Compared to the rest of Europe, Dublin is a small capital that can be explored on foot. The city’s rich history is at arm’s reach and its buoyant food scene always around the next corner. Dublin knows how to entertain its visitors with festivals all year round, a thriving music scene and countless pubs in which to unwind. Here comes your Dublin bucket list!
Top Things To Do In Dublin
Roam The Ground Of Trinity College
Founded in the late 16th century, Trinity College is the oldest and most prestigious university in Ireland. You can visit its library, the largest in the country and home to the world’s most famous medieval manuscript, the Book of Kells.
Trinity College
College Green, Dublin
Take A Tour Of Kilmainham Gaol
Many Irish nationalists were detained and executed in this former prison before its closure in 1924. Now rehabilitated, it offers a very successful tour to help visitors understand Ireland’s journey towards independence. Booking is highly recommended.
Kilmainham Jail
Inchicore Road, Dublin
Visit Dublin Castle
Rebuilt in the 18th century after a fire had broken out, Dublin Castle was the centre of British rule in Ireland for centuries. The tour will take you to the beautiful chapel and the lavish State Apartments which hosted balls and banquets for the social elite. A trip underground is also on the program.
Dublin Castle
Dame Street, Dublin
Explore Glasnevin Cemetery
Open in 1832 as a non-denominational cemetery, Glasnevin Cemetery has now more people buried in its ground than living in Dublin, including most of the leading figures who shaped today’s Ireland. Its modern museum and beautiful alleys have turned Glasnevin into a top attraction in Dublin. If searching for your Irish roots, a family history research centre is available.
Glasnevin Cemetery
Finglas Road, Dublin
Shop in Dublin’s Creative Quarter
Stretching from South William to George’s Street and from Lower Stephen’s Street to Exchequer Street, the Creative Quarter hosts designer and craft stores, galleries, vintage clothing stores, quirky cafes and restaurants. Don’t forget to pass through George’s Street Arcade, one of Europe’s oldest shopping centres.
Powerscourt Centre
William Street South, Dublin
Enter St Patrick’s Cathedral
One of two Church of Ireland cathedrals in Dublin, it was built in honour of Ireland’s patron saint. Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels and dean of the cathedral was buried here.
Saint Patrick's Cathedral
Saint Patrick's Close, Dublin
Take A Walk Down O’Connell Street
Formerly known as Sackville Street, the street was renamed in 1924 to honour Daniel O’Connell who campaigned for Catholic Emancipation. On this pedestrian-friendly street you’ll find two of Dublin’s most recognisable landmarks, the 121 metre high needle nicknamed ‘the Spire’ and the General Post Office, symbol of the 1916 Easter Rising.
General Post Office
O'Connell Street Lower, Dublin
Visit The Irish Museum Of Archeology
Mysterious bog bodies from the Iron Age, unique religious artefacts from Celtic and early Christian Ireland and fascinating finds from Viking Dublin are exhibited in this free museum in Kildare Street.
Irish Museum of Archeology
Kildare Street, Dublin
Enjoy A Night Out In Camden Street
Bars, nightclubs and music venues such as the reputed Whelan’s abound on Camden Street. Away from the tourist trap that is Temple Bar, Camden Street is popular with locals and Dublin’s cosmopolitan crowd alike.
Walk The Streets Of Georgian Dublin
In the 18th century a property boom led to the creation of Georgian squares such as Merrion Square, St Stephen’s Green and Fitzwilliam Square, each surrounded by elegant townhouses. At one time mostly owned by the wealthy Protestant elite, strict public planning guidelines now exist to protect these beautiful buildings.
Things To Do Around Dublin
Explore Powerscourt Gardens
In Co. Wicklow, south of Dublin, Powerscourt Gardens has been voted the world’s third most beautiful gardens by the National Geographic. Stroll around 47 acres of scenic landscaped gardens dominated by an impressive 18th century country house.
Powerscourt Gardens
Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow
Escape To Glendalough
Translated as “the Valley of the Two Lakes”, Glendalough in Co. Wicklow is one of those picture-perfect places that you can’t wait to go back to. It is well-known for its monastic settlement and picturesque Round Tower that attracts countless visitors every year.
Visit Malahide Castle
Found north of Dublin, Malahide Castle boasts an incredible 800 years of family history dating back from the 12th century Norman invasion. The castle is surrounded by a magnificent park, woodland and botanical walled garden.
Malahide Castle
Malahide, Co. Dublin
Top Festivals In Dublin
Dublin International Film Festival (February)
Since 2003 Dublin has had its own film festival with dozens of films being screened every year. Your chance to spot international Irish film stars such as Brendan Gleeson, Colin Farrell or Saoirse Ronan.
St Patrick’s Day (17th March)
Join the rest of the world and wear your green and cheer for Ireland as the St Patrick’s Day parade makes its way through Dublin city centre. As thousands pour into Dublin for the national celebration, pubs get quickly congested so better get there early. A day when everyone gets a chance to be Irish!
International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival (May)
A sign of the Irish society’s openness, the Dublin Gay Theatre Festival has introduced memorable and quality performances to Irish audiences since 2004 and shows no sign of slowing down. Oscar Wilde would be proud.
Tiger Dublin Fringe (September)
This festival is home of the daring and most adventurous entertainers. In 2016 more than 70 productions including world premieres took to the stage. What a show it was!
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