The 12 things to do in Dublin

Visit Dublin: What are the best things to see and do in the capital of Ireland?

Visiting Dublin is very pleasant, especially because it is human-sized: in a weekend, everything can be done, provided it is active. If you go to Dublin to celebrate, it is also a dream destination: with its Temple Bar district, the city is full of well-known pubs in the country, where the Guinness pine trees flow.

Another very significant advantage that drives to visit Dublin is the fact that the city is very well served in terms of low-cost flights. This is boosted by Ryanair and Aer Lingus, two companies based in Dublin itself. The euros you have saved thanks to cheaper airline tickets can be reinvested in tours or a few pints!

To help you organize your stay on site, we have compiled a list of best things to do in Dublin !

1. Trinity College

Most former University of Ireland (founded in 1592) is really worth the detour. The entrance inside is free of charge and you can admire the buildings, the courtyard and the statues that rest here. However, it will be necessary to pay to visit the library, and to see the Book of Kells aged 1200, and there too, it is worth it. Nearly 4.5 million books are there and the Long Room from 65 m inside is sublime!

2. Saint-Patrick Cathedral

Saint-Patrick Cathedral is one of the most popular attractions to visit in Dublin. It was built between 1220 and 1260 and is one of the few remaining buildings in the medieval city of Dublin. Today it is the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland and is still the largest cathedral in Ireland.

3. St Stephen’s Green

Located next to Grafton Street, the park St Stephen Green allows you to escape from the bustle of the big city or to walk quietly. There are a lot of monuments to see starting with the entrance, the Ark of the rifles, and inside, statues, fountains, etc...

4. Grafton Street

Grafton Street is well known for its many shops, and it is an ideal place if shopping is your thing. It is also a popular place to watch talented street artists. There are also bars and restaurants.

5. Guinness Storehouse

Visit the famous Guinness brewery to learn a little more about how Irish favourite beverages (1 pint consumed on 2 in Ireland is a Guinness). On the programme: Guinness and brand history, techniques used and of course tasting at the Gravity Bar that will offer you a 360° view of Dublin!

6. Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)

The Irish Modern Art Museum opened in May 1991 and quickly imposed its important presence on the international art scene. It offers dynamic exhibitions and educational programs that are designed to create fun and stimulating experiences of modern art for you. Admission is free.

7. Dublin Castle

Since its creation in 1204, Dublin Castle has played a leading role in Ireland’s history. It has been the place of all presidential inaugurations since the founding of the state, and has witnessed some of the most important events in the country’s history. The complex covers 4.5 hectares and contains two museums, two cafes, an international conference centre, 2 gardens, government buildings and apartments of the viceroy ( Viceregal Apartments ). Part of the complex is free to visit. The guided tours of the apartments of the viceroy and other rooms of the castle require the purchase of a ticket.

8. Kilmainham Prison

Flickr – Corey Leopold

Discover what it would have been to be imprisoned in this Irish “bastion of punishment and correction” between the 1796s, during its opening, and 1924, when it closed its doors. One guided tour of the Kilmainham prison ( Kilmainham Gaol , in Irish), one of the largest unoccupied prisons in Europe, gives an overview of recent Irish political history and Irish rebellion. The prison reveals a lot. This is a popular trip: you can’t buy your tickets in advance, they are sold on the basis of the first arrival first served, so it’s a good idea to arrive early.

9. Temple Bar

This is charming neighbourhood has paved streets and lots of character. It is filled with bars, cafes and art galleries, and has an incredible architecture wherever you go. It is one of the best spots to go out in the evening in Dublin.

10. National Museum of Ireland

The National Museum of Ireland opened its doors in 1890 and since then transported visitors as far as 7000 years before J-C. The museum has important archaeological collections of the different viking, celtic and medieval times of Ireland, as well as decorative arts, Irish lifestyle since 1850 and natural history exhibitions that show Ireland’s true diversity.

11. Chester Beatty Library

Located at the foot of the Dublin Castle, Chester Beatty library is a award-winning art museum and a library that houses a large collection of rare books and manuscripts. Faced with the quality of the collection, we are almost surprised that the entrance is free. We also appreciate the fact that the visit is short because the museum is not immense. Once inside, you can admire one of the most important collections of Islamic and Far East objects.

12. Screaming match at Croke Park

With 82.000 seats, Croke Park stadium welcomes gaelic sports such as screaming or Gaelic football and this could be a great opportunity to get closer to this “religious” if you stay in Dublin on a day of the game, preferably in the summer until the fall.

How to get to Dublin?

To get to Dublin, nothing simpler... The Irish capital is very well served on low-cost direct flights from the main cities of France, Belgium and Europe in general. You will easily find a cheap flight to Dublin on our partner's website Ulysses .

Where to stay in Dublin?

Côté accommodation in Dublin , the Irish capital is a little more expensive than others. Although you have the possibility to find nights at small prices in a youth hostel, the least hotel a little more correct is now a little more expensive. To find a cheap hotel in Dublin, search this Compare hotels .

Have you visited Dublin? What did you prefer?