Despite having explored much of Europe one destination at the top of my travel bucket list is Ireland and where better to start than Dublin, the capital and largest city? From the great outdoors and historic walking tours to the best places to get some culture, there’s so much to see and do in Dublin. Here are my top 5 reasons to visit!
The home of Guinness
You cannot go to Dublin without a trip to the Guinness Storehouse. Located in the heart of St. James’ Gate Brewery, the Guinness Storehouse is one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Ireland. You can go on a tour over 7 floors to see the story of Guinness: the history, heart and soul of Ireland’s most iconic beer. You can then enjoy a pint of Guinness in the Gravity Bar where you get to enjoy some excellent views of Dublin.
Tickets can be brought online for as little as €22. Your ticket includes a pint of Guinness or a soft drink at the end of your tour. Alternatively for €32, you can Join the Guinness Academy where you’ll learn how to pour your own pint from an expert.
It has the largest Cathedral in Ireland
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Ireland. It is named after St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland who in this location used a well to baptise many Irish people into Christianity.
The building is a busy place that serves as a place of worship, a visitor attraction and as a host for many events. St. Patrick’s Cathedral offers guided tours or has a free app if you prefer to go at your pace. The cathedral still holds regular services and full details can be found on its website. Tickets can be brought online. It costs €8 for an adult.
The Food Scene
Although you might not think that Ireland has much to shout about when it comes to food, Dublin’s culinary scene has changed considerably in recent years. The Irish capital is now bursting with creative chefs, cafés and restaurants serving tasty Irish fare and highlighting the best of Irish ingredients. Book a table via this website.
O’Neill’s Pub is across from the famous Molly Malone statue and is a must-visit. This spacious yet cosy Irish pub offers a great selection of Irish and international, including a large selection of local Irish Craft Beers. When visiting Dublin, you have to try the city’s most traditional dish, Dublin Coddle: a sausage, bacon and potato stew and you can do that at The Woollen Mills.
If you’re looking for something more modern then I recommend the Winding Stair (the sister restaurant of the Woollen Mills) with dining rooms overlooking the River Liffey. The menu has a strong emphasis on food provenance, sourcing quality products from all over Ireland.
Party at the Temple Bar
The Temple Bar is quite possibly one of the most iconic bars in all of Dublin, with tourists flocking from all over the world to have a drink inside its famous walls. It is home to the largest whiskey collection in Ireland!
Although the history of the bar dates back to the early 1300s, it still remains popular to this day due to its famous red exterior, its great location in the heart of the city, as well as being a huge part of Dublin’s central nightlife scene.
Go on a Trip to the Wicklow Mountains
One of the best day trips out of the city – and a must-see during your trip to Dublin – is a tour of the Wicklow Mountains. The Wicklow Mountains National Park is situated just south of Dublin. Covering 20,483 hectares, Wicklow Mountains National Park has the distinction of being the largest of Ireland’s six National Parks and offers amazing hillwalking and recreational activities.
Famously known for the filming location of the popular romance film, P.S. I Love You, this unbelievably beautiful landscape looks even more magnificent in person than it does on-screen.
