How to spend a day in Dublin
Whether you’re visiting Dublin for the first time, a native or a returning visitor, there are some things in Dublin you just have to experience before you go anywhere else. There are museums, galleries and old buildings everywhere you look. The following list provides information on 10 things that should not be missed!
• Dublin has been named one of the top cities in the world to visit in 2016 by Lonely Planet, an cosmopolitan capital of Ireland with lots to offer for any traveller.
• Dublin was also voted the world's second friendlist city by Conde Nast Travel Magazine.
• Dublin ranked 6th for TripAdvisor's 'Most Excellent' Cities 2018
The General Post Office (GPO)
The historical GPO is situated on lower O’Connell Street and is a must visit destination for anyone with a discerning interest in Irish history. Synonymous with the 1916 Easter Rising and Irelands fight for freedom; this building was used as the headquarters for freedom fighters and stills bears the scars to this day. Open to the public Monday through to Saturday from 8:30-6pm.
Trinity College
Who hasn’t romanticised at some stage about attending the famous Trinity College? Situated in College Green in the heart of the heart of the city, Trinity College was the educational breeding ground for scholars such as Jonathon Swift (author of Gulliver’s Travels), Chris de Burgh (singer), Samuel Beckett (Nobel Laureate) & Bram Stoker (author of Dracula) to name but a few. Take one of the student-guided walking tours through the college and it’s grounds and soak up the atmosphere of legends who have walked these steps before you.
Grafton Street
If you’re looking for a distraction in the form of retail therapy, then Grafton Street is the place for you. Grafton Street is home to some of the biggest high street names and is a bustling lively part of the city. There’s something here for everyone to enjoy whether you’re shopping or just taking a stroll. Make sure to stop and listen to the talented buskers who litter the street and where now and then some famous faces can be spotted.
Temple Bar & Music
You cannot possibly visit Dublin without taking a trip to the lively centre of Temple Bar. Temple Bar is chock-a-bloc full of authentic Irish bars and restaurants and is the place to go if you are looking for some traditional Irish music and craic. ‘Trad music’, as it’s called, is yet another reason to frequent the Irish pub scene. Some pubs will levy a modest cover charge, but this is the exception rather than the rule.
Dublin Zoo & Phoenix Park
For those of you who have children, Dublin Zoo is well worth a visit while you’re in the capital. Home to elephants, penguins, Wolves and more, it’s a great day out for all the family. Dublin Zoo is located quite centrally in the heart of the Phoenix Park and is open to the public daily from 9:30am.
One of the largest park in Europe with Dublin Zoo inside. Phoenix Park is an large grassland and tree lined avenues favourited by locals and the wild Fallow deer. Farmleigh House once owned by the Guinness family, now open for vistors and often has a outdoor markets on Sundays.
Bord Gais Energy Theatre at Grand Canal Dock
Bord Gais Theatre is a state of the art new addition to the Dublin landscape is pulling crowds from all over the world. Known as the Irish extension of the West End, it has welcomed star-studded line-ups direct from the London stages. In the past 12 months the theatre has played host to ‘Mama Mia’, ‘The Sound of Music’ & Oliver. Just a short walk from the city centre, you can be assured of a great night out!
St Stephen's Green
Dublin’s largest public park and one of the most scenic places you will ever visit. St Stephen's Green is located at the top of Grafton Street and will be within easy walking distance for all of you staying in the city or its surrounds. At the entrance of St. Stephens Green is the Fusiliers Arch which was erected in 1907.
Aviva Stadium & Croke Park
Previously the home to Lansdowne Road Stadium, the state of the art Aviva stadium opened its doors to Dublin in 2010. The stadium since then has hosted some of the largest names in sport. The stadium is jointly controlled by the IRFU (Irish Rugby Football Union) and the FAI (Football association of Ireland).
It’s worth checking out if there are any concerts on here during your visit as this is the venue to beat all others. In the past 12 months the people of Dublin and Ireland have enjoyed performances at the Aviva by Rihanna, Madonna, Ed Sheeran, Adele and many more.
Croke Park is headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association, and there’s no better place to enjoy an indigenous Irish sporting event. Hurling and Irish football matches are both hosted here in season. In fact, Croke Park is the biggest stadium in Europe that is not used primarily for football.There is now a skyline, 17 Storeys high with 5 viewing platforms. A fantastic view on a good day! Visit their website to check for games.
Visit Howth
If you fancy getting away from the city for a while, we recommend a trip out to Howth on the coast. Howth is easily accessible by a short car trip and is well worth the short trip, for a walk along the shoreline and some top class seafood!
Guinness Storehouse
No' 1 tourist attraction in Ireland, The Guinness Storehouse is a must visit! An overview on the "Black Stuff", how it is made, taste a sample and finish with collecting a pint of Guinness at the Gravity Bar. There are 7 levels to visit, the process of making Guinness, Advertising floor, Trace your roots, the perfect pint bar, a restuarant and the Gravity Bar.
The Irish stout is a mainstay of the local pub culture, and there’s a lot more to sample than Guinness. Dublin has around 1,000 pubs on offer, and many of them serve their own special brews.
