Exploring the Best of Ireland’s Capital City
Most trips to the Emerald Isle begin in Dublin, the country’s capital and largest city. While you’re probably looking forward to seeing some of that postcard-perfect scenery in the countryside and along the coast during your Ireland vacation, it’s worth spending at least a couple of days here first.
There are plenty of things to do in Dublin that will take up your time and give you a taste of Irish culture and history before you set out to explore the hills and coastal views. Here are a few main attractions you need to check out.
Tour the Guinness Storehouse
Whether or not you’re a fan of Guinness, you won’t want to miss touring the Guinness Storehouse. One of Dublin’s most iconic attractions, the beer is synonymous with Ireland and you’ll not only get to see how its made, you’ll get a free sample at the end.
In fact, many people come just to take advantage of the Gravity Bar which sits on the top floor, high above the Storehouse, providing a 360-degree view of the city. The earlier you go, the better chance you’ll have of enjoying it all to yourself.
Visit Trinity College & View the Book of Kells
The Old Library at Trinity College houses the famous “Book of Kells,” which is truly a must-see when you’re in Dublin. Written around 800 AD by Irish monks, it’s considered to be one of the world’s most spectacularly illuminated manuscripts.
Its 680 pages of vellum contain Latin texts of the Four Gospels with brilliantly colored depictions of Christ and his followers, all bordered by intricately detailed Celtic knots and other designs. For centuries, this precious book sat buried deep in the ground in order to prevent the Viking invaders from stealing it. After eventually recovering it, it was given to Trinity in 1653.
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Take a Stroll Through Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park is Europe’s largest city park and is an ideal destination for enjoying fresh air, a walk and some fabulous people-watching, which can really go a long way when it comes to beating jet lag after a long flight. Along the way you’ll see the President’s House — look closely and you’ll notice a lit candle in one of the windows. It serves as a reminder to the many who’ve left Ireland over the decades that they’re always welcome home.
In the Fifteen Acres area, watch for the herd of wild fallow deer that are often in the meadow. Other highlights include the Phoenix Park Tea Rooms and the Dublin Zoo, one of the oldest in Europe having opened nearly two centuries ago in 1831. It helps preserve some of our most endangered animals and houses hundreds of species, most in settings designed to mimic their habitats in the wild.
Check out the National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology
A visit to the National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology is like a trip back in time. The finest collection of prehistoric gold artifacts in Europe ever found are housed here, like this gold Viking ship, part of the remarkable Broighter hoard that was discovered in 1896, one of the top finds from the Irish Iron Age.
It also includes incredible items like the famous Tara Brooch and the Ardagh Chalice, one of the greatest treasures of the early Irish Church, dating back to eighth century AD. One of the highlights for many in this museum are the bog bodies, like the Cashel Man which dates back to 2,000 BC — there are some 100 that have been discovered in Ireland to date.
The bodies were mummified and preserved in peat bogs, where the acidic conditions help to keep their remains incredibly intact. You can even see the tiniest details, including nose hair, eyelashes, fingerprints and fingernails.
Sip a Pint at the Oldest Pub in Dublin
The Brazen Head claims itself to be the city’s oldest pub. Although the building dates to around the mid-18th century, as the story has it pints have been poured here since 1198. One of the best ways to experience its rich history is to enjoy a pint and chat with the locals. You can also view the old papers, photos and ads that reveal its past as a former coach house.
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Listen to Traditional Live Music
There are countless pubs in Dublin for enjoying traditional live music. However, don’t visit the Temple Bar if you hope to avoid big tourist crowds and aren’t in the mood to hear loud Allman Brothers covers. Instead, enjoy fabulous Irish tunes in places like O’Donoghue’s, the pub that launched the career of Irish folk band The Dubliners.
It’s somewhat of a mecca for traditional musicians and offers live music every night of the week. You can also check out the many photos and drawings of Irish musicians that adorn its walls.
The front snug of Hughes Bar is another great pick as you can join in the musicians’ circle, becoming a part of the entertainment yourself. Irish musicians play fiddles, pipes, whistles and mandolins, and anyone who’s around is welcome to play too. Occasionally a celebrity pops in as well.
The backup band for Bob Dylan joined the house musicians for an informal, unscheduled gig in recent years. It’s those unplanned moments that make it so much fun; you never know what the night will bring.
Shop ‘Til You Drop & Enjoy Busker Entertainment on Grafton and O’Connell Street
As one of the hottest shopping cities in Europe, if you’re a shopping enthusiast you don’t want to miss checking out the offerings on O’Connell and Grafton Street. The trendiest shopping area in the city offers everything from quirky boutiques and bargain shops to high-end retailers.
You’ll also find stores selling Irish-produced items, including beautiful Irish sweaters from the Avoca Mill, as well as ceramics, soaps and perfumes all made from the Avoca design studio.
This area isn’t just for shopping either. Take time to enjoy the talented buskers on the sidewalks, from harpists to pianists and everything in between. You never know what you’ll see or hear on the streets of Dublin — this is one of the top spots on the planets for buskers, and occasionally even U2’s Bono makes an appearance.
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The Leprechaun Museum
If you’d like to explore one of Dublin’s hidden gems, the Leprechaun Museum is a fun spot to visit. While it’s a little corny, making a bit of fun out of Irish legend like the Irish tend to do, it’s a great way to learn more about the country, its myths and its culture.
You may not see a real-life leprechaun, but you might just discover a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, and you can find out what it’s like to be pint-sized too.