Dublin Attractions - Top 10 of the Most Popular Dublin Highlights

Dublin - this is a city full of culture, history, and mysterious corners that you can experience in a variety of ways during an exciting trip to Ireland.

The capital of Ireland is marked by its many faces. These are reflected in numerous museums and exhibitions, as well as in beautiful parks and coastlines with long sandy beaches. Additionally, there are many pubs (over 850!), churches, and music and theater stages.

A trip to the home of Oscar Wilde, U2, and Samuel Beckett is characterized by its diversity and offers many remarkable attractions for you. The most popular highlights of Dublin are presented in our Travelcircus Top 10 of the most popular Dublin attractions.

Art in the Palace

Experience Ireland from its artistic side - best at the National Gallery!

The National Gallery of Ireland was founded in 1854 and houses a small but valuable treasure. Here, over 15,000 paintings and artworks by significant Irish and European artists are exhibited. This includes Picasso, Goya, and Rembrandt, as well as renowned Irish artists such as Osborne, Maclise, and Yeats.

The museum, housed in a Renaissance-style city palace, offers you the chance to participate in guided tours on weekends. In addition, you can borrow audio guides for free and attend lectures and workshops.

Opening hours: Mon - Sat + holidays: 9:15 AM - 5:30 PM | Thu: 9:15 AM - 8:30 PM | Sun: 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM

The Oldest College in Ireland

You should definitely add Place 2 of the most popular Dublin attractions to your Dublin to-do list. Trinity College, with its unique library, is the oldest college in Ireland.

It was founded in 1592 by Elizabeth I to counteract the emigration of Protestant students. Although you can't see much of the original buildings during your visit to the university campus, a detour is certainly worth it for many reasons.

For instance, on the famous Parliament Square, you can see the well-known 30-meter-high bell tower, the Campanile, which is also depicted in many Dublin travel guides.

Adjacent to the central square is an impressive chapel, which is the first interdenominational chapel in the Republic.

The 'Old Library'

Furthermore, the university is known for its Old Library. Today, over 4.5 million books, historical manuscripts, old prints, and manuscripts are stored in the Old Library, with the most valuable 200,000 located in the unique Long Room.

By the way, the greatest treasure of the library is the 'Book of Kells,' which is displayed in a special room. It is a manuscript from the 8th century containing the four Gospels of the New Testament.

Tip: The college gardens are also a delight. You can take a green break in Fellow's Square, New Square, and Library Square.

Place 3 of the most popular 10 Dublin attractions goes to St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Legend has it that the national cathedral traces its origins back to a chapel built in the 5th century, where St. Patrick is said to have baptized people with water from a nearby spring.

There, where the chapel stood, the Normans supposedly built a stone church in 1191. This church received the exterior it holds more or less today in the 13th century.

What is there to admire?

A lot! For example, there is an interesting mix of statues, monuments, and other exhibits from the last centuries that reflect Irish history very well. For example, the grave of the satirist Jonathan Swift (Gulliver's Travels) or the monument in honor of Turlough O' Carolan.

In short: Don't miss number three of the Top 10 Dublin attractions!

Tip: It is recommended to take part in one of the free guided tours of St. Patrick's Cathedral. This way, the many details and historical highlights of the cathedral can be better appreciated. The tours take place daily at 10:30, 11:30, 14:30, 15:00, and 15:30.

After your visit, a walk in the park located right next to the national cathedral is also worth it.

What would a city trip to Dublin be without the legendary Guinness?

A genuine visit to Dublin simply includes this dark brew. More specifically, the visit to the Guinness Storehouse, where you get an exciting insight into the world of this Irish classic.

The multimedia museum located near the city center is part of the original brewery where Arthur Guinness began brewing beer in 1759. He was ridiculed for this for a long time.

In the exhibition of the Guinness Storehouse

At the Guinness Storehouse, you can:

admire the original lease, which is for 9,000 years

gain insight into the brewing process

see the advertising of Guinness through the ages

marvel at the transport methods of Guinness

check out some special oddities (like the often-punctured Guinness pipeline).

Of course, there is also a shop and a great bar at the Guinness Storehouse. The fully glassed-in Skybar 'Gravity' offers you the chance to enjoy a pint of Guinness and a great view over Dublin.

The Guinness Storehouse, undoubtedly one of the most popular Dublin attractions, is located at St James's Gate, Dublin 8.

Tip: The price for the tour through the Guinness Storehouse includes a pint of Guinness!

The Prison of Freedom Fighters

Kilmainham Gaol is not just any prison in Ireland. It is one of the most important sites of the Irish independence struggle. Almost every Irish freedom fighter was imprisoned in Kilmainham Gaol, built in 1795.

The prison is located on a hill in the Kilmainham district, which at the time of its construction was still outside the city. After the state prison was first closed in 1910, it was put back into operation in 1916 with the Easter Rising.

16 prominent leaders of the uprising (such as James Connolly) against the British were imprisoned and executed in Kilmainham Gaol. A memorial plaque is dedicated to them in the courtyard. The prison was finally closed in 1924. Subsequently, it was reopened as a museum in 1960 by republican veterans to commemorate the time of the uprisings against the British in Ireland.

