Author: 
Dublin is a one-stop shop. The Irish capital is one of the best places in the world for a boisterous weekend of hitting legendary pubs and seeing as much live music as possible. Dublin can accommodate you if you want a peaceful night’s sleep yet to spend your days immersed in the city’s rich history, culture, and natural splendor. Dublin’s top attractions include world-class museums, galleries, theaters, parks, and pubs. When it all comes together, the result is a metropolis that more than lives up to its expectations.
What a delight Dublin is. Since Dublin has produced so many artists, there must be a reason behind it. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be shocked if you leave with your head spinning with new ideas. That may be Guinness, but there’s no need to get too specific about it.
1. Check Out the Library at Trinity College
Ireland’s oldest institution, Trinity College, was founded in 1592 and has hosted students such as Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde, and Gulliver’s Travels author Jonathan Swift. This is a must-see exhibit at Trinity College, but what it brings you is a genuine pleasure.
Old Library is where J.K. Rowling got the idea for Hogwarts in Harry Potter because of its 200,000 ancient books and gorgeous oak bookcases. In addition, the Library is one of Dublin’s most popular Instagram locations.
2. Patrick’s Cathedral is a must-see.
Built-in 1191, Ireland’s National Cathedral, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, is Ireland’s largest church. It has been believed for 1,500 years that St. Patrick personally baptized Christian converts in this area. It’s odd that St. Patrick’s Cathedral isn’t the only one in Dublin. Christ Church Cathedral and the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity are two examples of “multicathedral” cities.
The church’s interior is accessible to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On your journey to Dublin, don’t miss this opportunity to view it. On your own, or with a guide, you can see the ruins (and skip the line). Jonathan Swift, the author of Gulliver’s Travels, served as Dean of Westminster Cathedral for some time before his death. He’s also buried there. Tourists and residents visit the cathedral grounds on a nice day, taking in the history.
3. Make Your Way Across Ha’Penny Bridge
Visitors to Dublin should not miss seeing the Ha’Penny bridge. Horseback riding is one of the most popular pastimes in this city. Beginning in 1816, work on the historic Liffey Bridge replaced the many ferries that had previously carried travelers across the river. As the name implies, it was given the nickname “Half-Penny Bridge” due to the small amount of money required to cross it.
Kayaking under the bridge with City Kayaking is an even more unique and distinctive experience. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a stunning autumnal sunset over Dublin as you take a tour. This company offers trips throughout the year.
With any luck, you’ll catch one of the “Music Under the Bridge” tours, where top Dublin artists perform under city-spanning bridges as kayakers navigate the River Liffey through the city.
4. Take a stroll along the Howth Cliffs
A day trip to Howth, a seaside hamlet on Dublin’s coast, is a must for outdoor enthusiasts looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. Aside from some of Dublin’s finest seafood, weekend markets and breathtaking vistas of the Irish Sea await you here on the coast. It’s a short bus ride away, or you may rent a car in Ireland and drive it yourself.
This two-hour trail is a must-do when Dublin Bay and Howth Harbor are in full view. The good news is that the Howth Cliff walk is accessible to people of all fitness levels. However, extreme weather conditions should be avoided. If you’d prefer to walk with a group, guided excursions are also available.
5. Listen to the Grafton Street Buskers
Even though Grafton Street has so much to offer, you can always expect spectacular entertainment! Your journey to Ireland will have the perfect soundtrack if you enjoy anything from Irish traditional music to rock and pop.
There may be a future superstar in the audience, so take a picture while it lasts. After being flown over to Los Angeles by Ellen DeGeneres, 12-year-old Irish busker Allie Sherlock has already garnered comparisons to Taylor Swift!
Also, Grafton Street has brought out the busker in everyone, including Bono, Hozier, The Script, Damien Rice, and Glen Hansard.
6. The Dublin Bus Tour
It’s apparent that Ireland is home to some of the world’s finest storytellers, thanks to James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, W.B. Yeats, and Samuel Beckett. Many historical and literary references by well-known Irish poets and writers are sprinkled throughout their presentation of the best of Dublin City.
Expect a lot of sarcasm and songs from Dublin City, and be ready for an educational history lesson, comedy show, and karaoke sing-along all in one!
7. The Hairy Lemon’s Trad Sessions
Trad, as it is commonly known, is a big part of why so many people come to Ireland. And then there’s the Hairy Lemon Pub. This green and yellow 19th-century mansion hide all kinds of surprises.
Trad Sessions at The Hairy Lemon are the best in Dublin! It can get very wild, especially when the Guinness is flowing. Prepare yourself for an interesting experience if you have never been to an Irish Trad Session.
