What to see in Dublin
Welcome to Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, a city rich in history, culture, and traditions that captivates visitors from all over the world. If it’s your first time here, get ready to discover a perfect blend of medieval charm and modern energy. From the cobbled streets of Temple Bar, the heart of the city’s nightlife, to the grandeur of Trinity College with its ancient Library and the famous Book of Kells, and the historic Guinness Storehouse, where you can enjoy the world’s most famous beer with a breathtaking view of the city. Don’t miss a stroll along the River Liffey, a visit to the atmospheric Dublin Castle, and a stop in the greenery of Phoenix Park, the largest urban park in Europe.
Relying on someone who has lived in Dublin for 18 years means getting authentic and tailored advice to discover the city in the best way. If you’re visiting Dublin for the first time, I can guide you through its most significant places, sharing stories and curiosities that only a local knows. I’ll help you explore the city with fresh eyes, revealing hidden gems and the most authentic experiences that will make your trip truly special.
Welcome to Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, a city rich in history, culture, and traditions that captivates visitors from all over the world. If it’s your first time here, get ready to discover a perfect blend of medieval charm and modern energy. From the cobbled streets of Temple Bar, the heart of the city’s nightlife, to the grandeur of Trinity College with its ancient Library and the famous Book of Kells, and the historic Guinness Storehouse, where you can enjoy the world’s most famous beer with a breathtaking view of the city. Don’t miss a stroll along the River Liffey, a visit to the atmospheric Dublin Castle, and a stop in the greenery of Phoenix Park, the largest urban park in Europe.
Relying on someone who has lived in Dublin for 18 years means getting authentic and tailored advice to discover the city in the best way. If you’re visiting Dublin for the first time, I can guide you through its most significant places, sharing stories and curiosities that only a local knows. I’ll help you explore the city with fresh eyes, revealing hidden gems and the most authentic experiences that will make your trip truly special.
In this chapter, we’ll take you through Dublin’s must-see spots, offering useful tips on what to see, what to do, and how to make the most of this fascinating city. To keep things simple, I’ll divide the city into four areas: two north of the River Liffey and two south.
NORTH/EAST AREA: O’Connell Street, Docklands
What to Visit in Dublin’s Dublin 1 and Docklands Districts
If you’re wondering what to see in Dublin, the Dublin 1 and Docklands districts offer a perfect blend of history, culture, and modernity. Here, you’ll find some of the city’s most important museums, art galleries, iconic shops, and cutting-edge architectural structures.
O’Connell Street – The Beating Heart of Dublin
O’Connell Street is Dublin’s main thoroughfare and a central point for exploring the city. This wide, bustling avenue is lined with historic monuments, shopping opportunities, and key landmarks:
Dublin 1 – The Commercial and Cultural Heart of the City
📍 Dublin 1, City Center of Dublin
- The Spire: Also known as the “Monument of Light,” this 120-meter stainless steel structure is an iconic symbol of modern Dublin.
- 📍 O’Connell Street, Dublin 1
- General Post Office (GPO): A historically significant building that played a central role in the 1916 Easter Rising. You can visit the GPO Museum to learn about this pivotal moment in Irish history.
📍 O’Connell Street Lower, Dublin 1
🔗 www.gpowitnesshistory.ieHenry Street – Shopping and Department Stores
If you’re looking for shopping malls and department stores in Dublin, Henry Street is your go-to destination. Here, you’ll find Arnotts, Ireland’s oldest department store.
📍 Henry Street, Dublin 1
- Parnell Square: Located at the northern end of O’Connell Street, this square is home to the Hugh Lane Gallery, which hosts an impressive collection of contemporary and classical art.
- 📍 Parnell Square N, Dublin 1
🔗 www.hughlane.ie
- EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum: An interactive museum that tells the compelling stories of Irish emigrants and their influence worldwide.
- 📍 The CHQ Building, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1
🔗 www.epicchq.com
Docklands – The Modern Face of Dublin
📍 Docklands, Dublin 2 and Dublin 1
The Docklands area is a modern and stylish district with skyscrapers, theaters, and futuristic bridges. Here, you’ll find the city’s most innovative side.
Samuel Beckett Bridge – The Iconic Bridge of Modern Dublin
Designed by Santiago Calatrava, this cable-stayed bridge resembles an Irish harp and connects the city center with the Docklands.📍 Docklands, Dublin 1
- The Convention Centre Dublin – Architecture and International Events
A futuristic glass building, perfect for events, concerts, and conferences. At night, it’s illuminated with spectacular colors.