The Concept of Small Cells

In the oldest section of the building, it is evident that the builders of Kilmainham Gaol employed the concept of small cells. This was intended to better control the prisoners. The section features very narrow corridors, dark and inhumanly small cells, a damp and cold climate, and thick steel doors.

In the later west wing, however, this concept was rejected, avoiding any corridors. The reason was to allow simultaneous access to all cells.

Kilmainham Gaol offers an impressive way to experience Irish history. So don't miss Place 5 of our Dublin attractions.

Opening hours: July to September 9:00 AM - 6:45 PM | October to June Monday - Saturday 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Did you know?: Kilmainham Gaol is in good structural condition. This is one reason why it has previously served as a filming location for movies (e.g., In The Name of the Father) or music videos (e.g., U2).

Dublin is full of culture and history. There is something to experience and discover at every corner of the city.

If you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, you should definitely head to the coast and relax at Place 5 of our Dublin attractions.

Dublin is located on the east coast of Ireland and features numerous coastal sections with long sandy beaches and impressive cliffs. Areas like Sandymount and Bull Island are particularly popular for a nature getaway.

Sandymount

Sandymount is located in the southern part of the city. When the tide is out, you have the opportunity to walk through the wide mudflats. However, don't go too far so that you can return to the beach before the tide comes in.

The more than 2 km long sandy beach is perfect for walking. While you're enjoying the stroll, you can also catch a glimpse of the old Martello tower in the middle of the beach.

Bull Island

There is also a long sandy beach in Bull Island. Bull Island is a sandbank between Dublin harbor and Howth. You can access it from Clontarf Road via 2 bridges.

In Bull Island, you can swim, walk, and fly kites in the summer. Or you can drive, which beginner drivers particularly benefit from.

The Trendy Artists' District

Just like Guinness, a visit to Temple Bar should not be missed during your trip to Dublin. Temple Bar is one of the most sought-after attractions in Dublin and is known as the city's famous cultural and entertainment district.

Temple Bar is characterized by its narrow cobbled streets, cozy bistros, and colorful pubs and restaurants. It also includes vibrant nightclubs, trendy record stores, small artist studios, and much more. Special attractions include the Dublin Hard Rock Café, the Wall of Fame of the Irish music scene, and the Gallery of Photography.

Although it was neglected until the 1980s, it has since developed into a trendy artists' and dining district. Moreover, it's become a real tourist magnet.

The attraction Temple Bar has for many tourists is evident not only in the wide range of live music in the bars but unfortunately also in the hefty prices. Nevertheless, a trip to this polarizing district is definitely worthwhile!

Tip: Resist the temptation to book a hotel in Temple Bar, unless you want to utilize the central location to party the night away.

Embark on an exciting journey back in time to Dublin's past - at Dublin Castle.

The once-powerful stone castle was built in 1204 on the orders of King John. It served as the constant seat of English rulers over Ireland until independence in 1922.

However, today not much remains of the original castle apart from the Record Tower. This is because the complex was destroyed by a fire in 1684. Subsequently, a new building in the style of a palace was erected on the castle's foundations. This is used, for instance, for the swearing-in of the president or for state receptions.

Tip: We recommend participating in the 45-minute guided tour of the former castle. During the tour, you can look into some of the artistically decorated rooms.

A visit to Dublinia is a great way to dive into Dublin's past.

Dublinia refers to an extraordinary historical museum in the heart of the city. Here, you can experience medieval Dublin in an immersive way and come face-to-face with Vikings.

A Journey Back in Time

For instance, you will learn what it might have smelled like in Dublin 600 years ago and what kind of soundscape people lived in. You will discover medieval games, learn about crime and punishment during that time, and see how dental pain was treated.

You can also walk along a medieval street and see the kitchen of a wealthy merchant. The insight into medical care is especially fascinating. For example, you can see how toothaches were treated.

Opening hours: March - September 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM | October - February 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Tip: Don't miss the ascent to St. Michael's Tower at Dublinia - once you reach the top, you'll be greeted with a stunning view over the city.

Dublin is an incredibly diverse city. If you want to take a green break during your travel, you are in the right place at Phoenix Park.

A Bit More Green in Dublin

The park is the green lung of Dublin, attracting both residents and tourists. With its 7 km², it is one of the largest city parks in Europe and even twice the size of Central Park.

The beautiful park with its forests and meadows originated from an area established as a hunting ground in the 17th century. It wasn't until 1747 that the area became a park open to the public.

Today, the park offers not only pure nature but also some popular attractions such as the Dublin Zoo and the Wellington Monument. If you're lucky, you might even see a herd of deer, which are indeed home in Phoenix Park.

For this reason, Phoenix Park rightly holds our Top 8 of the most popular Dublin attractions!

Did you know?: The name 'Phoenix Park' does not, as one might think, derive from the mythical firebird. Rather, it comes from the Irish 'Fionn Uisce,' which means 'clear water.'

Art, culture, historically significant buildings, trendy entertainment districts, and plenty of nature are what the Irish city has to offer. Dublin certainly has a lot to see and explore for you. Start planning your city trip to Dublin now and get to know this diverse city in Ireland.

Country: Ireland

Population: approx. 553,000

Area: 115 km²

Language: Irish / English (Hiberno-English)

Currency: Euro

Time zone: Greenwich Mean Time (UTC +0)

Average summer temperature: 13.1 °C

Average winter temperature: 6.3 °C

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