Guide to Dublin City

For many, Dublin is the starting point for a holiday in Ireland and remains one of the most popular weekend city break destinations in Europe.

 

There is a lot to see and do in Dublin. Taking a sightseeing bus tour from O‘ Connell Street is a good way to help decide what places you would like to visit. There are also a number of informative walking tours of Dublin, including the 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour and Historical Walking Tour. Watch out for the Viking Splash Tours distinctive yellow boat bus which offers passengers a chance to see Dublin City from the River Liffey. A new public bike sharing scheme called dublin bikes is also an activity based option for visitors to see the city.

 

A walk down along the north bank of the Liffey, in the direction of the North Wall, can be a pleasant walk on a fine day. Visitors can board the Jeannie Johnston Tall Ship and Famine Museum which is docked close to a poignant Famine sculpture. Another popular visitor attraction is the Guiness Storehouse where you will find out all there is to know about brewing Ireland’s iconic black and white topped beverage. Visitors can even even get some expert advice and the chance to pour the perfect pint! Just across the River Liffey from O’Connell Street you can visit one of Ireland’s oldest colleges and iconic buildings, Trinity College. Its hallowed libraries contain a public exhibit of the world famous Book of Kells. Grafton Street is Dublin’s busiest shopping thoroughfare and less than a 3 minute stroll from Trinity College, past the Molly Malone statue. Buskers, street performers, flower sellers and throngs of passing pedestrians all add to its bustling atmosphere while Saint Stephen’s Green provides the perfect antidote to sit, relax, and watch the world go by.

 

The National Museum of Ireland on Kildare Street exhibits many of Ireland’s ancient treasures and historical artefacts while the National Gallery of Ireland houses a wonderful collection of Irish and European art and a spacious cafe serving great coffee and sweet treats. The Little Museum of Dublin on St. Stephen's Green tells the story of Ireland's captial city in the 20th century.

 

Christchurch Cathedral is one of Dublin’s oldest buildings and contains the tomb of the famous Norman warlord, Strongbow, who captured the city in 1170. Next to the cathedral is Dublinia, one of Dublin’s most popular tourist attractions. Dublinia offers visitors a chance to experience the sights and sounds of Viking Dublin and Medieval Dublin (but thankfully not the smells), using life size reconstructions and models.

 

Other popular visitor attractions worth experiencing include Kilmainham Gaol, the Croke Park Stadium Tour and GAA Museum and the National Botanic Gardens out in Glasnevin. The Abbey Theatre just off O’Connell street is one of Ireland’s most respected cultural institutions and consistently produces diverse, innovative and engaging Irish plays. It’s best to book tickets well in advance to avoid dissapointment.

 

Dublin is not only home to Guinness but to a host of great pubs serving the ‘Black Stuff‘ on tap. In fact, Ireland’s oldest pub, The Brazen Head dates back to the 12th century and is still entertaining locals and visitors alike. The Cobblestone pub in Smithfield is a mecca for serious traditional music sessions as is Hughes pub on Chancery Street, while the popular Temple Bar area has a variety of pubs hosting live traditional music and folk singing most nights of the week.

 

Dublin offers a huge range of cafes and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets, and increasingly, good deals to be sought out. There are also keen rates to be found at any of Dublin’s B&B guesthouse providers. Your B&B hosts are often an invaluable source of local Dublin knowledge and are happy to offer guests an authentic Irish welcome to Ireland’s capital.