Dublin is a city that's as intimate as a village and as friendly as an Irish pub. Framed by mountains, centred on a river and edged by a beautiful bay, the city's streets and alleys are filled with vibrant art and historic buildings, hip cafés and traditional "old man" pubs, as Dubliners call them. Walk the streets and you'll feel the energy of over 1,000 years of history, as echoes of the Vikings mix with buzzing boutiques, cobbled streets reverberate with the sounds of buskers, and 18th-century parks play host to festivals, film, and food markets.
Dublin is a resoundingly social place, packed with culture, creativity and craic. But this ancient gem basks in natural beauty, too. Head out beyond the city, and the Biosphere of Dublin Bay opens up with coastal walks, little villages, wide sea views and rugged mountain backdrops. Take to the Dublin mountains for a hike, go rock-climbing in Dalkey Quarry, walk the cliff path at Howth or join the Dublin hardcore who sea-swim whatever the weather. There's an adventure around every corner.
City attractions
The Guinness Storehouse
Ireland’s number one visitor attraction – a multimedia exhibition on everything from the craft of brewing to the retro advertising, topped off with a pint in the 360-degree Gravity Bar. When you get there, don’t forget to raise your glass to Arthur’s wonderful creation!
St Patrick's & Christ Church Cathedrals
Ancient, dramatic and intriguing, Dublin’s two cathedrals make a striking pair. Built beside a well where Ireland’s patron saint baptised converts, St Patrick’s dates back to 1220 and is filled with monuments, 19th-century stained glass and a beautiful Lady Chapel. While the hilltop location and eye-catching flying buttresses make Christ Church Cathedral the most photogenic cathedral in Dublin.
The Book of Kells and Trinity College
With a backstory that includes monks, Vikings and remote Scottish islands, the Book of Kells will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. This glorious Early Christian illuminated manuscript is quite simply a masterpiece. Located within Trinity College’s Treasury, the tour here includes a visit to the Long Room Library, one of Europe’s most magnificent libraries housing over 200,000 of Trinity’s oldest books.
Want to further explore this stunning city? Here are the top 10 things to do in Dublin!