After several months without traveling, we caught up with a destination that we had been craving for a while. It was in Dublin that we spent a fantastic week, rediscovering our travel habits, exploring the historic streets of the city, meeting the locals, chatting with them and above all, visiting everything we have could ! We were thirsty for travel and discovery and for our greatest pleasure, Dublin was the truly perfect destination. A lively city rich in places to visit, close to nature and incredibly friendly.
If you want to discover our stay in the Irish capital, we have written a nice article for you to answer the question: What to do and see in Dublin?
In one week, we had time to visit many of the places in the city but also to get out of the cobbled streets to discover the surroundings of Dublin and its wild coasts. I invite you without further delay to discover this new article which takes you visit dublin.
Summary:
- Presentation of Dublin
- Visit Dublin: what to do?
- Practical tips for visiting Dublin
- What to do around Dublin?
- Visit Dublin in 2, 3 or 7 days
- My opinion on this visit to Dublin
Opt for the Dublin city pass and simplify the organization of your stay. You can benefit from a large number of free tours in Dublin. Book your pass
Presentation of Dublin
Before getting to the heart of the matter, I offer you a short presentation of this city so that you can situate it and better understand it.
Dublin is the capital of the State of Ireland (the southern part of the island), but also the largest city on the whole island of Ireland, with just under 600 inhabitants.
Its history is rich and begins in the Middle Ages. Dubliners lived mainly from fishing and agriculture. It was during the XNUMXth century that the Vikings arrived and took over the city. Testimonies of this past are visible in various places in the city. But the best is to visit the Dublinia museum which perfectly explains this part of Dublin's history. We will discuss this in detail later in this article.
Dublin went through more or less dark times with, among other things, epidemics such as the Black Death as well as a big wave of famine that hit all of Europe, including Ireland hard.
English domination followed, then wars where Ireland finally obtained its independence.
Today, Dublin is a city with a highly developed economy. It hosts a large number of European headquarters but also various industries such as the Guinness factory. Its commercial port also participates in the development of the city.
Visit Dublin: what to do?
Now that you know a little more about the history of Dublin, I suggest you get down to business and see all the things to do and places to visit in Dublin. You will see that the choice is vast and that it can correspond to young people, students, adults, etc. You are bound to find what you are looking for!
Museums :
- The Chester-Beatty Library Museum
- The National Gallery museum
- Dublinia
- The National Wax Museum More
- The EPIC Museum
- The house 14 Henrietta Street
- The National Museum of Ireland – Archeology
Aperitif time:
- Le Guinness Storehouse
- The Teeling Distillery
- The Jameson Distillery
- Le Irish Whiskey Museum
- The Temple Bar district
The beautiful walks:
- Walk between Bray and Greystones
- The small port of Howth
- Le Garden of Remembrance
- Le Phoenix Park
- Dublin Zoo
- Saint Stephen's Green: Park and Shopping Center
Cultural and historical heritage:
- Dublin's St. Patrick's Cathedral
- Christ Church Cathedral Dublin
- Dublin Castle
- Trinity College
- La prison Kilmainham
- The Jeanie Johnston Boat
To start on the things to visit in Dublin, I offer some museum suggestions. From the historical museum to the art museum, the choice is large enough to please every member of the family. It would be too tedious to list all the museums in Dublin, so here are the main ones.
The Chester-Beatty Library Museum
This museum is located just behind Dublin Castle. I highly recommend that you take a trip there before or after your visit to the castle. You will discover splendid collections of works from all over the world. Collected by Alfred Chester Beatty, an American industrialist, the works come from his various travels around the world. This museum is considered one of the best in Europe in its category.
Among the most remarkable exhibitions, you will be able to observe a rich collection of old books, an exhibition dedicated to the different religions and their arts throughout the world, or even a large number of works from Asia.
This museum is included in the Dublin City Pass
The National Gallery museum
Let's continue with this museum which will appeal to lovers of art and paintings. With a rich collection of approximately 13000 works, you will find paintings as well as sculptures and drawings.
Among the biggest names you can admire, here are a few you probably know: Caravaggio, Titian, Velazquez, Vermeer, Rembrandt, Picasso, Monet,... At the end of the tour, don't miss Rodin's sculptures.
If you still want a good reason to visit this museum in Dublin: the building that houses it and the presentation of the works. The rooms showcase the works perfectly. Large pieces with different universes depending on the theme and the period of the works presented.
Dublinia
We quickly talked about this museum during the presentation of the history of Dublin. Indeed, Dublinia is a museum dedicated to the history of the city during the Middle Ages, then during the arrival of the Vikings. This museum is amazing on so many levels. You will find many reconstructions of different places of life of the time (the port, the alleys, the houses, etc.), but also interactive screens that can be subtitled in different languages including French (which is very appreciable for better understand history) as well as exhibitions of objects found during excavations. You will learn more about the history of the city, the lifestyles of the inhabitants over the ages, disasters such as famine or the black plague,...
