The grand Georgian architecture beckons visitors from around the world to delightful Dublin, where we found over 20 amazing experiences to enjoy while visiting Ireland’s capital and largest city. The city of Dublin boasts fantastic Georgian architecture dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. The grand Georgian houses surrounding Saint Stephen's Green are themselves a sight to behold.
Delightful Dublin
1- The GPO
©James Fennell
Dublin has many historical sites from the 1916 rebellion including the main battle sites and the central GPO(General Post Office). The GPO is a historic building and important landmark in the city. It was the headquarters of the Irish Post Office until 1922, and was also the location of the Easter Rising of 1916, a significant event in Irish history. Visitors can learn about the history of the GPO and the Easter Rising through exhibits and tours, and can also see the restored interior of the building, including the main hall and the historic telegraph room. Additionally, the GPO is located in the center of Dublin, making it a convenient stop for those exploring the city. All of the 1916 rebellion sites can be visited on a convenient walking tours.
The main Avenue across to Liffey is O'Connell Street and the O'Connell Street bridge. In this area of O'Connell Street one fines the O'Connell statue which still has bullet holes in it from the fighting during the 1916 rebellion. The GPO is the central attraction in the center of O'Connell Street along with the Parnell statue commentating the great home rule advocate found at the far end. Near Parnell square, one finds the garden of remembrance, which is dedicated to all of those who died fighting for Irish independence. Attractions at Parnell Square include the Dublin Writer's Museum and the Hugh lane Gallery.
2- Delightful Dublin 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour
Courtesy Dave Kavanagh
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the complex history of Dublin. Dublin began as a church settlement and then subsequently became a Viking settlement around 841. Christ Church Cathedral sits on the site of the original wood quay settlement and wooden cathedral which was the heart of Viking Dublin. The national museum of Ireland holds many of the archaeological artifacts from the area.
Dublin Castle, located in the heart of Dublin city, has played a central role in Irish history, serving as a royal palace, a military fortress, and a government building over the centuries. Visitors can explore the castle's history through guided tours, which include the State Apartments, the Medieval Undercroft, and the Chapel Royal. Additionally, the Castle's grounds feature beautiful gardens, including the Upper Castle Yard, the Lower Castle Yard, and the Chester Beatty Library Garden. The Castle also offers a range of cultural events, exhibition and lectures.
3 - Trinity College and Book of Kells
©James Bowden
Trinity college, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I to educate and train protestant clergy, is about a quarter mile from Dublin castle. The college was built on the site of a prior Catholic primary. The library at Trinity College is one of the oldest buildings on the campus dating to about 1712. There are over 5 million books and the Trinity College library is Ireland's largest research library. Inside the library, a popular attraction is the book of Kells which is an illuminated manuscript of the four gospels.
For bibliophiles and visitors interested in libraries, there is another, often overlooked library. Marsh Library, founded in the early eighteenth century by Archbishop Narcissus Marsh (1638–1713) as the first public library in Ireland. Although there were earlier libraries, they were either in the university or in churches.
4 - Grafton Street and St Stephen's Green
Nearby Saint Stephen's Green is Grafton Street which is beyond one of the corner gates of Saint Stephen's Green. Catch the hop-on bus at one of the more popular stops right off of St. Stephen's Green.
Nearby Saint Stephen's Green is Grafton Street which is beyond one of the corner gates of Saint Stephen's Green. Grafton Street is one of the most popular and well-known streets in Dublin. It is a main shopping and pedestrian area that features a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. Visitors can find high-end designer stores, as well as local and independent shops selling Irish crafts and souvenirs. The street is also known for its street performers and buskers, who provide entertainment for visitors and locals alike. Grafton Street is also a great place to people-watch and take in the lively atmosphere of the city.
5 - The Churches of Dublin
Dublin has several nice churches, among them the popular Christ Church, built in 1038 by the first bishop of Dublin. Strongbow later rebuilt it into a Gothic cathedral and Strongbow is said to be buried there in the crypt.
