One of the world’s friendliest cities, Dublin is the vibrant capital of Ireland, offering a warm welcome to travellers from all over the globe. Perhaps most famous for its traditional pubs, varied music scene, bustling street life and majestic architecture, Dublin has so much to see and do.

Trinity College Dublin © Tourism Ireland

A UNESCO City of Literature, Dublin has twice been named Europe’s friendliest city by TripAdvisor. Framed by mountains, centred on the River Liffey and edged by a beautiful bay, the city's streets are filled with colourful art and historic buildings, hip cafés and lively pubs. As you walk around Dublin, you'll feel the energy of over 1,000 years of history, as echoes of the Vikings mix with buzzing boutiques, cobbled streets reverberate with the sound of buskers, and 18th century parks play host to festivals and food markets. Here are just some of our suggestions for an incredibly rewarding visit!

Trinty College and the Book of Kells

The Book of Kells is one of the most precious manuscripts in the world, which dates back to the ninth century and features exquisite ornate Latin text and intricate medieval illuminations. It is housed within the Old Library building at Trinity College – the University of Dublin – and a visit to the exhibition, which also includes acces to the Long Room, one of the world’s most beautiful libraries, is an experience not to be missed.

Book of Kells © Tourism Ireland

Temple Bar

Temple Bar is Dublin’s cultural quarter and centre for nightlife, and is a popular destination for visitors. Enjoy the craic in one of the many tradtional pubs, listen to live folk music or DJ sets, sample delicious Asian, American and Irish cuisine or explore quirky boutiques bursting with clothes and crafts by local designers. In the summer months, there is a night market for arts and crafts and the area is of course home to a number of cultural institutions, such as Temple Bar Gallery for contemporary art.

Temple Bar © Tourism Ireland

Ha’penny Bridge

The Ha’penny Bridge – or Liffey Bridge to give it its official name – is perhaps one of the most recognisable sights in Dublin. The oldest pedestrian crossing over the river, the bridge dates back to 1816 and its popular name comes from the ha’penny toll that was once charged to cross the bridge. A perfect spot for photos, the bridge provides fabulous views of Dublin’s riverside.

Ha'penny Bridge (photo courtesy of Gareth McCormack)

St Stephen’s Green

A 22 acre garden square and public park in the centre of Dublin, St Stephen’s Green is an oasis of calm in the city, with over two miles of pathways open to all during daylight hours. The leafy park, which dates back to the 19th century in its current form, boasts a waterfall, herbaceous borders, an ornamental pond and a number of commemorative sculptures, including one of writer James Joyce. Lunchtime concerts are performed in the summer months.

St Stephen's Green (photo courtesy of Gareth McCormack)

Guinness Storehouse

Guinness is one of the most famous beers in the world, so no visit to Dublin woud be complete without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Once the fermentation plant of the brewery, today the building is home to the Guinness experience, where visitors can discover the history of this iconic Irish brand. Enjoy a pint of the black stuff in one of the bars there or a delicious meal in the brasserie while taking in the views of Dublin.

Guinness Storehouse © Diageo photographed by Enda Kavanagh Photography

Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle is at the heart of historic Dublin. It is one of the most important buildings in Irish history. The city gets its name from the Black Pool - 'Dubh Linn' - which was on the site of the present castle garden. The magnificent State Apartments, the venue for many important state events, are open to the public, and guided tours of the Medieval Undercroft and Chapel Royal can be arranged. The Dublin Gardens on the south side of the Chapel Royal are very popular with visitors and residents alike.

Dublin Castle © Tourism Ireland

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

Telling the story of the Irish people's dispersal all over the world, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum was voted Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards in both 2019 and 2020. Situated in a beautifully restored Georgian warehouse on the banks of the River Liffey, the museum uncovers why over 10 million people left Ireland to seek a new life abroad. The fascinating Irish Family History Centre, which is also located at the museum, enables visitors to learn about their own Irish ancestry through access to valuable records and genealogy experts.

Custom House Quay, home of EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum © Ros Kavanagh / Failte Ireland

Gaiety Theatre

For those looking to enjoy a cultural experience in Dublin, then look no further that the glamorous Gaiety Theatre. As Dublin’s longest established theatre in continuous production, dating back to 1871, the theatre triumphantly maintains its unrivalled posiiton as the city’s premier venue for musicals, opera and drama.

Gaiety Theatre © Tourism Ireland

For fans of Riverdance and traditional Irish dance, there are numerous performances taking place in the city each week. Some of the most popular include the Belvedere Hotel Irish Dance Nights, The Irish Dance Party and Celtic Nights at the Arlington Hotel.

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral

The national cathedral of the Church of Ireland, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is one of Dublin’s most visited tourist attractions. Built in honour of Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral stands beside the well where Saint Patrick is said to have baptised the Irish people into Christianity, and the current cathedral dates back over 800 years.

St Patrick's Cathedral © Tourism Ireland

Dublin Bay

There's another side to Dublin that couldn't be more different from the iconic cultural landmarks and shopping districts of the capital city. Just a short hop from the city centre is beautiful Dublin Bay, a stretch of coast that radiates charm and is home to a series of picturesque villages, from Skerries in the north to Dalkey in the south. Discover the delightful seaside atmosphere of Dun Laoghaire or visit the James Joyce Tower and Museum in pretty little Sandycove.

Sandycove (photograph courtesy of Adrian Hendroff)

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made tour of Ireland, including a visit to Dublin, please do contact our friendly team today. We will make sure you enjoy the best Irish hospitality in the finest hotels, with delicious meals in popular restaurants and guided tours by local experts, creating a truly memorable vacation that you will not want to forget!