A very interesting and entertaining museum, which is out of the ordinary and which will please the whole family.
The National Wax Museum More
Each capital has its wax museum. Here is the one from Dublin. The Wax Museum is ideally located in the heart of Dublin, in a beautiful Georgian building. Inside, wax figures are of course waiting for you, but not only! Redesigned a few years ago, this museum also offers other experiences such as fun exhibits on Irish history or mythology.
Book online directly your entrance to this museum. Be aware that it is also included in the Dublin City Pass
The EPIC Museum
This museum is dedicated to Irish immigration around the world. Go through each of the interactive rooms of this museum and understand why the Irish left, where did they go, what they took with them, traditions, cultures, …
As you progress through this museum, you will see that the Irish presence is beautiful and present all over the world and that some of their traditions have become familiar to us, I am thinking in particular of St Patrick's Day which is celebrated absolutely everywhere!
This museum is one of our favorites both in terms of the content it offers and the presentation of the rooms. An application is to be downloaded to obtain a free audio-guide. An interesting course where you will not see the time passing.
Book online directly your entrance to this museum. Be aware that it is also included in the Dublin City Pass
The house 14 Henrietta Street
First, take the time to stroll down Henrietta Street, home to some of the earliest Georgian houses built in Dublin. Then take time to visit the house located at 14 Henrietta Street. The latter allows you to visit a house of the time. During your visit, you will discover that the various rooms trace the history of the people of Dublin over the centuries. Darker periods are presented, when this building accommodated up to 100 people in only 19 apartments. A very instructive and moving visit.
This museum is included in the Dublin City Pass
The National Museum of Ireland – Archeology
This is probably one of Dublin's finest museums to visit. If you appreciate archeology and history, then go fast! You can admire very beautiful pieces including the Ardagh Treasure composed of a splendid chalice, a cup and richly decorated brooches. But also other objects and jewelry found during archaeological excavations. An exhibition features remains dating back to the Iron Age. Some are in a fairly stunning state of preservation.
This museum is included in the Dublin City PassThe National Museum of Ireland includes this museum on archeology, but also a museum of natural history, a museum dedicated to decorative arts and history, the national gallery museum that we presented previously and a last museum on life in the countryside.
APERO TIME IN DUBLIN:Dublin is very famous for its Irish bars and its famous Guinness. Whether or not you like beer and more particularly Guinness, or even whiskey, certain visits prove to be absolutely essential to do in Dublin. Here are some to plan for at the end of the day, when the aperitif begins to be desired.
Le Guinness Storehouse
Must-see number 1 to visit in Dublin: the Guinness Storehouse, the museum dedicated to this very local beer. You will see that Dublin is very proud of its beer and that it is present everywhere!
The museum is slightly out of the center of Dublin, but quite accessible on foot or by tram if the sun is not shining. You will see that the Guinness empire occupies a large place.
The museum reflects this brand. A large building with various exhibits spread over 7 floors, shaped like a giant pint. Throughout your visit you will discover the history of this famous beer, its manufacturing process, the necessary tools and ingredients, the advertising campaigns that have marked the generations,...
In short, a real pilgrimage for hop fans in a very successful grandiose universe.
You will end this visit in style thanks to the Gravity Bar located on the top floor and offering a breathtaking view of Dublin thanks to its 360° floor-to-ceiling windows. On the menu, a beer or a soft drink included per ticket.
Book online directly your entrance to this museum. Be aware that it is also included in the Dublin City Pass
The Teeling Distillery
Now let's move on to the other specialty of the island: whiskey. Let's start with Teeling Distillery. The visit begins with an exhibition room presenting the history of this house, then it continues in the production room of this drink.
You can admire first of all the delicious smell of the place but also huge wooden fermentation tanks and different stills. A very beautiful piece which makes all the charm of this visit.
You will then move on to another room where storage and maturation will be explained to you. Finally, a tasting is essential!
Book online directly your guided tour. Be aware that this tour is also included in the Dublin City Pass
This visit is very pleasant because it is carried out in a family and very friendly atmosphere. You will see that this distillery is very different from the Jameson distillery. It is very interesting to do the 2 to compare.
The Jameson Distillery
Now let's talk about the second flagship distillery to visit in Dublin. This is the former place of production of the famous Jameson whiskey. Nowadays, there is no more production on this site.
The visit to this place begins with a short exhibition presenting the history and the different characters of the family involved in this affair.
