Things to see and do in Dublin

Dublin has a wealth of visitor attractions from the Guinness Storehouse to castles and racecourses. So here is a list of summaries describing most of the top tourist attractions in the city along with some more unusual and off beat things to see and places to go.

By clicking on the green text link of each summary you will be taken to a full page of information and photographs about the visitor attraction in question. If you want to find out about hotel prices and availability you will need to got to this Hotels in Dublin page.

The Guinness Storehouse is the most visited attraction in the whole of Ireland and is the home of the world renown beverage of Guinness. The attraction is located across no less than seven floors of the St. James’s Gate Brewery and charts the rise and rise of the famous drink.
For more details about this sightseeing attraction, click this Guinness Storehouse link.

The Dublinia (and the Viking world) is a themed museum that follows the development and evolution of the city of Dublin from the early twelfth century to the mid sixteenth century and the dissolution of the monasteries.
For more details about this sightseeing attraction, click this The Dublinia link.

Kilmainham Gaol (prison) holds a special place in Irish and Dubliners history, although for reasons many would happily forget.
For more details about this sightseeing attraction, click this Kilmainham Gaol link.

Dublin Castle actually gave its name to the city and dates back to the very beginnings of the thirteenth century in 1208. The castle sits prestigiously in the very heart of Dublin’s historic district and was the source from which all other buildings subsequently originated.
For more details about this sightseeing attraction, click this Dublin Castle link.

Temple Bar area is without doubt the most “happening” part of Dublin and it has become a popular tourist haunt, particularly with the city’s younger visitors.
For more details about this sightseeing attraction, click this Temple Bar link.

Punchestown is the home of the National Hunt (horse racing) in Ireland and, on a race day, makes an exciting and atmospheric day out – even for those who have never been to a meet before.
For more details about this sightseeing attraction, click this Punchestown link.

Dublin Zoo is a short distance outside the main city, but it is well worth the traveling time for families wishing to entertain a mix of ages.
For more details about this sightseeing attraction, click this Dublin Zoo link.

The Old Jameson Distillery is an alternative, or even an addition, to a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, only in this instance the alcohol is whiskey and the visitor experience is completely different.
For more details about this sightseeing attraction, click this Old Jameson Distillery link.

Newgrange and the hill of Tara offer a completely different insight into Dublin life and this time it is life as it was 3,000 years ago (some claim 5,000).
For more details about this sightseeing attraction, click this Newgrange link.

Hugh Lane Gallery takes its name from Sir Hugh Lane who presented the gallery with its original collection.
For more details about this sightseeing attraction, click this Hugh Lane Gallery link for more.

Literary Dublin, i.e. the city's authors, poets and publications, have become a major tourist industry attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year. Dublin and Ireland have spawned many well known writers and a weeked can easily be filled by focussing on this cultural aspect of the city's literary heriatge. click this Literary Dublin link to find out more.

The Joyce Tower is actually correctly known as the James Joyce Tower and today it is a museum to the writer and author from whom it takes its name.
For more details about this sightseeing attraction, click this The Joyce Tower link.

The Joyce Centre is set in a late eighteenth century town house which was in fact never a home to Joyce himself. The centre promotes Joyce, his work and anything and everything connected to him and his writings.
For more details about this sightseeing attraction, click this The Joyce Centre link.

The Aras an Uachtarain is the official residence of the President of Ireland and parts of the building are open to the public on Saturdays only.
For more details about this sightseeing attraction, click this Aras an Uachtarain link.

The book of Kells is one of the world’s oldest manuscripts and was written some time around 800AD
For more details about this sightseeing attraction, click this The book of Kells link.

Christ Church Cathedral is a twelfth century cathedral that occupies the spot of a much earlier eighth century Saxon church.
For more details about this sightseeing attraction, click this Christ Church Cathedral link.

Phoenix Park is the biggest city park in Europe and at a mere 2 miles from Dublin's city centre makes a pleasant trip out of town. See this Phoenix Park page.

A Pampering day in Dublin can be a great option for a long Hen Weekend or if the weather is poor. See here for some general guidance on aDublin Pampering Day.

The National Museum of Ireland is housed in two main buildings with exhibits spanning 9,000 years of Irish history and evolution, for more information, see our National Museum of Ireland page.

The Natural History Museum of Ireland has animals, fish, birds and insects and it will provide interest and entertainment for all ages and interests. You can find out more on our Natural History Museum page.

The Dublin Wall of Fame is one of the city's more recent tourist attractions and it pays tribute to some of Ireland's most notable musical artists in an outdoor photographic display. You can find out more on our Dublin Wall of Fame page.

The Spire of Dublin stands over 100 metres high on one of the city's main streets. It is an imposing visual spectacle and one that every visitor to the city cannot fail to notice. To find out and see more go to this Spire of Dublin page.

Ardgillan Castle is a large manor house from the early 19th century and it is situated in a 200 acre park. The castle has been internally restored and there are guided tours and walks around the gardens. For more details see our Ardgillan Castle page.

Galway Bay is an Irish loch within a fairly short drive from Dublin. It is set in a location of great natural beauty and the bay and its islands are visited by many people every year. The islands in particular are well worth exploring. For more details see our Galway Bay page.

Limerick is the third largest city in Ireland and it has a 12th century castle, a cathedral and a typical friendly Irish atmosphere. It can make an interesting counter point to Dublin. For more details see our Limerick page.

Georgian doors may not be the first thing that come to mind when you think about Dublin, but once you have seen them you will not forget them. You can find out more by taking a look here Dublin's Georgian doors.

There are many Festivals in Dublin running throughout the year with most concentrated in the summer season. These events cover music, theatre, dance, irish culture and many other themes. To find out more visit this Festivals in Dublin page.

Christmas is celebrated every year in Dublin with shows, street events and participation activities making it an exciting city to be in during the festivities. To get an idea of what goes on visit this Dublin at Christmas page.