Dublin is known for its vibrant nightlife, pub culture, Guinness, and Georgian architecture. Find out the 7 best things to do in Ireland’s capital, Dublin. It also holds the largest city park in Europe and the second largest city park in the world after Central Park in New York.
1. Guinness Storehouse
Guinness Storehouse
Enjoy seven floors of interactive experiences at the Guinness Storehouse. Located at St James Gate. You will learn the tales of Ireland’s most iconic beer, hops, yeast strains, and the beer’s unique brewing process. I really enjoyed my time at the Guinness Storehouse, and I have listed a few must-do experiences you should do on your visit below.
Become a Guinness Connoisseur
Enjoy a tasting experience and become a Guinness Connoisseur. During my connoisseur experience, I tasted three different beers, my favorite being the West Indies Porter. The West Indies Porter had hoppy notes of toffee and chocolate while maintaining a refreshing taste.
After tasting the three beers, I got the opportunity to learn how to pour the perfect pint and, of course, drink it too. I most definitely upped my pint-pouring skills. I was impressed with my finished product and got a certificate too.
Make The Day Picture Perfect With a Personalised Pint
Make your day picture perfect with a pint to remember with the STOUTie experience. You can print your selfie on your stout and drink down your face.
Gravity Bar
If you are still standing, head to the Rooftop Gravity Bar. By this time, I was highly tipsy with all the tastings and the pints I had along the way. However, I still managed to down one more, this time with a view of Dublin.
Fancy some hard liquor? Then head down just off Smithfield Square to Jameson Distillery on Bow St.
This factory stands as a pillar of Irish Whiskey in Ireland. You can choose from various experiences, including whiskey tasting, cocktail making, or learn how to blend your own Whiskey while you visit the distillery.
3. Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle
The Dublin Castle stretched back to the Viking age and was constructed in the thirteenth century. It is the city’s historical heart and has served many purposes over the years, including as a military fortress, prison, treasury, court of law, and the seat of English Administration in Ireland for 700 years. Today it is used for state events.
I spent time walking the grounds and surrounding area. Reading all the information boards for more understanding of the history. There is no admission fee to walk around the castle grounds, the chapel, or the Beatty Library; however, if you wish to enter the Castle, it will cost you 6EUR.
4. Dublin Pub Crawl
Temple Bar, Dublin
Take yourself an Irish bar crawl around Dublin and experience the Irish pub culture and lively nightlife.
No matter the time of the day, the Irish drink. I was even enjoying Irish coffee in the mornings, which consisted of hot coffee, Irish Whiskey, and sugar topped with cream. It was delicious and good to get you feeling warm in the mornings. I would recommend starting your day at the Stage Door Café. They classify themselves as Dublin’s best breakfast and make good Irish coffee or other alcoholic hot coffee options.
With over 700 pubs in the city, you will find it easy to find a pub to start your pub crawl. Popular areas are the temple bar neighbourhood, Dame Street, Camden Street, and Grafton Street.
Temple Bar and Brazen Head are two pubs I recommend adding to your crawl. Temple bar is famous all day for its traditional Irish music and large whiskey and beer selections. It is one of the pricier pubs as it is very touristy, but it is worth it for the atmosphere. Then you can taste a little history in your pint at the Brazen Head. The Brazen Head is the oldest pub in Dublin, with years of history, in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
If you need help with a self-guided tour, check out GPSMYCITY, or if you prefer a guided tour, check out GetYourGuide.
5. River Liffey
River Liffey
I would not recommend swimming or canoeing in the River Liffey as it’s not the cleanest. However, it is perfect for an afternoon stroll, enjoying lovely city views. The area is also filled with plenty to see and do, including shops, cafes, and pubs, so you can spend time exploring the city on a self-guided walking tour, shopping, and having some beverages along the way.
6. Trinity College Dublin
Visiting a University while on holiday may seem strange. However, Trinity College has produced some of the world’s finest minds and is one of the most popular places to visit in Dublin. The grounds are stunning to walk around, and its home to a vast amount of history and artifacts. Take your time walking around the grounds admiring the prestigious architecture.
Do a spot of shopping in Stephens Green shopping centre. It has around 100 stores and services and is known for its architectural roof. If you are looking for quirky gifts, shop at George’s street arcade, a Victorian-era building that hosts regularly changing stalls offering various products. If you are into art, books, and culture, on Saturdays you can head to Cow’s Lane, where you will find a busy design and crafts market with locals selling handmade crafts and books.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, Dublin is known for its vibrant nightlife, Guinness and architectural buildings, and city design. You can enjoy walking around the city and learning the history of the stout at the Guinness Storehouse or whiskey at the Jameson Whiskey Distillery.