Hop over the water to Dublin and experience one of the best cities in the world. Don’t miss out on the top attractions and events in Dublin.
Dublin has pumping nightlife at Temple Bar, is the home of Guinness at its famous storehouse and has the world renowned Trinity College. Plus, there’s fun for all the family too.
Experience the Dublin you don’t know (yet)
You’ve heard Dublin is just for hen and stag dos. You’ve tried Guinness at home. You’ve already read James Joyce – but there’s more to Dublin than you may think.
We’re talking an unrivalled literary history covering everything from Joyce to Bram Stoker. There’s the world famous Trinty College. You’ll sample seafood, as well as the local Irish fare, and you can do both while tapping your feet to traditional Irish music. There’s Guinness straight from the source, whisky that will tame your tastebuds, and festivals that do it like nowhere else in the world. Dublin’s ready for you. The question is: are you ready?
The best things to see and do in Dublin
Sup on a pint of the black stuff at the Guinness Storehouse. Head behind bars at Kilmainham Gaol. Take a relaxing and quiet stroll around Phoenix Park. The city is your oyster. These are some of our favourite Dublin attractions.
Guinness Storehouse
A fresh pint of the black stuff
Guinness just tastes so much better in Ireland. The locals will tell you it’s all down to the freshness, and it doesn’t get much fresher than a pint of the black stuff from Guinness Storehouse. It’s been brewed here since 1759. On your tour, you’ll delve into the 250-year history of the brand, see how it’s made and sip a pint at the seventh floor Gravity Bar. The views are nearly as good as the brew.
Insider tip:
Guinness really does taste better in Dublin. Aside from the storehouse, we love a pint at John Kavanagh’s (aka The Gravediggers) in Glasnevin and Mulligan’s on Poolbeg Street.
Trinity College
View one of the most famous books on the planet
Take a trip to Ireland’s oldest university. Trinity College is based in the city centre and home to stunning architecture and a real feel of historic Dublin. It’s a peaceful haven to wander around and take a break from the city. Plus, you can peek at one of the world’s most famous books – the Book of Kells. The daily exhibition showcases the 9th century calfskin manuscript.
Kilmainham Gaol
Delve into a historic and tumultuous past
Head just outside the city centre for a look inside this historic prison. Kilmainham Gaol housed many rebel leaders and Irish Republicans; you’ll get to hear their stories and see first hand the conditions they lived (and some died) in. While you’re in Kilmainham, check out the Irish Museum of Modern Art too.
Phoenix Park
Peace, tranquillity and the zoo
If you’re after some solitude and peace from the hustle and bustle of Dublin, make a beeline for Phoenix Park. Sit, take a load off and watch the world go by and the locals walking their dogs. To see some more animals up close, head to Dublin Zoo within the park.
Museum of Literature Ireland
Toast your love of literature
Located on the edge of St. Stephen’s Green, the Museum of Literature was the original site of the University of Dublin. Not only is it a beautiful building in its own right, but it’s home to a space that honours former students that took the literary world by storm. We’re talking James Joyce, Flann O’Brien and Maeve Binchy.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg in Dublin
As well as our five favourites, there’s so much to check out in the city. If you’re after a party, Temple Bar is calling. Its cobbled streets are packed with bars and live music, and the Guinness and whisky flows long into the night.
Insider tip:
Don’t be scared off by the stags and hens. Temple Bar has culture too. Check out the Dublin Institute of Photography and the Irish Film Institute.
You’ll find shopping on Grafton Street. There’s the Convention Centre and Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in the Docklands as well as plenty of bars and restaurants. If Guinness isn’t your thing, check out the Old Jameson Distillery in Smithfield. And to get out and experience the stunning Irish coast, visit Howth – this coastal town just outside Dublin has hiking to remember and seafood to savour.
Festivals
Food. Festivities. And books. Dublin loves a festival and does it like nowhere else. Here are six of the best:
New Year’s Festival Dublin
Bring in the New Year
Dublin
31st December
Yes, it begins in December but it carries on right into the New Year with three days of celebrations. Expect live music, light shows and a spectacular fireworks display over the River Liffey.
St. Patrick’s Festival
Wear something green
Festival Quarter
15th – 18th March
Cities across the world go all Irish on 17th March, but there’s no better place in the world than Dublin to celebrate Paddy’s Day. This five day festival includes a colourful parade through the city’s streets, music, art and historical events. Don’t forget to wear something green.
International Literature Festival
Celebrate the written word
Merrion Square Park
16th – 26th May
On an island of storytellers and literature lovers, this is the biggest event. Held in May each year, the world’s finest writers are brought together to celebrate the best in Irish and International fiction. You’ll enjoy authors, poets, lyricists, playwrights and screenwriters.
Taste of Dublin
Get a flavour of Dublin
Merrion Square
13th – 16th June
One of the highlights of summer and a feast for foodies and all the family, Taste of Dublin takes over Iveagh Gardens for four days. Some of the city’s top restaurants will pitch up to tantalise the tastebuds.
Bram Stoker Festival
If you dare
St. Patrick’s Park
25th – 28th October
Bram Stoker’s most famous novel makes you think of Transylvania, but the famous author was in fact a Dublin native. Every year his legacy is remembered in the city with a series of ghoulish events.
Dublin Marathon
Lace up those trainers
Dublin City Centre
27th October
Ireland’s largest marathon sees a 26.2 mile course starting and finishing in the centre of the city, heading over the River Laffey through to the stunning Phoenix Park. Sign up if you can handle the distance on foot or join the spectators to cheer on the runners.
Dublin Hotels
Whether you want party central, family-friendly or a mix of both, check out these Dublin hotels.
Hard Rock Hotel Dublin
Rock and roll
Right at the centre of the city in Temple Bar, this four-star hotel brings the rock and roll vibes in its bar and restaurant.
Bracken Court Hotel
Kid-friendly
Perfect for kids, this four-star hotel has its own swimming pool complete with water slides, as well as a golf course. It’s right on the beach and just 30-minutes in the car outside the city.
Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport
Your airport essential
Right by the airport, you’ll get runway views and can hop on the shuttle bus to and from Dublin Airport. Travellers rate it as 4 stars from over 3,000 reviews.
Generator Dublin
Party vibes
If you’re on a party trip to Dublin, this Arran Quay-based hostel has six bed dorms for around £30 a night each. There’s a bar, restaurant and nightclub too.
Dublin Price Guide
If you’re eating out, sampling the freshest Guinness you’ve ever tasted or looking to lay your head for the night, expect to pay:
Pint of Guinness: €5-€6
Meal at a mid-range restaurant: €15-€30 per person
Entry to the Guinness Storehouse: €18.50
Public transport ticket: €3.30 for an adult single trip
Hotel room: €80-€200 per night
Now you’re getting a feel for Dublin, it’s time to plan your itinerary and make that short trip across the water.
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