The capital of Ireland has a lot to offer. From a lively atmosphere to tons of museums, and from parks to historical monuments, there’s so much to see in Dublin. If you are planning to visit this amazing city, here are the top places to visit in Dublin from my personal experience.
Top Places To Visit In Dublin
There’s a long list of things to do and places to visit in Dublin. Here are some of my top ones.
Ha’penny Bridge
Ha’penny Bridge is a beautiful pedestrian bridge that lies over River Liffey. Built-in May 1816, the Bridge has undergone very few changes since then. The arch-bride gets its name from the original toll price it took to cross the bridge.
It is so pretty that you can’t help yourself but cross the bridge more than one time. There were many “love locks” attached to the bridge but have been removed since they caused a lot of damage to the old bridge.
Grafton Street
After taking a short walk from Trinity College, you enter Dublin’s leading shopping street. A statue of Molly Malone greets you as you enter Grafton Street and you immediately get hit by the buzz the street creates.
From buskers to boutiques, jewelers, world-class restaurants, if you have something specific in mind you are probably going to find it here. Many famous bands and musicians have an impromptu jam session here including Bono from U2.
St. Stephen’s Green
After you have shopped and eaten your heart out at Grafton Street then it is time for you to take a leisurely stroll in this nearby park. St Stephen’s Green is 22-acre public park and your escape from the bustling city life.
This is probably the greatest amount of green your eyes will ever see. Take inspiration from the locals and stretch your limbs out into the cold dewy grass.
The park also has a children’s playground and a duck pond with a bridge!
The National Gallery of Ireland
Boasting an outstanding collection of European Art, the National Gallery of Ireland gallery is a must-see for all the art enthusiasts out there.
The gallery opened its doors in 1864 include collections from Italian Painters, the Shaw Room, the Baroque Room, and seven rooms of world-class Irish Art.
Merrion Square
Dublin’s majestic Georgian square will take you back in time to the Georgian era. The Merrion Square mainly comprises of state private houses and offices.
At the center is a pretty park with an impressive statue of Oscar Wilde. One interesting thing you will notice is that the top windows in the buildings are smaller compared to the ones below, it is purposely done to give an optical illusion!
Trinity College
Trinity College is one of the most popular and the oldest university in Ireland. The alumni of this university are all renowned people from the field of literature.
The university library is the most extensive in Ireland and is famous for holding books from about 1000 years ago, like the Book Of Kells, an old manuscript.
If you love books, this will be one of the best things to do in Dublin.
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
Irish culture has traveled throughout the world and thus is a mix of many cultures. The Irish Emigrant Museum holds around 20 different art galleries.
If you have extra time in your hand, visit this Museum to explore an art compilation of all the cultures. It is one of the unique things to do in Dublin, and I bet you won’t find a place like this in Ireland.
Phoenix Park and Dublin Zoo
This is the largest park in Europe and is an amazing place to visit on a sunny day. It is within walking distance from the city center.
The Dublin Zoo is a fascinating place to visit if you have kids with you. It one of the perfect places to visit in Dublin if you want to spend some quality family time as it also has restaurants and a kids’ play area.
Kilmainham Gaol
Kilmainham Gaol is a prison museum built in the late 1700s and was open to the public as a museum in the late 1900s. It is one of the most interesting historical places to visit in Dublin.
The design of the prison is remarkable considering the time that it was built. You can book a guided tour to know about the place in detail.
Dublin Castle
Address: Dame St, Dublin 2, Ireland
This majestic building is one of the most important buildings in Ireland. Dublin castle has seen a lot of wars, fights, and royal celebrations. Now it is used for exhibitions and significant occasions.
There are many books and manuscripts inside, which indeed tell a lot about Irish history. Take a guided tour, and undoubtedly you’ll feel that it is worth one visit.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
St Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Dublin. This beautiful building which also happens to be the tallest and the largest building in Ireland was handled by Jonathan Swift (writer of Gulliver’s Travel) for about 35 years.
You need to get a ticket to go inside the cathedral. However, the property is quite big so you can also take a walk around in the Garden.
I suggest you visit this site, as it is one of the finest and prominent places to visit in Dublin.
Irish Museum of Modern Art
The Irish Museum of Modern Art is a beautiful building filled with a collection of overseas and Irish arts. You can get a chance to look at around 3500 artworks, which keep changing regularly.
