The capital of Ireland is a popular tourist destination. Although not a big city, Dublin is well-served in terms of attractions, making it perfect for a few days out! I’ll even show you some of the sights around Dublin!
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. 🙂
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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.
