Best Things to Do in Dublin
Best Things to Do in Dublin
Georges Street Arcade
In this enclosed Victorian market you can enjoy ‘independent’ boutique shops and stalls ranging from trendy often, vintage, clothing, jewellery, funky music, collectable items, souvenirs and much more along with wonderful dining and food options. Visit this wonderful arcade which has been serving Dublin since 1881!
Pay a visit to the Guinness Storehouse for a properly poured pint
The most popular attraction in Dublin is the multimedia homage to Guinness, the Guinness Storehouse, one of the world’s most famous beer brands. An old fermentation plant in the St James’s Gate Brewery has been converted into the seven-storey Storehouse, devoted to sharing the company’s history and showcasing how the beer is made. The top-floor Gravity Bar offers panoramic views of Dublin city. You can test your pouring power and drink a pint here, and maybe stick around for lunch at the excellent restaurant on the floor below.
Discover the
In 1780 John Jameson threw open the doors of his distillery on Bow St. Over 200 years later, the doors are still open to friends old and new. Founded by John Jameson in 1780, today the former factory stands as a monument to Irish Whiskey. Visit Jameson Distillery Bow St Dublin for the world’s leading distillery tours, cocktail making classes, premium whiskey tasting sessions or to learn how to blend your own whiskey.
Take a stroll through Trinity College
With its city-centre location, cobblestoned squares, large playing fields and beautiful buildings Trinity College, is well worth a wander. Ireland’s most prestigious university, founded in 1592, it’s the alma mater of writers like Swift, Wilde and Beckett, and its 16 hectares are an oasis of aesthetic elegance. The biggest draw is the barrel-vaulted Long Room in the Old Library. It’s the home of one of Ireland’s greatest cultural treasures, the Book of Kells, the beautifully-illuminated Gospel manuscript that dates back to the 9th century.
Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle was built on the site of a Viking settlement in 13th century and for many years, it was the headquarters of the British administration in Ireland. Inside the castle grounds sits the Dubh Linn gardens, a lovely place to stroll. Also worth checking out while you’re there is Chester Beatty Library, home to an excellent Middle Eastern-inspired cafe and a peaceful rooftop terrace.
Visit National Gallery of Ireland
The National Gallery of Ireland showcases artworks spanning six centuries in 54 separate galleries. You’ll find big names include Goya, Rembrandt, Caravaggio and Van Gogh spread about its four wings, along with impressive paintings by luminaries such as Orpen, Reynolds and Van Dongen. The collection is strong in Irish art, and there are high-quality pieces from every major European school of painting.
Catch the choir at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1191 and named after the patron saint of Ireland. It’s Ireland’s largest cathedral and is a beautifully crafted church that’s seen many historical events in itself. The stunning exterior is worth gawking at, and the interior is to be marvelled at, with its intricate mosaic floors and walls. Church of Ireland Mass is still held in the church, having been in service for over 800 years, and if you happen to be visiting during school-term, try catching the choir service, a group of world-regarded vocalists.
Check what’s on at Olympia Theatre
The Olympia is, almost inarguably, Dublin’s most beautiful theater; it originally opened as Dan Lowrey’s Star of Erin Music Hall in 1879. Despite a number of name changes (and an 1897 conversion from music hall to theater), this gorgeous building has remained more or less unchanged with 1,200-or-so red velvet seats divided between the ground floor Stalls and two upper tiers (the Circle and the Upper Circle), both of which also feature gorgeous boxes fronted by delicate white trellis. Although smaller than other venues around the city, its beauty and legacy mean that it draws big name artists looking to play memorable, intimate gigs.
Explore Temple Bar
Visit Temple Bar, a fun neighborhood with plenty to occupy your days as well as your nights. To indulge your cultural side, explore the fantastic street murals of the Icon Walk, or see a performance at the Project Arts Centre.
Shopping in the Creative Quarter
This are is where you’ll find some of the city’s best independent shops, selling everything from turf-scented candles to hand-crafted gold jewellery. Wander up Drury Street and on to William Street South, where you’ll come across the Powerscourt Centre. This Georgian townhouse is home to some of the city’s finest boutiques, like homeware store Article and gorgeous jeweller Chupi, whose ultra-modern creations make for excellent souvenirs.
Where to stay in Dublin
The Shelbourne
One of the finest luxury hotels in the city, the Shelbourne is more commonly known as the grande dame of Dublin. This is the place that Dubliners go to mark a truly special occasion, or treat themselves to a cocktail in the Horseshoe Bar. It’s also played a pivotal role in the history of the country, too — the Shelbourne was in the middle of the Easter Rising conflict, and the very first Irish constitution was signed in room 112.
The Merrion Hotel
The Merrion Hotel is made up of four beautiful Georgian townhouses, blended seamlessly into one super-swish hotel. You can cosy up by the roaring fire in the lobby with a cup of tea and the papers, or hide away in its tiny cocktail bar for an old fashioned.
Brooks Hotel
Brooks Hotel is the kind of place you’d usually find in the countryside, with a cosy library stocked up with board games and books, and a full cinema to boot. The bar is a great spot for whiskey lovers.
The Westbury
Right in the centre of Dublin, The Westbury is a little Tardis of lavishness tucked just beside the shopping enclave of Grafton Street. Walk up the grandiose, bifurcated staircase and you’ll be met with the Gallery, which is always filled with people tucking into afternoon tea on turquoise armchairs.
The Fitzwilliam Hotel
The Fitzwilliam Hotel is a residence that oozes charm with the warmest welcome, always. A boutique luxury escape in the very heart of everything, it’s the most recommended, best reviewed, most loved, multi award-winning five-star hotel with the best location in Dublin.
The Green Hotel
Tranquil, smoothly run and light-filled, the Stephen’s Green Hotel offers city-centre convenience and excellent facilities. The location is first-class: the shops of Grafton Street are a five-minute walk away, the green expanses of St Stephen’s Green and the Iveagh Gardens on the doorstep, and the LUAS tram line runs past the hotel.
The Dean Hotel
The boutique Dean Hotel, part of a terrace of Georgian townhouses, offers first-class, quirky and luxurious accommodation. The Grafton Street shopping district is a five-minute stroll away; the Camden Street strip, with its range of bars and restaurants, even closer; and the green spaces of St Stephen’s Green and the Iveagh Gardens closer still. The Dean exudes a youthful, funky ambience – but everyone is welcome.
Best Steak Restaurant in Dublin Bookings