You can take a guided tour and even enjoy doing the fun activities inside. If you like modern and contemporary art, this will be one of the ideal things to do in Dublin.
Killiney
Killiney is a spot worth visiting if you want to enjoy gorgeous and relaxing nature on the outskirts of Dublin. This seaside resort region is ideal for a day vacation.
Spending some time out of the city will make you want to convert a one-day trip to a long staycation. Dalkey Castle is something that you should definitely visit while you’re here. It hosts some of the best live performances about the history of Irish culture.
It is easily accessible by dart train from the city center and makes one of the most exciting places to visit in Dublin.
Guinness Storehouse
You can not end your trip without having a beer at the Guinness Storehouse. This place is where Guinness was originated from, and you will get to see the whole process of its making with the history of the brand.
A couple of bars in this 7-story building serve the drink in uniquely different styles, as some use it for cooking the food, or some let you make your own pint.
This is without a doubt one of the most unique and interesting places to visit in Dublin.
Click here to get a detailed article on the storehouse on my blog.
National Botanic Garden
The lush greens here are located beside Tolka Lake and are a beautiful and colorful sight.
The National Botanic Gardens are one of the most alluring things to do in Dublin. Botanic Garden holds around 20000 different kinds of plants. The gardens are excellently designed, and the glasshouses meet the needs of some specific species.
Dublinia- Historical Museum
A must-visit place if you want to experience the Viking and Medieval Dublin life. Kids enjoy Dublinia place very much. You can even shop from here to get the vintage goods and visit the cafes there.
It has a large section of objects recovered from Wood Quay, which makes it the world’s largest Viking archaeological site. The real experience is about exploring this recreated old life, hire a tour guide there to know all the history about the place.
You can also climb to St Michael’s Tower and get a view of the whole city from up there.
Timings for Dublinia:
Friday to Sunday- 10 am to 5 pm
Charges for Dublinia:
- Adult: €12
- Student/Senior: € 11
- Child: €7
Jameson Distillery
If you’re someone who likes whiskey and wants to learn about its history and the procedure behind its making, then Jameson Distillery is a must-visit. They will provide you with detailed information about whiskey.
You can also buy some bottles from there, but try to purchase something that you might not have access to, as it is a bit expensive.
Timings for Jameson Distillery:
- Monday-Thursday and Sunday: 10 am – 5:30 pm (last tour).
- Friday and Saturday: 10am – 7pm (last tour)
Charges for Jameson Distillery:
- Adults- € 22
- Students- € 18
Christ Church Cathedral
The Christ Church Cathedral is a short walk from St Patrick’s Cathedral. Founded in 1040, this church was made in the Viking Times. As you walk into the Cathedral, the interior architecture and design will leave you stunned.
You can really see that this place has been through a lot of history. One of the main attractions here is the Christ Church Cathedral Choir, which performs often. If you’d like to enjoy this performance, make sure to plan accordingly!
Wicklow Mountains
If you’re looking to go for a day trip, the Wicklow mountains are a great place to visit in Dublin. This breathtaking landscape looks like it is straight out of a fairytale. Just the mere sight of the mountains will leave you stunned.
You can pair this with a traditional Irish lunch and leaning about the history.
The views honestly put Wicklow mountains over the top, and I’d highly recommend you visit here during your stay. I’ve been here twice, and I can truly say that it is a wonderful place.
Read this for my detailed guide to the Wicklow mountains.
Zipit Tibradden Wood
If you’re one for adventure, Zipit Tibradden Wood is the place for you. It is located in County Dublin and is totally fit to give you an adrenaline rush.
Forest activities include zip lining, swinging through trees, climbing suspended ladders and more. There’s nothing but excitement here, and it is a great place to visit in Dublin with your friends or family.
The Spire
This futuristic and interesting monument is one you probably won’t miss in Dublin City. It’s located right in the middle of O’Connell Street, which is one of the busiest streets in Dublin. The Spire is 120 meters high and is almost like a spoke.
At nighttime, the beauty of the Dublin skyline is enhanced by this monument. The Spire is one of those places to visit in Dublin that you’ll probably end up seeing on your tour of the city, and it’s definitely a really cool one!
O’Connell Bridge
The O’Connell Bridge is a landmark in Dublin. It is a bridge that has seen so much history and is one of the most popular bridges in this city. Built over the River Liffey, it is a direct route between O’Connell Street and Grafton Street (which are shopping hubs of Dublin).
