Famous for clovers, potatoes, drinking and leprechauns, the Republic of Ireland is one of the world’s most naturally beautifully countries. Located on the island of Ireland, the heart of the country is found within the capital of Dublin. Dublin has a rich history and strong culture with friendly locals and an abundance of booze. The city is also perfectly located to venture further and explore some of the most stunning scenery in the Republic of Ireland.
Drink at Temple Bar
Drinking is a strong tradition in Dublin and the city is a popular destination for party breaks with Brits in particular flocking to the country for alcohol-filled weekends. The Temple Bar is one of the most iconic bars in the city and offers a thriving party venue which is central to Dublin’s nightlife scene. The bar dates back to the 1300’s and remains a popular place to this day to enjoy an eventful night.
Price: Free admission – drink prices vary
Hours: Opening times vary
Explore Dublin Castle
Over 800 years of Irish history is held within the walls of Dublin Castle. Dublin Castle spans eleven acres offering both guided and self-guided tours through the rooms, gardens and museums. The tours allow the opportunity to enjoy beautiful architecture and fascinating history within the magnificent structure which has been witness to incredible events.
Price: €7
Hours: Daily 9:45am-5:15pm
Walk over Ha’penny Bridge
Ha’penny Bridge is one of the most photographed locations in Dublin and is beautiful by night and day. The narrow bridge features a unique white-picket design which is lit by antique lanterns at night. The bridge was the first pedestrian bridge over the River Liffey and gets its name from pedestrians paying a halfpenny to cross the bridge when it was first built.
Price: Free
Hours: 24/7
Visit the Guinness factory
The Guinness Storehouse is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Republic of Ireland and offers a tour of Irish brewing history through its seven floors. The interior is designed to resemble a pint of Guinness and also features the Gravity Bar on the seventh floor which is the perfect place to try some Guinness whilst admiring the Dublin skyline for a 360-degree view.
Price: From €15
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 2pm-9pm
See The Spire of Dublin
The Spire of Dublin is one of the city’s easiest monuments to see as you can pretty much see it from every corner of the city. Towering 120 metres from the centre of O’Connell Street, The Spire of Dublin is made from stainless steel and is known as the monument of light due to its constant illumination or reflection of light allowing it to be seen across the city.
Price: Free
Hours: 24/7
Stroll through Phoenix Park
Located in downtown Dublin, the vast Phoenix Park spans over 1700 acres and sits within walled grounds. The extraordinary park features incredible monuments, vast sports fields and endless greenery. In addition, Phoenix Park also offers Dublin Zoo, one of Ireland’s top tourist attractions, which is home to a wild variety of magnificent animals, birds and sealife.
Price: Free (zoo admission is an additional charge)
Hours: 24/7
Get locked up in Kilmainham Gaol
The abandoned prison of Kilmainham Gaol offers guided tours through its restored quarters. Knowledgeable guides will educate you on the history, politics and restoration of the prison throughout your journey through the grounds. The guides offer interesting facts about Irish history and the former inmates of this prison.
Price: €4 (under 12’s go free)
Hours: Vary throughout the year
Appreciate St. Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the largest church in all of Ireland and stands proudly on Dublin soil. The cathedral is an architectural wonder both inside and out which is magnificent to explore. Built in 1191, St Patrick’s Cathedral has witnessed over 800 years of Irish history and is also the location of the final resting place of Jonathan Swift, the author of Gulliver’s Travels.
Price: €8 adults and €7 children
Hours: Monday to Saturday 9:30am-5pm
Learn at the National Museum of Ireland
The National Museum of Ireland is the best museum in Dublin and showcases a wealth of Irish history. Featuring exhibitions such as archaeology, Vikings and exquisite gold, the museum offers an eclectic mix of historic and unique artefacts. The museum also features an interesting collection of “bog men”, the recovered bodies found in bogs across Ireland, and has a story attached to each body offering an incredible insight into the lives of these men.
Price: Free
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday to Monday 1pm-5pm
Day trip to Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most stunning areas of the Republic of Ireland. Just a short distance from Dublin, the Cliffs of Moher is a natural wonder and a breathtaking landscape to witness. The area has also been a popular filming location for blockbuster movies including Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince as the area where Harry and Dumbledore search for a horcrux.
Price: Free to visit but excursion prices vary
Hours: 24/7 but excursion times vary