Then it's time for the interactive museum: fully animated rooms show you the manufacturing processes and the evolution over the centuries. Extremely well done, you will be amazed by the effects and staging of this museum.
At the end of the visit, a tasting allows you to compare different whiskeys from different countries. You will also learn how to taste this beverage in the respect of traditions. Because yes, tasting whiskey is an art!
The visit ends (again) with a free drink at the museum bar. Besides, this room is absolutely magnificent because it has retained the charm of the old distillery with large beams and an industrial style that fits perfectly.
Book online directly your guided tour. Be aware that this tour is also included in the Dublin City Pass
Le Irish Whiskey Museum
To finish on the whiskey, you can also plan a visit to the Irish Whiskey Museum. The latter is located directly opposite Trinity College. You will be immersed in this universe and learn more about its history on the island. Different whiskeys will be presented to you and some interesting anecdotes.
At the end of the visit, enjoy another tasting.
Several visits related to Irish whiskey are to be done in Dublin. If you want to know more, I invite you to read our article: Which distillery to visit in Dublin?
The Temple Bar district
When cocktail hour approaches, Temple Bar is the place to go. Historic center of Dublin and landmark of Irish bars, you will find what you are looking for! If the weather permits, you will find some pleasant terraces or roof-tops, otherwise it is inside that it happens. Warm and typical atmosphere, spend an evening in Temple Bar is a must do in Dublin.
In addition to the Irish bars, beautiful addresses of restaurants are in the area. Among other things, I recommend the Boxty House restaurant. A real treat ! The menu is quite short which is a guarantee of quality and the products offered are very well prepared and really delicious. We enjoyed our meal there so much that we went back at the end of our stay!
WALKING IN DUBLIN:Whether you want to stay in Dublin or get out of the city a bit, there are plenty of ideas for green walks. Here are the few places that we have tested and above all, appreciated, less than an hour by transport from the center!
Walk between Bray and Greystones
Here is our favorite of this stay: a walk along the Irish coast, to connect the towns of Bray and Greystones. To get there, you have the choice between a bus that crosses beautiful neighborhoods and a train that is a little faster. I recommend that you arrive in Bray and plan a walk in the center to the seafront. This seaside is really very pleasant with a large beach, spaces equipped for walkers, children and football players .
Nice little restaurants are also in the area. Personally, we tested the Maison Moli restaurant. A delicious address with a pleasant terrace and a very beautiful interior room.
Then take the path that starts at the very end of the beach. You can admire a beautiful view of Bray and its beach.
Then, the walk can start up to Greystones. About 6 kilometers separate these two towns. You will follow the coast thanks to a small footpath very well laid out. In high season, it is a popular place for locals and tourists. During your walk, remember to keep your eyes open because the fauna, both terrestrial and marine, is rich and you may surprise a seal in the middle of a bath.
Once you arrive in Greystones, take the opportunity to take a tour of its small historic center. Depending on the time of day, some good restaurants can be found there as well. To leave, a train allows you to return to Dublin directly.
The small port of Howth
Here is another walk that we had time to do while staying a week in Dublin: the small fishing port located on the peninsula of Howth. Accessible also thanks to a fast train or a slower but much more beautiful bus. Depending on the means of transport chosen, allow between 30 minutes and 1 hour to travel between Dublin and Howth.
Once on this peninsula, several options are available to you:
- stroll along the shore and beach. Go to the lighthouse and admire the small island just opposite. For bird watchers, bring your binoculars.
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- go around the village. Climb the small alleys to the church in its center. Then go back down towards the port, passing through the cemetery surrounding the ruins of an old church. The view of the bay is really pretty.
- take a break on the harbor. And take advantage of the proximity to the sea to eat extra fresh fish! If you want a good address, go almost to the end of the port, to the Octopussy restaurant. It offers dishes but also all kinds of tapas, all based on seafood.
- take a walk through the peninsula. Beautiful walks allow you to explore the Howth peninsula. A path even allows you to go around it.
Le Garden of Remembrance
This cross-shaped garden has a small green space, a pretty pool at the bottom of mosaics and above all, a sculpture commemorating all the people who lost their lives during the war of independence and other revolts which enabled Ireland to gain independence. A pleasant stopover if you are visiting the surroundings.
Le Phoenix Park
This is one of Dublin's most famous gardens, a veritable green lung near the city centre. With its 700 hectares, you will have enough to walk, run, cycle, … and even visit!
Several options are available to you. First of all, this park is famous for being home to a whole herd of wild fallow deer. For the record, this park was created in the second half of the XNUMXth century and served as a hunting ground for the Duke of Ormond. These fallow deer are therefore long-time inhabitants and are no longer hunted today.
