Dublin is known as a warm and welcoming city, recognized for the kindness of its people and famous for its craic (“crack”)—that mixture of repartee, humor, intelligence, and witty and deflating insight that has drawn writers, intellectuals, and visitors for generations. It has faded grandeur and a delightfully worn vibe. Ranked as the seventh best city in the world to visit, Dublin is also filled with history, tradition, and culture, along with its local pubs and cafes, which are also filled with poets and musicians who have their own songs and stories to tell.
The main tourist attractions are:
- Guinness Storehouse
- Cliffs of Moher
- Glendalough
- Wicklow Mountains
- The Book of Kells
- Dublin Castle
Guinness Storehouse
If you’re interested in experiencing the heart, history, and soul of Ireland’s most famous and iconic beer, then the Guinness Storehouse is the best place to visit! Located in the heart of St. James’s Gate, the Guinness Storehouse used to be the brewery’s fermentation factory. Today, you may explore this one-of-a-kind tourist attraction to explore more of the ingredients, history, and culture of Guinness as you roam around. On the plus side as well, you also get to enjoy a complimentary drink once you culminate your visit at their newest Gravity Bar or outdoor Brewery Yard Bar.
Address: Guinness Storehouse, St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8
Phone number: +35314084800
Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours:
10:00 am – 5:00 pm – Monday to Thursday
10:00 am – 6:0 pm – Friday
9:30 am – 6:00 pm – Saturday
9:30 am – 5:00 pm – Sunday
Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher own the title as the 8th Wonder of the World, and it is known for its magnificence that dominates the wild West Clare shoreline, making it a popular tourist destination in Ireland. If you like watching sunsets or sunrises, then the Cliffs of Moher is the place to visit, along with its breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands from the paved walkways that lead to Europe’s westernmost cliffs.
Address: Cliffs of Moher, Liscannor, Co. Clare, Ireland V95 KN9T
Phone numbers: +353657086141, +353876566133
Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours: Open daily from 8 am to 9 pm
Glendalough
One of Ireland’s most prominent monastic sites is located in Glendalough. The “Monastic City” was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century as a Christian monastic community. The tenth to the twelfth centuries are represented by the majority of the city’s remaining structures. The Vikings repeatedly targeted Glendalough over the centuries, but the monastery continued to prosper as one of the most important religious and educational institutions in Ireland until it was destroyed in 1214 by the Normans. In the vicinity of the monastery, there is an interactive facility. An audiovisual display and a scale replica of the monastery can be found in the center of the place. Glendalough is truly one of the top destinations on Ireland’s Ancient East and it surely deserves a spot on your itinerary!
Address: Derrybawn, Glendalough, Co. Wicklow, A98 HC80, Ireland
Contact number: +35340445352
Opening hours: Open daily 24 hours
Wicklow Mountains
Dublin’s southern suburbs are home to the Wicklow Mountains National Park. The park spans 20,000 hectares of mountainous terrain, and numerous highways traverse its borders. The most popular area for tourists to the National Park is the gorgeous and historic valley of Glendalough. There are few amenities in the rest of the park, but the landscape is worth stopping to take in from the comfort of your car. Wicklow Mountains National Park provides dedicated hikers and backpackers to various walking trails, including the 81-mile Wicklow Way, a route that takes five to seven days for skilled hikers to attempt, as well as those that venture to medieval sites and stunning panoramas.
Address: Wicklow Mountains National Park, Kilafin, Laragh, via Bray, Co. Wicklow A98 K286
Phone: +35340445800
Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours: Open daily for 24 hours
The Book of Kells
An important book from the ninth century, the Book of Kells is housed in Dublin’s Trinity College’s Old Library and features an amazing combination of elaborate Latin text and detailed illuminations. The most renowned medieval manuscript in the world has a complex meaning hidden inside its pages. You’ll also have access to the Long Room, one of the most stunning libraries in the world, which houses 250,000 of Trinity College’s oldest manuscripts and manuscript fragments in its collection.
