Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Dublin

"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."

"Trinity College / The Book of Kells – My favorite place to visit in Dublin is probably the Old Library at Trinity College, where you can find the famous Book of Kells, as well as the Long Room, which is basically any book lovers' dream library. The Book of Kells exhibit is really interesting, and it's also fun to get a glimpse into Trinity College, which is the oldest university in Ireland."

"One of my favourite locations for wedding photos in Dublin, Trinity College is only accessible for those who can call it alma mater. But if you or your partner went to Trinity, the opportunities are endless. From the iconic and unique Trinity College Library to the Museum Building, from the quiet Rose Garden to the classical columns."

"The stunning gothic-tinged architecture, and the lawns where many of the greatest minds have sat make for an inspired visit. Trinity College is always a great spot to wander through, and that’s even better when you have your loving partner along for the ride."

"Grafton Street – The premier shopping street of Ireland, this is the ideal place to pick up a memento of your week in Ireland or a gift for family and friends at home. Located adjacent to St. Stephen’s Green."

"Located on Dublin’s South Great George’s Street, the George’s Street Arcade originally opened as South City Markets in 1881, making it the oldest shopping centre in Ireland. Today, the Victorian redbrick building houses an indoor market of around fifty tenants, with a combination of stalls and stores selling vintage clothes, accessories, books and collectibles, and more. Shopping here is a distinctively Dublin experience, and you’re sure to find a souvenir you won’t get anywhere else."

"Located in the Creative Quarter, a hub for shopping and art, George's Street Arcade dates back to the late 19th century, when it was called South City Market. Although it's Ireland's oldest market, it resembles a current-day flea market, with stalls selling everything from wood-fired pizza to New Age jewelry. A respite from traditional boutiques and shopping centers, the covered market packs in vendors and is certainly worth a walkthrough."

"Rathfarnham Castle is the earliest known example of a fortified house in Ireland. Originally built around 1583, the castle has been owned largely by the Loftus family, and now serves as the Office of Public Works. Guided tours of the castle are still available, and afterwards, you can relax at the Stuart and Chambers tearooms or check out an exhibition, which is currently Tread Softly, a work of celebrated Irish artist Michelle Rogers."

"Rathfarnham Castle dates back to the Elizabethan Era (1558 to 1603) and is the earliest fortified house in Ireland used as protection by the English from Irish clans. The Castle is open every day during the summer season and is open throughout the winter except for Mondays and Tuesdays."

"It was built for Archbishop Adam Loftus, a Yorkshire man who came to Ireland as Lord Deputy. He would eventually become Lord Chancellor of Ireland and was heavily- involved in the opening of Trinity College. The castle is now open as The Office of Public Works."

"On your walk from the Molly Malone statue to the next site, the Little Museum of Dublin, we recommend walking along Grafton Street. This is one of the best known streets in Dublin and one of the city’s main shopping streets. It’s a lively place with lots of stores, restaurants, cafés, and street buskers (street performers). The majority of the street is pedestrian-only making it a friendly place for walkers and tourists."

"Stop Five: Molly Malone Statue and O’Neill’s Pub Back inside the walls of Dublin, are two landmarks worth visiting during your 2 days in Dublin itinerary. The first is the statue of the mysterious but very popular Irish personality, Molly Malone, located on Grafton Street. Molly’s background is obscure at best."

"No list of the best Dublin museums would be complete without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. It has consistently been voted the most popular destination for visitors to the city, with many locals taking part in the experience as well. Follow the story of how Guinness became Ireland’s most famous export and its impact on the city that brewed it."

"No trip to Dublin is complete without a visit to The Guinness Storehouse and every tourist seems to come back there at least once. The Guinness Storehouse is an impressive building: the core of the building is shaped like a giant pint glass, consisting of seven floors. Visitors get to see how Guinness is made."

"The Guinness Storehouse’s restaurants are now open to the public without an experience ticket. Explore how our beers from the Guinness Brewery can uniquely cut, contrast or complement our menus."

"Emma Devlin and Cathal O’Donoghue founded Rascals Brewing in 2014. It’s a bit of a journey out past Kilmainham Gaol, but Rascals Brewing Company is one of the most innovative breweries in Dublin. Going beyond the standard styles found at every other brewery, Rascals has unique beers such as Chardonnay Saisons, Mint Chocolate Stouts, & Strawberry Vanilla Milkshake IPAs."

"Location was key to Devlin and her husband when founding Rascals. “We always dreamed of having a city-accessible brewery that people could visit, and where we could offers tours. We have renovated the building, totally transforming it so it’s suitable for a brewery and restaurant,” Devlin says."

"Porterhouse opened as a brew pub in 1996 and was the first craft beer pub in Dublin by many years. They used to brew their beer on site, and parts of the brewing equipment can still be seen in the pub today. Porterhouse is the best craft beer pub to bring visitors to."

"There are a couple of Porterhouse brewpubs in the Dublin city centre. Their original Temple Bar location has been in operation since 1996. As is the case with most Temple Bar pubs, the’ve got live music every night of the week."

"The General Post Office (GPO) on O’Connell Street is among the most fascinating and evocative of Dublin’s historic sites. Designed in the Greek Revival style and still a working post office to this very day, the GPO is not just an architectural goldmine. As the main stronghold of the Irish volunteers in the Easter Rising of 1916, it’s also closely tied to Ireland’s struggle for independence in the earlier part of the 20th century."

"Highlights on and around O'Connell Street include: The historic General Post Office where the 1916 rebellion started, the Hugh Lane Art Gallery, the popular shopping area Henry street and the vibrant market stretch Moore Street, with colourful street traders and ethnic shops. The main drag is very busy, but the best parts are on the side streets surrounding it!"

"The GPO or general Post Office of Dublin is an interesting sight to see. Being situated in the O’Connell Street, it is a wonderful example of Georgian architecture. The six huge pillars in the front of the building make it an imposing structure."

"Airfield is a lovely farm in Dublin, a wonderful piece of countryside in the heart of Dublin South!. You can spend a few hours or a full day here and the kids can see animals, participate in workshops, run, play at the zipline and the whole family can indulge in cake and food at the local cafes. Events and camps are organised regularly and they are always fun and educational."

"This working farm allows guests of all ages to learn about food, farming and nature in a relaxed urban setting in Dundrum. Kids can explore at Naturescape with interactive play area for 4-12 year olds which is located in the woodland walk area. A zip wire, balance beams, climbing structure and willow tunnel are proving to be great additions to the estate."

"Airfield Estate dates back to 1894 and was left to the people of Dublin in 1974. Now, it’s a public space, with a working farm, award-winning restaurant, museum, gardens and even beehives. Daily events include egg collection from the hens, calf-feeding and milking."

"This brunch spot in Clontarf has a gorgeous garden terrace for outdoor dining during this lockdown time. They do amazing brunch boxes for takeaway, including an avocado box that comes with tomato salsa and a fried egg, and a chorizo box that comes with scrambled egg and spring onion. Pigeon House is open for outdoor dining or take away between 9AM and 4PM."

"Managed by award-winning restaurateurs Paul Foley and Brian Walsh, this seaside restaurant has a delicious breakfast and brunch menu. Their thick and fluffy buttermilk pancakes doused in berry compote and vanilla yoghurt are truly a sight to behold. For the latest news and breaking news visit dublinlive.ie/news."

"Strategically located in one of Dublin’s largest business districts, this 4 star hotel in south Dublin is just off junction 14 of the M50. It has great transport links around the city and surrounding areas. The Luas Green line is only a two-minute walk from the hotel and the Dublin Aircoach is located on the hotel doorstep"