{"id":36920,"date":"2023-03-30T15:42:13","date_gmt":"2023-03-30T15:42:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/?p=36920"},"modified":"2024-05-31T17:00:24","modified_gmt":"2024-05-31T16:00:24","slug":"dublins-top-sights-20-irresistable-reasons-to-visit-irelands-capital","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/things-to-do\/dublins-top-sights-20-irresistable-reasons-to-visit-irelands-capital\/","title":{"rendered":"Dublin’s top sights: 20 irresistable reasons to visit Ireland’s capital"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you love culture, history, drool-worthy eateries, and plenty of good craic, Dublin is the place to be! \ud83c\udf40<\/h2>\n

But if you\u2019re not yet convinced, we\u2019ve put together 20 irresistible reasons to visit, giving you a peek into some of the most incredible things to do in the city.<\/h4>\n
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1. St. Patrick’s Cathedral<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n

\"St.Over 1500 years ago, St. Patrick\u2019s Cathedral<\/span><\/a> saw locals baptised by St. Patrick himself. Since then, the site has remained a place of spiritual encounter. A free guided tour is one of the best ways to learn all about its history, whilst getting a glimpse of the spectacular architecture inside.<\/h4>\n

Throughout the year, there are even several fantastic concerts and events scheduled at the venue, offering endless fun for all ages. So, if you really want to see the cathedral come to life, booking tickets<\/span><\/a> for the entire family is a must!<\/h4>\n
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2. Abbey Theatre<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n

\"AbbeyKnown as the National Theatre of Ireland, Abbey Theatre<\/span><\/a> has been a cultural hub since 1904. Throughout the decades, it\u2019s seen many actors grow from amateurs to recognised names. The aim has always been to showcase \u201cthe deeper emotions of Ireland\u201d through unmissable performances.<\/h4>\n

Now, you can see a wide range of plays<\/span><\/a> from some of the most enthralling classics to brand-new material. If you fancy paying a visit, you\u2019ll be in for a real treat as there are so many fantastic plays on show all year round.<\/h4>\n
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3. Guinness Storehouse<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n

\"GuinnessThose who enjoy an occasional pint of Guinness will have a blast at the Guinness Storehouse<\/span><\/a> in Dublin. This iconic brewery experience allows visitors to learn all about the history of Ireland\u2019s most raved-about beer. Take it all in with a self-guided tour and enjoy a taste of the good stuff in the tasting room.<\/h4>\n

If you\u2019re hungry, it would be rude to visit the storehouse and not tuck in at one of the onsite eateries<\/span><\/a>. With plenty of options ranging from a light bite and a coffee to three-course meals inspired by Guinness, you can really get the full Guinness Storehouse experience.<\/h4>\n
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4. Trinity College Dublin<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n

\"TrinityTrinity College Dublin, also known as The College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth, is Ireland\u2019s leading university. The campus was created back in 1592 and is therefore riddled with incredible architecture from throughout the centuries.<\/h4>\n

If you fancy a visit, you can walk around the stunning grounds, taking in the wonderful sights of the university. But you can also see The Book of Kells and the famous Long Room on a guided tour. When you\u2019ve got an afternoon to spare, Trinity College Dublin<\/span><\/a> is the perfect place to be.<\/h4>\n
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5. Dublin Castle<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n

\"DublinBuilt on a Viking settlement in Dublin back in the early thirteenth century, Dublin Castle<\/span><\/a> was the headquarters for English administration in Ireland. But in 1922, after Ireland\u2019s Independence, it came under the ownership of the Irish government.<\/h4>\n

Visitors can experience the castle via a self-guided tour, or immerse in a guided tour with some of the venue\u2019s most knowledgeable staff. They\u2019ll take you around the state apartments, the Medieval section, or the Chapel Royal, helping you learn more about the history of this iconic venue. Take your loved ones and your camera, you\u2019ll certainly want to capture the trip!<\/h4>\n

Stay nearby<\/h4>\n
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6. Kilmainham Gaol<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n

\"\"Intrigued to learn more about Ireland\u2019s criminals? Kilmainham Gaol<\/span><\/a> was once a prison but has been preserved as a national monument. The venue operates by guided tours only and aims to give fascinated visitors a peek into life at the prison where thousands, children included, were held for over a century.<\/h4>\n