📍 Spencer Dock, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1
🔗 www.theccd.ie
Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship – The Floating Museum on the Great Famine
A faithful replica of the ship that carried thousands of Irish people fleeing the Great Famine to America in the 1800s.
📍 Custom House Quay, Dublin 1
🔗 www.jeaniejohnston.ie
Arena – The Stage for Major International Concerts
If you want to attend a concert in Dublin, 3Arena is the perfect venue, hosting artists like Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, and U2.
📍 North Wall Quay, Dublin 1
🔗 www.3arena.ieDublin 1 and Docklands: A Mix of Tradition and Innovation
Dublin 1 is perfect for those seeking history, culture, and shopping, while Docklands is the ideal place to explore Dublin’s modern and dynamic side.
Book our Dublin Tour now!
Our expert guides, certified by Fáilte Ireland, combine professionalism with a deep passion for the Emerald Isle, making your Dublin experience truly unforgettable.
NORTH/WEST ZONE: Smithfield, Stoneybatter
In the North/West zone of Dublin, you’ll find some of the most important sites and museums related to Irish history. Among them, the Jameson Distillery Bow Street stands out—an unmissable attraction for whiskey lovers.
Jameson Distillery Bow Street – The Soul of Irish Whiskey
Located in the historic Smithfield Square, this distillery is the heart of the world’s most famous Irish whiskey. Founded in 1770 by John Jameson, the distillery offers an immersive experience, including guided tours and exceptional whiskey tastings. I have had the pleasure of accompanying hundreds of tourists on these incredible flavor journeys, and I assure you—it will be an unforgettable experience!
📍 Jameson Distillery Bow Street, Smithfield, Dublin 7
🔗 Jameson Bow Street Tour
Arbour Hill Memorial – Remembering the Easter Rising
A site of great historical significance for Ireland, this memorial is dedicated to the 1916 Easter Rising—one of the most defining events of the 20th century. Here lie the leaders of the rebellion, making it an essential stop for those looking to understand Dublin’s past and its path to independence.
📍 1 Provost Row, Arbour Hill, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7
National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History and the Asgard
If you want to discover the real history of Ireland, this museum is a must-visit. Inside, you’ll find the reconstructed Asgard, a historic vessel used by Irish heroes to transport weapons from Hamburg to Dublin during the Easter Rising—an extraordinary adventure worth knowing about.
📍 Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Stoneybatter, Dublin
🔗 www.museum.ie
Henrietta House – The Georgian Elegance of Dublin
For a glimpse into 18th-century Dublin, visit Henrietta House, a museum located in a typical Georgian townhouse. Here, you can immerse yourself in 300 years of history, discovering the lives of those who lived in this residence over the centuries. A fascinating experience for those interested in Dublin’s culture and architecture.
📍 Henrietta Place, Dublin 1
🔗 www.14henriettastreet.ie
Book our tour now!
Our expert guides, certified by Fáilte Ireland, combine professionalism with a deep passion for the Emerald Isle, making your Dublin experience truly unforgettable.
Sout/North west: Temple Bar e The Liberties
Se state cercando cosa vedere a Dublino, i quartieri di Temple Bar e The Liberties sono due delle zone più vivaci e ricche di attrazioni della città. Qui troverete pub storici, distillerie, musei, arte di strada e luoghi iconici da non perdere.
Temple Bar – The Cultural & Nightlife Hub of Dublin
📍 Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Temple Bar is one of Dublin’s most famous neighborhoods, known for its traditional pubs, live music, art galleries, and markets. Here are some of its top attractions:
Temple Bar Pub – Ireland’s Most Famous Pub
The Temple Bar Pub is a Dublin institution with over 160 years of history. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a pint of Guinness while listening to live folk music.
📍 47-48 Temple Bar, Dublin 2
🔗 www.thetemplebarpub.com
Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum – A Must for Music Lovers
Dublin has a rich musical heritage, and this museum celebrates artists like U2, Thin Lizzy, and The Cranberries. The tour includes recording studios and music memorabilia.
📍 Curved Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
🔗 www.irishrocknrollmuseum.com
Temple Bar Gallery + Studios – Contemporary Art in Dublin
A cultural space dedicated to contemporary art, featuring temporary exhibitions by Irish and international artists.
