Planning your next vacation to Ireland? From the ancient Book of Kells to super-hip Temple Bar, these 10 Dublin attractions need to go on your bucket list.
Bold, boisterous and unapologetic – there’s a reason why James Joyce declared Dublin would be written in his heart when he died. This Irish capital is packed with charming haunts, cobbled streets, and heaps of cosmopolitan culture. This is the kind of place where you can step into a rickety Irish pub owned by a Korean family and be plied with sushi alongside Dubliners sipping Guinness. It’s a place you can set your sights on ancient treasures before slipping into a slick Michelin restaurant.
But beyond the epic sights and things to do, Dublin’s crowning glory is definitely its people. Strangers become friends wherever you end up in the city, and chatting to locals is one of the best ways to find the best Dublin attractions. If you want to get some planning done before you meet the locals, here are some of the top places to start.
Guinness Storehouse
Nowhere in Ireland does Guinness quite like in Dublin. Fans of the iconic brew arrive in droves to experience Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse, home of the famous Irish tipple since 1759. Amid the hefty walls of the seven-story building – a former Guinness fermentation plant – the stout’s long history is showcased beautifully. Book a Guinness Dublin tour, choose a designated driver, and head to the Gravity Bar for a complimentary pint served with 360-degree views across the fair city.
Dublin Zoo
Experience a dose of the African Savannah while in the capital with a trip to the sprawling Dublin Zoo. See wild animals from all four corners of the globe up close, including elephants, giraffes, snow leopards, penguins, gorillas, and lions. Check the Dublin Zoo website for daily talks and feeds to get the most out of your day out – kids will love watching naughty meerkats scuttling around from inside the zoo’s restaurant.
Book of Kells
Catch a glimpse of this enchanting masterpiece while in the city – it’s without a doubt a Dublin bucket-list must. Written by Irish monks in the 9th century, the Book of Kells is one of the most famous medieval manuscripts in the world. Intricate illustrations, swirls of vivid inks and flowing Celtic script adorn its pages, which were brought to Trinity College Dublin for safekeeping. The Old Library housing the Book of Kells is just as majestic – rows and rows of books perched on mahogany shelves are any bibliophile’s dream.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
When in Dublin, it’s imperative to visit the architectural icon of the city’s patron saint – St. Patrick’s Cathedral. One of few buildings left from medieval Dublin and the largest cathedral in Ireland, the imposing figure was erected to honor Saint Patrick between 1220 and 1260. Head inside and learn all about the cathedral’s long and fascinating history – visit during the school term to listen to the world-famous choir in all their glory. Make sure you source out the story of the cathedral’s most famous Dean and author of Gulliver’s Travels, Jonathan Swift, who was buried on the grounds.
National Museum of Ireland
Travel back in time when you step foot inside the National Museum of Ireland’s Kildare Street site. Wander among some of the country’s most famous archaeological treasures, with exhibitions ranging from Celtic and Medieval art to Iron Age bog bodies. The Ór – Ireland’s Gold exhibition dazzles – while Viking Ireland is a whirlwind of surviving objects from this important era of the country’s history.
The National Gallery of Ireland
Stroll the four wings of the National Gallery of Ireland and gaze at a rich collection of breathtaking works. The National Gallery of Ireland paintings include works from Jack B. Yeats, one of Ireland’s most popular painters, alongside pieces from the likes of Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, and Rembrandt. Overall, the collection packs in more than 16,000 artworks to gawk at.
AquaZone at the National Aquatic Centre Dublin
Thrill-seekers will find themselves at home while visiting Aquazone, housed in the National Aquatic Centre Dublin. Shoot down high-octane flumes, surf the waves on the Flow Rider, and chill out on the Lazy River. Dare to take on the award-winning Master Blaster and be blasted upwards on jetted water – not for the faint-hearted. If you’re taking the kids, they’ll have a whale of a time playing pirates on a ship packed with cannons and child-friendly slides.
National Botanic Gardens Ireland
Escape the busy city and enjoy a dose of peaceful greenery at the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland. Walk among the beautiful grounds and discover plants from all around the world, including more than 300 endangered species – six of which are already extinct in the wild. Don’t miss the park’s series of dazzling Victorian glasshouses, home to stunning tropical flora.
Dublin Temple Bar
If it’s raucous music, buckets of laughter and Irish dancing you’re after, Temple Bar is the place to go. It’s the beating heart of Dublin culture and one of the oldest quarters of the city where buskers, street artists, and outdoor markets provide a heady experience. You’re as likely to find a rare record as you are to find your new favorite cheese from its colorful markets. The fare here is globally inspired, so make sure you sample a boxty (Irish potato cake) at Gallagher’s Boxty House or try Bono-owned tea room restaurant at The Clarence Hotel.
Croke Park
Scrape more than the surface of Irish culture by heading north to Croke Park, home of the Gaelic Games and heart of the country’s sporting world. This is where the ancient game of hurling is in full force – one of the fastest sports on grass that can only be described as quidditch on land. If you’re lucky enough to be staying in Dublin when a match is on, grab tickets online. But be quick – they sell out fast.
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