What to do in Dublin

There are no end of attractions and days out in Dublin and the surrounding area. Many visitors who come to the capital for just a few days may be so entranced by the city’s Georgian architecture and lure of traditional pubs and eateries that some go their whole stay without seeing one of the many attractions and that really is what to do in Dublin for many visitors.

You should never be stuck for what to do in Dublin. The main tourist’s sights you may have heard of are Trinity college, the university founded in 1592 and includes the book of Kells and the spectacular long room as their main draws, The National Museum of Ireland, encompassing Egyptian mummies and many fascinating exhibitions and The National Gallery, including Monets, Goyas and Irelands own Jack B Yeates.

It is however the less well known sights and tours that capture the essence of the city. Tours such as the Viking Splash where you travel in amphibious vehicles, hosted by Norsemen and women and other historical tours are well worth going on, if not to learn about the history of the city, then a way to see sights from another perspective. A related attraction is Dublina and Viking world, a hands on history lesson for adults and children.

If it is cathedrals and churches that bring you to Ireland then you are in luck. Christ Church Cathedral is perhaps the best known, with the crypt and strongbow monument worth a look. Also worth looking at if time permits is St Audoen’s church, the earliest surviving medieval church in the city.
If youre not into history and prefer to soak up some of the Irish drinking culture, then the Guinness storehouse and Old Jamesons Distillery are worthy trips. You can then head to the famous Temple Bar area of the city to research what you have learnt in more detail.

Further afield from the centre Kilmainham Goal, opened in 1796 has an excellent and grizzly tour, not for the feint hearted. If it’s a day trip you are after then Howth, situated on the North of Dublin Bay has many attractions of its own such as Howth Castle, the National Transport Museum and Irelands eye, a haven for puffins, is just a short boat ride away.
When planning what to do in Dublin be aware that some attractions are seasonal and some may need booking in advance.