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Table of Contents
What Dublin attractions Should I Visit ?
This is a question we get asked quite often and our answer is always ‘All Of Them’! But hey, we know that may be difficult so we thought we would list our top “10 Must See Dublin Attractions Before You Die!”
We could have made it 50 but didn’t think that was realistic unless you have a whole month to spare, so here goes with the list. Hope you like!
1.Christchurch Cathedral
Not only is Christchurch Dublin’s spiritual heart, it’s also Dublin’s oldest building. The first bishop of Dublin, King Sitriuc Silkbeard and Dunan, king of the Dublin Norsemen, founded the Cathedral in 1030. It’s a very historic building and definitely one of the most important in terms of its cultural significance. It has been a place of pilgrimage for nearly a 1,000 years and it’s also one of Dublin’s most visited attractions.
It’s renown for its beauty, architecture and exquisite floor tiles. And, its home to a famous 12th Century crypt, one of the oldest and largest (63 Metres in length) in Ireland and Britain. It has witnessed many significant events over the years including the crowning of Lambert Simnel as Edward vi in 1487. Not only does it house many ancient artifacts and important manuscripts, it’s also home to a spectacular display of 16th Century costumes from the TV series ‘The Tudors’ designed by Emmy award winner Joan Bergin. One of the best Dublin Attractions to be seen!
Highlights of Christchurch Cathedral
- Dublin’s Oldest Building
- Contains the Oldest Largest Cathedral Crypt In Ireland
- Many Ancient Artifacts & Important Documents
- 16th Century Costumes from the TV series ‘The Tudors’
- Gothic Nave
- Stained Glass Windows
- Secular Carvings
- Exquisite Floor Tiles
Christchurch Cathedral Visiting Details
- Address: Christchurch Place, Dublin 8
- Phone: +353 1 677 8099
- Opening Times: May – Sept, Mon – Sat 09.30 am – 7.00 pm, Sun 12.30 – 15.30 & 16.30 – 19.00| Nov – Feb, Mon – Sat 9.00 am – 5 pm, Sun – Closed.| Oct, Mar & April Mon – Sat 9.00 am – 6.00 pm, Sun – Closed………..Closed: 25th – 26th December
- Last Admission-45 minutes before closing
- Prices: €7.00 adult, €5.50 senior/student, €2.50 child, €17 family, Group rate: €5.00 adult. (Guided tours extra €4.00)
- Web Site: christchurchcathedral.ie
- How to get there from Dublin: Bus: 90, 49, 54a, 65b, 123, LUAS: Red Line to Four Courts stop, Train: Pearse Station
2. Dublinia
See history bought to life in this wonderful exhibition centre. Dublinia is situated at the crossroads of the Medieval City at Christchurch, Dublin 8. There are 4 exciting exhibitions to see there.
- Viking Dublin Exhibition
Experience life as Viking. Try out the Viking weapons. Wear Viking clothes. Drink at a Viking Bar. Walk down a Viking Street. Hear the tales, read some Viking poetry. Everything you always wanted to know about Vikings can be seen, heard or taught at this great attraction.
- Medieval Dublin Exhibition
Ever wondered what life was like in Dublin 700 years ago. Well, wonder no more. You can find yourself taken back in time at the Medieval Dublin Exhibition. What were the diseases of the time?. How did people dress?. What was warfare like then? All this and more can be seen for yourself, you can even walk down a Medieval Street where you can smell the foods of the time. Great fun for the whole family.
- History Hunters Exhibition
Uncover Dublin’s past by seeing how archaeology works in finding Dublin’s secret history. See Viking & Medieval artifacts, even human skeletons, which explain to us what happened back then. Visit the lab to see how bugs and dirt tell us a story of the times past.
- St Michael’s Tower
Is an original Medieval Tower recently renovated for modern use. The Tower features an exhibition centre where you can learn about Dublin’s Medieval history. Then, if you can maage the 96 step climb to the top of the Tower, you will be rewarded with some simply stunning views! Another of the best Dublin Attractions to be found!
