As Ireland’s capital city, there is so much to see and do in Dublin, and here are ten of our favourites.
Are you planning a trip to the Emerald Isle? If so, you’ll probably have pencilled in at least a couple of days in Dublin.
Dublin is a vibrant cultural hub in Ireland that is jampacked with plenty of attractions. From museums and historical sites to bars and plenty of iconic world-famous sites to see, let’s take a look at the top ten places to visit in Dublin.
10. The Guinness Storehouse
The Guinness Storehouse was recently named the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction of 2023 ahead of the likes of the Taj Mahal and the Grand Canyon and for plenty of reasons.
When people think of Ireland, Guinness has to be one of the first thoughts. As such, you have to visit the Guinness Storehouse on your trip to Dublin.
Learn all about the history of Arthur Guinness, see how the stout is made, and enjoy a delectable pint in the phenomenal rooftop bar with 360-degree views across the city.
9. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
Take a journey through time with a visit to Dublin’s EPIC Museum. The EPIC Museum is a must-visit on your trip to the capital.
Whether you were born in raised in Ireland or have Irish culture and heritage running through your veins, the EPIC Museum will take you on a fascinating journey through understanding Irish emigration, Irish culture, and heritage.
There are plenty of fantastic Dublin city centre hotels in this area to easily navigate your trip around Dublin.
8. The Jeanie Johnston
While you’re in the EPIC Museum area, take a trip to the Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship right nearby.
The Jeanie Johnston is the only famine ship from this dark time in Ireland’s history that did not see a single death on board for the seven years it travelled between Ireland and Canada. It provided an escape route for those suffering the terror of the Great Famine at this time.
7. Kilmainham Gaol
Kilmainham Gaol has a dark and storied history that will fascinate and shock you on your visit.
The famous jailhouse was home to many convicts, including several revolutionaries of the 1916 Easter Rising.
Your tour through the jail will give you a fascinating overview and insight into the many executions and mistreatments that occurred within the walls.
6. Trinity College and the Book of Kells
Trinity College is one of the most notorious universities around the world that educated the likes of Oscar Wilde, W.B. Yeats, Bram Stoker, and Samuel Beckett.
The Trinity Long Room, the library, will really take your breath away. The famous Book of Kells is on display in a permanent exhibition on the Trinity grounds and is certainly one of the most popular attractions in Dublin.
5. Visit the bars outside of Temple Bar
While a quick trip to Temple Bar should be ticked off on your trip to Dublin, there are lots of better bars and pubs outside of the area you need to visit instead.
For example, John Kavanagh ‘The Gravediggers’, Grogan’s, or Peruke and Periwig, to name a few.
4. St. Stephen’s Green
If you want a chilled afternoon spent walking and exploring, a trip to St. Stephen’s Green should certainly be on your agenda.
Walking around the water and grounds of the park is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the busier, bustling streets of Dublin. Grab a coffee and peruse the park, taking in your beautiful, peaceful surroundings.
3. A day trip to Howth
If you have time, take a trip 30 minutes east of central Dublin to the beautiful coastal village of Howth.
The Howth Cliff Walk is a stunning way to embrace nature near Dublin city centre and the perfect way to escape the city for a few hours.
2. Glasnevin Cemetery
If you’re looking for something a little bit different to do on your trip to Dublin, take a trip to the famous Glasnevin Cemetery.
If you’re a history buff, this is an absolute must, as it hosts the grave sites of famous Irish figures like Michael Collins, Eamon de Valera, Luke Kelly, and Constance Markievicz, to name a few.
1. The GPO
One of the most popular things to do in Dublin is visit the GPO (General Post Office). This site is home to one of Ireland’s most integral historical moments, the 1916 Easter Rising.
The GPO was the main headquarters and stronghold of the Irish Volunteers during the fight for independence from the British government.
You can still see marks of the bullets fired during conflict today.
