Dublin

Dublin, the captial and largest city of Ireland, is a warm and welcoming city known for the friendliness of its people. 

Situated at the head of a beautiful bay, the city abuts the River Liffey, leading to the shores of the Irish Sea, and is located in the providence of Leinster. Apart from the port and the docks, Dublin is home to some exquisite architecture dating back to the 17th century. Many other landmarks and monuments are dating back hundreds of years. One of the oldest is Dublin Castle. The Old Library of Trinity College, which holds the Book of Kells, is also one of Dublin’s oldest buildings and most visited sites in Ireland.

There is so much to do and see in Dublin, between music, art, culture, food, and architecture, there is never a dull moment while you are visiting! Check out more Dublin has to offer below!

1) Guinness Storehouse 

If you want to learn what exactly goes into a delicious pint of Guinness and the story of how this famous stout went from humble beginnings to being sold all around the world. visit one of the most visited tourist attractions in Dublin the Guinness Storehouse. Since its opening in 2000, it has received over twenty million visitors. Included in the building are 7 floors of history, interactive exhibits, tastings, and much more. The storehouse explains the history of beer. Learn everything between the ingredients, brewing, transport, cooperage, advertising, and sponsorship to understand how monumental Guinness has become over so many years. 

The story of Guinness goes back more than 250 years, when Irish entrepreneur Arthur Guinness from County Kildare, decided to set up a brewery. He then built the Guinness brewery in 1759 and from there, slowly, he started exporting barrels of his beer by ship out to England. From there the world got word of this special one-of-a-kind drink.

That said, when you arrive at the Storehouse you are immersed in the history dating back so many years. Take a visit to the largest stout brewery in the world and make unforgettable memories! 

2) Howth

A village in east central Dublin, Howth is the perfect place for a day trip! With its picturesque harbor, gorgeous beaches, and wild-flower-covered sea cliffs, it almost feels like you are in a dream. From the moment you arrive and walk along the waterfront, spotting seals pocking their heads up between the docked boats, you’ll witness why it’s the perfect spot for relaxation and time away from the busy city centers. 

While visiting Howth, there is always something to do. Along the shore, there is plenty of space to take in the beauty and go on a great walk, attend a museum, go out to eat at one of the many excellent seafood restaurants, a place to have a drink, and even discover Dublins Coastal Trail. 

There are two wonderful museums in Howth worth a visit. The Ye Olde Hurgy-Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio is an interesting place to learn about telecommunications from the 1840s to the present day. Technology such as Morese equipment, gramophones, valve radios, crystal set, and so many other fascinating equipment can be found here. The second museum in Howth is the National Transport Museum of Ireland. Here you may find Ireland’s only comprehensive assembly of public and commercial road transport vehicles, some of the oldest dating back to 1883. These museums are surely worth a visit!

Some outdoor activities that may be of interest to you include Shearwater Sea Kayaking where you can explore the caves and islands while on the water, a boat tour with Ireland’s Eye Ferries or Island Ferries to witness the island up close, and Howth Golf Club for you to play a relaxing game of golf while viewing the marvelous seascapes. 

3) Bull Island

Bull Island, located in Dublin’s Bay, is home to many sandy beaches. One is Dollymount Strand, which runs its entire length and is a fascinating place to visit. The Island which is accessed by way of a causeway bridge from Raheny and a wooden bridge from Clontarf, has the most designations of any site in the country, as a National Bird Sanctuary, a biosphere reserve, a National Nature Reserve, a Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive, and a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive. The island holds so many different breeds of bird species including; Eurasian Curlews, Pale-bellied Brent geese, Redshanks, and so many others. It also is home to many plant species including; bee orchids, pyramidal orchids, and common spotted orchids. Overall, Bull Island is for anyone looking for a different nature and beach experience. 

To get to Bull Island take a kayak or boat! Have a picnic, take a hike, or spend some time at the beach to make the best memories. Located on the island is also a golf course at Saint Anne’s Golf Club. Here enjoy panoramic views of Dublin’s Bay. There is a lot to do on Bull Island so get ready for some adventure during your visit!

4) Dun Laoghaire

A coastal town in Dublin, Dun Laoghaire is home to many attractions that are worth visiting. From sailing and swimming to touring the local markets and harbor, there are plenty are things to do here. One of the many sightseeing opportunities here includes a self-guided historic walking tour of the town. See George’s Street Upper and the Oratory of the Sacred Heart to the Bathhouse on Windsor Terrace. Other views include; Dun Laoghaire harbor, a nearby railway station from 1844, the Romanesque Town Hall on Marine Road which houses an interesting collection of artworks by Irish painters, the King George IV Monument, and People’s Park from 1890. As you can see there is a lot to see while in town. 

Many indoor activities could be of interest to you including the National Maritime Museum of Ireland. Here view exhibits such as an authentic ship’s radio room, a Titanic exhibition, and items from the RMS Leinster. Also have breakfast, lunch, or dinner at one of the town’s many restaurants. Over 50 traders are selling hot food, bakery items, artisan bread, cakes, and seasonal produce!

Moreover, enjoy some time on the water with Dublin Bay Cruises. Several tours will give you the best experience!

Dublin Snapshots