Dublinia Visiting Details
- Address: St. Michaels Hill, Christchurch, Dublin 8
- Phone: +353 1 679 4611
- Web Site: http://www.dublinia.ie/
- Opening Hours: Mon – Sun, 10 – 6.30 Mar-Sept, 10 – 5.30 Oct – Feb (Last Admission. 1 hour before close)
- Prices: Adult € 9.50, Senior (over 60) € 8.50, Student () € 8.50, Child (4-12) € 6, Toddler 0-3 free), Family (2 adults-2 children) € 25.00
- How to get there: Dublinia is located at the crossroads of St Michael’s Hill, Patrick Street and High Street. It is also connected to Christ Church Cathedral by a medieval footbridge.By Bus: Take bus numbers 13, 49, 54a, 56a, 77a or 123 or via any hop-on, hop-off bus tour.By Luas (tram): Take the Red Line to the Four Courts stop. It is then a 7 minute walk to Dublinia.
3. Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle is right in the heart of this historic City. It stands at the junction of the River Liffey and it’s tributary the ‘Poddle’. It was the site of central administration under 700 years of British Rule until 1922. Currently, the castle is mainly used for ceremonial occasions, exhibitions, and even concerts.
Highlights of Dublin Castle
- State Apartments: Built as residential quarters with beautiful 18th Century architecture
- Chapel Royal: Spectacular Gothic Interiors
- Castle Gardens: Stunning Displays and Flora
- Viking Excavation: Explore the Medieval castle wall, historical gates and viking remains
- Chester Beatty Library & Gallery: See ancient manuscripts & artifacts
Dublin Castle Visitor Details
- Address: Dublin Castle, Dame St, Dublin 2
- Phone: +353(0)16458813
- Web Site: www.dublincastle.ie
- Opening Hours: Mon – Sat 09.45 – 4.45 pm, Sun 12 – 4.45 pm
- Prices: Guided tours is the best option as you get access to all sections: Adult €10, Senior (60+) €8, Student (valid student ID required) €8, Child (12-17) €4, Family (max. 2 adults & 5 children) €24
How to get there: Located at the very heart of Dublin, within easy walking distance of many top tourist Dublin Attractions
By Bus
Buses stopping on nearby George’s Street: 9, 14, 15, 15A, 15B, 16, 65, 68, 83, 122, 140.
Buses stopping on nearby Dame Street: 13, 27, 40, 49, 54A, 56A, 77A, 123, 150, 151, 747.
To plan your route with Dublin Bus, please click here.
By Tram
The closest Luas stops are St Stephen’s Green on the Green Line and Jervis on the Red Line. To plan your route using the Luas, please click here.
4. The Guinness Storehouse
Guinness is of course synonymous with Ireland. The 2 go hand in hand and no visit to Ireland would be complete without a visit to this very popular attraction. Located in the heart of the legendary St. James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin, this production site has been home to the Guinness Brewery since 1759, when Arthur Guinness signed a lease for 9,000 years. This 7 storey walkabout will teach you how Guinness is made, its history and even how to pour the perfect pint. You will of course, be given ample opportunity to taste the iconic drink for yourself.
Highlights of The Guinness Storehouse
- Glass Atrium: You stand at the bottom of the worlds biggest Pint Glass. It’s quite a weird feeling and needs 14.3 Million pints of Guinness to fill!
- Gravity Bar: Enjoy the 7th storey, 360 degree panoramic views from this extraordinary bar!
- The Storehouse: Learn how it’s made!
- The Tasting Rooms: Taste it for yourself. You never have? Are you mad?
- Souvenir Shop: A whole range of Guinness merchandise for you to buy. Some great gifts!
The Guinness Storehouse Visitor Details
- Address: St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8
- Phone: +353 1 408 4800
- Web Site: guinness-storehouse.com
- Opening Hours: Sept – June 9.30 am – 5 pm, July – Aug 9.00 am – 5 pm
- Prices: Adult: €25.00 ; Child (13-16) €16.00; Child (under 12) free
- How to get there: Bus- start point: Dublin city centre, (Journey time 10 mins)
- . Bus 123 from O’Connell Street runs every 8-10 minutes
- . Bus 123 from Dame Street runs every 8-10 minutes
- Nearest tram/luas stop is at St James’s Hospital.
