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If you appreciate friendly locals, big-city nightlife, and an appreciation for the history that’s alive and well, you must consider Dublin, Ireland for your next vacation getaway. Rich with history, culture, and activities, Dublin offers a variety of options ranging from pub crawls to cathedral tours. Below, you’ll find a detailed account of must-see sights throughout the area.

Visit Dublin: Fun & Amazing Things To Do

Museums

Admire amazing sculptures, works on paper, art objects, and paintings at the National Gallery of Ireland. The permanent collection features works from prominent painter Jack B. Yeats along with renowned pieces by other European artists. Also impressive is the National Portrait Collection spotlighting images of influential Irish citizens. Admission, public tours, and lectures are free.

Irish Museum of Modern Art

Paintings, sculptures, performance art, and photos adorn the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Focusing on works from 1940 to the present, the museum does not restrict its showcase to Irish talents alone. Delight in permanent displays by European and American artists like Barrie Cook, Adolph Gottlieb, and Sonja Landwehr, plus view beautiful pieces from Irish artists such as Robert Ballah, T.P. Flanagan, and Paul Seawright. Exhibitions change periodically and usually remain at the museum for four to five months at a time.

National Wax Museum

The National Wax Museum in Dublin has figures representing fairy tale characters in the Children’s World of Fairy Tale and Fantasy to make any visitor smile. That is just one section of the museum. There is a wax replica of de Vinci’s Last Supper, figures of many of the historical people connected with Ireland, a Chamber of Horrors, and a Hall of Megastars.

Castles And Cathedrals

For a majestic look at historical Dublin, visit the regal Dublin Castle in the heart of the city. Operating for centuries as a home and defense for English colonial leaders, it’s now a major tourist attraction that acts as a link to the area’s past. Guided tours are available for The Chapel Royal, The Undercroft, and State Apartments; The Chester Beatty Library and The Garda Museum are also accessible to the public.

Christ Church Cathedral

Originally a Viking Church, the present-day Christ Church Cathedral serves as a place of worship for people of all Christian faiths, hosting services on Sundays and weekdays. If youíre not religious, stop by anyway to explore its fascinating history (hint: its crypt was once a pub) or admire its magnificent architecture. Worship services are free, but there is a small admission charge for general visits.

Historical Landmarks

Kilmainham Jail was built in 1796 and bore witness to every major political change that the Irish Republic endured. After closing in 1924, the structure was restored and now functions as a museum. Take the guided tour (free with paid admission) to learn about the chapel and experience individual peeks into the cells that once held famous prisoners like Rebel Leader Robert Emmett and Sinn Fein activist Countess Georgine Markiewicz. If you want a preview of the structure before you visit, rent the movies ‘In the Name of the Father’, ‘Michael Collins’ and ‘The Italian Job’ which all had scenes filmed at the site.

Trinity College

Visit Trinity College, Irelandís oldest university, to admire the amazing Book of Kellsóan elegant ancient gospel manuscript. While youíre there, donít miss The Old Library, which boasts an impressive collection of old, books and an early Irish harp.

Literature

Readers and writers alike will appreciate the Dublin Writers Museum which houses early editions of famous works, a gallery spotlighting prominent Irish authors, and temporary exhibits about Irish literature. Digital audio tours are obtainable in six languages and guided tours are available upon request.

The James Joyce Centre is a thriving tribute to Irelandís most famous writer. Discover special artifacts, exhibitions, a reference library, and a bookshop that celebrate his life and work.

Culture

If youíre looking for the true pulse of Dublin, donít miss the Temple Bar district. By day, take pleasure in its food markets, cutting-edge fashion boutiques, and art studios. At night, stop by for a dose of sophisticated, yet unpretentious culture in one of the many eateries, theatres, or music venues. Also to note is The Octagon Baróa chic, understated watering hole situated in the famous Clarence Hotel, owned by members of the rock band U2.

Guinness Storehouse

A trip to Ireland wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. On the guided tour learn about the beer-making process, take advantage of the outstanding city view from the Gravity Bar, and enjoy the delicious free samples (adults only).
Written by Tassoula Kokkoris

Dublin Zoo

The Dublin Zoo houses some endangered species. Some sections of the zoo are the World of Primates, World of Cats, African Plains, and Fringes of the Arctic. The zoology society here was founded in 1830 and the animals were provided by the London Zoo. The zoo is large and covers seventy acres.

Dublin’s Viking Adventure

Children and adults alike should enjoy Dublin’s Viking Adventure. This living history village allows visitors to experience the ancient Viking village of Dyflin over a thousand years ago. Plan at least an hour to visit Viking Adventure. Ride a Viking ship, walk through buildings of the old village, and learn about the daily lives of the people of this village through their own words as depicted by costumed guides.

Beautiful Parks

For some relaxation time, there are a few beautiful parks in Dublin. A lake, fountain, flowers, trees, and monuments are found at St. Stephen’s Green. The park covers more than twenty acres and free concerts from a bandstand are given here during the warm months.

Another park is Phoenix Park, covering over seventeen hundred acres. Look for beautiful landscapes and gardens, trees, and nature trails, complete with wildlife at times. Phoenix Park was first opened in the mid-18th century. The visitor centre for the park offers exhibitions and a restaurant.

Dublin is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in Ireland and its capital. The city is a vivid and intriguing concoction of buildings of the period of King George, happening pubs, and modern architecture. The river Liffey runs through the city evenly while being bordered on the north and south by rugged hills.

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