I’ve recently had the pleasure of visiting Dublin, Ireland and though our trip was fairly short, we got the chance to see everything on our list. It was such a beautiful trip and I will most definitely be making sure to go back (this time without a list so I can just explore the city).
If you’re looking to pay Dublin a visit, I have put together a list of the best 10 things that I loved while being there. It’s a good combination of tourist attractions and general city highlights so I hope it helps you out on your trip!
Visit the Kilmainham Gaol Museum. This is a tour of the very famous Dublin jail that has been converted into a museum. There is so much culture and history within these walls that made it my favorite attraction on our trip. Make sure you book ahead as spots fill up pretty rapidly.
Have lunch at the Brazen Head. Ireland’s oldest pub (est. 1198) is a sight to see! Tucked away in an alley, the pub feels like a hidden gem in the city. The Beef and Guinness stew is the best I’ve had on the entire trip and the service is impeccable. Make sure to grab a glass of Guinness with blackcurrant juice to go with your meal!
Take a day trip to Kilkenny and Wicklow Mountains. Between the tiny town and the beautiful rolling hills, your day will be full to the brim with wonder. When in Kilkenny, you can tour the Kilkenny castle or just roam the streets. On the tour we took, we got to spend some time with sheep which was a highlight for me of course!
Stop in at Dublin Castle. The attraction has a self-guided option which is the one I would recommend. You can get all the information you need from the extensive guide they provide and it’s always nice to browse at your own pace. This place is breathtakingly splendid.
Spend some time on Dawson street. Great restaurants, great pubs and a true Dublin feel. This is one of the higher end areas in the city and definitely worth a visit.
Book a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher. You will never see anything more stunning! The cliffs have been used to film Game of Thrones and Harry Potter so you know you’re in for a good time!
Walk along the River Liffey. This is truly the central point to everything you might want to see in the city so you can’t go wrong taking a long stroll on the banks of this legendary site. It cuts right across and spans the entire city so it’s a great way to orient yourself when you get lost. Which I did… a lot.
Visit Trinity College and the Book of Kells. Being an author, this had to be a highlight for my trip. The college is a stunning sight to take in but my favorite part was visiting the old library. It will take your breath away!
Stop in at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Located in a fairly central area in the city, the cathedral is a massive landmark that shouldn’t be missed. Though packed to the rim with tourists, you can’t help but feel an energy shift when you enter. From the spanning stained glass to the gilded details, this place will leave your mouth wide open.
Take a tour of the Guinness Storehouse. Spending the day learning about beer making, sampling Guinness and watching live Irish dancing is a great way to get into the Dublin spirit. As a note, if you’re hoping to get a seat in the 36p rooftop bar, you might be waiting a while as it is usually pretty packed.
And, though not on the list, I will personally hold it against you if you don’t visit at least one Eason location. There’s quite a few all over the city full of some wonderful books!
Stay magical,
Alexis
