Whatever your heart desires, and whatever type of traveler you are, Dublin has everything to offer. From amazing food, a vibrant music scene, fantastic people and great museums, to large parks, sports arenas and world class breweries and distilleries – whatever you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in Dublin.
We’ve put a few pointers here on our website to get you started on finding inspiration on how best to make your visit to Dublin an unforgettable one.
And please remember, if there is every anything we can do for you, or if you require any further information, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via phone or email.
We’re always happy to help!
Sightseeing
Dublin has a lot to offer the curious tourist, from famous landmarks to hidden away gems.
Dublin’s easily accessible city centre makes it ideal for walking tours. Luckily, there are several on hand. You could explore the time of the Vikings and walk from landmark to landmark, listening to your guide tell you all about how Dublin came to be the city we know and love today; or if food and music is your passion, you could jump on one of the tours that will take you around the culinary scene and classic pub culture, where you’ll also get the opportunity to experience the rich traditions of Irish folkmusic; and, if you’re not easily frightened, you could take an evening ghost tour and discover the more grueseome tales of Dublin’s most notoriously haunted spots.
Recommended Dublin Walking Tour Companies
Dublin Free Walking Tour
This company offers walking tours daily from two different locations in the city, one on the North side and one on the South side. Please note that if you’re traveling in a group of more than six people you will need to email the company to book a private tour. The walking tour is technically free, however, the guides only payment is through tips, so please consider tipping your guide whatever amount you feel the tour is worth. The company also offers a range of other walking tours, including beer and whisky tours and pub crawls.
Worth checking out here: www.dublinfreewalkingtour.ie
Viator
You can book a whole range of different tours through viator.com, all at varying price range, but with the benefit of customer reviews and testimonials from previous customers on the website, allowing you to get an idea of what the tour will be like before booking. They host an Irish Food Walking Tour of Dublin that finishes with an Irish Coffee – scrumptious all around!
Landmarks and Attractions
If you’d rather go off and explore on your own, Dublin is walkable and easy to navigate with a simple map to hand. There’s a lot of history in Dublin, which means lots of great spots worth visiting, so here are a few to get you started:
Dublin Castle
The place where this breathtaking 18th century castle is situated boasts a history dating back much further than when the structure that can now be explored was completed. In fact, there’s been a castle in this spot of Dublin since the 12th century, and English as well as British rule took its seat here up until the signing of the Anglo-Irish treaty in 1922. Today, the castle serves as the place where the Irish presidential inaugurations are held. The castle was built next to the dark pool – “Dubh Linn” – which gave Dublin it’s name.
The castle is open to the public Mon-Sat 09:45-16:45, and on Sundays 12-16:45
National Museum of Ireland – Archeology
If you’re keen on learning more about the history of Ireland, and actually seeing pieces of the history you may already have some knowledge of, then look no further. At the Archeology branch of the National Museum of Ireland you’ll find artefacts dating back to the times of the Vikings; the treasury, where you can take a look at examples of medeival Irish metal work; and, if one strikes your fancy, selected temporary exhibitions.
The museum is open Tues-Sat between 10-17, and Sun-Mon between 13-17
Kilmainham Gaol
Built in 1796, this former prison is preserved and open to the public through private tours only, so be sure to book in advance. The more violent and tragic history of Ireland can be learned more of here, as many of the Irish revolutionaries that were imprisoned by the British, and did their time in Kilmainham, were also executed here.
Book a tour via kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie
St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral
As the national cathedral for the whole of Ireland, St. Patrick’s is the pilgrimage destination for catholics and faithfuls all over the country. Even if you don’t want to visit to join in worship, the history and beauty of the cathedral itself makes it an attractive visit for the whole family. Within walking distance is Dublin’s other cathedral – Christ Church – with its attached exhibition Dublinia, where you can explore life in Dublin during viking and medeival times.
Tip: If the weather is nice, the attached gardens and park of St. Patrick’s make it a perfect spot for a city break.
The Guiness Storehouse
Whether you’re a beer lover or someone who enjoys the experience of seeing behind the scenes of how things are made, you’ll enjoy learning a visit to the Guiness Storehouse. Here, you’ll learn all about the craftsmanship that goes into making a perfect bottle of brewed beer. The production site itself has been home to the Guiness Brewery dating back to 1759, while the storehouse dates back to 1904. You won’t just get to learn what makes a pint of Guiness so distinctive to Ireland and to the Guiness Brewery – of course, you’ll also get the chance to taste a pint for yourself.
Opening hours differ slightly depending on which month you’re visiting Dublin. Go to guinness-storehouse.com to check availability and book a guided tour.
