Top Things To See In Dublin

Dublin is a magnificent city with a deep-rooted history and culture. Located in the Irish Sea, Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland and the most populous city in the country. Situated on the east coast of Ireland, it is a vibrant and bustling city that is full of life and rich in history. With its wealth of traditional Irish pubs, friendly people, and stunning architecture, Dublin has become a popular tourist destination in Europe.

The city itself dates back to the Viking era when it was known as “Dyflin’ or “Dyflinn’, and it was an important trading hub during this period. Since then, Dublin has grown and changed over the centuries, becoming a centre of learning, art, and culture. Nowadays, it is a vibrant city full of diverse people, culture, and attractions. From its rich history to its modern attractions and activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Dublin.

This guide will go over the top things to see in Dublin if you are visiting for the first time. From historical sites to museums and galleries to natural beauty spots, there is no shortage of things to do in the city. We will also cover two popular tours that you can book for your visit to Dublin. Let’s explore the top things to see in Dublin.

1. Dublin Castle

The first place that you should visit in Dublin is Dublin Castle. This castle dates back to the 13th century and is one of the most important historical sites in Ireland. It was once used as the seat of British rule in Ireland, and it is now a major tourist attraction. The castle is open to visitors all year round and offers guided tours which provide an insight into its history. The castle is made up of two courtyards, the Upper Yard and the Lower Yard, as well as a chapel, state apartments, and other rooms of note. It is a great place to visit if you want to learn more about Irish history and culture.

2. Trinity College

The next place you should visit in Dublin is Trinity College. Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, Trinity College is the oldest university in Ireland and one of the most prestigious universities in Europe. The college is located in the heart of Dublin and its stunning campus is full of history and beauty. Visitors can explore the college’s library, which houses over 6 million books, as well as its beautiful grounds, gardens, and other attractions. There are also various tours available for those wanting to learn more about Trinity College’s history and culture.

3. St Patrick’s Cathedral

The third place you should visit in Dublin is St Patrick’s Cathedral. This cathedral is one of the most important religious sites in Ireland and is dedicated to Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Built in 1220, the cathedral is an impressive example of Gothic architecture and its interior is decorated with beautiful stained glass windows, paintings, and sculptures. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cathedral to learn more about its history as well as attend services or concerts held at the cathedral throughout the year.

4. Guinness Storehouse

The fourth place you should visit in Dublin is the Guinness Storehouse. This iconic tourist attraction is located in the heart of Dublin’s city centre and it offers visitors an insight into the history of Guinness beer production. The storehouse includes a range of attractions such as interactive exhibitions, multimedia presentations, a bar where you can sample various Guinness beers, and even a rooftop bar with stunning views over the city. Visitors can also take part in a tour of the brewery where they will learn about Guinness’s history and production process before tasting some of their famous beers.

5. National Botanic Gardens

The fifth place you should visit in Dublin is the National Botanic Gardens. This beautiful garden was established in 1795 and it covers 19 hectares of land just outside the city centre. The gardens are home to a variety of plants and flowers as well as many species of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Visitors can explore the gardens on their own or take part in one of the guided tours which provide an insight into the history of the gardens as well as its flora and fauna.

6. Phoenix Park

The sixth place you should visit in Dublin is Phoenix Park. Located just outside of Dublin city centre, this park covers an area over 707 hectares making it one of the largest urban parks in Europe. Visitors can explore its many attractions such as deer enclosures, gardens, lakes, trees, and monuments. The park also offers various activities such as cycling, walking trails, horse riding trails, and golf courses. There are also several cafés and restaurants located within Phoenix Park so you can take a break from exploring to enjoy a meal or snack.

7. Temple Bar

The seventh place you should visit in Dublin is Temple Bar. Located in the city centre, this area has become one of Dublin’s most popular tourist attractions due to its lively atmosphere and vibrant nightlife scene. The area is known for its pubs and restaurants as well as its many art galleries, shops, theatres, and music venues. There are also several festivals held throughout the year such as St Patrick’s Festival and Temple Bar TradFest which add to its vibrant atmosphere.

8. National Museum Of Ireland

The eighth place you should visit in Dublin is the National Museum Of Ireland. Founded in 1877, this museum covers four sites across Ireland including two sites in Dublin – Archaeology and Decorative Arts & History – which are located near each other on Kildare Street in the city centre. The museum houses a range of artifacts ranging from prehistoric times to modern day as well as a variety of artworks from different periods of Irish history. It also offers a range of educational programs and events throughout the year so visitors can learn more about Irish history and culture while they explore the museum’s exhibits.

9. Ha’Penny Bridge

The ninth place you should visit in Dublin is Ha’Penny Bridge. This iconic bridge spans across the River Liffey in central Dublin and it has become one of the city’s most famous landmarks due to its distinctive design and history. Originally built in 1816 by William Walsh as a toll bridge for pedestrians only, Ha’Penny Bridge gained its name from the halfpenny toll charged for each person who crossed it until it was abolished in 1919. Today it is open to both pedestrians and vehicles, but it remains an important symbol of Dublin’s past with tourists often taking photos on it for souvenirs or memories.

10. Kilmainham Gaol Museum

The tenth place you should visit in Dublin is Kilmainham Gaol Museum. This museum is located just outside of Dublin city centre and it tells the story of Ireland’s turbulent past through its displays and exhibitions which include artefacts from prison cells and interactive exhibits which allow visitors to experience what life would have been like during this period of Irish history. The museum’s guided tours provide an insight into Irish history as well as giving visitors an opportunity to explore some of its most notorious prison cells including those used during The Troubles between 1969-1998.

Popular Tours In Dublin

While exploring all these top attractions in Dublin, you can also book two popular tours for your visit to Dublin that will give you an even deeper experience into some of its most iconic places:

1. Guinness Storehouse & City Sightseeing Tour

This tour takes visitors on an exploration of some of Dublin’s top attractions such as Trinity College, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Phoenix Park, Temple Bar, Kilmainham Gaol Museum, Ha’Penny Bridge, and more before finishing at Guinness Storehouse for a tour including a pint tasting at their rooftop bar with stunning views over the city skyline. This tour also includes a City Sightseeing ticket so you can hop on/off any City Sightseeing bus while exploring all these attractions at your own pace throughout your stay in Dublin. Book this tour here.

2. Traditional Irish Music & Local Pub Tour

This tour takes visitors on a journey through some of Dublin’s oldest pubs where they can enjoy traditional Irish music performances from local musicians while sampling various Irish beers such as Guinness or Smithwicks. This tour also includes visits to other attractions such as Kilmainham Gaol Museum or St Patrick’s Cathedral as well as free time for sightseeing or shopping at some markets around Dublin city centre before ending with a live music session at one of Dublin’s oldest pubs for a truly unique experience.Book this tour here.

Conclusion

There are many wonderful things to see and do when visiting Dublin for the first time! From centuries-old sites such as Dublin Castle or Trinity College to modern attractions like Guinness Storehouse or Temple Bar; there really is something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant city! Don’t forget to book one of these two popular tours for your visit for an even deeper experience into some of its most iconic places!