Food, beers, whiskey, music, history, and hospitality – Dublin, Ireland has it all! From enjoying the delicious food over a traditional Irish dancing show to sipping on Guinness and learning how it came to be – add Dublin to your European bucket list now! Read more to plan your trip to Dublin with Dublin, Ireland: Visit the Top 10 Sites Now! Sláinte!
But first, a little Dublin history...
As the largest city in Ireland and the capital, Dublin sits on the east coast of the country. Dublin is known as a warm and welcoming city… and it’s also known for the drinking, pubs, food, whiskey, and more drinking. Dublin is a great city to visit while in Ireland to experience the culture, food, and history.
A couple of things to note before you visit Dublin, Ireland. Their currency is euros, they drive on the left side of the road, and even in the summer it feels a bit chilly (at least for this Louisianian).
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Top 10 Sites in Dublin, Ireland
First stop on the Dublin bucket list dates back to 1220. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland and is the largest cathedral in Ireland. The cathedral takes you through a self guided tour visiting 19 different stops of statues and monuments, stained glass windows, and more. A self guided tour for an adult is 8 euros and a must see while in Dublin, Ireland.
Next wander inside Trinity College. You’ll find the infamous library with books along a long hall covering aisles from top to bottom. The main chamber of the Old Library is the Long Room, built between 1712 and 1732. The library is filled with over 200,000 of the oldest books and is one of the most impressive libraries in the world.
Inside the library you’ll find the Book of Kells, one of the greatest treasures of medieval Europe. This book contains the four gospels of the New Testament with other texts and tables. It was created by early Christian monks around 800 AD. The Book of Kells pages are made from vellum, or calf skin, which was taken from over 150 calves. It also once had a jewelled cover that was stolen in 1007 AD.
A pedestrian bridge crossing River Liffey in Dublin, Ha’penny Bridge has an interesting history. Officially named the Liffey Bridge, but many know it by the name Ha’penny. Built in 1816, the bridge was built in order to replace the multiple ferries that regularly crossed the river. From the construction a toll was to be taken from people who crossed it for the next 100 years, half a penny. Today nearly 30,000 people cross the bridge each day.
Learn everything there is to know about whiskey, Jameson whiskey to be more specific, at the Jameson Distillery in Dublin on Bow St. Tour the distillery or enjoy a tasting and learn everything there is to know about whiskey.
The Bow St experience includes a tour of the heritage and history of Jameson and a whiskey tasting for 25 euros (adult ticket). A Jameson Black Barrel blending class is also offered for 60 euros. This experience includes a 90 minute whiskey blending class, tastings, and the opportunity to create your own blend to take home. Additionally there is a whiskey cocktail making class for 50 euros and a secret whiskey tasting for 30 euros.
An iconic bar you’ll recognize from the streets, the Temple Bar pulls its crowd of visitors from its title of having the largest whiskey collection in Ireland and it’s live Irish music. At night the area is a center for nightlife. You will find plenty of other restaurants and pubs to stop and drink at.
On the site of a viking settlement the Dublin Castle was built in the early 13th century and served as the headquarters to the English and British administration in Ireland. Just around 100 years ago when the Irish gained their independence the castle was given to the Irish government. To tour the castle the tickets are 7 euros (for adults) which grants you access to the inside.
Check out more Top 10 Guides!
Located in the center of Dublin is the historic park and garden, St. Stephen’s Green, a beautiful patch of greenery in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the largest city in Ireland. St. Stephen’s Green contains many sculptural monuments of Irish history and a variety of birds and plants. This makes it the perfect place to sit, take a break, and maybe even have a picnic.
After visiting the famous Jameson Distillery you can’t visit Dublin without visiting the storehouse of Ireland’s world famous beer – Guinness. Stop at the Guinness Storehouse and take a journey to where the story and spirit of Guinness began that started over 250 years ago. Learn the history of how Guinness is made, enjoy your own pint, and see Dublin from a 360 rooftop panoramic bar.
Tickets for the self-guided tour with a visit to the gravity bar and a complimentary pint of Guinness is 22 euros. The Guinness Storehouse consists of 7 floors that take you through a different journey in the Guinness process. (FYI – in Europe the first floor is considered floor zero, or ground floor).
- Ground Floor: The ground floor brings you through the famous 9,000-year lease for the brewery and learn about the 5 ingredients that started it all.
- First Floor: Learn about Arthur Guinness himself and how the beer has made its way around the world.
- Second Floor: Discover the art of tasting Guinness and how to appreciate the craft.
- Third Floor: Find the ways Guinness made its way around the world through marketing and advertising throughout the years.
- Fourth Floor: Pour your own perfect pint.
- Fifth Floor: Compliment your Guinness pint with food.
- Sixth Floor: Finally the top floor, the Gravity Bar. Relax, sip on your complimentary pint, and enjoy the panoramic views of Dublin.
Irish Dance Show
Not a specific tourist destination to visit, but watching the theatrical show of Irish music and dance while enjoying a meal is a must. There’s no truer way to experience a culture than with dancing, music, and food. Be sure to book tickets ahead of time because there’s no promise they’ll have tickets available at the door. Book your traditional Irish Show with a 3 course meal here now!
Lastly, while there are many museums to visit in Dublin, one must stop is The Little Museum of Dublin. The museum is in fact quite little. Guided tours are 29 minutes of Irish storytelling. An all day ticket is 15 euros. You are welcome to join one of the tours or explore on your own.
Overall Ireland is such an incredible country with the best culture and hospitality. It’s a place that has always been on my travel bucket list and I am so happy to have finally made it and could not recommend it more. What’s top of your list to see while in Dublin, Ireland? Leave it in the comments below!
Check out my YouTube video: Ireland Countryside for a glimpse into my Southern Ireland road trip! And don’t forget to subscribe to my channel, Say Sarah!
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Interested in the camera gear I use while traveling to capture my pictures?
- Camera: Canon EOS M50 with EF-M 15-45mm lense
- Small tripod: Fotopro Flexible Tripod
- Large tripod: Phopik 77”
- Memory cards: SanDisk 128GB
- Extra batteries: BM Premium batteries
- Camera bag: Bagsmart backpack
