Dublin, Ireland’s small capital with a big reputation, is a cosmopolitan, creative city with amazing architecture, lovely green areas, and lots of chances for entertainment. In the following, a few must-see’s for a short- or long-term stay in or around Dublin are listed.
1. The Howth Cliff Walk
Howth is ideal for everyone who wishes to escape the busy city life of Dublin for a bit. Only 20 minutes by car and approximately 30 minutes by train you will find one of Ireland’s prettiest coastal lines.
It rather resembles the type of place you would find on a remote stretch of the west coast rather than a 25-minute train trip from the city center. Howth has a lot to offer with its charming port, gorgeous beaches, and coastal cliffs covered with wildflowers.
Besides, you will find numerous seafood restaurants and several cafes from which you have an amazing view on the cliffs.
If you are looking for something more active, there are four different hikes to take from the harbour. From all the hikes, the Cliff Walk Loop is the shortest at 6 km, and still offers a lot of scenic beauty.
Rich heathers, stunning cliffs, and the thundering waves below may all be found by following the trail up to the top of the cliffs. Balscadden Bay, a stunning curve of sand and crystal-clear water where you can see sea swimmers performing laps around the buoys, is another location you’ll pass on your approach to the trailhead. Join them for a swim or simply take in the view of the caves that are close by around the base of the cliffs.
2. Guinness Storehouse
The Guinness Storehouse represents a multimedia monument to one of the most well-known beer brands in the world: Guinness. After all, it is the most visited destination in Dublin. The seven-story Storehouse, located at the St James’s Gate Brewery, was built out of an ancient fermentation plant and is dedicated to educating visitors about the history of the business and the process used to make beer.
The Gravity Bar on the top level provides a bird’s eye perspective over Dublin. Here, you may try out your pint-pouring skills and even stay for lunch at the superb restaurant on the level below.
3. Daytrip to Cliffs of Moher and Galway
One of Ireland’s most notable and famous coastline landmarks is the Cliffs of Moher, which are located on the Wild Atlantic Way on the country’s west coast. From the little hamlet of Doolin, they gradually rise to a height of almost 700 feet (213 meters), and provide some of Ireland’s most magnificent views. Therefore, they are considered as Ireland’s top tourist destination and a must-see for many tourists.
And the best: there are several tour busses that will bring you from Dublin to Galway and to the Cliffs of Moher.
The roads are securely negotiated by a skilled driver, and a guide takes you to the best viewing locations, which you would have missed on your own. Also, this trip offers free time for Galway exploration.
4. Phoenix Park
With more than 700 hectares, The Phoenix Park represents the biggest enclosed public park in any capital city in Europe. It was first established in the 1660s as a royal deer-hunting park and only became accessible to the general public in 1747. Up until today, the picturesque park still houses a sizable herd of deer’s.
Besides observing the deer’s spotting, there are several things to do in the park, such as renting a bike, go for a stroll, play sports, or take advantage of one of the numerous public walking and cycling trails to take in the scenery.
5. The Dublin Mountains
If you wish to escape the hectic city life for a little bit, the Dublin mountains may be the perfect escape to nature. The mountains are located in the southern part of Dublin, just about 30-minute drive away from the city.
The Dublin mountains, which are an extension from the Wicklow mountain, will provide you a great overview over the city once you reached the top.
There are several hikes in the mountains that are only a 30-minute drive away from the city. The most popular hikes include:
6. Trinity College
Right next to the popular Grafton street you will find Trinity College. The Trinity College is one of Ireland’s most famous leading universities and definitely worth to visit during your stay.
During a period when many other European nations were also establishing significant centers of learning, Trinity College was established by royal charter from Queen Elizabeth I in 1592 with the intention of ‘bringing prestige’ to Ireland.
More than two million people visit Trinity College each year, making it one of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations. Its two main attractions are the Book of Kells, a gorgeously illuminated Gospel manuscript that goes back to the 9th century and is one of Ireland’s greatest cultural treasures. Besides that, the barrel-vaulted Long Room in Old Library represents one of Dublin’s most photographed rooms.
7. The Poolbeg Lighthouse
Another great choice if you wish to take a little break from the city’s bustle without going too far off the beaten path is the Poolbeg Lighthouse stroll.
Here, there are two distinct trails: a longer one, which begins at Sandymount Strand and lasts for 2.5 hours, and a shorter one, which begins at the parking lot on Pigeon House Road (1 hour).
8. James Distillery
The enormous bar at this whiskey store is lit by empty Jameson bottle chandeliers that swing from wooden rafters. This ancient distillery-turned-museum, which underwent renovations just in time for St. Patrick’s Day in 2017, is a destination for all whiskey enthusiasts.
Although the majority of the brand’s current manufacturing is now done in Cork, the museum is located where Jameson’s first distillery, which dates back to 1780, formerly stood. The 40-minute tour of the distillery includes a thorough history of Jameson, a comparison tasting, and a complimentary drink in the basement raucous whiskey bar, JJ’s Bar.
