A Brief guide to Dublin’s attractions
Dublin is my hometown, and I’ve had the privilige of showing visitors around on tours here for the last 7 years. However, a visit to Dublin can be daunting, especially if you’re on limited time. I have prepared a quick guide to all of the most popular sites to see in the city. There are also some lesser known sites, as well as things to do on a budget. If you want to book a guide to show you some around, click the contact form above. All information is correct as of January 2024. Alan
Guinness Storehouse – Guinness is the most popular paid attraction in Dublin. Situated in the former fermentation building, it opened as a visitor attraction in 2000. It’s very big, so allow about 3-4 hours to really get good value out of this. Ideally, go with company as most of it is set up as a social bar experience. It’s impossible to do it in under 90 minutes. NB you won't see the beer being brewed, it's just a giant interactive museum with several bars on the top levels. You can even get a picture of yourself in the foam (A ‘Stoutie’!) The Gravity bar was expanded in 2020 to give an unparalleled skyline view of Dublin. Tickets start at €26 for Adults. https://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/tickets
In the Guinness Gravity Bar with its stunning views
Book of Kells & Long Room Library (Trinity College) – This can get very crowded so book in advance. The Book of Kells is probably the best preserved medieval manuscript in the world - a hand decorated New Testament gospels dating to approximately 800AD. The library itself dates back to 1732 and is due to close in late 2025 for renovations - it is still open for visitors, but most of the books are now temporarily in conservation. The Book of Kells itself will be remain throughout the conservation works. A new audio visual experience is already open too which adds to the experience. Students and graduates of the college can take 3 guests in for free, for life. Takes 45-90 mins depending on which experience you book. Admission is €25 for adults for the full experience but limited library only tickets are available. https://www.tcd.ie/visitors/book-of-kells/tickets/
‘I heard it’s closed?’
The Long room library will remain open until 2025, although many books are in conservation.
Kilmainham Gaol* (pronounced Jail) - Victorian prison now converted into a museum. 14 of the leaders of the Irish uprising against British rule in 1916 were imprisoned and later executed here. This books out weeks in advance, but you can buy a resale ticket on the day at 9.15am online. If you just turn up without a ticket, you won't get in. Located outside the city, but not too far from Guinness. Usually takes 1.5-2 hours incl museum. Tickets €8 for Adults https://kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie/
St. Patrick’s Cathedral – This cathedral is the largest and most famous in Ireland. It dates back to 1192, although there was a church on the site previously. Local stories say it was built on the site used by St. Patrick to baptise locals, and a well was uncovered nearby in 1902. The Cathedral has been part of the Anglican communion since the reformation and is home to many famous burials including that of its former dean Johnathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels. Marsh’s library, the oldest in Dublin is right next door. Takes 45 mins. Guided tours are currently not operating, but they have a great audio guide. Tickets €7 for Adults https://www.stpatrickscathedral.ie/visit
Dublinia & Christ Church. Dublinia is an interpretive exhibition on Viking and Medieval Dublin that aims to replicate life in the city over 1000 years ago. Christ Church is the oldest functioning building in Dublin and the guided tours provide access to the bell tower where they let visitors ring the bells over the city of Dublin. You can usually buy a combination ticket for both attractions as they are in conjoined buildings and save about 40% on admission, but this must be purchased at Dublinia itself. Takes 1 hour for each
https://christchurchcathedral.ie/
Dublin Castle - See how Dublin was shaped by British rule over 800 years. From 13th century castle ruins up to the rebellion period and independence. The grounds are free to visit, but tour is extra. A guided tour is the only way to see the medieval ruins underground, as well as the interior of the Chapel Royal. 1hr with guided tour.
Jameson Bow Street – the historic site of the Jameson whiskey distillery. This site has not been in use since the 1920s and Jameson left Dublin for Middleton in Cork in the 1970s. However the site offers an overview of the history of Jameson and a tasting is included. There are also tiered packages that offer more of a high-end experience. (If you want to see an actual distillery in operation you can visit Jameson in Middleton but it’s 3 hrs from Dublin. Alternatively in Dublin visit Teeling, Roe & Co, Pearse Lyons or Dublin Liberties Distillery – see below) https://www.jamesonwhiskey.com/en-ie/visit-our-distilleries/jameson-bow-street-distillery-tour/
Epic/Jeanie Johnston – EPIC is an award winning interactive exhibition telling the story of Irish emigration throughout history. Most people will be aware of the emigration due to famine in 1845-51, but the tale begins much earlier and carries on to the modern day. The famine is only a small feature of the story of EPIC, which is more of a celebration of the Irish influence around the world. Nearby, docked on the river Liffey, there is a replica famine ship called the Jeanie Johnston. This ship offers a glimpse of the hardship suffered by emigrants on their 6 week journey to North America. Epic and the Jeanie Johnston are separate attractions but are right beside each other and tell two sides of the same story. A combination ticket is available for both at a discount.
https://jeaniejohnston.ie/times-and-prices/
On a budget
National Archaeology Museum - Artifacts from prehistoric -15th century Ireland, taking in Celts, Vikings and Anglo-Normans free admission, takes approx 1 hr
National Museum of Decorative Arts and History - Includes a general rebellion/military exhibition and a permanent collection relating to material design culture and fashion. free admission. Takes 2+ hours to see everything
City Parks - St. Stephen's Green, Merrion Square and Iveagh Gardens. All peaceful havens in the city centre.