Trinity College
Built in 1592, by order of Elizabeth I, Trinity College itself was meant to promote the right of British rule in Ireland and has taught some of the great minds of politics and literature, such as Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett and Jonathan Swift. The college architecture is a marvel, and a visit gives you the chance to walk in the footsteps of some of history’s true giants. Highly recommended is a visit to the old library and The Book of Kells exhibit. The Book of Kellsconsists of the four testaments and has been preserved since its creation around 800AD.
The Book of Kellsexhibit is open seven days a week. Online booking is recommended.
Croke Park Stadium and GAA Museum
For any sports fan, a visit to the famed Croke Park Stadium is a must. Croke Stadium is the primary site for hosting the Gaelic games, but it’s also played host to world artists such as Dublin born and bred U2. Don’t miss out on visiting the attached GAA Museum for a chance to learn more about Gaelic games throughout the history of Ireland. There’s even an interactive game zone where you can test your football skills.
Opening hours differ slightly depending on which month you’re visiting Dublin. Go to crokepark.ie to check availability and book a guided tour.
Sightseeing Outside of Dublin
There are many places to visit outside of Dublin that are easy to get to, either by joining a bus tour for an exciting daytrip out of the city, or by car. The Irish countryside offers up spectacular natural vistas, both by the sea and inland.
You can visit the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most striking landmarks. Situated in the Burren region of County Clare, there are more sights to see in this particular part of Ireland and a daytrip can take you to explore them, such as the ruin of the Klimacduagh monestary.
You can go see the Giant’s Causeway, on the North coast of Ireland. These ancient volcanic remnants are a World Heritage Site steeped in folklore. It’s said that two giants were having a dispute that led to one building a causeway over the water so that they could hash it out. The Giant’s Causeway, and its stone culumns, are all that remains.
You can take a trip to Belfast and learn more about the city’s fraught history, enjoy it’s many beauties and local restaurants and pubs, and spend a few hours at the Titanic Belfast, an exhibition experience where, in the city where she was constructed, you can learn all about the Titanic, her construction and maiden voyage as well as the discovery of her final resting place.
And these are just a few suggestions. There is a wealth of day trips to book and the recommended tour compaines listed above is a good place to find inspiration!
The Dublin Pass
As with any other city pass, buying a Dublin pass will grant you access to some of the city’s attractions as well as give you fast track benefits so you can cut the lines. There are different price ranges depending on how much you plan on doing so it’s a good idea to go check out the website www.dublinpass.com or to simply download their app from the appstore.
Distillery Tours
Guiness is the most famous brewery in Dublin, but Ireland isn’t only famous for this dark beer, but for its whiskey. There’s plenty more to explore in the arena of fine spirits and here are our favourites:
Jameson Distillery
Dublin’s first whiskey distillery boasts a 200 year long history of making fine whiskey. At the distillery you can take a tour, do a whiskey tasting, blend your own whiskey or even learn how to make whiskey cocktails.
Please visit jamesonwhiskey.com for more information, and to book tickets.
Teeling Distillery
The first new distillery to open in Dublin in the past 125 years, Teeling began producing its whiskey in 2015. A lively, passionate distillery that welcomes you into its process and wishes to teach you all about the craft of making whiskey, with a premium tour option for single malt enthusiasts.
Please visit teelingwhiskey.com for more information, and to book tickets.
Pearse Lyons
This small, personal distillery is the only boutique distillery in Dublin. It’s friendly and deeply engaged in promoting the area of St. James and it’s history. Expect excellent hospitality and service as Pearse Lyons was awarded the Irish Tourism Industry Award 2019 for Best Dublin Tourism Experience Under 100,000 Visitors. Small and personal it is!
Please visit pearselyonsdistillery.com for more information, and to book tickets.
The Dublin Liberties Distillery
The whiskey for rebels, rascals and raconteurs! This is Dublin’s youngest distillery, bold in its aim to show the world exactly how diverse Irish whiskey can be. Proud to be a part of Dublin’s Liberties district, this distillery focuses on the history of the area as well as on their passion for making fine whiskey.
Please visit thedld.com for more information, and to book tickets.
Shopping
If you’ve come to Ireland with an eye on shopping there are a few good places to go, depending on what you’re after. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
Grafton Street
Grafton Street is one of the main shopping streets in Dublin. Here you’ll find the brands you already know as well as a handful of local designers. The street gets quite busy, but it’s well worth it if you’re into street musicians, artists and soaking up the city pulse. Whatever your shopping needs are, they’re sure to be met here.
Henry Street
Henry Street doesn’t have as many brand shops as Grafton Street, but it makes up for it in atmosphere. Find smaller shops for nice souvenirs and enjoy the buskers and performers along the way.
Temple Bar
In this famed area you’ll find plenty of clothes and crafts by local designers as well as the chance to stumble across real second hand finds in any of the assorted second hand shops.
Food and Drink
Eat and drink we must! Dublin has a whole range of food to choose from and has kitchen’s from all over the world represented in its diverse heart, the area known as Temple Bar. There is fine dining to be had as well as street food and on-the-go nibbles. Whatever you’re hankering for, Dublin provides it.