If you take a walking or sightseeing tour of the city, you’ll most definitely see or cross the O’Connell Bridge. It’s also a really nice way to view the city of Dublin.
Little Museum of Dublin
A museum is a great way to understand anything- a topic, a period of history or even a city. Well, the Little Museum of Dublin will help you understand the city a bit better. There are over 5000 artifacts here, telling the story of Dublin through the years.
The creative and quirky nature of Dublin is really brought out in this museum and the typical “Irish cynicism” is something that isn’t missed out on either.
Chester Beatty
According to Lonely Planet, The Chester Beatty museum in Dublin is “not just the best museum in Ireland, but one of the best in Europe”. The objective of this museum is to bring forth the different cultures of the world.
Manuscripts, books, treasures and more from the continents of Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe truly make this place a melting pot of cultures. If you’re looking for an intercultural and interesting experience, Chester Beatty museum is one of the best places to visit in Dublin for it.
Famine sculptures
The Famine memorial commemorates one of the most tragic disasters in history- the Irish Famine. This was a period when over a million citizens lost their lives due to starvation. The sculptures here are haunting, and really give you an idea of just how terrible this time was.
Obviously, this isn’t a fun and lively place to visit in Dublin. However, visiting the memorial will help you pay your respects and get an understanding of this time.
14 Henrietta street
When it comes to places to visit in Dublin, there are many museums. 14 Henrietta street is a social history museum. It basically tells the stories of people over 300 years, and how they came to call Dublin “home”.
Through tours, you’ll learn about the people who lived in the house here and their experiences. It’s a really cool way of connecting and bringing together stories and memories.
Cliffs of Moher
Here’s another day trip option for you from Dublin- the Cliffs of Moher. Over a million tourists come to see these majestic hills every year. These cliffs are a sight to see, and they’re probably one of the most beautiful landscapes in Ireland.
With a wide range of flora and fauna, blue skies and clear water, the Cliffs of Moher make for a great trip. Now, I could talk about these cliffs for ages, but then I’d go on for too long.
If you want to know more, however, read this for a detailed guide to the Cliffs of Moher.
Funderland Dublin
Amusement parks are always fun. Funderland is perhaps one of the largest travelling amusement parks in Europe. With several attractions, including rollercoasters, this place promises nothing but fun. Whether you want to be whisked into the air, turned upside down or suspended upside down, they’ve got it all.
They’ve also got things to do for the younger children. If you’re looking for places to visit in Dublin with your family, Funderland is a great one to consider.
Irish Rock N Roll Museum
Irish music is a huge part of Irish culture. That being said, the Irish Rock N Roll Museum in Dublin is a place you must certainly visit to understand a part of Ireland through music. There’s a museum that tells the story of the Irish music scene.
A tour will take you through an actual music venue as well as recording facilities, all in the popular Temple Bar. It’s essentially an intense and theatrical Rock N Roll experience, and if you’re a music fanatic, this is the place you should go to.
Top 5 Pubs in Dublin
When you talk about the capital of Ireland you just need to include the pubs/bars!
The Brazen Head
Being the oldest bar in Ireland, the Brazen Bar goes back to 1198. This 800-year-old bar has gained a lot of well-deserved recognition for its good food, amazing live music, and most importantly incredible drinks! The moment you step into the bar, you know you are in for a good time.
The rustic vibe of the place just enhances the atmosphere and makes it so much livelier and fun. The sound of traditional Irish folk songs sung by some of the most talented local artists is just a cherry on the top with the good food and a tall pint of Guinness.
The Landmark
Rated as the No.1 bar in Dublin on TripAdvisor, the Landmark completely lives up to the expectations. It is a perfect Victorian pub; you can just feel that the pub has gone through very little changes since it first opened its doors in the 1900s.
This full-of-character classic Irish pub offers some of the best burgers and sandwiches in the city! Incredibly helpful staff and wonderful live music enhance the quality of the bar.
The Temple Bar
The Temple Bar Pub is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Temple Bar. The vibrant red exterior of the bar is matched with the equally vivacious interior and atmosphere.
The bar is extremely popular for its traditional ambiance and the largest selection of sandwiches in the country, so you might want to book a table before you go.
