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Ireland is a beautiful country, with a range of attractive sites. It might be difficult for travelers with a limited amount of time to decide what to see in Dublin.
Amble along with me as my Dublin blog will help you find some of the top things to do in Dublin.
An itinerary of 5 days is good to see the most popular tourist attractions in Dublin. But if you can add 2-3 days more you’d be able to experience rather than ‘see’ that an ordinary tourist does. So, without further ado, let me present you some of the best things to do in Dublin, top things to do in Dublin and some helpful travel tips.
1. Temple Bar
With its outdoor cafés, swanky restaurants and hip pubs the Temple Bar is also the city’s most popular nightlife destination.
Goes without saying that this isn’t the place for you if you’re searching for solitude. Once the sun goes down, many of Dublin’s most popular nightclubs may be seen in action here.
Quick Facts:
- Enjoy yourself a delicious meal with some of the restaurants located here – Bad Bobs Temple Bar.
2. Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle is a medieval fortified structure perched over a hilltop.
Dublin Castle makes for a great sunny day activity. Look over the edges to the sprawling cityscape in front of you, certainly a view worthy of a click.
Quick Facts:
- While the stunning Gothic chapel constitutes the highlights of castle, the state rooms is also worth a look.
- The castle traces its origin back to 1204.
- The castle houses cafes, gardens, a library and two interesting museums.
A natural crowd puller, Dublin Castle is right up there in the list of best things to do in Dublin.
Address: Dame St, Dublin 2, Ireland
3. Phoenix Park
Quick Facts:
- Spreading over an expanse of 1,750 acres, it’s difficult to see it all in one go.
- Phoenix Park is also known as Dublin’s playground.
- The nature park houses the Dublin Zoo.
Address: Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, Ireland
4. Kilmainham Gaol
Kilmainham Gaol is a historical prison of a great political significance.
The cells of the prison have stories to tell, some good, some not so good, of escape attempts and of broken hopes. The short 40-45 minutes tour details about the lives inside the prison – its politics, the terrible treatment of prisoners etc.
Quick Facts:
- The place is accessible by guided tours only.
With so much to offer, no wonder Kilmainham Gaol is one of the top things to do in Dublin.
Address: Inchicore Rd, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, D08 RK28, Ireland
5. St Stephen’s Green
St Stephen’s Green is a beautifully landscaped park spread over a large area in Dublin.
It is a good way to reconnect with nature – relax under the shady trees, watch the kids play.
Amble along on the crunchy gravel path and enjoy the foliage that spreads through the park. One of my favorite thing to do here is simply grabbing a book, and lying down on the lap of green.
Quick Facts:
- Spreading over an expanse of 22 acres, it’s difficult to see it all in one go.
Address: St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
6. Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral is a majestic Cathedral standing tall in the city of Dublin, Ireland.
Classical music concerts and organ recitals are held on a regular basis within the Basilica. The cathedral’s importance is further underscored by the presence of the tomb of the patron saint.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Christ Church Cathedral features include a mummified rat & cat!
- Christ Church Cathedral was opened in 1030.
Without a doubt this wonderful cathedral is one amongst the top things to do in Dublin.
Address: Christchurch Pl, Wood Quay, Dublin 8, Ireland
7. St Patrick’s Cathedral
St Patrick’s Cathedral is a beautiful Cathedral situated in Dublin.
The cathedral is adorned with a beautiful round dome and the views from up their are simply fantastic. On a regular basis, the Basilica hosts classical music and organ performances that you can hear even on the square outside.
Quick Facts:
- The cathedral traces its origin back to 1220.
- Enjoy yourself a delicious meal with some of the restaurants located here – Bad Bobs Temple Bar.
Address: St Patrick’s Close, Wood Quay, Dublin 8, Ireland
8. Jameson Distillery Bow St.
Quick Facts:
- Founded in 1780, the distillery is dedicated to the legendary Jameson whiskey.
An incredible sight, Jameson Distillery Bow St. scores high in the list of the best things to do in Dublin.
Address: Bow St, Smithfield Village, Dublin 7, Ireland
9. Dublin Zoo
A popular zoo in Dublin, Dublin Zoo shelters a variety of animals.
The area is very well laid-out and a well organized map will help you hit the best spots. They have wild cats too here, excited yet?
10. Ha’penny Bridge
Crossing the town river, Ha’penny Bridge is a pedestrian bridge located in Dublin, Ireland.
