15 Things to Visit in Dublin (Ireland)

If the ‘luck of the Irish’ is on your side and you find yourself in the infamous city of Dublin, there will be countless things for you to do and see while you’re there. Dublin’s residents are all such characters in addition to the city’s wonderful history, culture, and, well, alcohol. The locals never fail to make you grin, whether they are telling long stories, singing traditional songs, or cracking a joke here and there. Additionally, day trips and excursions to the mountains or cliffsides are only a short bus journey away due to the city’s proximity to the east coast, where you can see some of the most expansive and stunning landscapes in all of Ireland. The top 25 things to do in Dublin are listed below:

• Go for Lunch at Avoca Wool Shop & Café
• Take a photo with The Spire of Dublin
• Visit the Dublin Zoo
• Go on a Trip to the Wicklow Mountains
• Read a Book at Trinity College Library
• Party like the Irish at The Temple Bar
• Take a Walk over Ha’penny Bridge
• Drink Inside a Restored Cathedral at The Church
• Have a Picnic in Phoenix Park
• Visit Christ Church Cathedral
• Go Back in Time to Dublin Castle
• Marvel at the Beauty of St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• Visit the Guinness Storehouse Factory
• Take a Tour of the Old Jameson Distillery
• Learn about the Abandoned Prison of Kilmainham Gaol

Go for Lunch at Avoca Wool Shop & Café

Aside from the stout beer and whiskey, one of the best (and most well-known) exports from Ireland is wool and mohair, which are created from the indigenous sheep that are dispersed over the country’s hills and valleys. The company also sells its wool at numerous Avoca shops throughout Dublin, even though the actual wool mill is situated in the little town of Avoca just outside of Dublin. For those who are unable to leave the city, visit the store close to Dublin City Center to get some unique, handwoven, luxury scarves, sweaters, or blankets produced from the country’s indigenous Irish mohair. Be sure to head upstairs to their café where you can have a little meal, tea, or dessert made with authentic Irish fare.

Take a photo with The Spire of Dublin

One of the easiest monuments to spot from afar, The Spire stands proudly in the centre of O’Connell street towering approximately 120 meters above the ground. This completely stainless-steel structure is about 3 meters in diameter at the base and 15 centimetres at its apex. Its façade is gently lighted by the sun on sunny days, illuminating the monument for all to see. The structure’s tip is additionally illuminated by an outside light source at night so that it can serve as a beacon in the night sky.

Visit the Dublin Zoo

The Dublin Zoo, which is part of Phoenix Park, is a fantastic complement to your day. With a huge variety of animals to see and a very well laid-out map, this excursion is great for individuals or groups of all ages. The zoo’s animals are not only well-taken care of, but they also all have roomy enclosures in which to wander and play, making every interaction as authentic as possible. Visit the Meerkat Café so you may observe the meerkats up close while you sip a beverage or eat a snack.

Go on a Trip to the Wicklow Mountains

A tour of the Wicklow Mountains is one of the top day trips from the city and something you must do when visiting Dublin. This breathtaking environment, which served as the backdrop for the romantic comedy P.S. I Love You, is even more stunning in person than it appears on TV.

Read a Book at Trinity College Library

The Trinity College Library, the largest library in Ireland, is a stunning architectural marvel and a place where most bookworms can only imagine being. It also houses the well-known Book of Kells, a lavishly decorated and exquisitely illuminated manuscript that dates back more than 1000 years and contains all four of the New Testament Gospels. The Long Room, it’s the most well-known part, has a reputation for resembling the Jedi Archives in Star Wars. Although the Old Library, which is housed within the main library’s quarters, is only accessible to visitors, it is unfortunate that the main library is only accessible to university personnel, graduates, and students.

Party like the Irish at The Temple Bar

One of Dublin’s most recognizable bars, The Temple Bar draws visitors from around the globe to have a drink inside its fabled walls. The bar’s history dates to the early 1300s, but despite this, it is still well-known today with its iconic red exterior, prime location in the middle of the city, and significant role in Dublin’s vibrant nightlife scene. The Temple Bar is currently the most popular bar, frequented by young travellers and even some residents who want to enjoy a night out and have a glass (or two, or three) of powerful Irish whiskey.

Take a Walk over Ha’penny Bridge

The Ha’penny Bridge, a stunningly distinctive white-picketed beauty, is renowned for being the first pedestrian bridge to cross the Liffey. Its name was derived from the “halfpenny” fee pedestrians had to pay to cross the bridge back in 1816. It is now one of the primary “monuments” or buildings that define Dublin and can be seen on postcards, travel guides, novels, and other souvenirs.

