Okay, who doesn’t love Ireland and its fun capital, Dublin?

Read my lips, no one! Everyone LOVES Dublin! If you haven’t been yet, I urge you to go. Heck, I’m even planning myself a quick weekend over there later on this year. But as I’ve been to Dublin twice already, surely there wouldn’t be anything more from Dublin that I haven’t seen?

You’d be surprised.

I was chatting to Expedia the other day about visiting Dublin and I was told of various places that I haven’t even seen yet! So, I challenged them to send me the top five things to see in Dublin for myself and yourselves to see what this popular travel company has to say about Dublin…

 

As a visitor to Dublin you will never be stuck with interesting things to see and do with a range of galleries and museums to choose from. All of the attractions we have listed below are all within walking distance of each other, no better way to see the best of what Dublin has to offer than getting lost on its cobbled streets.

 

1) Guinness Store House

 

No trip to Dublin would be complete without a visit to The Guinness Storehouse, the home of Ireland’s most famous export Guinness. Even if you are not a fan the tour of the storehouse tells an interesting story bringing alive a real segment of Irish History, offering great insight into the history of Ireland’s famous drink and the influence it has over the world today. It may be touristy but it definitely should be on your list of things to do in Dublin. The tour itself is spread across 7 floors as you walk through the whole process from grain to glass. To top it all off at the end of the Tour you are rewarded with a pint of Guinness with 360° panoramic views over Dublin to enjoy as you unwind with the famous pint.

 

 

Ed Note: I heartily agree that you should sup a pint of Guinness at the top of the Factory as I discovered on my 23rd birthday!

See More: A Birthday in Dublin

 

2) Kilmainham Gaol

 

A visit to Kilmainham Gaol is fascinating, Ireland’s infamous prison now turned museum. It was in full operation from 1796-1924, housing many of Ireland’s most rebellious and perhaps famous criminals, young children as young as seven were incarcerated for petty thefts as well. The tour of the Gaol has often been described as a moving experience as you visit the cell blocks and execution yard, bringing this troubled era of Irish history into life. It is definitely worth the time and effort to visit Kilmainham Gaol, it stands today as one of the largest unoccupied Gaols in Europe.

 

 

3) Temple Bar

 

A visit to Dublin is not complete without stopping by in Temple Bar. A short walk over the Hay ‘penny Bridge, look out for the cobbles and there lies Temple Bar.  Not so much the bar itself but the area around it, with Irish bars and Restaurants lining the cobbled streets it is the one area in Dublin where you are guaranteed a true insight into Irish culture. No matter the time of day traditional music fills the air with musicians’ performing inside and outside, whilst visitors are encouraged to take part making the experience more memorable. Temple Bar is also a great place to people watch if that’s your thing take time out and watch Dublin pass you by.

 

 

4) Christchurch Cathedral

 

One of the things about a visit to Ireland is that nearly everywhere you visit you will find something unexpected with Dublin; Christ Church Cathedral is no exception. Founded around 1030 it is one of Dublin’s oldest buildings and one of the city’s two cathedrals. It is well worth a visit for its history and to observe its fantastic architectural structure complete with statutes and stained glass windows, a truly beautiful place to walk through and enjoy its sanctity. The Cathedral is also home to the largest crypt in Ireland something to look out for as you pass through.

 

 

5) Trinity College

 

The cobbled stones of Trinity College will transport you to the 18^th century when this magnificent building was first constructed. Situated opposite the former house of Parliament situates Trinity College Ireland’s oldest university. First founded in 1592 it still is today recognised in the world’s top 100 universities. It is also home to the Book of Kells, a world famous a ninth century gospel manuscript containing the four gospels of the New Testament famous throughout the word. You can chose to wander the college grounds for free at your own leisure or pay to visit the Book of Kells.

 

 

As in most major cities, Dublin has a wide range of accommodation on offer to suit all needs and requirements from boutique hotels to the budget chain hotels as well of course the local B&Bs, you can find some great deals on websites like Expedia and of course, visit review sites like TripAdvisor when planning your next visit to Dublin.

 

Fantastic! Thanks, Expedia! I haven’t been inside Trinity College yet, neither Kilmainham Gaol and more! It just goes to show that even during the partying within Temple Bar, you can be safe in the knowledge that the next day will have plenty of opportunities to sightsee!