If you walk around this large park, you can notice different constructions. One in particular may attract your attention since it is the residence of the American Embassy and it is very easily recognizable with its dazzling white facade.
Another monument stands out at the entrance to the park: the Wellington Monument. It is none other than an obelisk to the glory of Duke Arthur Wellesley of Wellington who won victories over Napoleon I. With its 62 meters high, you cannot miss it.
Dublin's Phoenix Park is also home to an attraction that's likely to interest younger guests: Dublin Zoo. We talk about it in more detail right after.
And if you get peckish while exploring the park, I highly recommend the delicious little Victorian Tea Room kiosk. A timeless place that offers magnificent cakes but also some savory dishes for a complete meal. You can sit outside.
Dublin Zoo
Now let's talk about the Dublin Zoo which is located at the entrance to the Phoenix Park that we presented just before. This zoo is the oldest in Europe. Its foundation dates back to 1831. Today, it has grown and evolved over time. On approximately 28 hectares, different enclosures reproducing several natural living environments can accommodate wild animals from all over the world. Like many zoos now, they participate in the safeguarding of several endangered species and also make it possible to do prevention with young populations on the importance of preserving wildlife throughout the world.
A family visit that attracts Dubliners and passing visitors alike.
Saint Stephen's Green: Park and Shopping Center
Let's finish on the walks to do in Dublin with this charming little park in the heart of Dublin, near Trinity College. On sunny days, its lawns are coveted by the many students who come for lunch. A friendly and family atmosphere occupies this park.
You will be able to discover several worlds ranging from artificial lakes, children's playgrounds or even the aromatic garden created for the visually impaired. In summer, concerts can be held in this park.
Did you know ?
In the XNUMXth century, this park and many others were closed to the public and only reserved for nearby residents. It was not until the end of the XNUMXth century that the parks were returned to the inhabitants of Dublin. Today, only one park remains in the city which is closed to visitors and only frequented by residents.
Once you have completed the tour of the park, you can take the exit leading to Stephen's Green Shopping Center. This magnificent building, a perfect blend of Georgian and Victorian styles, is one of the first high-end shopping centers in Ireland. Its architecture alone is worth the detour. At the entrance, you will also notice the largest clock in Ireland, blending into the glass roof of this place.
In addition to beautiful walks and aperitifs, Dublin also offers beautiful cultural and historical visits. Its past, very marked by the presence of the Vikings, can be discovered in many places in the city. In this last part of things to visit in Dublin, I suggest you look at the cathedrals of the city and other places that allow us to learn more about the history of Dublin.
Dublin's St. Patrick's Cathedral
Let's start with one of Dublin's two cathedrals, St. Patrick's Cathedral Dublin. Surrounded by a pleasant garden where the inhabitants like to come and stroll, it is the interior that will be worth visiting. You will enter a fairly dark interior, instantly immersing you in an atmosphere of another century. You will find, among other things, the tomb of the writer Jonathan Swift or a monument in honor of Richard Boyle, first Earl of Cork.
Book online directly your entrance to this cathedral. Be aware that it is also included in the Dublin City Pass
Christ Church Cathedral Dublin
Not far from Saint Patrick's Church, I highly recommend you visit Christ Church. A second cathedral located a few steps from Dublin Castle, very easily accessible on foot. Christ Church is Dublin's oldest building still in use.
Once inside, you will be able to see the grandeur of the place. Take a tour of the cathedral. You will pass in front of various objects relating the history of the place. To learn more, you can either opt for a guided tour, an audio-guide (in English when we went there) or a fairly detailed leaflet, all in French.
Among the most significant elements to admire, there is the vault of Strongbow, Anglo-Norman leader who came to capture Dublin in 1170; but also the heart of Dublin's patron saint, St Laurence O'Toole; as well as the crypt, the largest in Ireland. The latter is the same area as the church, that is to say its size, especially for the time. It dates from the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries, although some elements could also belong to the XNUMXth century. In this crypt, various exhibitions are on offer: a magnificent collection of manuscripts, very beautiful silver objects, an old pillory, but also the mummified remains of a cat and a rat which were found in the pipes of the cathedral organ. Also admire the architecture and foundations of this magnificent crypt.
The Dublinia museum, which we presented at the beginning of this article, occupies part of this cathedral, on the other side of the road. The two buildings are connected by a pretty covered bridge.
Book online directly your entrance to this cathedral. Be aware that it is also included in the Dublin City Pass
Dublin Castle
After the presentation of these two religious buildings, let's move on to a more historical or even military visit: Dublin Castle (or Dublin Castle for the less English-speaking). At first glance, this building does not look like a medieval fortified castle as one might imagine. This is why it is very interesting to visit the interior in order to admire the richness of the decorations and the layout.