Some of the country\u2019s most prominent events even have links to the prison, such as the 1798 rebellion and the Anglo-Irish War, helping you understand more about Ireland\u2019s past. Once the tour is complete, you must head to the on-site museum for a deeper look at the prison\u2019s history. Consider Kilmainham Gaol a brilliant day out for history lovers!<\/h4>\n
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7. Phoenix Park<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n

\"\"When you\u2019re craving an escape from city life, Phoenix Park<\/span><\/a> is our go-to spot. This enclosed public park is one of the most expansive in any European capital city, spanning over 1,700 acres. Once named the Royal Hunting Park during the 17th century, you may be lucky enough to see herds of fallow deer on your strolls. But there\u2019s much more to do than appreciate the wildlife.<\/h4>\n

Why not take a guided tour around the regal Farmleigh Estate? If you\u2019re with the kids, Dublin Zoo<\/span><\/a> is a must. Or, you can play dot-to-dot with all the incredible monuments. Whatever you get up to, Phoenix Park will not disappoint.<\/h4>\n
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8. Christ Church Cathedral<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n

\"\"Got an appreciation for spectacular architecture? The Christ Church Cathedral<\/span><\/a> displays breathtaking arches, intriguing floor tiles, and plenty of ornate details. The best way to make the most of this nearly 1,000-year-old construction is to immerse in a self-guided tour.<\/h4>\n

This way, you can explore the depths of the cathedral at your own pace, taking in the many stories hidden inside. However, sticking around to enjoy a service, recital, or listen to the hair-raising music is certainly another fabulous way to experience the Christ Church Cathedral in all its glory.<\/h4>\n
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9. National Gallery of Ireland<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n

\"\"If you regularly find yourself wandering around prestigious art galleries, the National Gallery of Ireland<\/span><\/a> will be right up your street. Inside, you\u2019ll find jaw-dropping works from the likes of Hughie O\u2019Donoghue, James Coleman, and other inspiring artists.<\/h4>\n

Many of the artwork inside the gallery features as a permanent fixture, however, you can also see incredible temporary exhibitions<\/span><\/a>. Take the entire family along \u2013 there are drawing materials for both kids and adults, as well as a cosy cafe for a bite to eat.<\/h4>\n
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10. Croke Park<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n

\"StamfordLove sports? Croke Park<\/span><\/a> is a top-tier stadium, known for being the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). For over 100 years, locals and visitors have flocked to the venue to watch an array of sports, from football to rugby and even soccer. Many concerts have also taken place on the grounds.<\/h4>\n

Why not book tickets for a game or head to the GAA Museum<\/span><\/a>? The on-site tours are the best way to immerse in the park\u2019s history and culture. And with 3 tours to choose from, including the stadium, skyline tour, and the museum, it\u2019s completely up to you how you spend your day!<\/h4>\n

Stay nearby<\/h4>\n
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11. The Little Museum of Dublin<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n

\"\"Want to hear all about the story of Dublin? The Little Museum of Dublin<\/span><\/a> is set in a delightful Georgian townhouse in the city centre. With several fantastic tour guides, you\u2019ll be walked around the house as you discover unique facts and memorable stories about the city. There\u2019s a chance to learn all about Ireland\u2019s rock icons, U2, and you\u2019ll even hear the tales of Queen Victoria\u2019s visit.<\/h4>\n

Plus, you can immerse in a one-of-a-kind treasure hunt \u2013 great for history-loving kids to get involved. Any visit to Dublin would not be complete without a trip to this glorious museum.<\/h4>\n
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12. Ha’penny Bridge<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n

\"\"If you\u2019re exploring Dublin on foot, make sure to stop by the Ha\u2019penny Bridge<\/span><\/a> near O\u2019Connell Street. This eye-catching iron bridge was the first of its kind when built back in 1816, and was designed as a footbridge over the River Liffey. Back in the day, pedestrians were charged a ha\u2019penny simply to get from one side to the other, making it Ireland\u2019s first toll bridge.<\/h4>\n

Consider it a great slice of history to see before heading to several iconic attractions nearby, such as the ever-famous Temple Bar Pub<\/span><\/a>.<\/h4>\n
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13. National Botanic Gardens<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n