benedictine monastery was established in 1920 on the grounds of Kylemore Castle. It was founded for Benedictine nuns who fled Belgium during World War I.

The castle itself was built by Mitchell and Margaret Henry in a neo-Gothic-romantic style over four years, from 1867 to 1871. The church on the grounds is a scaled-down replica of Norwich Cathedral, built by Mitchell Henry in memory of Margaret.

The estate includes large, walled Victorian gardens, which have been open to visitors since the 1970s.

Kilkenny Castle

Located in the city of Kilkenny, this castle was built in 1195 to control a crossing point on the Nore River and several routes.

A symbol of the Norman occupation, it originally had four large round towers and a massive moat for defense.

The central building houses a library, drawing room, nursery, and bedrooms furnished in the splendor of the 1830s. The magnificent picture gallery in the castle’s east wing dates back to the 19th century and was primarily built to house the Butler family’s exquisite painting collection.

Cork

Ireland’s second most important city, located on the southern coast.

The city center is an island situated between two channels of the Lee River. With its eastern docks and wharves, it’s the world’s second-largest natural harbor, after Sydney.

There has been a long-standing rivalry between Cork and Dublin. Many consider Cork to be more authentic than the capital, thanks to its picturesque downtown, alleys, and beautiful buildings.

Dingle Peninsula

One of the most beautiful parts of the western coastline, the peninsula is a favorite among hikers and travelers.

Its rugged coastal cliffs are interrupted by several beautiful bays, some with sandy beaches. However, expect cold water even in summer. 😊

The majority of Ogham stones, ancient inscriptions in the Irish language, were also found here.

Wicklow Way Trail

Just south of Dublin in the Wicklow Mountains, this trail is aptly named Ireland’s garden.

Starting south of Dublin and ending at Clonegal, the Wicklow Way spans 127 km with a total elevation gain of 3200 meters.

Ireland’s largest waterfall, Powerscourt Waterfall, is also located here. It’s 121 meters high, and though only the lower half is visible, it’s still a magnificent sight.

Galway

Located on the west coast of Ireland along the Atlantic Ocean, this port city was the European Capital of Culture in 2020.

A bustling and wealthy city since medieval times due to its fortunate geographic position.

Described by the famous writer Oscar Wilde as „savage beauty”. Galway stands out among other towns for its extensive use of the Celtic language, making its residents living tradition keepers.

The downtown area, known as the Latin Quarter, with its colorful houses, numerous pubs, and restaurants, is the heart of Galway.

Since the 1970s, it has been a hub for Irish folk music. Its world-famous interdisciplinary festival is held in the second half of July and lasts for three weeks.

Ashford Castle

North of Galway, on the northern shores of Lough Corrib, stands one of the most romantic castles.

Built in the 12th century, the castle has been operating as a luxury hotel since 1939. It has hosted many celebrities, including Pierce Brosnan, who held his wedding there. Great care was taken to refurbish the castle authentically.

Surrounded by 350 hectares of woodland, it’s truly one of the most perfect places for relaxation!

Waterford Greenway

This is a 46-kilometer-long, car-free route that is exclusively used by pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized modes of transportation.

The route connects the city of Waterford with the port town of Dungarvan, following the former Waterford-Dungarvan railway line. It passes through marvelous places, including the sights of the Comeragh Mountains, historical tunnels, bridges, viaducts, and remnants of old railway stations.

It is divided into several sections, allowing for the choice between easier, shorter walks and longer hikes. Along the way, resting places and information points assist travelers.

Donegal

Located in the northwest part of Ireland, this county possesses many wonderful natural beauties.

Among the attractions to highlight are the country’s highest sea cliffs, Slieve League, Glenveagh National Park with its vast mountainous landscapes and lakes, and the rugged Inishowen Peninsula.

The region’s defining cultural elements include traditional Irish music, dance, and crafts. It is also known for the production of Irish tweed and traditional hand weaving. Over the centuries, Donegal has inspired many famous Irish musicians and writers.

It is rich in historical sites, such as early medieval stone circles, ruins of ancient Christian monasteries, and historical castles. The most significant among these is Donegal Castle, built in the 15th century.

Kinsale

Not far from Cork, this is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.

The Battle of Kinsale in 1601 played a significant role in Irish history. The town has many historical monuments and buildings that recall this era, including Charles Fort, built in the 17th century.

Often referred to as the Gourmet Capital within Ireland, where local and international flavors mix, highlighting fresh seafood, local cheeses, and meats. The Gourmet Festival and Taste of West Cork are two renowned events where you can sample local foods.

It is also significant in the field of culture, with numerous galleries, workshops, and art exhibitions showcasing the work of local and international artists. The Kinsale Arts Week is the most famous festival in this area.

Glendalough

Considered one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland, not only for its natural beauty but also for the remaining ruins of the medieval monastic settlement.

Founded in the 6th century, the monastery became known throughout Europe for its scholarly monks. Until the 10th century, it was considered an important educational center in the continent, which was eventually ended by Viking raids, looting by local Irish petty kings, and finally destruction by the English.

Its most spectacular parts, including the churches and the round tower, are found in the current cemetery garden. The 33-meter-high tower, visible from afar, served not only for telling time but also for defense.

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