More than just being a tourist attraction, Ha’penny Bridge is an important serving pedestrian thoroughfare. During the peak summer season and during the evenings on weekend, many street musicians come here to perform.
Quick Facts:
- The pedestrian bridge was built somewhere around May 1816.
- The pedestrian bridge was opened on May 1816.
- The pedestrian bridge is built over the River Liffey.
Add it to your Dublin trip if you have time.
Address: Bachelors Walk, North City, Dublin, Ireland
11. Malahide Castle & Gardens
Located on top of a high hill, Malahide Castle & Gardens is a beautiful medieval structure.
Start with the visitor center, they will help you get oriented quickly. Admire the rock solid architecture of this fortification and wonder about its strategic importance at that time.
Quick Facts:
- The castle was built somewhere around 12th-century.
- The castle was opened on 1185.
- Also worth seeing here include the huge gardens.
Address: Malahide Demesne, Malahide, Co. Dublin, Ireland
12. Trinity College Library
Belonging to the Dublin city’s University, Trinity College Library is an impressive library.
Truly a place that most bibliophiles would only dream of being in. If you get a chance to tour inside, you will notice that interiors are beautifully too.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Dublin trip.
13. National Botanic Gardens
National Botanic Gardens is a large expanse of green located in the very heart of Dublin.
National Botanic Gardens is maintained by horticulturalists and gardeners specialist in their work.
The plants come from different environments and climate zones. This includes tropical, subtropical, wetland, mountainous and plenty others. Flora and fauna from all parts of the world are on display here.
Quick Facts:
- Spread over an area of 48 acres, it is difficult to take-in all in one go.
- The botanical garden was built somewhere around 1795.
Address: Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
14. The Spire
The Spire is a unique monument, and a modern landmark of the Dublin city.
The cone-shaped towering structure is entirely made of stainless steel.
Quick Facts:
- The architect who designed this modern monument includes Ian Ritchie, and it was in 2002 when the construction began.
- The highlight of the place includes minimalist elegance.
- The modern monument has a height of around 121 m.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Dublin trip.
15. National Museum of Ireland
One of the most visited museum in Ireland, National Museum of Ireland is a museum preserving country’s national heritage.
The museum has amassed its collection over a period of time. Even if you are not planning to go inside, the magnificent building alone is worth a look.
Quick Facts:
- The highlight of the place includes the unbelieveable collection of well preserved bog bodies, celtic gold and viking artifacts.
- Some of the things National Museum of Ireland features include strong emphasis on national.
- It was in August 1877 when it was established.
16. Irish Museum of Modern Art
An interesting museum in Dublin, Irish Museum of Modern Art collects some of the finest pieces of modern art.
The museum’s diverse collection of artworks span from abstract paintings, b&w photography and expressionism. It is a premier modern cultural destination with over thousand pieces from the 20th and 21st centuries.
Quick Facts:
- The Modern Art Museum was built somewhere around 17th-century.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Dublin trip.
Address: Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Military Rd, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, Ireland
17. An Post, General Post Office
Quick Facts:
- The architect who designed this historic post office includes Francis Johnston, and it was in August 1814 when the construction began.
Address: O’Connell Street Lower, North City, Dublin 1, Ireland
18. Glasnevin Cemetery
Follow the winding paths lead upto a sprawling centuries old burial ground.
As you walk through the cemetery, you would come across decorated tombstones, somber sculpters and a cute little chapel. Peep into the fascinating stories about the individuals buried there and the country’s history as a whole.
Quick Facts:
- Glasnevin Cemetery was opened in 1832.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Dublin trip.
Address: Finglas Road Glasnevin, Dublin, D11 PA00, Ireland
19. Powerscourt Waterfall
A visit to Powerscourt Waterfall is warranted for every nature lover.
With so much green around, it is a very serene place to be. And as for food there is a cafe around where you can get a decent meal.
Quick Facts:
- This 121 m tall structure is certainly magnificent to look at.
Address: Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, A98 WOD0, Ireland
But beyond the famous attractions in Dublin, there is something that pulls you back again and again, perhaps it’s the city’s charm. In this Dublin travel blog post, I have listed not just what to see in Dublin but also what to do.
And if you plan it well, these popular tourist attractions in Dublin can be easily covered in a short itinerary. So what are Dublin sights to see or you have already been here? Let me know in the comments along with your tips and experiences.
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