Looking to explore Dublin? This vibrant city is brimming with activities that cater to every interest, whether you’re into shopping, museums, guided tours or just looking to soak up some culture, Cayleigh Deveney shares her top recommendations for making the most of your time in Dublin, get ready to discover the best of Dublin through her recommendations.
TRINITY COLLEGE AND BOOK OF KELLS
Right in the heart of Dublin city, Trinity College is full of history being the oldest college in Ireland. Home to one of the oldest books in the world, the Book of Kells dating back to the late 8th century. There you can take guided tours, roam around the grounds yourself or see the Book of Kells.
PHOENIX PARK
One of Europe’s largest city parks. Enjoy some of the many things to do, including visiting Farmleigh, Dublin Zoo, the visitor centre or seeing some of the many monuments.
DUBLIN ZOO
Located in the Phoenix park, Dublin Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world, having opened in 1831. The zoo is home to over 400 animals and is one of Ireland’s top attractions. Perfect for all ages!
BOTANICAL GARDENS
Enjoy the beautiful nature, gardens, and greenhouses in Dublin’s botanical gardens home to over 15,000 different plants from all over the world. Admission is free and it’s open year-round.
THE GPO
Ireland’s general post office in the heart of the city across from the spire monument on O’Connell street. There you can immerse yourself in an important piece of Irish history and learn about the 1916 Easter Rising and modern Irish history.
THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Just beside the national gallery and nicknamed ‘the dead zoo’ by Dubliners, it is Ireland’s oldest museum and is a free experience where you can view all sorts of interesting animals and insects.
GEORGES STREET ARCADE
A Victorian-style indoor market built in 1881 with over 40 independent retailers. It’s a unique spot for food and shopping in Dublin city centre that’s worth checking out.
GUINNESS STOREHOUSE
Visit Ireland’s most popular attraction and experience the history of Ireland’s iconic beer in the Guinness storehouse. Where you can see the whole brewing process in the original factory that has been running for over 250 years.
TOP TOURS IN THE CITY CENTRE
Lisa Balding our Marketing and Distribution Manager visited some of the must-see attractions in Dublin and gives her overview of the tours.
I recently had friends from Spain visiting for a long weekend and as it was her Husband’s first trip to Dublin, I decided we would try visit the main attractions as it was his first time here. I did my research on the must-see things when in Dublin for the weekend, and although the list of things we could do is incredibly long, here is the 5 we chose.
- THE GUINNESS STORE HOUSE:
It is Irelands number 1 tourist destination and it’s easy to see why, Guiness have definitely got it right with this experience, located at Saint James Gate where Arthur Guinness first took out his 9,000-year lease on the building. It’s a multimedia experience that showcases everything you need to know about the iconic “black stuff”, from the craft of brewing it to their retro advertising. What’s more you end the tour in the gravity bar which not only serves the best pints of Guinness in Dublin but while you’re enjoying your pint you will have a 360-degree panoramic view of the Dublin skyline*
- TRINITY COLLEGE AND THE BOOK OF KELLS
This was my first visit to the book of Kells, and I have to say I wasn’t disappointed, Trinity College is Ireland’s oldest university founded in 1592, and its cobblestone campus is filled with stunning buildings is a must-see if you’re into architecture (which my friend’s husband is). The Book of Kells is a 9th-century manuscript containing the four gospels of the New Testament. It is in the old library, but the ticket also includes access to the Library, Long room which houses over 200,000 books, and noted as one of Europe’s most magnificent libraries,
- KILMAINHAM GAOL
This is a tour for the history buffs, for over 100 years, Kilmainham Gaol held thousands of men, women, and children for crimes ranging from minor offenses to some of the most significant events in Irish history. The prison played a crucial role in Ireland’s journey towards independence, especially during the 1916 Easter Rising, when many of its leaders were imprisoned and later executed within its walls. The tour gives a captivating glimpse into Ireland’s past, and the exhibits and personal stories really bring the experiences of the prisoners to life.
- VIKING SPLASH DUBLIN
With Viking Splash Dublin, you will travel in a DUKW dressed like a Viking (Viking hats provided) and hear all about Viking Dublin while seeing some historic sites, such as St Patricks Cathedral, and Trinty. The best part of the tour (apart from getting to wear a Viking helmet) is when you splash into the Grand Canal for a short cruise. If like me you don’t know what a DUKW is, it is an amphibious six-wheel drive vehicle shaped like a boat that can go over land and water,
- TEELING WHISKEY DISTILLERY
There are now several whisky distilleries to choose from in Dublin, it was hard to add one to the list, but I went for Teelings, located in the historic liberties, as it was the first new Distillery to open in the city in over 125 years. It’s a fully guided tour and you get an overview of the complete whiskey making experience, the tour ends with a tasting, (several options available for you to choose from). The Bang Bang bar onsite also has an extensive cocktail list you can choose from.
*Please drink responsibly