Top 10 things to do in Dublin

Dublin, capital of the Emerald isle, is well worth a visit. This city of around 600,000 people has a rich history, fantastic cultural events, extremely friendly residents and, of course, is the home to Guinness. Whether you like, museums, gastronomy or simply getting legless along Temple Bar, Dublin will have something for you to enjoy. So below is a brief summary of the top ten things you should do if you decide to hit this gem of a city.

1. Guinness Storehouse: This is an obvious one, but it is really worth doing. Explore the history of Ireland’s most famous beer at the Guinness Storehouse. Learn about the brewing process, enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Gravity Bar, and savour a complimentary pint of Guinness. Even if you don’t dig the black stuff its a fun day out.
2. Trinity College and the Book of Kells: Visit Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university, and see the Book of Kells, a beautifully illustrated manuscript dating back to the 9th century. You don’t have to be religious to appreciate the absolute masterful craftmanship of this ancient Christian text. The Long Room in the Old Library is also a must-see.
3. Dublin Castle: Discover the history of Dublin Castle, which has served various roles throughout the centuries, from a medieval fortress to a government complex. Although time has made it less “castley” in appearance, as new bits are added and old bits demolished, the complex has an extremely interesting history that will have resonance for both Brits and the Irish alike. Explore the State Apartments and the beautiful gardens when you pop by.
4. Temple Bar: Experience the lively atmosphere of Temple Bar, Dublin’s cultural quarter. This area is known for its pubs, restaurants, galleries, and street performances. It’s a great place to soak in the city’s artistic and social scene, playing host to the Irish Film Archive, National Photography Archive, New Theatre and Stock Exchange. Of course, it also has a well deserved reputation for a place to drink a lot of Guinness or whiskey.
5. St. Patrick’s Cathedral: Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1191 and marvel at its stunning architecture, learn about its history, and explore the beautiful grounds. Of course, the cathedral itself is named after the famous patron saint of Ireland who drove the snakes out of Ireland and who is celebrated each year on St Patrick’s day in raucous style.
6. Dublin Zoo: Located in Phoenix Park, Dublin Zoo is a fun and family-friendly attraction. It’s one of the oldest zoos in the world and houses a diverse range of more than 400 different types of animals. These include some pretty exotic beasts, including lions, rhinos, loads of different primates, elephants, giraffes and much more.
7. National Museum of Ireland: Explore the National Museum of Ireland, which has multiple branches throughout the city. The Archaeology branch, in particular, features artefacts spanning Irish history, including the Ardagh Chalice and the Tara Brooch. The other branches include Decorative Arts and History, Country Life and Natural History.
8. Kilmainham Gaol: Delve into Ireland’s history at Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison turned museum. It played a significant role in Irish political history, housing many leaders of Irish uprisings. If you were unfortunate enough to find yourself locaked up here in the 18th and 19th centuries you were in for a bad time. Prisoners, irrespective of gender or age, were confined together in cells that accommodated up to five individuals, encompassing roughly 28 square meters. In these conditions, a single candle served as the sole source of light and heat, with the expectation that it would last for two weeks. The majority of the time was spent in cold and darkness.
9. Dublin’s Literary Pub Crawl: After finding yourself depressed from a visit to the Gaol, its time to join a literary pub crawl to explore Dublin’s rich literary history in a far more enjoyable way. Visit pubs associated with famous Irish writers, listen to readings by professional actors, and enjoy the convivial atmosphere.
10. Dublin’s Coastal Villages: Take a break from the city centre and explore Dublin’s picturesque coastal villages like Howth, Dun Laoghaire and Dalkey. Enjoy scenic walks, fresh seafood, and charming surroundings in villages that date back hundreds of years.