From the entrance, the size of the place is remarkable. Take the imposing staircase leading to the landing which serves the various rooms of the castle. You will be able to cross former royal apartments, now used as an exhibition room; then you will have to go through a splendid corridor with very beautiful gilding on the ceiling and a very "official" atmosphere; the suite is just as sumptuous with large reception rooms such as a living room, the throne room, the portrait gallery or the St Patrick room.
The latter was at the time the room where the balls were held. Today, it has kept its magnificence and sees, every 7 years, the investiture of the new presidents of Ireland. Official receptions, dinners and other ceremonies are also held in this large room.
Two other rooms are only accessible during a guided tour, these are the Powder Tower, the last medieval vestige; as well as the Royal Chapel.
When your visit is over, take a stroll through the castle gardens, located at the rear of the building and at the entrance to the Chester-Beatty Library Museum. Access is free and it is very pleasant to walk around it, especially when the weather is nice.
Trinity College
During your stay in Dublin, another emblematic building is a must visit. Indeed, it is Trinity College, this prestigious university located in the heart of Dublin, also the oldest university in Ireland. Still in operation, you will meet many students during your visit.
During the latter, two essential elements are to be seen: The Book of Kells and the very impressive Long Room.
The Book of Kells
Preserved as a real treasure, this book dates from medieval times. It was written by several scribes and also required the intervention of a goldsmith and several illuminators. It is one of the most beautiful manuscripts of this period in the world with some 340 pages. These are actually calf skins used as parchment. The beauty of this book lies in the very high quality of the illuminations, which present the 4 Gospels of the New Testament.
You will see that this book is placed in a very dark and sober room, where only this book is exposed, like a jewel, under a showcase protecting it.
La Long Room
Once you've admired the Book of Kells, you'll head to the Long Room, the second reason to visit Trinity College. This huge room, about 65 meters long, is absolutely beautiful and contains no less than 200 pounds in this room alone. Otherwise, it is a fund made up of more than 000 million pounds that this university has.
The books in this room are among the oldest in the collection. The room, all in wood, also presents busts of famous writers of the time.
This room features another treasure: Brian Boru's harp. The latter dates from the XNUMXth century and is one of the last three Gaelic harps that still exist from that time. You are not unaware that the harp is the national symbol of Ireland. You will find it everywhere, like on Irish euro coins.
La prison Kilmainham
We will now change register a little to direct us towards an old prison. Opened at the end of the 1924th century, many figures of the rebellions for the independence of Ireland stayed or even perished here. This prison closed definitively in XNUMX. For the small anecdote, the last prisoner having stayed in this prison, Eamon de Valera, became the first president of Ireland.
During the guided tour, you will be able to access the cells, the prison chapel and also the courtyard where part of the excursions took place. A poignant visit that can send shivers down your spine, because the cells and corridors have remained, almost, in their original condition. It is very easy to imagine the terrible conditions in which the inmates tried to survive.
The guided tour is in English. Many anecdotes about the different prisoners will be told to you.
The Jeanie Johnston Boat
To conclude on the places to visit in Dublin, here is another of our favorites: the replica of the Jeanie Johnston ship, a magnificent 3 masted ship. This boat has a special story, and it has a happy ending!
At the time of the Great Famine, the Irish who could fled Dublin and the island. Several boats, including the Jeanie Johnston, operated the crossings between Dublin and the American continent. The peculiarity of this ship was that no deaths were recorded on its 16 voyages. Indeed, the nickname given to these boats was: "boat-coffin".
Unlike the other ships, the Jeanie Johnston offered crossings under more acceptable conditions. For example, on the Jeanie Johnston, passengers could take the air on deck once a day, but also, the ship had a doctor, which was as rare as it was precious on such a boat at the time. The crossings lasted just over 45 days and allowed around 2500 people to reach America.
The visit of this boat is therefore very instructive and allows you to understand an important part of the history of Dublin. First, you will walk around the exterior of the ship and its deck. You can then go down inside and be able to see how this boat was fitted out for the crossing.
Other places to visit in Dublin:
As you have seen, Dublin is a city where many visits are to be made. Previously, I presented to you the main ones and those we did during our stay. But many other visits could be added, such as:
- Croke park
- Leinster House
- Little Museum
- Irish Jewish Museum
- General Post Office
- Glasnevin Cemetery et Museum
- James Joyce Center
- Dublin Writers Museum, …
Practical tips for visiting Dublin
You now have at your disposal all the visits that it is possible to do in Dublin. You just have to choose what you want to do during your stay. To help you organize these few days in Dublin, this part dedicated to practical advice will probably be very useful. If you can't find the answer to your question, leave us a comment. We will answer them with pleasure and this will complete our article. Because maybe this answer will be of interest to other readers.
