Dublin Awaits: Discovering Historic Streets & Lively Pubs

Dublin Awaits: Discovering Historic Streets & Lively Pubs

Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, is a city where history, traditional Irish pubs, and stunning natural landscapes collide. Stroll along cobblestone streets, enjoy live music in lively bars, or relax in lush parks. From the iconic Trinity College to Phoenix Park’s landmarks, Dublin offers a mix of culture, charm, and adventure.

Out & About:

Trinity College: A visit to Trinity College is a must for any trip to Dublin. The Old Library is one of the most renowned libraries in the world, famous for housing the Book of Kells and the magnificent Long Room.

• Tickets: Be sure to purchase tickets in advance, as this iconic attraction is pretty popular among visitors.
• Tip: While on campus, take time to stroll around and admire the stunning architecture and statues scattered throughout the grounds.

Guinness Storehouse: Dive into Dublin’s beer history with a 90-minute tour of the Guinness Storehouse. Learn about the brewing process, the brand's history, and enjoy a pint of Guinness at the Gravity Bar with panoramic views of the city.

Jameson Distillery Tour: This immersive experience delves into the art of whiskey making, from the history of the craft to the intricate distillation process. Visitors can also enjoy guided tastings that highlight why Irish whiskey holds its esteemed global reputation.

Phoenix Park: One of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital, Phoenix Park offers an escape from the city hustle. Originally established as a royal hunting park in the 1660s, it’s now a haven for outdoor activities.

• Bike Rentals: We rented bikes from Phoenix Bikes, conveniently located inside the park. At just €7 for an hour and was a great way to explore the park and take in all the sights.

Must-See Spots:

• The Wellington Monument: This 203-foot high obelisk commemorates Wellington's famous victory over Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. He later became Prime Minister of England in 1828. There are several monuments around Dublin dedicated to him, but the Wellington Monument is the most prominent
• The Papal Cross: A large white cross erected for Pope John Paul II's visit to Ireland in 1979
• The American Ambassador’s Residence (check out the view from the cross side): Built in 1776, this historic building was originally home to the offices of the Legation and the residence of the Minister until 1949. When Ireland became a Republic, the status of the Legation was upgraded to a full Embassy, and the first United States Ambassador, George Garret, was appointed to Ireland. The offices of the Embassy moved out of the house, making it the official residence of the Ambassador. Located in Phoenix Park, it offers impressive architecture and a scenic view, particularly from the Papal Cross side.

• Áras an Uachtaráin (the Irish President’s House): Originally built in 1751, this historic building is now the official residence of the President of Ireland.
• Ashtown Castle: A tower house that probably dates from the seventeenth century, though it may be as early as the fifteenth. The castle area includes a café and restrooms, making it a convenient stop while exploring the park.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral: As the largest cathedral and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Ireland, Saint Patrick’s has been at the heart of Dublin and Ireland’s history and culture for over 800 years. This iconic cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

Ha’Penny Bridge: Walk across the historic Ha’Penny Bridge to soak in the charm of old Dublin. This picturesque pedestrian bridge, one of the earliest cast-iron structures of its kind, is a symbol of the city.

Cliffs of Moher (Day Trip): While we didn’t have time for this, renting a car or taking a train to the Cliffs of Moher is highly recommended. From what was shared with us, these breathtaking cliffs offer some of the most stunning views in Ireland.

Pubs:

The Temple Bar: Established in 1840, The Temple Bar is known for its vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and traditional Irish live music played 24/7, making it a must-stop spot while in Dublin. Keep in mind that it can get quite crowded depending on the time of day. Additionally, it it has a vast whiskey and beer collections to explore.

Oliver St. John Gogarty’s: Situated in the centre of Dublin’s Cultural Quarter, enjoy live Irish music and traditional Irish food in this lively pub.

Stay:

Moxy Dublin City: Conveniently located near the Red and Green LUAS lines, the Moxy Dublin City hotel is a practical choice for travelers. As I normally do in most cities, I stayed here and found it to be one of my favorites for its simplicity. Its central location makes it easy to explore by walking or taking the above ground train.

To make navigating Dublin even simpler, I’ve created a custom Apple Guide with all these must-see spots mapped out for you. Click here to check it out.

Visited last in July 2024