Top 10 Dublin Tourist Attractions

 

The beautiful country of Ireland is full of personality, it prides itself on a rich cultural heritage, plenty of amazing sights and unique traditions as well as warm-hearted locals. And this is what makes the breathtaking island such a fairytale holiday destination. A great place to start a grand Irish adventure is, without a doubt, the charming capital of the country, scenic Dublin. But those who are going there for the first time often don't know what to see, taste or even what to do in Dublin. If you are thinking of Ireland travel but are not sure which landmarks to put on your travel agenda, don't worry, we are here to help. On this page, we've gathered some of the most impressive Dublin attractions that definitely won't leave you disappointed!

1. Dublin Castle, Dublin
Dublin Castle, Dublin

The magnificent castle is one of the most famous Dublin sights. For more than 700 years the castle was the most significant building in the country and the center of English rule in Ireland. Not surprisingly, the fortress was in the epicenter of several scandals, but the most notable one is the disappearance of the Irish Crown Jewels. This robbery seemed almost impossible in its audacity and the theft was never found. Interestingly, one of the people who offered to help with the investigation was the creator of Sherlock Holmes, brilliant Arthur Conan Doyle.

2. Trinity College, Dublin
Trinity College, Dublin

Without a doubt, the stylish Trinity College is a "must" stop during any Dublin tour. If you have time for something more than a quick photo, you can go on a student-led guided tour over the campus of the oldest university in Ireland, providing an insight into the history of the building and its famous graduates. The rumor has it that there is a network of hidden tunnels underneath the Trinity College, leading to a wine cellar of the college's president, although nobody was able to find them so far.

3. Library of Trinity College, Dublin
Library of Trinity College, Dublin

This incredible library deserves a separate place on the list. Although located on the territory of the Trinity College, it has a charm of its own and you can explore the library within a stand-alone tour. The first thing you need to know is that its collection is huge and includes every single known book printed on the territory of Ireland and the UK. Another reason to add the library to your Dublin travel plans is that it's home to the book of Kells, the most famous medieval manuscript in the world!

4. Temple Bar, Dublin
Temple Bar, Dublin

Despite what the name of this amazing Dublin landmark suggests, it's not a bar. It's an area located in the cultural quarter of the Irish capital. It's home to the Irish Photography Center, Irish Film Institute, and Arthouse Multimedia Center. And when the dark falls, the neighborhood becomes the heart of Dublin's nightlife, boasting some of the best restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. And, as you can see on the picture, it's possible to enjoy a pint of cold Guinness in the Temple Bar in the neighborhood as well.

5. Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin
Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin

The majestic Christ Church Cathedral is one of the most striking attractions in Dublin as well as one of the two medieval cathedrals in the city. But the breathtaking architecture is not the only thing the church is famous for. Over the years, it became home to a very unusual collection of artifacts, including the preserved heart of Saint Laurence O'Toole, kept in an iron cage, and the mummified remains of a rat and a cat. Visitors can see them (and hear the story behind the peculiar items) during a memorable guided tour.

6. Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin

Although the breathtaking Saint Patrick's Cathedral is a hundred years younger than the Christ Church Cathedral, it's just as impressive. Being the largest church in Ireland, the cathedral is an integral part of any Dublin sightseeing tour. According to a local legend, Saint Patrick's was built on the very place where the patron saint of Ireland baptized the local Celtic chieftains. The church is the burial place of several notable Irish figures, including Jonathan Swift, Denis Johnston, and Lennox Robinson.

7. Guinness Storehouse, Dublin
Guinness Brewery, Dublin

Ireland is known as the birthplace of one of the most successful beer brands in the world, so it's impossible to imagine a Dublin tour without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Of course, you can go and taste the iconic beer without bothering with a guided tour, but you will miss out. The tour is not about the difference between ale and beer or the details of the brewing technology. The tour is about how you should drink Guinness and what made it such a phenomenon. Even if you are not a fan of the dark stout, the chances are that you will be after the experience!

8. Jameson Distillery, Dublin
Jameson Distillery, Dublin

One more iconic Irish drink, whiskey, is in the core of Irish cultural heritage and a guided tour to one of the famous distilleries is a "must" during any Dublin trip. And what is a better place to go than a distillery, producing the best-selling Irish whiskey in the world? During the tour, you will learn to navigate in the world of exquisite Irish whiskey, what are the most significant moments in the history of the brand, and, of course, enjoy a degustation in the end!

9. Liffey Bridge, Dublin
Ha'penny Bridge, Dublin

Make some time to visit the symbol of the city and one of the most well-known attractions of Dublin, the elegant Liffey Bridge or, as locals call it, the Ha'penny Bridge. When it was built in 1816, the bridge was the only way to cross the Liffey River on foot. But a businessman who constructed the Liffey Bridge hasn't done it out of the goodness of his heart. After the first 10 days since the official opening, anyone who wished to use the bridge had to pay a fee of half a penny. And this toll is what gave the beautiful structure its nickname.

10. Molly Malone Statue, Dublin
Molly Malone Statue, Dublin

Walking around the city, keep an eye out for the most famous sculpture in Ireland, the beautiful Molly Malone Statue. No one knows for sure whether this charming lady actually existed or not, to the present day her story is told as part of the traditional Irish song called "Cockles and Mussels", featuring a gorgeous seafood seller, walking the streets of the Irish capital. The statue, honoring the woman, is one of the most popular sights of Dublin and it is believed that anyone who touches the breasts of Molly Malone will attract good luck and fortune.