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    Things to Do in Dublin, Ireland

    July 23, 2019 by Jana Leave a Comment

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    This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and participant in other programs, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

    Taking a vacation to the capital of the Emerald Isle? In this travel guide I share an itinerary of things to do, places to stay and eat in Dublin so you can make the most of your vacation to Ireland.

    Things to do in Dublin Ireland

    Ireland is a popular destinations for all kinds of travelers. Solo backpackers and families alike flock to this small island every year to experience the culture, drink a pint and enjoy everything it has to offer.

    The capital city of Dublin is easily accessible by major airlines and there are some great deals from many US cities.

    Getting around Dublin by foot is very easy. Just don’t forget to pack a raincoat, umbrella and waterproof shoes, as it rains most of the year all over Ireland.

    Things to Do in Dublin, Ireland

    St. Stephen’s Green

    St Stephen's Green Park entrance
    St Stephen's Green Park Dublin Ireland

    This city park is a green respite next to Grafton street -one of the busiest shopping streets in Dublin. The park is not very big, but if you are looking to take a stroll after dinner or a quiet open space to read a book, this is where you want to go.

    Trinity College

    Trinity College Dublin Ireland
    Trinity College Dublin Ireland

    The college offers paid tours given by students at set times. Tours cost around 15 euros per person and do not include the fee for the Book of Kells and Library.

    If you opt to not take the tour, you can wander around campus freely and go directly to the Book of Kells Exhibition.

    The Book of Kells and Trinity College Library

    Trinity College Library in Dublin Ireland

    The book of Kells is a very ornate gospel book dating back to 800AD in exhibition at the Trinity College. No photography is allowed inside and there is usually a line to get in. Once inside, you are funneled into different rooms until you form a single file line into the main room where the book is held and you can rotate around the glass viewing table to see it.

    After that, you exit through the Long Room in the Trinity College Library, which houses the oldest books in the college.

    It’s a spectacular room with busts of famous Greek scholars. A fun fact is that you won’t find the letter J on the shelves as the library is organized based on the Greek alphabet which does not have a J.

    St Patrick’s Cathedral

    St Patricks Cathedral Dublin Ireland

    The largest and tallest church in Ireland, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a Dublin institution. You can marvel at the architecture from ceiling to floor or attend services.

    For the kiddos, there is a learning area where puzzles, blocks and art activities are offered free of charge for visitors. These activities are related to the construction of the cathedral – the arches for blocks, stained window puzzles and different Saints for art.

    Dublin Castle

    Dublin Castle Ireland

    If you are only visiting Dublin in Ireland and want to visit a Castle, the Dublin Castle is right in town and does not require transportation.

    There are other several other castles in the greater Dublin area, but these require travel outside the city center.

    Ha’Penny Bridge

    Ha'Penny Bridge in Dublin Ireland

    The Ha’Penny Bridge has an important part in the history of Dublin. It was built in 1816 to replace the ferries that took people across the river Liffey and it’s called Ha’Penny Bridge (although the official name is Liffey Bridge), because the guy who built it charged a toll for pedestrians to cross it. The price of the crossing was 1 1/2 pence so the bridge was known as Penny Ha’Penny bridge.

    Temple Bar

    Temple Bar in Dublin Ireland

    There is virtually a pub in every corner of the country and for the Irish the local pub is a gathering place, where neighbors socialize and keep tabs on each other.

    The Temple Bar however is where the party scene starts in Dublin and the striking red facade is popular with visitors.

    Distilleries and Breweries

    Some people recognize whiskey and dark beer as staples in Ireland.

    Here are three distilleries or breweries that are popular with visitors to Dublin.

    Guinness Storehouse

    Super famous, this complex hosts tours and has several restaurants in house. At the end of the tour you are awarded a nice pint of Guinness.

    Jameson Irish Whiskey

    If you are not visiting Cork, where the main Jameson distillery is, you can visit the one in Dublin to learn how this whiskey is made.

    Teeling Whiskey

    A smaller, more intimate tour, this is a shorter visit, but worth the trip if you are a fan of whiskey.

    Where to Eat in Dublin

    We were only in Dublin for a couple days, but here are some of our favorites.

    Wagamama

    A casual Asian fusion chain with fast service and nice portions. This is a very kid-friendly option for a casual and delicious meal.

    Wagamama Teryaki bowl
    Wagamama Noodles

    The Rustic Stone

    For foodies and a more upscale meal, try the Rustic Stone. The food was delicious and the ambience perfect for a cozy meal.

    Cod fish cakes wrapped in prosciutto from the Rustic Stone Restaurant in Dublin Ireland
    Pasta dish from the Rustic Stone Restaurant in Dublin Ireland

    Hanley’s Cornish Pasty

    If you are looking for a quick bite that is both affordable and filling, try Hanley’s Cornish Pasty. These hand pies are an ample meal for one and only cost 5 euros! I ate the traditional which had steak, potatoes and onions. Delish!

    Meat pie from Hanley Cornish Pasty Dublin Ireland

    Grain and Grill

    For a brasserie type of restaurant, try the Grain and Grill. I had a Piri-Piri chicken with sweet potato fries that was delicious!

    Piri Piri Chicken dinner with sweet Potato fries from Grain and Grill restaurant in Dublin Ireland

    Scoop Dessert Parlour

    For those sweet cravings, head over to Scoop. You will find a variety of flavors and traditional offerings.

    Scoop Dessert Parlour store in Dublin Ireland

    Where to Stay in Dublin

    There are amazing hotels in Dublin and here are just a few options that you have. My recommendation is that you stay close to the city center so that you can walk to the majority of these attractions.

    We stayed at the Maldron Hotel and this location was right across the St. Patrick’s Cathedral and within walking distance to almost everything.

    We also had a rental car, so affordable parking was important to us and we didn’t have to pay anything at the Maldron Hotel for parking.

    These are other options that were also favorites of our family and friends.

    Links on this page are affiliate links, which means I might receive a small commission from your purchase from Amazon or other retailers.

    Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin
    Conrad Dublin
    Iveagh Garden Hotel Dublin
    Maldron Hotel Dublin

    For more travel posts, click here. If you enjoyed this post about things to do in Dublin, Ireland, you might also enjoy these:

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    Don’t forget to follow my travel or lifestyle accounts on Instagram and to subscribe to my YouTube channel for videos.

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    This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and participant in other programs, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

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    I’m Jana. I am fueled by travel and everything good about life. If you are infected by wanderlust, love good food and the outdoors, let’s be friends!

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