10 OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO VISIT IN DUBLIN, IRELAND
I could write pages and pages of things to do in Dublin, both the well known touristy spots and the random little spots that I stumbled upon while walking around the city. I stayed in Dublin for over a month and I never ran out of things to do in the city itself and I probably didn’t even hit half of it. This post is just a little collection of my favorites. Enjoy.
1. THE BRAZEN HEAD: IRELAND’S OLDEST PUB
Right on the water beside the Father Matthew Bridge, The Brazen Head is the oldest operating pub in Ireland, (and apparently the 5th oldest pub in the world) standing in the same spot since 1198, with the current building having been built in the 1750’s.
Even though the line was absolutely crazy by 8pm, the building is beautiful and the atmosphere was unreal. Pretty tourist trappy I know but it is a night outing activity.
2. THE OLD LIBRARY AT TRINITY COLLEGE AND THE BOOK OF KELLS
I know this is a more touristy place as well, but that is for very great reason. Built between the years 1712 and 1732, Trinity College’s Library and it’s long room is absolutely gorgeous and straight out of a movie.
The Library is not only home to the Brian Boru harp (the national symbol of Ireland), but also to The Book Of Kells-a huge hand illustrated book containing the Four Gospels In Latin that is believed to have been written around 800 A.D (!!!). The details and the complexity of the art and calligraphy is unbelievable and awesome to see up close.
You can book your tickets to The Trinity Library and The Book Of Kells Here.
3. PHOENIX PARK: DUBLIN’S RAINDEER PARK
Phoenix Park is the city’s famous park where the deer freely roam around and are very friendly when interacted with. The park itself is beautiful and HUGE. It is located in the Western end of Dublin, around a 10 minute drive from the city center.
During my first visit to the park we wandered upon an old fort surrounded by the beautiful green rolling hills.
The Magazine Fort in Pheonix Park was built in the year 1735, it belonged to the British Army, until it was given to the Irish Defense Forces after the Anglo-Irish Treaty.
4. THE IRISH MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
My afternoon at The Irish Museum Of Modern Art exceeded my expectations, this was the best modern art museum that I have been to. The IMMA is free to all visitors! I highly recommend visiting if you have a couple of hours.
5. VINTAGE SHOPPING IN THE TEMPLE BAR NEIGHBORHOOD
There is a number of vintage and second hand stores outside of the Temple Bar neighborhood, but there is a bunch of vintage shops all in a couple of blocks in, and surrounding the Temple Bar Square.
Of course there will always be the overpriced cut up modern clothing on the racks in some stores, but a lot of them had some really cool pieces, including real vintage designer pieces, for better prices than expected.
If you are able to travel with a record or two, there are some record stores that were cool as well.
6. THE WINDING STAIR BOOKSHOP
I came across this book store one day and went back a couple of times as the woman working was so nice and they had so many cool books from and about the different time periods of Irish history.
Located across the bridge from the Temple Bar Neighborhood, The Winding Stair is so worth popping into.
7. THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF IRELAND
A close second to the Irish Museum of Modern Art is the National Gallery. I spent a rainy afternoon here and the art was fascinating and the gallery and the building itself was beautiful. Located right by Trinity College, I would so recommend visiting if you’re into art even just a little bit.
8. BAR AND PUB HOPPING IN DUBLIN
There are so many bars and pubs around Dublin I barely even scratched the surface.
The night scene in Dublin is fun, even just walking around the streets at night. The only good pub in the Temple Bar neighborhood to me, was The Foggy Dew, other than that, head to streets further towards St. Stephen’s Green.
9. PEADAR KEARNEY’S PUB
Peadar Kearney’s deserves it’s own spot on this list because it was the most fun, lively pub that we stopped at.
Further out from The Temple Bar, there was fun, loud live ‘Irish Toe Tapping Music’ every night, and it always seemed packed with people-in a good way though.
10. THE DUBLIN CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL
I include the Christ Church Cathedral individually because it became my favorite building/cathedral in the city as I walked past it almost daily.
Originally built in the late 1100’s, the cathedral was renovated in the late 1800’s into the beautiful insane structure that it is now.
THINKING OF TRAVELING TO DUBLIN? DO IT.
HERE ARE ALL OF THE RESOURCES I USE TO PLAN MY TRIPS:
FLIGHTS AND ACCOMMODATION: BOOKING.COM IS WHAT I WILL ALWAYS USE TO BOOK FLIGHTS AND STAYS. NEVER DONE ME WRONG.
TOURS, DRIVERS, AND ALL THAT FUN STUFF: VIATOR IS MY GO-TO.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: SAFETYWING HAS ALWAYS BEEN FABULOUS. THE BEST EVER.
RENTAL CARS: WHEN BOOKING ANY TRIP THAT YOU DECIDE TO RENT A CAR FOR, BOOKING.COM IS FABULOUS LIKE ALWAYS.
