You haven't been to Ireland unless you've visited the city of Dublin. The capital has so much to offer, from world-class attractions like the Guinness Storehouse to charming districts like Temple Bar.
If this is your first time visiting the Irish capital, you're probably asking yourself, "Where should I visit in Dublin?" Well, the city is small enough compared to its other European counterparts. However, you can pack plenty of places into your itinerary in one visit.
In this guide, we'll show you where to visit in Dublin when you arrive, including some well-known tourist hotspots and lesser-known gems.
Let's get started.
Temple Bar
Temple Bar is Dublin's cultural quarter, famous for its quaint cobblestoned streets, quintessential traditional Irish pubs, and vibrant nightlife scene.
The district is conveniently located along the banks of the River Liffey's south side. Many tourists base themselves here for their trip to Dublin due to its close proximity to some of the city's top highlights, like Trinity College and the Ha'penny Bridge.
Whether you want to marvel at some insanely cool street art or indulge in a pint or two of Guinness, Temple Bar is the place to be for tourists coming to Dublin.
Grafton Street
The beautiful Grafton Street lies between Trinity College and St. Stephen's Green. It's one of Europe's busiest shopping streets, with a mix of stores, including some of the world's most exclusive brands like Levi's and The North Face.
Even if you're not a shopper, Grafton Street is still a sight to behold. As you walk up, you'll be met by local buskers, notable landmarks like the Molly Malone Statue, and world-class hotels such as The Shelbourne.
St. Stephen's Green
Sitting at the top of Grafton Street is St. Stephen's Green, an urban oasis where locals and tourists alike congregate when they need a break from Dublin's chaos.
This 22-acre public park dates back to the 1880s, when Dublin was at the height of its Victorian period. It's filled with short walking trails, blooming flowers, historical sculptures, Victorian Swiss shelters, and a massive pond where you can feed the ducks.
While St. Stephen's Green is a public park, it only stays open when it's bright out, so plan your visit accordingly.
The Guinness Storehouse
Arguably, Dublin's most popular attraction, The Guinness Storehouse, is a fantastic interactive exhibit where visitors can learn all about Ireland's legendary stout.
Uncover the success story of Guinness as a brand and get a better understanding of its brewing process through immersive displays.
Before you leave, remember to visit the Gravity Bar on the 7th floor of the building for your complimentary pint, which comes with every ticket. You'll be blown away by the 360-degree view of Dublin when you're up there; it's one of the best in the city.
The Phoenix Park
Home to Dublin Zoo, the President of Ireland, and a large population of 600 wild deer, the Phoenix Park is one of Europe's largest city parks, spanning 700 acres.
There's so much to see and do in Phoenix Park that you could easily spend a whole day there. Be sure to get your photo taken at the Papal Cross, walk around the Magazine Fort, and admire the Phoenix Monument.
If you're lucky enough, you might see a couple of wild deer roaming freely throughout the park. One common sighting spot is the huge field in front of the Papal Cross. You can get quite close to them, but don't go too far because they can become aggressive if you're not careful.
Howth
The gorgeous fishing village of Howth is Dublin's most talked about suburb. Situated a short 26-minute drive from the city, Howth is a brilliant day trip option for visitors with a lovely harbor, breathtaking coastal walks, and dramatic sea cliffs.
The main attraction here is the Howth Cliff Walk, which offers walkers incredible coastal views and, depending on when they visit, seal spotting opportunities. Keep an eye out for the Baily Lighthouse and Lambay Island across the sea, two must-see sights on the trail.
If you're feeling peckish after your stroll, head over to Beshoff Bros Fish and Chips for a snack. Their North Atlantic Fresh Cod is a hit among the locals.
Killiney Hill
Give your legs a stretch and get into nature with a hike up to the top of Killiney Hill, offering spectacular vistas of the suburbs of Killiney and Dalkey.
Killiney Hill is a moderate hike. At only 153 meters high, it is accessible to people of all fitness levels. While the view up the top is the main draw for many, there's also an interesting obelisk monument and a stone pyramid at the top.
To reach Killiney Hill from Dublin City, you can take the train to Killiney DART station and take the 16-minute walk from there.
Trinity College
Trinity College is the country's elite educational institute; it attracts tourists from around the globe for its impressive architecture and historical manuscripts, including The Book of Kells.
The Book of Kells is a medieval handwritten manuscript containing the four Gospels of the New Testament in Latin. It dates back to 800 AD and is carefully stored away in the Old Library Building.
Visitors are able to see the Book of Kells by booking a tour online through Trinity College's website. You should reserve your spot in advance because tickets sell out fast.
After getting up close to see the Book of Kells, you'll have the chance to walk around the Long Room, which, with its high bookshelves and wooden designs, resembles something from one of the Harry Potter movies. It features over 250,000 of the oldest books in the country that can be seen as you walk around.
Visiting Dublin in 2024? Don't Miss out on These Places!
There's nowhere else on the planet like Dublin. It has everything that makes up a magnificent city: a rich history, wonderful attractions, friendly people, and a unique culinary scene waiting to be discovered.
What are you waiting for? It's time to start planning your visit to Dublin in 2024!
