Visiting Dublin - What to See and Do
(Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland)
The Republic of Ireland's capital city has long since been a popular tourist destination famed for its nightlife, stunning architecture, first-class attractions and above all, its friendly, hospitable atmosphere. These draw cards, and the fact that it's compact and easily accessible has resulted in a recent survey voting prosperous Dublin as one of the top ten most liveable cities on the planet.
Today's Dublin is no longer the dreary city characterised by famous authors such as James Joyce; it is a city bustling with life and charm that will impress and captivate you. If the Irish accent doesn't woo you, then the city's amalgamation of musicians, culture and artists will, ensuring you leave Dublin with fond memories.
Ten things you must do in Dublin
- Party the night away in Dublin's rejuvenated Temple Bar district, with its wealth of bars, pubs and cafés.
- Hop on a guided tour bus, a great way to explore the city, and there's the Ghost Bus Tour for those who want to delve into Dublin's spooky side.
- Climb the 220-foot Smithfield Chimney for incredible panoramic views of the city.
- Take the kids to Dublin Zoo, with animals including giraffes, zebras, hippos and elephants.
- Join the rest of Dublin's visitors in a trip to its most popular attraction, the Guinness Storehouse.
- Explore enormous Phoenix Park; at 1,750 acres, it's twice the size of New York's Central Park and houses many attractions including Dublin Zoo.
- Head to the National Botanic Gardens, just a mile north of Dublin.
- Discover more about Ireland's past at the National Museum, with its collection of Irish artefacts dating from 7,000 BC.
- Explore breathtaking Dublin Castle, situated right in the heart of the city on Cork Hill near Temple Bar district.
- Enjoy Dublin's Summer Music Festival with free open-air lunchtime concerts at St Stephen's Green throughout August.