- When to visit Dublin?
- How to get to Dublin?
- Where to stay in Dublin?
- How long to visit Dublin?
- What's the weather like in Dublin?
- How to get around Dublin?
- What is the currency in Dublin?
When to visit Dublin?
Dublin is a city that can be visited throughout the year. If you want sun, prefer the summer months. But the weather is very changeable, so you can very well have sun and rain on the same day. Otherwise, Dublin is a bustling city all year round. The most revelers will appreciate coming to Dublin during St Patrick's Day, the national holiday. In this case, plan a stay around March 17.How to get to Dublin?
Ireland being an island, the easiest way is to arrive by plane. Especially since Dublin airport is only a few kilometers from the city center and it is very well served. See flight tickets to DublinWhere to stay in Dublin?
Dublin is full of neighborhoods where it is possible to stay. Like the neighborhoods, there are many accommodation options: hotels, apartment rentals, bed and breakfasts or even youth hostels. This question is therefore vast and to answer it, we have chosen to dedicate a specific and complete article: Where to sleep in Dublin?Otherwise, you can access all accommodation by following the link below: See all accommodation in Dublin
How long to visit Dublin?
Dublin is easily accessible from Paris (about 1h30 flight) and the airport is located near the city center. This makes Dublin an ideal city for a short city-trip over a weekend, for example. In 2 or 3 days, you can visit must-sees such as the Guinness Storehouse, a distillery and a cathedral or two. On the other hand, it will be more complicated to go outside Dublin and go hiking (unless you only do that). Our advice is therefore:- Spend 2 or 3 days : ideal for a long weekend, to enjoy the city and its dynamic center. You will be able to make some visits in the center very easily.
- Stay 5 or 7 days : perfect if you want to explore Dublin thoroughly and take a few walks outside the city.
Personally we stayed for a week and it was ideal for visiting and walking around. In any case, we were not bored for a second!
And finally, Dublin can be an ideal starting point for a visit to Ireland.
What's the weather like in Dublin?
Time is a more random issue for this town. By reputation, its weather is rainy but very changeable. This means that you can have many showers during the day, but often punctuated by sunny spells. Temperatures do not vary greatly throughout the year. You can have temperatures between 5 and 20 degrees depending on the season. So always plan warm and waterproof things whatever the season of your stay.How to get around Dublin?
Dublin City has an extremely well developed bus network. You can also take the tram that runs in the city center. Otherwise, to get out of the city, you can easily take a bus or a train. Again, buses are very well developed throughout Ireland, making travel much easier.What is the currency in Dublin?
We ourselves wondered about the local currency used, even more so with the recent Brexit. So, don't worry, Dublin uses the euro like we do.What to do around Dublin?
If the duration of your stay in Dublin allows you to get out of the city to enjoy the surroundings, then I recommend some interesting excursions to do from Dublin.
Discovery of the Wicklow Mountains
Here is a first day of excursion that will allow you to discover different interesting places around Dublin. The program includes several stops:
- The city of Kilkenny : small typically Irish town, capital of Ireland in the Middle Ages. Among other things, you can visit its pretty cobbled streets and its castle.
- Glendalough Monastery : in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park, you will stop in the middle of a breathtaking landscape. A visit to the ruins of the monastery of Glendalough is also planned.
- Sheepdog demonstration : you will be able to admire how the shepherd dogs assist the shepherds and help them in their daily work. In Ireland, this sport is recognized and is the subject of competitions.
This excursion lasts approximately 9 hours and an English-speaking guide accompanies you. If you're a movie buff, you might recognize a few locations that have been used to shoot movies like PS I live you or the older Braveheart.
Book this tourDay at the Cliffs of Moher
I now present to you a day to meet one of the most famous places in Ireland. It is indeed the Cliffs of Moher, near the very beautiful city of Galway.
This excursion lasts around 12 hours as the distance between Dublin and Galway requires around 2 hours by road, the time to cross Ireland from east to west.
But this excursion is really worth the detour for its breathtaking landscapes and the beauties that you will be able to see during your day.
You will have free time in Galway and the Cliffs of Moher to discover these two must-see places on your own.
During the journey, you will also make interesting stops such as the ruins of the Monastery of Kilmacduagh, the amazing landscapes of the Burren or the small town of Kinvara.
Book this tourGiant's Causeway Tour
This last excursion also lasts 12 hours because the travel time to reach the north of the island is about 3 hours. Besides, you will have to take your identity documents with you because you will be passing through Northern Ireland.
During this beautiful excursion, you will discover the intriguing Giant's Causeway. It is an entirely natural formation that resulted from volcanic activity on the island tens of millions of years ago. This place is impressive and is the subject of legends about its origin.