The Palace Bar
The Palace bar was built in the year 1823 and since then it has been untainted and unspoiled. Very well living up to its name, the interior of the place makes you travel back in time in a huge Victorian palace.
This was one of the first pubs I went to in Dublin. The bar has so much character and history that you can just feel your worries wash away. The surrounding improves the music and leaves you wanting more.
The Long Hall
Named after a chapel devoted to Saint George, The Long Hall is one of the oldest pubs in Dublin. One of the most beautiful bars in Dublin, the Victorian interior is still intact and very well preserved.
The Long Hall has an extensive bar list, very friendly and professional staff, and good food. The pub was recommended to me as his favorite pub in Dublin and it very well lived up to the hype!
Here are some more of the best pubs in Dublin.
Top 5 Cafes in Dublin
Dublin may be known for its beers and whiskeys but Dubliners fancy the coffees. The number of cafes in Dublin keeps on increasing due to this very reason. Coffee culture has given rise to a whole new generation of fervent baristas and young entrepreneurs hoping to explore that route.
So how can you tell which cafés to go to when you’re visiting Dublin for the first time? Well, my little suggestions can guide you while you are in Dublin. Here is my list that you can try out!
Third Floor Espresso (3fe)
Deemed as the center of Dublin’s flourishing coffee scene, 3fe was opened by barista champion Colin Harmon in 2009. Fantastic breakfast, the best cappuccino I have ever had, and excellent service.
Just nearby ‘Silicon Docks’ the location is perfect for people who basically live on coffee. The coffee can be a bit pricey but trust me it is worth it! If you love good food and great coffee third-floor espresso is the place to be.
Farmhand Coffee
Brother Hubbard took their coffee program to the next level by creating Farmhand Coffee. Located on-site at the famous Brother Hubbard, Farmhand Coffee sources coffee beans from all over the world and specially roasts them in Dublin making the coffee close to perfection. You can also buy their filter coffee from the café. Another must-visit coffee spot in Dublin city.
One Society
A 5-minute walk from O’Connell Street, One Society is a hidden gem in this huge competition of coffeemakers. The café offers a cool environment perfect for a good cup of coffee and a great brunch spot to hang out with your friends.
They also have an all-day breakfast and delicious daily specials. Try one of their traditional pizzas, they are to die for!
Lemon Jelly
Some of the friendliest staff you will ever find in a café. Lemon Jelly is mostly famous for its crepes but you can also find a full Irish breakfast and some great omelets here. Good selection of specialty and filter coffee.
The café has a modern relaxing vibe to it. It is quite spacious but can be a bit busy during the weekends. I am a huge fan of pancakes and smoothies.
Groundstate Coffee
A café by day and a yoga studio by evening, the Groundstate is a place for yoga and brunch enthusiasts. They offer a healthy menu but also don’t compromise on the taste.
They have plenty of vegan dishes but also serve delicious dishes for the meat-lovers. Authentic and quirky, the café is a treat after a long day of sightseeing.
Here’s a list of some of the best cafes in Dublin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dublin
How To Get To Dublin?
The international airport is 7 km from the main Dublin City Centre, and you can get to the city after reaching there by bus service. Many buses drop you from the airport to the city center or your hotel.
How To Get Around Dublin?
Traveling in Dublin is convenient as there are so many options for you, and you can smoothly change your transport method according to the weather situation. Buses, trains, bikes, and cars, everything is easily accessible.
To get the information in detail, please head on to my blog.
Is Dublin Worth Visiting?
Dublin is known for its drinks, but trust me, there’s so much more to this place. Nature and historical monuments will help you learn so much about the city.
If you’re wondering how you will spend time here, head on to my blog for a detailed 2 Days Travel Guide.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Dublin?
March to May is the ideal time for visiting Dublin because the weather is pleasant and it rains a lot less during these months so you can enjoy your trip without any trouble.
If you want a detailed travel itinerary for spending 2 days in Dublin, with all the details about transport, stay, places to eat and places to visit in Dublin, here is something you should read.
Conclusion
I have stayed in Dublin for a couple of days and have explored many places across the city. I hope this blog article about places to visit in Dublin turns out to be a helpful travel guide for your Dublin trip.
However, I do recommend multiple articles that I shared previously about Dublin on my website and you should definitely check them out!
Do let me know about your amazing time in Dublin in the comment section below.