5. St Patrick’s Cathedral
This beautiful Cathedral was built-in the 13th Century, in honour or Ireland’s patron St.Patrick. It’s a very important landmark in Dublin as it’s the main Cathedral of the church of Ireland. It’s sited next to a well where legend has it, St Patrick baptised converts to Christianity back in the 5th Century.
Construction of the current building started in 1220 though there were other buildings before then, probably smaller and made of wood. The tower is called Minot’s Tower, named after the former archbishop of Dublin. There are over 200 Monuments to see and a very impressive altar which makes St Patrick’s so breathtaking!
The saying “To chance your arm” was born in this very Cathedral. In 1442 two family’s were feuding and one group took refuge in the Cathedral. The head of the other family wanted peace, but the family refused, so he cut out a hole and put his hand through it to shake their hands. The Door of Reconciliation is still there today as a lesson for all of us.
Highlights of St Patrick’s Cathedral
- Cathedral Tower: Climb Minot’s Tower (as it’s called) see the bells and the views
- Monuments: Statues of famous politicians & Militarians. 200 monuments in total.
- Music: There are many services, usually daily.
St Patrick’s Visitor Details
- Address: St Patrick’s Close, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Phone Contact: 00 353 (0)1 4539472
- Web Address: https://www.stpatrickscathedral.ie
- Getting There: From nearby Dublin City Centre, Buses 49, 54a, 56a, 77a & 151
- Opening Times: Monday – Sunday 9.30 to 5.00 (check for services)
- Price: 7 Euros Adults, 6 Euros Children, Students & Senior Citizens
- Payment Type: Credit Card & Debit Cards online
- Reservations: Booking Online available
- Parking: Plenty of parking spaces & disabled access
- Times of Services:
Mon – Fri: Matins 9am – 9.30am (School term time)
Evensong 17.30 – 18.00
Eucharist 11.05 (Wed & Thurs)
Saturday: Eucharist 11.05
Sunday: Eucharist 8.30am, Matins 11.15am, Evensong 15.15pm
6. Dublin Zoo
Located in Phoenix Park, you won’t believe you’re in the middle of a City, such is the vast expanse of parkland on view. There are 28 hectares and over 400 animals to see in one of Dublin’s most popular attractions with over 1 Million visitors each year.
Amongst other rare and exotic animals there are Asian lions, Asian elephants, a Reptile House, an orangutan enclosure, sea lions, tigers, hippos, bats, and penguins. Facilities include restaurants, kids play areas, and a family farm.
The surrounding parkland contains hundreds of Deer that roam around freely creating an amazing view.
Dublin Zoo Highlights
- Orangutan Forest: Watch the Orangutans climb their 30 foot high trees!
- African Savannah: Just like a real Safari!
- Gorilla Rainforest: See the Gorilla’s in a natural environment
- Zoorassic World: Dublin zoo’s new home for reptiles past and present
- Daily Talks & Feedings
- Animal Webcams
Dublin Zoo Visitor Details
- Address: Phoenix Park, Dublin 8
- Phone Contact: +353 1 474 8900
- Web Address: https://www.dublinzoo.ie
- Getting There: Bus: 25, 26, 46a, 66/66A/66B, 67 | LUAS: 15 minute walk from Heuston Red Line stop
- Opening Times: Mar – Sept 09.30 – 6.00 pm
- Price: Adult: €18.00 Child: €13.20
7. Kilmainham Gaol
This infamous Gaol (Jail) was built-in 1789 and has a very notorious past in Irish Nationalism. It was here that the leaders of the 1916 rebels were first incarcerated and then executed for what was seen as an act of high treason. Just one of the acts that eventually led to the Free Irish State and independence from Britain in 1922.
The exhibition in the modern hall gives us a taste of what conditions would have been like for the prisoners. The other exhibitions are just as interesting, such as the “Stonebreaker’s Yard” where the ‘rebels’ met their grisly end.
Kilmainham Gaol Highlights
- Guided Tours:
- Stonebreaker’s Yard: See where the rebels met their grisly fate
- Exhibitions: Detailing political & penal history
- Audio-visual show
- Experience life in the cells
Kilmainham Gaol Visitor Details
- Address: Inchicore Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, D08 T2X5
- Phone Contact: +353 (1) 453 5984
- Web Address: www.kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie
- Getting There: Dublin Bus Route(s):No. 69 & 79 from Aston Quay Dublin 2, No 13 & 40 from O’Connell St. Dublin 1 or College Green Dublin 2, Red Line – Nearest stop Suir Road.
