Dublin, Ireland. A must-visit destination. One for the bucket list. I’ve only ever been twice – once at Christmas time and once for the New Year – and neither time left me disappointed. Full of beautiful cobbled streets, steeped in history, and home to an abundance of Guinness barrels, this capital city is sure to provide you with plenty of fun things to do, whether you have a fleeting visit for an afternoon or venture out for the full week.
And here are five things in particular I really loved about it…
Discovering the historic side of the city
When it comes to wanting to immerse yourself in history, Dublin certainly has you covered. The city is crawling with historical sights, and authentic architecture greets you at every twist and turn. Take a step back in time to the very beginning at Dublinia, where you can discover everything you need to know about Viking Dublin and Medieval Dublin. Waltz between the Georgian Palace walls at Dublin Castle, or gaze at the beautiful cathedral exteriors. And, of course, take a walk across Ha’Penny bridge, the very first footbridge in Dublin to cross the River Liffey and now one of Dublin’s most photographed attractions.
Pulling pints at Guinness Storehouse
I’ll be honest – I’m not a Guinness lover. In fact, I am not a fan of the stuff in the slightest. But no trip to Dublin would be complete without visiting the Guinness Storehouse and discovering the history and heart of Dublin’s iconic beer. Amble around seven breath-taking floors, follow the journey of Guinness from barley to pint glass, learn how to get the perfect pour, and finish things off by taking in the impressive panoramic views of Dublin from the gravity bar… What’s not to love?!
Gawping in awe at Trinity College Library
If you’re a self-confessed bookworm like me, then you simply cannot miss Trinity College Library. Nestled within the opulent grounds of Trinity College, this library is home to thousands upon thousands of books. The highlight, without a doubt, is the Long Room. Holding 200,000 books and manuscripts, this chamber is sure to leave you gazing in wonderment and feeling inspired by the charming, endless rows of pages on shelves. I didn’t struggle to get utterly lost in here for a couple of hours, simply enjoying the enchanting sights surrounding me.
An abundance of cosy pub grub
Foodies rejoice! Dublin is home to a growing food scene, from humble pubs to gourmet private dining restaurants, you can find something to satisfy your taste buds. For me? Candle-lit taverns are a sure winner. It doesn’t take long to stumble across a charming pub whilst wandering around Dublin, and they soon became my favourite place to settle down and indulge in some hearty grub, often while surrounded by a great atmosphere, charismatic staff, and a spot of live music. Think warm Irish stews, rich fruity breads, traditional potato pancakes, and fish and crustaceans caught from Ireland’s very own shores. All washed down with a pint, of course.
Getting lost among the bright nightlife
Whilst Dublin is alive the sights and sounds of revelry around the clock, when the sun sets and night falls is when the city truly comes to life. The cobbled streets are rife with energetic individuals indulging in drinks, delights and general merriments, while spirited music can be heard around every corner. Don’t be fooled into thinking the nightlife is all about the drinks – it’s about the almost tangible energy, the excited hustle and bustle, and the intriguing characters you’ll meet in each and every pub.
Now, who’s coming back to Dublin with me? Which of the above activities would you want to do first?