Damaged over the years, subsequent repairs added and included more Gothic and Victorian elements to the architecture. Christ Church is currently the seat of the Anglican Archbishop of the city of Dublin, although the Catholic Church of Rome does not recognize Christ Church as Anglican and still claims Christ Church as the true seat of the Roman Catholic Archbishop.
Christ church is worth a visit and a specific and especially visit to the crypt to see some of the very oldest remains of the structure.
Saint Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, founded in 1220 is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland. It's also the tallest church in Ireland, boasting a 43-metre spire and some pretty impressive Gothic architecture. A well on the grounds of the cathedral is said to have been used by St. Patrick himself to baptize Ireland's pagan population into Christianity.
The grounds are also the burial site of the Anglo-Irish writer of Gulliver's Travels, Jonathan Swift.
Courtesy Fiona Fitzgerald
Whiskey
The Irish language word for whiskey is "uisce beatha," and translates to "water of life." We count no less than four attractions where you can learn about distilling Ireland's famous drink and of course, sample some fine Irish whiskey for yourself.
6 - Pearse Lyon's Distillery
Founded by Pearse Lyons, who held a PhD in yeast fermentation, and was the first Irishman to receive a formal degree in brewing and distilling from the British School of Malting and Brewing.
7- Teeling Whiskey Distillery
The Teeling Whiskey Distillery, in the heart if Dublin's city centre is the perfect place for anyone interested in with Irish whiskey. The Bang Bang Bar has great views over the city!
8 - Jameson Distillery Bow Street
See where it all began! This is the original Jameson Distillery Bow St., where distiller John Jameson first set up shop in 1780. Now hosting fascinating experiences such as premium whiskey tasting, whiskey-blending lessons, and cocktail-crafting classes.
9 - Irish Whiskey Museum
The water of life is all around you at one of Dublin's top attractions - the Irish Whiskey Museum. Get the full story on Ireland's whiskey's history and to see some very cool whiskey memorabilia from the 1800s.
The Irish Whiskey Museum is located right in the heart of Dublin, by Trinity College.
10 - Guinness Storehouse
The Guinness Storehouse is one of Dublin's most popular experiences and rightfully so. For it is here, in the heart of Dublin, that Ireland's national drink is brewed and shipped to thirsty patrons around the world.
Learn about the history of the Guinness, enjoy the brewery experience, and sample everything there is to know about Ireland's famous beer. Arthur Guinness had the foresight to sign a lease on the property at St. James Gate, so visitors many generations from now will still be visiting Dublin's most popular attraction.
11 - Dublin Pub Crawl
Experience Dublin's fantastic nightlife on this guided pub crawl. During visits to fantastic local pubs, you'll enjoy a free Guinness, free shots, drinks discounts, great live music, and skip the lines with VIP nightclub entry.
Courtesy Failte Ireland
12 - Tea Time
Whiskey and Guinness are not the only drinks consumed in Ireland. Did you know that Ireland is number two in the world in per capita tea consumption with nearly 5 pounds of tea consumed each year per person?
Turn back the clocks to the 1950s, and ride around Dublin in a vintage double-decker bus for a guided tour with a difference! This tour adds a bit of class to your typical city sightseeing tour and is a uniquely fun way to experience Dublin.
Enjoy smooth jazz from the '50s along with witty commentary that will set the mood as you tuck into an afternoon tea, complete with delicate cakes, dainty pastries, mini sandwiches, and of course, lots of tea.
Courtesy Fiona Fitzgerald
13 - Windmill Lane Recording Studio
Still a fully operation studio, Windmill Lane Recording Studios is one of Ireland's most iconic music recording studios. Opened in 1978 in Dublin, the studio has been used by some of the world's biggest artists and bands, including The Rolling Stones, Kate Bush, The Cranberries, U2, Hozier, Van Morrison, Sinead O’Connor, Metallica, Def Leppard, Lady Gaga, and many others.