During this day in Northern Ireland, you will also take the opportunity to discover its capital: Belfast. A stop that will give you the opportunity to visit this city, which is rather industrial but still has some nice surprises in store for its visitors.
Other stops are also planned during this rich day such as the ruins of Dunluce Castle or the famous Dark Hedges beech alley which served as a filming location for a few films and series such as Game Of Thrones.
Book this tourVisit Dublin in 2, 3 or 7 days
If you have read this article from the beginning, you will have noticed that a large number of visits are to be made in Dublin and around. So it seems important and useful to present to you here some ideas for itineraries to visit Dublin. You will therefore find a 2 or 3 day itinerary for short stays and long weekends; as well as a 7-day stay if you want to deepen your discovery of the city and even of Ireland.
Visit Dublin in 2 or 3 days
Let's start with an itinerary that will suit most of you: the time of a long weekend. Indeed, due to its ease of access and its friendly atmosphere, Dublin attracts visitors looking for a weekend to take their mind off things. Admittedly, you won't be able to see as many things as in a week, but spending 2 or 3 days in Dublin will still allow you to visit some of the city's most iconic places.
And if you opt for a city pass?
This pass is valid for 1 to 5 days and allows you to visit a number of places in Dublin. For a stay of 2 or 3 days, it can prove to be very useful both from an organizational and financial point of view. The only downside is that some must-see places like Trinity College or Kilmainham Prison are not included. You are therefore free to see if this pass is interesting depending on what you want to do. You can very well take it for 2 days and devote your third day to visits not included in the pass. If you don't think you'll make enough visits to make it profitable, then you can book your visits individually and online very easily.
See the city pass
1 Day:
For this first day, I suggest you start with the city's must-sees, located on the west side of Temple Bar.
In the morning you can easily visit Dublin Castle et Christ Church. If you wish, the Chester Beatty Library museum is easily accessible and fairly quick to do. Otherwise, the museum Dublinia is attached to the cathedral and it is really interesting.
All these visits are included in the city pass!
For your afternoon, you can start with the St. Patrick's Cathedral which can be visited quite quickly.
Then, you are free to visit a distilleries (Jameson or Teeling), the Guinness Storhouse or prison Kilmainham.
Only the prison is not included in the city pass.
In terms of timing, you can easily make two visits, or even 3 if you take public transport between each visit. Be careful, however, these visits must be booked in advance, so you will have timetables to respect.
Spend your evening in the Temple Bar district to immerse yourself in the very warm Dublin atmosphere.
2 Day:
Let's start this second day of visiting Dublin with Trinity College. Certainly it is not included in the pass, but it is really a must-see in Dublin. The tour is fairly quick, giving you some time to roam the nearby Georgian Quarter and cross the parc Saint Stephen’s Green Park. If you are interested in museums, then you can stay the afternoon in the area: National Gallery of Ireland, Museum of Archeology, Little Museum or even Irish Whiskey Museum.
Otherwise, you can visit the boat Jeanie Johnston and EPIC museum. These two visits will keep you busy in the afternoon without worries.
All these visits are included in the city pass, except Trinity College!
3 Day:
If you wish to extend your stay by one day, then add this program to the previous two days.
Depending on the weather, you can plan your morning at Phoenix Park or go in the direction of Howth Peninsula. If the weather is not good, then I recommend that you visit one of those that you would not have had time to do on day 1 and 2 as a distilleries prison or the museum Guinness.
In the afternoon, either you plan the Jeanie Johnston boat and the EPIC museum if on day 2 you have not done them. Otherwise, I recommend the museum 14 Henrietta Street, which is not so far from the distillery Jameson. Remember to book in advance.
All these visits are included in the city pass!
Spend a week in Dublin
To end this long and comprehensive article, I suggest you present the program for our week in Dublin. Note that we were very lucky with the weather because, apart from arriving on the first day, we did not have a drop of rain! We were very lucky especially that, as you can see, we had planned a lot of walking in the city and on the coast.
On the practical and organizational side, we opted for the Dublin city pass. Indeed, we highly recommend these passes and we also use them whenever the opportunity arises. This city pass is valid for 1 to 5 consecutive days. Some visits are not included in this pass, so we concentrated them on our first 2 days in Dublin, to then be able to take advantage of the 5 consecutive days of the city pass.
If you are interested in this city pass, we have written a specific article to present it to you in more detail.
Day 1: Dublin Castle
For this first day of discovery in Dublin, we planned a light schedule because we landed in the middle of the morning. So to start slow, after getting the hotel room and eating a little, we headed to the Dublin Castle. The visit to Dublin Castle is one of the essentials and moreover, it is included in the city pass. But in this exceptional year, admission was free. On the other hand, some rooms were not visible such as the Powder Tower or the Royal Chapel (no guided tour because of the Covid).
