The Irish capital is known for its charming streets, colorful doorways, live music and historic architecture. Although it may be one of Europe’s smaller capital cities, Dublin has been known to steal the heart of every visitor.
Famous for its stunning cathedrals, haunted places, pubs with live music, historical museums, and hidden attractions, Dublin is a place with something for everyone.
Here is our list of the best attractions, tours and pubs you can see and visit while in Dublin.
What to visit in Dublin?
Once you’ve landed at what is called the gateway between Europe and North America or Dublin airport, you are ready to dive in and start with our list of the best places to visit in the Irish capital.
We start our Dublin tour with Trinity College, which is Ireland’s oldest university and is neatly situated complex of impressive 18th and 19th century buildings. It is also the home of the famous book of Kells, which is an incredible manuscript in Latin written about 800 AD.
After a must-see Trinity college tour, you can continue your journey at the good old Dublin Castle, located in the heart of historic Dublin. Visiting Dublin Castle is one of the best ways to learn about Dublin history as you will get to relive the 800 years’ Irish memories and some of the most iconic events that happened in the country’s history.
And of course, don’t forget to visit the Little Museum of Dublin. Nicknamed the ‘people’s museum’ of Dublin, this unique and charming museum is full of amazing treasures donated over the years by ordinary Dubliners to make up an eclectic exhibition of a bit of everything!
Where to drink in Dublin?
It seems that no trip to Dublin would be complete without a trip to Ireland’s most popular attraction in the heart of the St James’s Gate Brewery. The highlight of the factory that has Guiness pint-like interior is the gravity bar on the 7th floor where you will get a 360-degree of Dublin skyline while enjoying a pint of Guinness.
Another of Dublin’s pub places is most definitely Toners. Its high walls give its beer garden a lovely secluded effect and provide for a lively atmosphere as conversations bounce off the wall. Its cosy beer garden is in keeping with its famously comfortable indoor snugs and is just one of the reasons Toner’s has continued to be a favorite pub of Dubliners over the decades.
If you’re looking for a bar like no other in Dublin, you’d be a fool to miss what Café en Seine has to offer. Not only is the building itself a grand and quirky affair all round, you can pair cocktails and gastro inspired grub with live music on selected days.
Other honorable mentions are: The Bar with No Name, The Temple Bar, The Stag’s Head and Mulligans.
Which day tours to take from Dublin?
Arguably Ireland’s top tourist attraction, the towering Cliffs of Moher are well worth the hype. Located on the west coast of Ireland in County Clare, these rocky sea cliffs, along with the karst limestone hills of the Burren, are recognized at a UNESCO Global Geopark. The towering cliffs overlooking the rough Atlantic Ocean is a majestic view that just can’t be beat. Dunguaire Castle and the 12 Bens mountain range are not to be missed along the drive. Around the Cliffs of Moher there are wonderful walking trails to enjoy.
And if you are looking to get out of Dublin but don’t want to go too far? Easy- head to Howth. The town, nestled around the harbor with two long piers, will not disappoint you. Howth offers natural beauty along with Irish history, some good food, and a plethora of pubs. If you have at least half a day to spare when visiting Dublin, Howth would make for a great day trip.
And if you want to be greeted with breathtaking sights and scenery, then head to the largest of six national parks in Ireland, Wicklow Mountains National Park. There are various sights in the national park, but the most famous one is the Glendalough valley. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, then this is definitely one of the best day trips from Dublin for you.