7 Must See Attractions in Dublin, Ireland

After visiting Dublin, Ireland on three different occasions, I have found this comfortable, laid back capital city to contain a wealth of interesting things to see and do. If you wanted to see all of its fascinating attractions, it would probably take you days. But, if you don’t have that much time to see all of the city, I offer you the following seven recommendations to help you experience the best of Dublin’s charms.

1. Guinness Storehouse

One of the most popular attractions in Dublin is the Guinness Storehouse. You don’t have to be a beer drinker to love this place. I don’t drink at all, and I thoroughly enjoyed my visit here. The Guinness Storehouse is a multi-level building where you can take your own time touring the various exhibits that illustrate the brewing process and history of Guinness beer. There are plenty of lovely fountains and other attractive features to engage you no matter what your interests. There is a restaurant on one level where you can enjoy fresh sandwiches, scones and delicious Irish tea. Make sure you finish your tour at the top level because this is the best part of all. Here, you can see amazing views of the surrounding city through the ceiling to floor windows. You can also try out a free pint of Guinness beer.

2. Kilmainham Gaol

The Kilmainham Gaol is a great place to visit if you want to learn more about Ireland’s history. Formerly a prison that once housed Irish rebel leaders who fought for Ireland’s independence from England, Kilmainham Gaol is today a fascinating museum. You can tour the historic jail to learn about its history and restoration, and be moved by exhibits that depict the last days and executions of the leaders of Irish independence.

3. Dublin Castle

A visit to Dublin would not be complete without a tour of Dublin Castle. Dating back several hundred years as an important role in Ireland’s history, Dublin Castle continues to serve in these modern days as the setting for Irish state events like the presidential inauguration and government banquets. A guided tour of the castle will award you with highlights like St. Patrick Hall, the Ladies Drawing room and the Throne Room.

4. Trinity College

A must do in Dublin is a visit to Ireland’s oldest university, Trinity College. Dating back to 1592, Trinity College composes many old buildings that bear stunning architecture. One of these buildings is the Old Library, a highly visited place in Dublin, which houses thousands of rare and ancient documents, books and manuscripts. In the Old Library, you can see the world renown Book of Kells as well as the Book of Howth and the Book of Durrow.

5. St. Patrick’s Cathedral

A visit to the impressive St. Patrick’s Cathedral is well worth your time. This magnificent 12th century stone cathedral is a huge complex where you can stroll around and see something interesting at every turn. You can a view great number of various antiques and artifacts like weapons owned by Crusaders as well as the old chairs where the Crusaders once sat during worship service. This cathedral contains the burial tombs of more than 500 people, including Jonathan Swift, the author of Gulliver’s Travels.

6. National Museum of Ireland

Ireland bears a long and extensive history, and you can learn all about it at the National Museum of Ireland. The museum houses more than four million objects and specimens that are displayed throughout many diverse collections. You can see archaeological artifacts that date back to prehistoric times as well as from ancient cultures like that of the Vikings. You can also see a wide range of art works collected down through the ages as well as antique clothing, tools, and furniture. In the Natural History collection, you can observe specimens and fossils derived from Ireland’s earliest forms of plant life and wildlife.

7. Temple Bar

If you want to experience the Irish culture at its liveliest, be sure to pay a visit to its famous district, called Temple Bar. If you are in the city center, it is within walking distance of everything. Along this strip, you can check out a variety of pubs, restaurants and bars that specialize in traditional Irish music, dancing and food. You might even learn to do an Irish jig while here.