Then we took a walk in the castle garden then we visited the Chester Beatty Library museum.
Day 2: Bray & Greystones
We were strongly advised to do this walk, so we planned it on the program! Normally we had to take the train to Bray, take the walk then take the train back to Greystones to return to Dublin.
Except that … the train line was under construction so no train that day. No chance !
So we took a bus, a little longer, but it allowed us to discover some very beautiful areas in the suburbs of Dublin. Count about 1 hour by bus.
So we had lunch in Bray, along the sea. A superb view and a very pleasant place. Then we walked about halfway as our bus was leaving Bray. We couldn't find a direct bus connection between Greystones and Dublin.
Day 3: Old Jameson Distillery
We start our visits with the city pass. The visit of the jameson distillery was booked late morning. Due to covid, all visits are guided and must be booked in advance as the number of people is limited. As part of the city pass, the reservation is quite simple: I went to the sites of the places to visit to see the schedules of the guided tours and the places available. I then sent an email directly to the places with the numbers of each of the city passes and asking for the desired day and time. Rather simple and effective because I had 100% positive feedback and no problems with entries.
So we took the time to visit the neighborhood by going to the distillery: the Smithfield Village. We wanted to visit the Saint Michan’s Church, but it was closed that day.
In the afternoon, we passed by the Garden of Remembrance, toward 14 Henrietta Street (visit also to be booked in advance), the Dublin Writers Museum or even Rotunda Hospital. A very beautiful Dublin walk!
Day 4: Howth & Guinness Storehouse
That morning, we took the direction of the Howth Peninsula and its charming fishing port. Another nice bus ride in beautiful neighborhoods to get to Howth. Stroll along the sea, discovery of the small village and above all, meal of the sea on the port!
The return to Dublin was done by train, faster but the environment is much less attractive. The afternoon is the guinness museum waiting for us! This visit has also been booked in advance and is included in the city pass. We wished for a late afternoon visit as a beer is included in the entrance ticket.
Jour 5 : Kilmainham & Teeling Whiskey Distillery
The day begins with a visit to theformer Kilmainham Gaol. The latter is not included in the city pass but we really wanted to visit it. It is essential to book in advance, places are very limited!
Then we went to the huge Phoenix Park which is nearby. On the program, a good lunch and a nice walk. Dublin Zoo is normally included in the city pass, but exceptionally due to covid, not while we were there. So we didn't. Instead, we took advantage of access for a day (and not 24 hours) to the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus from Dublin. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and serves the main tourist spots in the city. In addition, we took advantage of a very interesting audio guide in French!
The day ended at Teeling Whiskey Distillery, which is included in the city pass.
Day 6: National Gallery of Ireland & Trinity College
This museum had been eyeing me for a while so I went! This morning was a little free and we hesitated between several visits: Croke Park, the national botanical gardens and other museums. Finally the interesting part of the botanical gardens was closed because of the covid. And Croke Park, which is normally included in the city pass, was not at the moment, because of covid. As a result, some stayed quiet while the girls went to visit this magnificent museum: the National Gallery of Ireland !
Then we walked to Grafton Street et St Stephen’s Green Park with its splendid shopping centre.
In the afternoon, we had booked a visit to Trinity College with its Book of Kells and its 200-pound Long Room!
As we had a little time left, we went through the St. Patrick's Cathedral and its pleasant park.
Jour 7 : Christ Church & Jeanie Johnston
For this last day in Dublin, the program was still busy! The morning took place at Christ Church and Dublinia. The tickets for the cathedral and Dublinia were included in the city pass and the entrances had been reserved in advance, but there was space.
Then, in the afternoon, we had planned visits to the side of the financial district of Dublin. So we visited the boat Jeanie Johnston : visits do not take place every day and I had booked our visit in advance. This place is also included in the pass.
And to end on a high note, we visited the EPIC museum dedicated to Irish immigration, which is also included with the pass.
My opinion on this visit to Dublin
You may have seen it for yourself, but Dublin has literally charmed us! This city has everything going for it: a very pretty city center, a very charming friendly atmosphere, interesting and very varied visits, a crazy location less than an hour by bus from the wild coasts and above all, really very welcoming and pleasant.
This one-week stay allowed us to take the time to explore the city on foot and enjoy its various visits and its varied neighborhoods. A little bit of luck allowed us to enjoy daily sunshine, making the stay even more pleasant.
If you don't know this city yet, then we can only advise you to visit Dublin! On a long weekend you will have a nice overview, but on a week you will be able to take full advantage of it.
