Things to do in Dublin

Explore Europe’s most exciting city

Dublin is one of the Europe’s oldest cities but has one of its youngest populations. This gives it a unique mix of historic sites like St. Patrick’s Cathedral; incredible art like that at the National Gallery of Ireland; great entertainment like that on offer at the Guinness Store House and famously-friendly people everywhere you go.

 

The Guinness Storehouse

Located in the heart of St. James’s Gate Brewery, which has been home to the black stuff since 1759, this massive seven-storey building, a former Guinness® fermentation plant, has been remodelled into the shape of a giant pint of Guinness®. A visit will teach you everything you ever wanted to know about this world-famous beer, with the highlight for many visitors being the sky-high Gravity Bar®, where you’ll receive a complimentary pint of Guinness® and a chance to relax and enjoy the breath-taking 360-degree views across Dublin City.

Dublin Zoo

See many rare and exotic animals living and roaming in a wide variety of natural habitats. Wander through the African Savannah and gaze at the giraffes, zebras, scimitar oryx and ostrich, then head to the Kaziranga Forest to see the magnificent herd of Asian elephants that call this beautiful place home. Dublin Zoo, located in the famous Phoenix Park, right in the heart of Dublin City, allows you to discover amazing animals that include tigers, hippos, bats, rare monkeys, gorillas, chimpanzees, red pandas and reptiles, to name but a few.

 

Kildare Village

Kildare Village is a luxury outlet shopping destination filled with some of the world’s leading fashion and lifestyle brands. Visitors to this beautiful location can enjoy savings of as much as 60% off the latest luxury fashions and homeware must-haves. Ireland’s unrivalled luxury outlet shopping experience is ideal for discerning shoppers and a must-see for any one coming to stay at Luttrellstown Castle Resort.

 

The Curragh Racecourse

The Curragh Racecourse is undoubtedly Ireland’s premier flat racing venue and the spiritual home of the sport in Ireland. Considered to be one of the finest tracks in the world, every year it is the home to Ireland’s five Classics, including The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby - a major event for flat racing worldwide and one that has been won by some of the greatest racehorses ever to run.

 

National Aquatic Centre

AquaZone, at the National Aquatic Centre, is one of the most innovative water parks in Europe. A whole host of exciting features ensures that there is lots of family fun, thrills and something for everyone. If you crave extreme thrills, raging water adventures, flying through the air or just want an enjoyable family day out in Dublin, AquaZone at the National Aquatic Centre has Europe's biggest and best water rides and attractions waiting for you.

 

The National Gallery of Ireland

The collection at The National Gallery of Ireland currently includes over 2,500 paintings and some 10,000 other works in media including watercolours, drawings, prints and sculpture. Every major European School of Painting is extensively represented. It also houses a renowned collection of Irish paintings. The gallery's highlights include works by Vermeer, Caravaggio, Picasso, Van Gogh and Monet.

 

Book of Kells

The Book of Kells was written around the year 800 AD and is one of the most beautifully-illuminated manuscripts in the world. Its 680 pages of vellum contain the Latin texts of the Four Gospels. It was written by Irish monks and later buried in the ground for fear of the Vikings. After being eventually rediscovered, it was deposited for safe keeping in Trinity College Dublin in 1653.

National Botanic Gardens

The 19.5hectare gardens on the south bank of the Tolka River, contain many attractive features like an arboretum, sensory garden, rock garden and burren area, large pond, extensive herbaceous borders, and an annual display of decorative plants including a rare example of Victorian carpet bedding.

 

Farmleigh House

Built in the late 18th century, Farmleigh was purchased by Edward Cecil Guinness, a great-grandson of Arthur Guinness, in 1873. The house contains many beautiful features including the Main House area (a fine example of Georgian-Victorian architecture), the Sunken Garden, the Walled Garden, the famous Clock Tower and the Lake and The Benjamin Iveagh Library. The library holds some of the finest examples of Irish bookbinding from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. The collection was donated to Marsh’s Library by the Guinness family.

 

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Built between 1220 and 1260, the Cathedral is one of the few buildings left from the medieval city of Dublin. Today, St. Patrick's is the National Cathedral for the Church of Ireland and still the largest cathedral in Ireland. Visitors can learn about the building’s fascinating history, including its most famous Dean (head) Jonathan Swift, who is one of around 700 burials on site.

 

National Museum of Ireland

Walk into the National Museum of Ireland on Kildare Street and be magically transported back in time. Take in The Treasury and see examples of Celtic and Medieval art, such as the famous Ardagh Chalice, the Tara Brooch and the Derrynaflan Hoard. Gaze in wonder at the finest collection of prehistoric gold artefacts in Europe, which is to be found in Or - Ireland's Gold. Ramble through prehistoric Ireland and experience life at the same time of the Vikings in Viking Age Ireland.

 

Science Gallery at Trinity College

Dublin’s Science Gallery is a world-first. The collision of science and art is the key DNA strand of this international success story now being cloned worldwide. A new type of venue where today's white-hot scientific issues are thrashed out and you can have your say. A place where ideas meet and opinions collide. Unlike most galleries, they don't have a permanent collection, meaning that there’s always something new to see.

 

Old Jameson Distillery

Relive the story of John Jameson and Son through the history, the atmosphere and above all the taste. You will discover the time-honoured secret of how three simple ingredients, water, barley and yeast, are transformed into the smooth golden spirit that has always been and continues to be Jameson Irish Whiskey. All guests are rewarded with a signature Jameson drink and lucky volunteers are selected to participate in a tutored whiskey comparison and earn a much-coveted personalised Whiskey Taster Certificate.

 

Other things to do in Dublin Ireland

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