Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is a vibrant city steeped in history and culture, with a warm, welcoming spirit. Founded by Viking settlers in the 9th century, Dublin has evolved from a center of medieval trade to a pivotal player in Ireland’s struggle for independence, all while retaining its unique charm.
With its historic landmarks, lively pubs, and friendly locals, Dublin is a must-visit destination that keeps drawing me back time and time again. Here’s a list of eight must-do activities when you visit Dublin:
- Walk on O’Connell Street
- Visit Jameson Distillery Bow St.
- Tour the Guinness Storehouse
- Explore Temple Bar
- Enjoy a Drink in a Pub
- Discover Trinity College Dublin
- Relax in St. Stephen’s Green Park
- Visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
1
Walk on O’Connell Street
Looking for a blend of history and modern Dublin life? O’Connell Street is your gateway to both. As Dublin’s central avenue, it’s steeped in history and lined with iconic landmarks like the General Post Office and the Spire of Dublin, each telling a piece of the city’s rich past. It’s also the perfect starting point for exploring nearby shops, cafes, and attractions.
Location: O’Connell Street is located in the heart of Dublin, running north from the River Liffey and easily accessible by foot, bus, or Luas tram.
2
Visit Jameson Distillery Bow St.
Jameson whiskey is known worldwide, and Dublin gives you the unique opportunity to visit the Jameson Distillery. My time there was truly memorable. The distillery offers an in-depth experience into the world of Irish whiskey production, complete with guided tours that cover the history of Jameson, the whiskey-making process, and, of course, whiskey tastings.
Top Tip: I opted for the Bow St. Experience, which costs €26 (39$ CAD) for a 45-minute guided tour. This tour includes a comparative tasting of three Jameson whiskeys and a Jameson signature cocktail. I highly recommend this experience—it was both educational and enjoyable!
How to Get There: The distillery is easily accessible by foot or public transport. It’s about a 20-minute walk from O’Connell Street. Alternatively, you can take the Luas Red Line to the Smithfield stop or choose from several bus routes that stop close to the distillery.
Location: Bow St, Smithfield, Dublin 7
3
Tour the Guinness Storehouse
Guinness is another iconic Irish brand, and the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin offers a fascinating journey through the history and brewing techniques of this famous stout. One of the highlights is learning the art of pouring the perfect pint, which adds a fun, interactive element to the visit. This attraction is a must for Guinness lovers who want to enjoy a freshly poured glass of the iconic beer.
Top Tip: Book your tickets online in advance to skip the lines. The entry fee is around €25 (37$ CAD) for adults, but prices may vary depending on the tour package you choose.
How to Get There: The Guinness Storehouse is easily accessible via public transport. You can take buses 123, 13, or 40, or use the Luas Red Line to the James’s stop. The journey from O’Connell Street takes about 30 minutes.
Location: St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8
4
Explore Temple Bar
Temple Bar is one of Dublin’s most famous areas, known for its vibrant nightlife and live music. The Temple Bar pub itself is a classic, offering a lively atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists. Beyond the pub, the surrounding area is packed with other pubs, restaurants, and street performers, making it a perfect spot to experience Dublin’s energetic nightlife.
Top Tip: Temple Bar can be crowded, especially on weekends. If you prefer a quieter experience, visit earlier in the day or during the week.
Safety Tip: Keep an eye on your belongings, as crowded places can attract pickpockets. It’s always a good idea to carry a crossbody bag with secure closures.
Local Insight: While Temple Bar is iconic, it’s also known for higher prices. If you’re looking to experience Dublin’s nightlife on a budget, consider exploring pubs in other neighborhoods like Camden Street or Rathmines.
Location: Temple Bar, Dublin 2
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5
Enjoy a Drink in a Pub
Dublin’s pub culture is an essential part of the city’s charm. No visit would be complete without enjoying a Jameson or a Guinness in one of the many pubs scattered throughout the city. These pubs are the perfect place to immerse yourself in Irish culture, especially if you catch a live band playing traditional Irish music.
Top Tip: For an authentic experience, visit some of Dublin’s historic pubs, like The Brazen Head, which dates back to 1198, or O’Donoghue’s, where you can often enjoy live music sessions.
Price Range: Expect to pay around €5-7 (CAD 7.50-10.50) for a pint of Guinness, depending on the pub’s location.
6
Discover Trinity College Dublin
Founded in 1592, Trinity College is Ireland’s oldest and most prestigious university. It’s renowned for its stunning architecture and is home to the famous Book of Kells, located in the Old Library. The library itself is a must-see, with its grand halls filled with ancient books.
Top Tip: Tickets to visit the Old Library cost €15 (CAD 23). It’s advisable to book in advance, as this is one of Dublin’s most popular attractions. We visited Trinity College in the morning and reserved tickets for the Old Library for later that same day.
Safety Tip: The Old Library can get crowded, so try to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the peak times.
How to Get There: Trinity College is centrally located and easily accessible by public transport or on foot. It’s just a 10-minute walk from O’Connell Street.
Location: College Green, Dublin 2
7
Relax in St. Stephen’s Green Park
St. Stephen’s Green is a beautiful 22-acre park in the heart of Dublin, perfect for a peaceful afternoon. The park features manicured lawns, a large lake, and winding walking paths, making it an ideal spot for a picnic or a relaxing stroll. Whether you’re with friends, family, or on your own, it’s a great place to unwind and soak up some sun.
Location: St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2
8
Visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
As someone with Irish heritage, visiting EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum was a deeply personal experience. The museum offers an engaging exploration of Irish emigration through interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, and personal stories. One of the highlights for me was tracing my family roots, which added a special connection to the visit.
Top Tip: Ticket prices vary depending on age and how you book. To save a bit of money, consider purchasing your tickets online in advance. The museum also offers discounts for students and seniors.
How to Get There: EPIC is located along the River Liffey and is easily accessible by public transport, including the Luas Red Line (George’s Dock stop) and several bus routes. It’s also a 20-minute walk from O’Connell Street.
Location: The CHQ Building, Custom House Quay, North Dock, Dublin 1
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