But don’t expect to sit for long – Irish dancers will soon be on the tables. Authentic Irish dishes, including Dublin Coddle, Cottage Pie, and Irish Stew, can be found at the Hairy Lemon Pub.
8. Go To A Hurling Game!
This ancient Gaelic and Irish sport is one that you’ll instantly fall in love with, even if you haven’t heard of it before.
And what better place to watch than Croke Park (‘Croker’ as the Irish call it). For over 3000 years, the Irish have played hurling, which has been described as “the quickest game on grass.”
All participants must wear helmets at all times because of the high-impact nature of the sport — this is an adrenaline-pumping spectacle for the spectators and players!
9. Take a Sip of an Irish Whiskey
Other than Guinness, Ireland is well-known for its beverages. Since Ireland has been producing whiskey for more than two centuries, you can’t get much more flavorful or historically significant than this.
On Bow Street, the old Jameson Distillery used to be one of Dublin’s most popular tours for whiskey, but these days it mostly serves as an educational museum. The Teeling Distillery is an excellent place to view a working distillery in action.
After the tour, you’ll learn how to blend your whiskey or master the art of whiskey cocktail creation, and you’ll be able to sample their premium whiskey tasting experience.
10. Check out the Hellfire Club
You would think the Hellfire Club is an idyllic place to escape the city, but once you approach the lodge at the top of the hill, you’ll see that there is a lot going on. Do not visit if you are scared easily, as there are a lot of ghost stories about this place that you might wish to avoid.
You may find the eerie ruins of the Irish Hellfire Club at the top of the hill. Its members were thought to be Satanists and Devil worshipers, and they would often invite the Devil to their dinner table.
11. Bridge of Samuel Becket
When it comes to architecture, the Samuel Becket Bridge is a must-see. The architect, Santiago Clatrava, created a structure in 2009 that mimics the shape of an Irish harp by suspending strings from the river’s edge.
You can see over the river to the opposite side of the bridge because of its white tint. It is visible as you leave the airport and is used by both vehicles and pedestrians, and you can see it. Take a stroll across the bridge to the opposite side of the river to partake in food or drink.
12. Take a stroll down Temple Bar Road
This is the place to go if you want to taste Dublin’s nightlife. A historic district on the south bank of the River Liffey, it’s home to some of Dublin’s most well-known drinking establishments. Pubs and live music fill the Temple Bar area’s tiny streets. There are lots to see and do throughout the daytime, and you can even arrange for a tour guide.
It’s easy to see why it’s known as Dublin’s cultural quarter, with its medieval architecture, weekly food markets, and Europe’s oldest-built theater. To get a taste of the city’s art galleries, vintage apparel boutiques, and record stores, meander the cobbled streets.
13. The Moore Street Market
Even if it’s just for the sake of nostalgia, it’s certainly worth a visit to this old-fashioned open-air fruit and flower market. On the cobblestone street, vendors sell local produce, meat, and exotic fruits from around the world.
To get a sense of Ireland’s immigrant culture, visit Moore Street Market in Old Dublin. Farm-to-table foodies will delight in perusing the day’s offerings and mingling with the sellers, some of whom have been selling here for several decades. As the locals do, if you have a kitchen, stock up on supper ingredients, including everything from Irish produce to Asian and African products.
14. The George
As a gay bar, the George Bar, a bi-level pub and dance club, is what it is: an establishment for the community. Queer icons’ portraits adorn the walls, serving as markers of pride. In the immediate vicinity, you’ll find a rainbow flag, some scattered sequins, and remnants from the night before. A fast pour of Guinness beer across the black bar is all you need here; don’t worry about your mixology skills.
A few minutes of waiting time is expected when you’re an evident tourist, so order quickly. It doesn’t matter if you come to The George to soak up some gay history, drink alone in peace while traveling alone, dance, or participate in the famed Sunday night drag bingo show: everyone has their purpose for going to the bar.
15. Have a Picnic at St. Stephen’s Green
St. Stephen’s Green Park is a peaceful oasis in the middle of Dublin, where you may escape the city’s bustle. For the park’s occupants, the ducks, bring an extra slice of bread when you pack a picnic to enjoy near the pond.
Throughout the last four centuries, Stephen’s Green has significantly impacted Dublin’s development as a city. It’s hard to understand that this spot was once a fight during the Easter Rising of 1916 when you walk through the serene surroundings.
James Kearney, the park grounds keeper, persuaded both sides to put down their weapons for one hour each day so that he could feed the ducks!