📍 5-9 Temple Bar, Dublin 2
🔗 www.templebargallery.com
The Ark – Arts & Culture for Families
A cultural center designed for children, offering interactive exhibitions, workshops, and theater performances.
📍 11A Eustace Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
🔗 www.ark.ie
The Liberties – History, Tradition & Whiskey
📍 The Liberties, Dublin 8
Located west of the city center, The Liberties is a historic district that preserves the charm of medieval Dublin and is famous for its distilleries, historic churches, and markets.
Guinness Storehouse – The Home of Guinness
One of Ireland’s most visited attractions, the Guinness Storehouse offers an interactive tour on the history of Guinness, ending with a tasting at the Gravity Bar, which boasts panoramic views of Dublin.
📍 St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8
🔗 www.guinness-storehouse.com
Book our dublin tour now!
Our expert guides, certified by Fáilte Ireland, combine professionalism with a deep passion for the Emerald Isle, making your Dublin experience truly unforgettable.
Teeling Distillery – Dublin’s Premier Whiskey Experience
Opened in 2015, Teeling Distillery was the first new distillery in Dublin in over 125 years. It offers guided tours and tastings of award-winning craft whiskey.
📍 13-17 Newmarket, The Liberties, Dublin 8
🔗 www.teelingwhiskey.com
Christ Church Cathedral – One of Ireland’s Oldest Churches
A stunning medieval cathedral founded in 1030, featuring a spectacular crypt and a treasury.
📍 Christchurch Place, Dublin 8
🔗 www.christchurchcathedral.ie
St. Patrick’s Cathedral – Ireland’s Largest Church
Founded in 1191, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of Dublin’s most significant landmarks and the burial site of Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels.
📍 St. Patrick’s Close, Dublin 8
🔗 www.stpatrickscathedral.ie
Dublinia – Viking & Medieval Dublin
An interactive museum that tells the story of Dublin’s Viking and medieval past perfect for history lovers and families.
📍 St. Michael’s Hill, Christ Church, Dublin 8
🔗 www.dublinia.ie
Temple Bar & The Liberties: Two Unmissable Districts
Temple Bar is ideal for those seeking pubs, live music, and artistic culture, while The Liberties is the perfect place to explore Dublin’s history, visit distilleries, and immerse yourself in Irish tradition.
SOUTH/WEST ZONE: Dublin 2, Ballsbridge, Donnybrook, and Ranelagh
If you’re wondering what to see in Dublin, the neighborhoods of Dublin 2, including Ballsbridge, Donnybrook, and Ranelagh, offer the perfect mix of elegant parks, museums, fine dining, and cultural attractions. These areas, located south of the city center, are ideal for those who want to explore a more residential and authentic side of Dublin.
St. Stephen’s Green Park is a green oasis in the heart of Dublin, perfect for a relaxing break. Located near Grafton Street, it is one of Ireland’s most famous parks, featuring flower gardens, lakes, and scenic pathways. Open to the public since 1880, the park is home to historical monuments, picturesque bridges, and diverse wildlife. An ideal spot for a stroll or a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
📍 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2
🔗 www.ststephensgreenpark.ie
National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology
A fascinating museum that houses famous Celtic treasures, Viking artifacts, and the mysterious “Bog Bodies” (mummified bodies found in peat bogs).
📍 Kildare Street, Dublin 2
🔗 www.museum.ie
Trinity College, Old Library, Book of Kells
Trinity College Dublin is one of Ireland’s most prestigious universities, renowned for its Old Library, one of the most spectacular libraries in the world. Inside, you’ll find the iconic Long Room, a grand hall with vaulted ceilings and thousands of ancient books. The library’s most treasured artifact is the Book of Kells, a beautifully illuminated medieval manuscript, considered one of the most important works of Christian art. The new Book of Kells Experience offers an interactive and immersive journey, providing deeper insights into the history and creation of this masterpiece.
📍 College Green, Dublin 2
🔗 www.tcd.ie
Book our Dublin tour now!
Our expert guides, certified by Fáilte Ireland, combine professionalism with a deep passion for the Emerald Isle, making your Dublin experience truly unforgettable.
Merrion Square Park and the Oscar Wilde Statue
A beautiful park featuring a statue dedicated to Oscar Wilde, surrounded by quotes from his works. Perfect for literature lovers.
