Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Dublin

"Stroll the campus greens and pretend to be a student at one of Europe’s most prestigious universities, Trinity College. Many top thinkers and creators can call this university their alma mater (ahem, Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett . . .). If you’re in the relative college age range and look comfortable enough, other tourists are bound to ask you for directions – now’s the time to practice that Irish accent!"

"The castle is more of a complex with multiple things to see and do. The castle charges admission for the tour, which includes the subterranean view of the River Poddle and of the decommissioned Chapel Royal. That said, tour or no tour, you can plan to take plenty of photos in the courtyard and then go to the gardens to enjoy the Garda Memorial and the Exhibition Hall."

"It would be almost blasphemous for me to make a “Best Castles in Dublin” list without including Dublin Castle. Right in the heart of the city, the castle was originally built in 1204 as a residence for the British monarch’s Irish representative. From then on until 1922, Dublin Castle has served as the seat of British rule in Ireland."

"One of the most unique and precious emeralds in Dublin is the Phoenix Park, larger than all the London city-centre parks combined and the biggest urban park in Europe it extends over 1,750 acres with herds of deer roaming freely. The park is one of the best free things to do in Dublin and should not be missed when you are in town. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries several magnificent mansions, lodges, institutions and memorials were erected in different corners of the park including the Zoological Gardens in 1831, one of the oldest zoos in the world, the Wellington Monument, an obelisk 62 meters tall is the biggest in Europe and is a testimonial to Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, there are four bronze plaques cast from cannons captured at Waterloo at the base of this, the Phoenix Monument erected in 1747 located in the centre of the park and close to here is Aras an Uachtarain is the residency of the Irish president."

"The buses will take you past the major sights and, depending on which tour you choose (grab some leaflets the evening before or do some research on the internet), even far-flung attractions like the Guinness Brewery, Kilmainham Gaol, and Phoenix Park will be seen. The main thing to remember here: get a good seat on top, enjoy the view, listen to the commentary, and snap away... but do not get off the bus. This is your city tour."

"Trinity's greatest treasures are found within the Old Library, built by Thomas Burgh between 1712 and 1732. The star of the show is the Book of Kells, a breathtaking, illuminated manuscript of the four Gospels of the New Testament, created around AD 800 by monks on the Scottish island of Iona, but more stunning still is the 65m Long Room, the library's main chamber, which houses around 200,000 of the library's oldest volumes."

"One of the most famous places to visit at Trinity College is the Trinity College Library to see the Book of Kells. The writing was complete in 800 AD, and it’s supposedly the oldest and most famous book in the world. The book has the four Gospels of the New Testament in Latin, which people come from all over the world to see."

"The Old Library and the Book of Kells is a lovely library that’s often crowded. It is indeed an interesting place to explore and spend some time at. The library is like a piece of heaven on earth for book lovers of course and also for others as it is exceptionally calm and informative."

"Source: Photo by user Andreas F. Borchert used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Worship at this dated Irish cathedral in Dublin dates back to medieval times, and is still open today for public services!. Welcome to Christ Church Cathedral, where for almost 1000 years, believers have found a common sanctuary beneath lofty ceilings."

"The Christ Church Cathedral is a lovely sacred place that stands as a monument in itself. Not only the Christians are welcome here but also those who take interest in Irish culture. The Christ Church Cathedral is the oldest building in the city of Dublin."

"You don't have to be an expert in religious architecture—or even personally religious—to appreciate St. Patrick's, Ireland's largest cathedral and the headquarters of the Church of Ireland. The massive structure is impressively, overwhelming ornate, with intricate tiled floors, vaulted ceilings, grand graystone turrets, and multicolored stained-glass windows. Those visiting for religious reasons can freely walk in and attend a mass or pray independently, but sightseers are asked to donate a small fee."

"Another photogenic place in Dublin is the St Patrick's Cathedral. The cathedral is very old, as it's from 1191. Taking photos of the cathedral is definitely a great idea, as the building is very photogenic."