Here are a few of our favourites:
Temple Bar
Temple Bar is the place to go for atmosphere, amazing food, a taste of proper pub culture and live music. Aside from tasting the Irish kitchen, you’ll find cuisine from all over the world as well as a true mix of people and cultures. Relax with a Guiness and chase it with a whiskey for a perfect ending to any day.
The Palace Bar
Located in the Temple Bar area, this pub was established in 1823, and has a long sporting history, making it a great place to step into after a big match to cheer with the winners.
Address: 21 Fleet Street.
The Celt
This rustic pub offers live music seven night a week. There’s a variety of beer on tap, spirits and wines as well as good food and great company.
Address: 81 Talbot Street.
The Woollen Mills
This is an “eating house”, meaning you can grab a coffee and a bun (Irish style), you can have a lighter meal or even a seven course dinner.
Address: 42 Ormond Quay Lower.
The Bakehouse
Traditional Irish baked goods and savories like beef stew and Gurr cake. Step in and have a taste of a truly homecooked Irish meal.
Address: 6 Bachelors Walk.
Fun For the Whole Family
If you’re traveling with younger children there are still plenty of sightseeing that can be done without your kids growing bored. If you have children who love museums and quiet places that’s fantastic, but if they might need to be in a place that stimulates their curiosity, have no fear – there are plenty of those in Dublin.
Aside from all the outdoor sightseeing suggestions we’ve listed above, let us also give you a few activities that will make your kid’s eyes pop at the suggestion of you taking them there.
Phoenix Park
In 1662, the grounds that are now the Phoenix Park, were used as a royal hunting park filled with pheasant and deer that made it necessary to build a 11km long wall to ensure they stayed where they were supposed to. Today, the Phoenix Park is one of the largest enclosed recreational spaces within a city’s limits in Europe. Come enjoy a day in the great outdoors with lots to do for the whole family!
Dublin Zoo
Situated within the Phoenix Park, the Dublin Zoo will teach you and your little ones everything there is to know about endangered species, in an environment that is safe for the animals and focused on education and conservation, making this popular destination an absolute must of a family adventure.
Griffith Park
For a shorter break, why not promise the kids a turn on the playground of this well-kept and charming city park? There’s also plenty of birds and wildlife to occupy interest, a river to stroll by, and open spaces to run around in.
Is Dublin Disability Friendly?
Many of Dublin’s landmarks and attractions offer either disability access or assistance. There are some difficulty to be had with cobblestones, hills and proper access to buildings, but nothing that should prove enjoying a vacation in Dublin impossible. Please visit sagetraveling.com for expertise advice and support if you’re worried about traveling to an unknown place, and know that we are always here to help with any concern you might have. Send us an email and we’ll find the answer to any question regarding accessibility you might have.
Getting Around
Hop-On-Hop-Off
For simplicity’s sake, buying a ticket for the hop-on-hop-off buses is never a bad idea. However, we will remind you that the centre of Dublin is truly walkable.
Buses and Trains
The public transport in Dublin isn’t easy to navigate, given that the two unconnected tram lines mainly serve the outer rim of the city, while the extensive bus network can prove confusing if you’re unused to how it all works. Don’t be disheartened, though. If you want to travel by bus, there’s usually a local to guide you through it, and chances are you’ll find you have no use for public transport as the city is so easily navigated on foot.
If you want to get around using the buses, visit dublinbus.ie for more information.
Taxis
There are plenty of taxi services in Dublin. One easy way of booking a taxi is via rideways.com
What Should I Bring?
Dublin is a city that boasts every emnity you could possibly need on your trip away from home, but do remember that, because Dublin is by the ocean, the weather changes quickly, often on a morning-to-evening basis, so here’s a helpful shortlist of what basics should go in your suitcase:
- Windbreaker
- Light jacket
- Warm sweater
- Comfortable shoes
- Umbrella
And check the weather forecast!
Best Time to Visit
January
If music is your thing then consider coming to Dublin in January and enjoy everything on offer during TradFest, consisting of mostly free events centered around folkmusic, old and new.
March
More specifically, consider visiting the week around March 17th to experience the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Come for festivities taking place all over Dublin!
June: LGBTQ Pride Festival
Dublin goes all in for a whole week of love and friendship, leading up to one of the biggest Pride Parades in Europe!
July: The Festival of Curiosity
is for kid and adult alike, centered around science and technology, it callenges every attendee to see the world in new and exciting ways.
September-October: Dublin Theatre Festival
has been running for over sixty years. It takes place all over Dublin and showcases work by new playwrights as well as international productions by established writers.
August-September
When it comes to glorious summer weather to explore the city in, August-Septembertend to be the months when the weather is at its absolute best.