Ultimate Guide to Dublin, Ireland

The fusion of colorful cobblestone alleys, charming historical buildings and friendly and always smiling locals is what makes Dublin such an attractive tourist destination. It would be impossible not to fall in love with the city while strolling down the streets and immersing yourself into its unique charm and laid-back atmosphere. If you are ready to plan your trip, make sure to read my ultimate guide to Dublin, Ireland!

Where to go

Dublin might start feeling a bit too crowded and noisy, especially during the warm summer months, when tourists from all over the world flock to the Irish capital. If you are looking for a few hours of peace and quiet, it’s definitely worth visiting one of Dublin’s hidden gems – the Iveagh Gardens. Despite being located right next to the popular St Stephen’s Green Park, the little urban oasis is only known only to the locals and will welcome you with its tranquility and incredible lush greenery. Go for a slow walk by the pond, get lost in the maze, admire the beautiful waterfall and learn more about the park’s interesting history!

The iconic Phoenix Park, many do not realize, is that the park is home to more than 400 deer. Yes, it might be difficult to catch a glimpse of them. That is why, I suggest renting a bike to be able to explore more of the park’s massive territory of over 700 hectares. Deer spotting, however, is one of the most special sightseeing activities in Dublin, Ireland.

What to see

There are a few must-see places that should definitely be part of your guide to Dublin, Ireland. It is worth starting at St Patrick’s Cathedral, which dates all the way back to the 12th Century and is the country’s largest religious structure. Spend a few minutes marveling at the massive exterior, but do not forget to take a step inside and get an even closer look at the impressive details as well!

It would be a shame if you have been to Dublin without stopping by the popular Oscar Wilde Statue in Merrion Square Park. The Irish poet was born in the Irish capital and is considered one of the most well-known authors of his time.

Last but definitely not least, the 13th century Dublin Castle is awaiting all history buffs, who would love to take a step back in time. Not only was the castle once a Viking’s settlement, but its history is quite vibrant and dynamic, so taking a tour is highly recommended if you would like to learn more about Irish history and heritage!

What to do

As Ireland’s oldest university, Trinity College is one of the must-visit places in Dublin. While you can definitely take a walk in the courtyard, I suggest joining a tour and taking a sneak peek into the campus grounds as well. When at Trinity College, do not forget to stop by the iconic Trinity College Library, which houses thousands of ancient books beautifully arranged along the massive oak bookcases!

Regardless if you like beer or not, you would want to visit the Guinness Storehouse. The brewery has a massive 7 floor museum, which will take you on a real journey through the process of creating the perfect beer. The highlight of the tour is definitely the pub area where you can pour your own perfect pint of Guinness and you can then head towards the top glass floor with a 360 degree view of the entire city of Dublin!

Photo by guinness-storehouse.com

Activities

Dublin is more of an extended city getaway, so there are not as many nature activities options. If you have a few additional days to spare, it is definitely worth heading to the countryside and diving into the endless Irish green fields. If you only have time for the capital, though, some of the activities you can plan would be a Dublin Whiskey Tour or a visit to the zoo.

Shopping

If you would like to go on a little shopping spree before you go home, Dundrum Shopping Center is definitely the palace to stop by. With more than 160 stores, it is known as one of the biggest European shopping centers. Another place that we absolutely loved visiting was Stephen’s Green Shopping Center, as it has quite a unique architectural design. The interior is so bright and airy thanks to the massive windows covering the ceiling. Some may think that it is a bit outdated, but it definitely has a lot of charm and more of a vintage vibe.

 If you prefer doing a quick souvenir and gift shopping, though, I suggest sticking to the pedestrian-only Grafton Street, which is also the main commercial shopping area in Dublin offering everything you could ask for.

Where to stay in Dublin, Ireland

If you are visiting Dublin, Ireland for the first time, navigating the city might be a bit confusing at first. It seems like such a massive capital as the streets are very wide and open. After a few days of just exploring the streets, however, you will quickly realize that it is not as big as you initially thought. In order to make the most of your time and be as close to all major sights as possible, it is worth considering booking a place along the main O’Connel Street. We loved the Belvedere Hotel Parnell Square, which is slightly more expensive than an average hotel room in Dublin, however, it is very cozy and clean. They have an excellent restaurant and bar area as well, if you are feeling tired one of the nights and prefer dining in.

Where to eat in Dublin, Ireland

By far the best area to eat in Dublin is Temple Bar. It is enough to stroll down the quirky and colorful cobblestone streets once during the day to be tempted to come back at night time. The best part is that it is even more hectic, busy and colorful at night when pubs start filling up with local Irish and curious tourists. Many of the restaurants have live folk music as well, which makes the area even more attractive and it is no wonder that many refer to Temple Bar as the cultural and nightlife center of Dublin! 

If you make it early enough, you might be able to grab a table at what is the most iconic pub in Dublin – Temple Bar Pub. It is difficult to believe that the pub is almost 200 years old! It is the combination of the bright red exterior and the colorful hanging flowers, which will capture your attention immediately! Even if you do not manage to get a table at Temple Bar, though, do not be disappointed, as the entire district has so much to offer. We particularly loved Bunsen, as the juicy beef burgers were absolutely delicious and when combined with a creamy milkshake it makes for the perfect lunch or dinner choice.

Gallagher’s Boxty House is also an excellent choice if you would like to try some traditional Irish cuisine. Make sure to order a pint of their own craft beer – Jack Smith!

Tips:

Bring comfortable shoes for walking because you can walk a lot.

Bring a wax jacket, or waterproof jacket so that you don’t have to be carrying around an umbrella. In the case it’s a misty rain you will be prepared by being dry enough. If you like being totally dry then pack the umbrella.

I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. Subscribe for more travel guides and tips. Have a lovely day.