On an additional note, the Brian Boru Harp, Ireland’s oldest surviving harp, is on display in the Long Room. A rare original copy of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic, a significant text in Irish history that impacted the creation of the Republic of Ireland as a sovereign independent state, will also be on display.
Address: Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin, Ireland
Phone number: +35318962320
Opening Hours: Daily schedule (except for Monday) 9:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday schedule is from 9:30 am – 4:30 am
Dublin Castle
As the city’s most important landmark, Dublin Castle is a must-see attraction. It was built in the 13th century on the site of a Viking settlement by King John of England. Over the course of 700 years, it housed the English administration in Ireland as well as a prison, treasury, court, and military garrison. It’s now reserved for ceremonial occasions such as inaugurations and state dinners. If you enjoy learning more about Dublin’s history, then this is the best place for you!
Address: Dublin Castle, Dame St, Dublin 2
Phone number: +353469422213
Email Address: [email protected]
Opening Hours: open daily from 9:45 am to 5:45 pm
Fun Things to do in Dublin, Ireland
Start arranging your Dublin vacation now that you’ve learned where to go! In Dublin, Ireland, there are several enjoyable activities that you can surely participate in:
1.) Stop by the Guinness Storehouse
Visiting the birthplace of Guinness is a highlight of any journey to Dublin for the majority of more than one million visitors each year. Take a self-guided tour of the Guinness Storehouse, admire the 360-degree view of the city; and enjoy your complimentary drink as you visit the Gravity Bar.
2.) Take a full day trip along Glendalough, Wicklow Mountains and Kilkenny
Take a guided tour into the medieval heart of Ireland and allow yourself to see historic Kilkenny, observe County Wicklow’s beautiful hills, rocky mountains, and glacial valleys; as well as St. Kevin’s Monastery and Glendalough Monastery in County Wicklow. Along the way, you’ll also see familiar locations from blockbuster movies such as “Braveheart” and “PS. I Love You.”
3.) Discover Dublin’s history on a boat
If you’re interested in having a water activity, then explore Dublin by climbing on an all-weather river boat on the River Liffey, and sail past iconic monuments like the Dublin Docklands. Learn more about its history and its river as well, from the Viking settlement until the modern era.
4.) Access The Book of Kells
If you want to see The Book of Kells up-close, then it’s time for you to take a trip to Trinity College Dublin’s Old Library! Discover the finest workpiece of Ireland’s most important medieval illuminated manuscripts in person. You’ll also have the chance to see Europe’s largest vaulted library and go through it yourself.
5.) Take a Tour around Dublin Castle
Take a guided but instructive and interesting walking tour conducted by history graduates of Trinity College Dublin around Dublin Castle, Temple Bar, City Hall, and the Medieval City.
6.) Stroll around Blarney and Cahir Castle
Within the walls of Blarney Castle lies the legendary Blarney Stone, which may surely pique your interest if you’re a fan of history. It is said that if a person kisses the stone, it will give them the gift of eloquence and persuasion. Meanwhile, located on a rocky island in the River Suir, Cahir Castle is one of Ireland’s largest and most well-preserved castles. Overall, you should give these two castles a visit and let yourself witness the picturesque scenery of rural Ireland.
7.) Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral was constructed in his honor, and it stands next to the well where he is said to have been baptized. Besides that, you can visit Jonathan Swift, the author of “Gulliver’s Travels” and the cathedral’s dean, and learn about his life and work.
In addition, the Cathedral’s Discovery Space has a variety of interactive touchscreen technologies that focuses on its history. Other than that, you’ll be able to take in the stunning Gothic architecture and 39 scenes from Saint Patrick’s life in the stained-glass windows.
Conclusion
While Dublin is one of Europe’s smallest capital cities, it has a reputation for capturing the hearts of everyone who visits. The capital of Ireland is home to some of the world’s most beautiful cathedrals, as well as haunted locations, lively bars, historical museums, and other little-known gems. Thus, it’s time to plan your next itinerary and give Dublin a visit!