"Named for the patron saint of Ireland, construction started on the county’s largest Cathedral in 1220. Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels was once dean and is buried there."

"Temple Bar – Lastly, no trip to Dublin would be complete without a visit to the city's famous (and touristy) Temple Bar pub district. There are plenty of other (better) places to go out for a pint, but most first-time visitors to Dublin want to see the famous red pub in Temple Bar, and that's totally okay!"

"Temple Bar – Although it is expensive for drinks, even by Dublin standards, Temple Bar is loved by our visitors. There are cobble locked streets, live music on every corner and more than enough pubs to sample even more local whiskeys and stouts."

"Fire steakhouse and bar is right beside the city’s Mansion House and about five minute’s walking from the Fitzwilliam. It’s a really beautiful room – high ceilings, bright with big windows – with good food prepared without fuss. Our guests like it a lot as do those on TripAdvisor and other reviewers."

"Now you will also see the Campanile, one of Dublin's most photographed buildings. Resist the temptation (should you feel it) to queue for a look at the Book of Kells. Even on good days you will lose time, see only a small portion and may come away slightly disappointed. The Old Library and the Book of Kells are for those visitors with more time, seriously."

"Or locally known as The Basin, it is a historic heritage park that provides a haven for all visitors. Located at the heart of Dublin’s north inner city, you can enjoy your leisure walk to the Public Library on The North Circular Road through the green and floral areas of the park. Fountains, floral schemes and features, and diverse woodland animals are to be enjoyed by visitors."

"Why: You have to be careful when wandering the streets of Temple Bar because otherwise you can end up paying a lot of money for some bang average food. However, there are plenty of hidden gems to be found if you know where to look and Al Vesuvio is one of them. Located in Meeting House Square, its vast menu covers everything from fresh pasta and pizzas, to more hearty classic main courses such as veal Milanese."

"Right on Meeting House Square in Temple Bar, this place makes a great starting point for a night out. Al Vesuvio is a cosy spot serving top-notch Italian food seven days a week. We especially love the huge selection of pizzas with (rosse) and without (bianche) cheese."

"A luxurious boutique hotel and restaurant overlooking St Stephen’s Green, this Dublin seafood venue embraces its nautical theme. With silver wall-mounted lamps in the shape of scallop shells, parquet floors and accent colours of white and navy blue, the maritime-style interior is reflected in the seafood-focussed menu. Book in for lunch or dinner, sample some freshwater beluga caviar at the oyster and champagne bar, or try the “afternoon sea”."

"Cliff Townhouse is a charming restaurant with rooms offering comfortable accommodation and an unsurpassed location in the heart of Dublin, looking across St Stephen’s Green. It’s set within a well-maintained Georgian townhouse, with vast sash windows, stucco ceilings and fine dimensions. Each of the nine rooms is beautifully appointed with antique furnishings and luxurious finishes; the views of the Green are superlative."

"Imposing, graceful, intimate: Cliff Townhouse is a charming restaurant with rooms offering comfortable accommodation and an unsurpassed location in the heart of Dublin."

"One of my all time favourite memories as a child was visiting the Gaiety Theatre with my grandmother. She use to take us once a year and I absolutely loved it. Things haven’t changed too much at The Gaiety but it remains a prominent influence on Irish arts and theatre."

"Established in 1798, Johnnie Fox's is one of the oldest pubs in Ireland. Renowned for being the highest pub in the country, nestled in the peaceful township of Glencullen and surrounded by the beautiful serenity of the Dublin Mountains."

"A little trip away from Dublin City Centre, it’s the perfect romantic location for beach strolls or some sunset portraits. It has the tall grass, sea air and the iconic Poolbeg Towers as the quintessentially-Dublin backdrop!. A great spot for an engagement session, an elopement or a lovely portrait spot on a wedding day if you’re driving in from the south side."