Drink Inside a Restored Cathedral at The Church

The Church is not what its name suggests; instead, it is one of the city’s most distinctive and stunning bars. In truth, The Church was formerly known as St. Mary’s church before closing in 1964 and being renovated and transformed into a well-liked bar and nightclub in 2007. On the main level, there is a wonderful island bar with booths, tables, and bar stools for guests as well as a small stage where live traditional Irish music is performed every day from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. from Sunday through Wednesday. The nightclub, which is located below and is open every Friday and Saturday from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., features a resident DJ who spins the newest R&B and pop tunes.

Have a Picnic in Phoenix Park

Phoenix Park, a sizable (1,700 acre) walled park located barely two miles from Dublin’s city, is not your typical park. In addition to the extensive areas of green and countless amazing trees and flora, it also has a sports field, the Wellington Monument, the Dublin Zoo, and residences for the US Ambassador and the President. You could easily spend the entire day relaxing, exploring, or just wandering the grounds because there is so much to do and see.

Visit Christ Church Cathedral

Another one of Dublin’s architectural marvels is Christ Church Cathedral, the second of the city’s two medieval cathedrals. This fully operating church, more properly known as The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, serves as the cathedral for the United Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough. The personnel of the cathedral does collect entry and ticketing costs, even though it is open to those who want to gaze upon its Romanesque interiors, as the structure does not receive funding from the government. However, the entrance charge is undoubtedly worthwhile because it will support the preservation of this stunning aspect of Irish history. You can get tickets here: Self-Guided Tour & Entrance Ticket to Christ Church Cathedral

Go Back in Time to Dublin Castle

By visiting the well-known Dublin Castle, you may go back in time to prehistoric Dublin. With over 800 years of Irish memories encapsulated within its walls, this incredible structure has borne witness to some of the most pivotal events in all of the country’s history. Spanning an area of over 11 acres, the Castle stands proudly on the highest ridge in the locality and offers self-guided and guided tours of the grounds, including the Castle’s many rooms, gardens and museums such as the Chapel Royal, the Chester Beatty Library, the Garda Museum and the Revenue Museum. Fast-Track Access Book of Kells & Dublin Castle Tour is a suggested tour.

Marvel at the Beauty of St. Patrick’s Cathedral

St. Patrick’s Cathedral, widely regarded as the biggest church in all of Ireland, is one of two cathedrals that were constructed in Dublin. When it comes to tourism, St. Patrick’s Cathedral continues to be the more well-liked of the two. Over 800 years of Irish history and culture may be discovered within the walls of the cathedral, which was first built in 1191. Its beauty is evident both inside and out and is the result of outstanding architectural wonder. Jonathan Swift, the author of Gulliver’s Travels and Dean of the Cathedral, is also buried there.

Visit the Guinness Storehouse Factory

One of Ireland’s most well-liked tourist destinations is the Guinness Storehouse, which is situated in the centre of St. James’ Gate Brewery. The interior, which is the largest pint in the world, is made to look exactly like a pint of Guinness. A ticket to the Guinness factory will take you on a tour through seven floors of Irish brewing history, where you will learn all about the Guinness family, as well as how the beloved stout beer is meticulously crafted to perfection. You will be dropped off at the Gravity Bar on the seventh level after the tour, where you can sip a cool pint of Guinness while taking in a 360-degree panorama of the Dublin skyline. Online booking: Entering the Guinness Storehouse: Ticket

Take a Tour of the Old Jameson Distillery

The Old Jameson Distillery, which lies close to Smithfield Square, is another historic treasure. Before production ceased in the early 1970s, this property served as the original site for the production of Jameson whiskey. You will learn about the development of the exquisite whiskey and its history during a tour of the historic distillery. You will also have the rare chance to partake in a comparative whiskey tasting. You will receive a special Whiskey Taster Certificate after the tour, which you can proudly display to your family and friends back home as formal recognition of your expertise in traditional Irish whiskey. Online booking: Tour of the Jameson Whiskey Distillery and Tastings

Learn about the Abandoned Prison of Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Gaol, an abandoned prison that offers guided tours of its renovated quarters, is a must-visit location for any history buff. Each tour costs just €4 per person and includes a 45–50 minute tour of the facilities. During this time, your knowledgeable guide will walk you through the jail’s history, describing the appalling conditions in which prisoners were treated at the time as well as a plethora of other fascinating details about the politics and renovation of the prison. After this journey, you’ll have a much deeper grasp of this tragic period in Irish history.