City Views - Generator Hostel, Smithfield. An old chimney stack formerly part of the Jameson Distillery (now non-functioning) converted into a viewing platform. Only €5 admission but has over 200 steps and is not wheelchair accessible.
Traditional Irish Music - While Temple Bar is well known for its live music, it is predominantly populated by tourists and can be expensive. A more authentic and affordable experience can be found in places like The Cobblestone (Smithfield), McNeills (Capel Street), and O'Donoghues (Merrion Row). The music is not staged, it's just played by a gathering of friends. (Pro-tip: don't make a big fuss, just act natural, or you'll stand out as a tourist.)
Off the beaten track
Little Museum of Dublin – This is a great cultural museum dedicated to the stories and quirks of Dublin. All of the exhibits were donated by the people of Dublin, and there’s a whole room dedicated to U2. A 30 minute guided tour is also available. https://www.littlemuseum.ie/
Irish Museum of Modern Art (Royal Hospital Kilmainham) – The most substantial 17th century building in Dublin. Formerly a convalescent/retirement hospital for British soldiers it was reborn as a modern art museum in the 1990s. Even if you’re not an art lover it’s a great place to wander around the gardens. Usually free to visit, but some admission charges apply for visiting exhibitions. https://imma.ie/
National Gallery - permanent collection in a stunning 19th century building. Large collection of Irish and European art, from early modernity to contemporary. Free admission. Takes 1-2hrs https://www.nationalgallery.ie/
Icon Factory & Jam Art Factory - for non-touristy souvenirs and artworks
https://iconfactorydublin.com/
Sweny's Pharmacy - one for the literature lovers. A small pharmacy mentioned in James Joyce's Ulysses: unchanged since Victorian times. Now run by volunteers it often has impromptu recitals and sing-songs. Just call in any time, free admission, but it helps to leave a donation as they are non-profit and have running costs. https://www.sweny.ie/
Chester Beatty Library - personal collection of Irish-American magnate and philanthropist Alfred Chester Beatty. Collection of artwork, writing and material culture from all over the world, with some works dating back to the 2nd century. Located to the rear of Dublin Castle. Free Admission. Takes 30-45 mins. https://chesterbeatty.ie/
Marsh's Library - founded in 1707, was a place of study for Irish authors Johnathan Swift (Gulliver's Travels) and Bram Stoker (Dracula). Admission usually under €5. 20-30 mins https://marshlibrary.ie/
Smock Alley Theatre - Dating back to 1662, this small theatre is a great space to see emerging Irish acting and writing talent. Usually hosts theatre festivals too, so check out the programme for times and prices. https://smockalley.com/
St. Auoden's church - an old medieval parish church close to Christ Church. Has newly restored gardens. 14th Century ruins are also on display, as well as a piece of the old medieval streets. Admission free. 30 mins. https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/st-audoens-church/
Whiskey Distilleries - There are now 4 working distilleries in Dublin, for those who want an alternative to Guinness. Teeling, Dublin Liberties Distillery, Pearse Lyons and Roe & Co. All of the distilleries complement each other, so you can visit more than one and get a different experience. For an unbiased overview of irish whiskey in general the Irish Whiskey Museum provides several tasting experiences right in the city centre. Usually around €17, but prices increase depending on the tasting package. All take approx 1hr for tour but add extra time to relax in the bar afterwards.
https://www.teelingwhiskey.com/
https://www.roeandcowhiskey.com/
https://www.pearselyonsdistillery.com/
Outdoors
Phoenix Park - one of the largest walled parks in Europe and home to the Irish President, you can spend a whole day walking around here taking in the wild deer. Also home to Dublin Zoo (Admission charge). Bike rental is available near the entrance.
Botanic Gardens & Glasnevin Cemetery - beautiful gardens and victorian style greenhouses located beside the historic Glasnevin cemetery. A guided tour provided access to O'Connell's tower for stunning views of the city, as well as a moving appreciation of the heroes who gave their lives for Irish freedom.
https://www.dctrust.ie/experience-glasnevin/tours-and-highlights.html
Howth - a small fishing village near Dublin. Approx 30 mins on the train (DART) from Dublin City Centre. Highlight is a cliff walk trail around the headland (approx 1-4 hours on foot depending on the route). Also a beautiful castle and rhododendron gardens (part of the cliff walk). Treat yourself to a nice fish and chips meal afterwards in the harbour. For a tour of Howth I recommend John the Man https://howthwalkingtours.com/
Alan
(A version of this blog previously appeared on www.irelandonabudget.com )