14 - Irish Rock and Roll Museum
Only 5 minutes from Trinity College Dublin and easily accessible from Dublin’s famous Temple Bar. At The Irish Rock 'n' Roll Museum Experience you'll get to load up on the history of the music scene in an iconic building in the center of the city.
From U2 to Enya and beyond, who knows who you might find recording, or hanging out in the rehearsal rooms?
15 - Calling All Foodies
Get a taste of variety as you discover Dublin's street food scene.
Tantalize your taste buds and learn more about the city's history and secrets from your knowledgeable guide. They'll lead you to some of the coolest eateries in Dublin, so expect to step off the tourist trail. The focus is on street food and what's enjoyed day-to-day by locals, so you're guaranteed a uniquely authentic experience.
Make sure to come along hungry, as you'll be stopping off for five delicious street eats along the way and at least one of the stops will be a dessert!
Museums
With a history as rich as Dublin's, there are even more museums to experience!
16 - The Epic Emigration Museum
EPIC is dedicated to the far-reaching influence of Irish emigration, and the impact of the 10 million Irish men and women who left Ireland for foreign shores.
The museum brings Ireland's fascinating history to life with immersive and interactive exhibits, video galleries, motion sensor quizzes, remastered archival material from 100 years ago, and more.
18 - The Little Museum of Dublin
No trip to Dublin is complete without a visit to this award-winning city museum.
You will find history, humour and hospitality in the much loved Little Museum of Dublin.
17 - National Wax Museum
Just a two minute walk from Trinity College, and close to other highlights like Dublin Castle and Temple Bar. At the National Wax Museum, run shoulders with the stars of the present - like Liam Neeson and U2 - and greats of the past - including Samuel Beckett and James Joyce.
There are other fun features as well, including a green screen video studio, a chamber of horrors, and the Kid's World area.
19 - Glasnevin Cemetary
Glasnevin Cemetery is the resting place of over 1.5 million people, some of whom were prominent figures in Irish history. This Victorian burial ground was founded in 1832 and intended for people of all faiths - something pretty outrageous at a time when Catholics were banned from burial in Protestant graveyards. Daniel O’Connell, the cemetery's founder and political leader, is buried here, as is Irish revolutionary Michael Collins.
The National Botanic Garden of Ireland is adjacent to Glasnevin Cemetery, and you can enter this premier scientific institution for free. The gardens also contain the National Herbarium and several historic wrought iron glasshouses.
20 - Howth and Malahide Castle
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and discover the beauty of the Irish coast by touring the North Bay of Dublin. Visit the 11th-century castle in Malahide, a medieval castle located in the coastal town of Malahide, just north of Dublin city. The castle has a rich history, having been the home of the Talbot family for over 800 years. Visitors can explore the castle's history through guided tours, which include the Great Hall, the Drawing Room, the Long Gallery, and the Bedroom. The castle's extensive grounds include beautiful gardens, such as the Rose Garden, the Walled Garden, and the Japanese Garden.
The Castle is surrounded by 250 acres of parkland, including a lake and a playground, making it a great place to spend a day exploring the outdoors. Visitors can also enjoy walks along the coast, and visit the nearby village of Malahide, which offers a variety of shops, pubs, and restaurants.
Take an optional 1-hour walk in Howth cliffs on this full-day tour.
Courtesy Fiona Fitzgerald
21 - Kilmainham Gaol
Courtesy Visionquest Excursions
Kilmainham Gaol, a historic prison in Dublin, is considered an important site for those interested in Irish history, as it was used to hold political prisoners during the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War. The stone breaker's yard at the prison is the execution site of the leaders of the 1916 uprising. Visitors can take guided tours of the prison and learn about the conditions and experiences of the prisoners, as well as the role the prison played in the political history of Ireland.
Kilmainham Gaol is hugely popular and tours sell out early. It is advised to book your time slot a month in advance via Heritage Ireland's website.