Best things to do in Dublin
Find out more about those top places in Dublin
Dublin, the largest city and capital of Ireland, is located on the east of the country. Flanked by the Wicklow Mountains, Dublin is the historical and cultural hub in Ireland. There may be slender differences in temperature but irrespective of when you visit Dublin, even in summer, you will probably experience rain, so if you are planning to explore outdoors, a waterproof coat will come handy. Rich in history, the city has many tourist attractions. Dublin has a lot to offer, known for its customary food, good literature, folklore, traditional music and dance, and fresh pints of Guinness, the city never disappoints.
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St. Patrick's Cathedral
It is said to be the largest cathedral in Dublin and is one of the most well-known and cherished churches in the world, accommodating about 500,000 guests annually. When you are there, be sure to spend time admiring the soaring domed ceilings and the intricate details that complement the Gothic style. Another essential sight there is the tomb of famous Jonathan Swift, author of "Gulliver's Travels".
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Phoenix Park and Dublin Zoo
Known as the largest enclosed public park in any European capital city, Phoenix Park is the place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Spreading across 3 miles (4.83 km) (and covering more than 1,700 acres), this park’s lush green lawns, shady wooded areas and cool, clean lakes are a sight for sore eyes. The main attraction in the park is the Dublin Zoo. The 70-acre zoo is one of the oldest of its kind in Europe. It houses more than 400 animals in a variety of large habitats.
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National Gallery of Ireland
If you have an eye for arts, make sure you do not miss the National Gallery of Ireland built in 1854 housing Ireland's national art collection. Works of renowned artists such as Caravaggio, Vincent van Gogh and the French impressionists can be seen here but the main attractions are the works of some of Ireland's masters, with a remarkable collection of works by prominent people as William Leech, Roderic O'Conor and Jack B. Yeats.
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Abbey Theater
If you’re a fan of drama and theater, Abby Theater is the place for you. Located on the lower Abby Street, this building stands tall with its glass front and looks quite contemporary. The theater consists of 628 seats and a constant playbill of Ireland's most talented play writers. The theater also offers a 90-minute backstage tour, which consists of a close look at the theater's present production, and its portrait collection.
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Dublin Castle
Just a few blocks away from Trinity College, located in the heart of the city is the Dublin castle which has played in crucial role in Ireland’s history since the area was used by Vikings to build a fortress in A.D. 930. The castle serves many functions such as hosting foreign delegates and state feasts to housing some of Ireland's government offices and commercial space vacant for private events. It is a significant historic landmark of Ireland.
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Trinity College Library
Located in the oldest college of Ireland, the Trinity College which was opened in 1952, the Trinity College Library is known for its huge collection of around 200,000 old books including the famous ancient Book of Kells, making it an interesting place to visit. What’s more, it also houses the historic Brian Boru Harp, a musical instrument from medieval era and here is an interesting fact; it is a must for all Ireland’s publishers to submit a copy of their work to this library.
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Christ Church Cathedral
Undoubtedly, any tour of Dublin is incomplete without visiting its oldest and arguably the most stunning building, the Christ Church Cathedral, which was built in 1030. This church has not only being a place of worship for about 1000 years but also a great tourist destination. While the church boasts its picturesque architecture along with awe-inspiring interior and interesting historic artifacts, it also houses one of the largest crypts in Ireland from the 12th century.
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Ha’penny Bridge
One of the leading tourist attractions in Dublin is the Ha’penny Bridge above the River Liffey. Walk across this famous historic bridge which was built in 1816, or if you want a more exciting experience, take a kayak tour which goes under the bridge and throughout the river. If you happen to be there at the right time you might get to applaud Dublin’s best musicians who present their music under the bridge, giving you an unforgettable experience.