- Opening Times: Generally 9 am – 6 pm but till 7 pm in summer time
- Price: Adult €8, Senior €6, Child/Student €4 and Family €20. Children under 12 Free
8. National Botanic Gardens
After the stress & Horror of the Kilmainham Gaol, perhaps a nice, calm visit to Dublin’s National Botanical Gardens will be just what you need. Famed for it’s exquisitely restored planted glasshouses, this is one of Dublin’s top attractions due to the stunning green space filled with trees, flowers, fountains, bridges and perfectly manicured lawns and hedges. Over the 48 acres, you will find over 20,000 species of plants and over 300 endangered species of plants, including six species that are now actually extinct!
The Glasshouses of ‘Turner Curvilinear Range’ and the ‘Great Palm House’, are both recipients of the Europa Nostra award for excellence in conservation architecture. A definite on our list of Dublin Attractions!
Highlights of Dublin’s National Botanical Gardens
- Visitor Centre: Restaurant, lecture hall and exhibits
- Arboretum
- Great Palm House
- Turner Curvilinear Range
- Alpine Yard
- Pond Area
National Botanical Gardens Visitor’s Details
- Address: Glasnevin, Dublin 9, D09 VY63, Ireland.
- Phone Contact: + 353 1 804 0300
- Web Address: http://botanicgardens.ie/
- Getting There: By foot: 3 minute walk from the City centre: By Bus No’s 4, 9 or 83
- Opening Times: Mar – Nov, mon – Fri 9 – 5 pm, Sat & Sun 10 – 6 pm.| Nov – Feb Mon – Fri 9 – 4.30 pm, Sat & Sun 10.00- 4.30 pm
- Daily Guided Tours: Monday to Saturday at 11.30 and 15.30 – €5 per person. Free Guided Tours every Sunday at 12.00 and 14.30.
- Price: €6.00
9. Teelings Whisky Distillery Store
A must do attraction for whisky fans. The guided tour will teach you all the processes involved with your favourite tipple, from distillery to dram!. Founded in 1782 Teelings is involved in a renaissance at the moment with Irish Whisky being in the fastest growing spirit category in the world.
Highlights of Teelings Whisky Distillery Tour
- Tour of the Distillery
- Complimentary Whisky & Cocktail Tasting at the Bang Bang Bar overlooking the City
- Visitors centre & souvenir shop
Teelings Whisky Dustillery Store Visitor Details
- Address: 13-17 Newmarket, Dublin 8
- Phone Contact: 00353 1 5310888
- Web Address: https://teelingdistillery.com
- Getting There: Bus- 27, 56a, 77a, 150 & 151
- Opening Times: Mon – Sun 9 – 7 pm
- Price: Adult: €15.00; Child: free
10. Irish Rock n Roll Music Museum
Here you will find all your favourite Irish Rock n roll stars over the decades, including U2, Phil Lynott, Rory Gallagher, Sinead O’Connor, Shane MacGowan, Bob Geldof, The Undertones and Luke Kelly. You can see the wall of fame, where you can pick out your favourite rock n roll icons. Or there’s the ‘vintage equipment section” where you’ll find all the old style music equipment but especially guitars.There’s even a rehearsal room where you can ‘riff’ your favorite tunes. It’s a totally awesome rock experience dude! And one of the best Dublin Attractions!
Highlights of the Irish Rock n Roll museum
- Vintage Equipment on display
- Rehearsal Studio
- Wall of Fame
- Irish Music
- Thin Lizzy section
- Cinematic Experience
- Experience the thrill of the backstage!
Irish Rock n Roll Museum Visitor Details
- Address: Curved St, Templebar, Dublin 2
- Phone Contact: 00353 1 635 1993
- Web Address: https://irishrocknrollmuseum.com
- Getting There: Easy access from buses and trams
- Opening Times: 11 am – 6.30 pm Mon – Sun
- Price: Adult: €16.00, Child €8 (Under 5’s Free), Family €45 (2 Adults & 2 Children)
Thanks for reading our Blog post. You may be interested in another of our posts “10 must see places to visit in N.Ireland”