📍 Merrion Square, Dublin 2
Ballsbridge – Elegance and Tradition in Dublin
Ballsbridge is renowned for its elegance and tradition in Dublin due to its exclusive residences, embassies, and upscale hotels. The area is home to Herbert Park, a beautifully landscaped green space perfect for leisurely walks. It also boasts the Aviva Stadium, a modern sports venue hosting rugby and football matches. Ballsbridge is known for its fine dining and luxury accommodations, attracting both locals and visitors. Its historic charm and sophisticated atmosphere make it one of Dublin’s most prestigious neighborhoods.
📍 Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
Aviva Stadium – The Temple of Irish Rugby and Football
One of the most modern stadiums in Europe, hosting the Irish national rugby and football teams. Guided tours are available for a behind-the-scenes experience.
📍 Lansdowne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
🔗 www.avivastadium.ie
Herbert Park – A Peaceful Retreat
A beautiful park with ponds, gardens, and pathways perfect for a walk or picnic.
📍 Herbert Park, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
RDS – Royal Dublin Society
A major events and exhibition center, hosting concerts, fairs, and sporting events like the Dublin Horse Show, one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian competitions.
📍 Anglesea Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
🔗 www.rds.ie
Donnybrook – The Neighborhood of Gastronomy and Rugby
📍 Donnybrook, Dublin 4
Donnybrook Fair – A Gourmet Food Paradise
One of Dublin’s best gourmet food stores, perfect for trying Irish specialties, artisanal cheeses, and homemade sweets.
📍 89 Morehampton Rd, Donnybrook, Dublin 4
🔗 www.donnybrookfair.ie
Energia Park – Training Ground of Irish Rugby
The training ground of Leinster Rugby, a symbolic place for rugby fans.
📍 Donnybrook Road, Dublin 4
🔗 www.energiapark.ie
Ranelagh – The Trendy and Bohemian Neighborhood
A fashionable neighborhood with trendy restaurants, cozy cafés, and independent boutiques.
Ranelagh Gardens Park – A Hidden Gem
A small secret garden, perfect for a peaceful stroll away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
📍 Ranelagh, Dublin 6
What to See in Rathmines
If you’re looking for things to do in Rathmines, this neighborhood in south Dublin offers a perfect mix of culture, entertainment, trendy venues, and green areas. With its bohemian and lively atmosphere, Rathmines is an ideal destination for those who want to explore an authentic side of Dublin.
📍 Rathmines, Dublin 6 – Just minutes from Dublin city center
Stella Cinema – Dublin’s Most Beautiful Cinema
A stunning vintage cinema from the 1920s, elegantly restored with velvet armchairs, a cocktail bar, and private tables. Perfect for a special evening.
📍 207 Rathmines Rd Lower, Dublin 6
🔗 www.stellacinemas.ie
Grand Canal – Romantic Walks Along the Canal
One of Dublin’s most picturesque spots, perfect for relaxing strolls among swans, colorful boats, and ancient trees. The pedestrian path is ideal for jogging or cycling.
📍 Grand Canal, Dublin 6
The Mart Gallery & Studios – Contemporary Art and Alternative Culture
A former fire station transformed into an art space hosting exhibitions, installations, and creative events. A must-visit for art lovers.
📍 190A Rathmines Road Lower, Dublin 6
🔗 www.mart.ie
Leinster Cricket Club – Sport and Tradition
Founded in 1852, this is the perfect place to discover Irish cricket or watch a match in a relaxed and authentic atmosphere.
📍 Observatory Lane, Rathmines, Dublin 6
🔗 www.leinstercricketclub.ie
Swan Shopping Centre – Shopping and Local Cuisine
A small shopping center featuring independent boutiques, fashion stores, and a food court with local and international restaurants.
📍 Swan Shopping Centre, Rathmines Road Lower, Dublin 6
🔗 www.swan.ie
Dublin 2, Ballsbridge, Donnybrook, Rathmines, and Ranelagh: A Mix of Culture, Sports, and Gastronomy
These neighborhoods represent the most refined and authentic side of Dublin, ideal for those seeking art, history, great food, and relaxation in the city’s parks.
Book our Dublin tour now!
Our expert guides, certified by Fáilte Ireland, combine professionalism with a deep passion for the Emerald Isle, making your Dublin experience truly unforgettable.
Dublin don’t just visit it with a classic tour, LIVE IT LIKE A DUBLINER with those who have been “living Dublin” for 18 years, not just “living in Dublin.” For 15 years, we have been guiding travelers to discover the Irish capital, so there’s no doubt choose one of our tours and get ready to become a Dubliner for a day!
