Historic Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland, was originally a Viking settlement. Today, it is home to more than one-third of the country's population. A perfect base for visiting the rest of the Ireland as well as for holiday makers visiting for a weekend break, Dublin keeps its guests busy no matter their travel preferences. You can visit notable buildings, museums, and parks, but one must-do is experiencing the city's lively pubs, from the traditional to the microbrewery.
Key attractions
You can go to Christ Church Cathedral, a medieval building which is considered the oldest church in the city. Make sure to head to the cathedral's crypt, which contains books, carvings, tabernacles, and various other historical curiosities. St Patrick's Church is worth a visit, too, as the largest church in the country. For a look into Dublin's Viking past, Dublinia and the Viking World, a living museum in the city center, is well worth a visit. A great Dublin garden square to pay a visit to is Merrion Square, which features a statue of the Irish writer Oscar Wilde.
Having fun
One activity that combines a great tourist attraction and drinking is a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. There are exhibits here about Ireland's famous drink, and the price of admission includes a pint of Guinness at the bar upstairs. For something completely Irish, you can catch a match of Gaelic football at Croke Park Stadium. Pub crawls are popular with tourists as they give participants a taste of the city's fantastic pub culture. Some recommended traditional pubs to visit include Peadar Kearney's, the Brazen Head, and the Bachelor Inn.
Shopping
For the usual tourist souvenirs, you can simply head to Nassau Street right by Trinity College. You will find here craft items, traditional Irish clothing, and pottery. The most famous shopping destination in the city, however, is Grafton Street. Grafton is a pedestrian-only road which is flanked by shops selling clothing and jewelry. There is a Brown Thomas department store here for high-end goods. Powerscourt Center and the Loft Market, located nearby, are other great shopping destinations.
Nearby
Just off the coast of Dublin is Bull Island. This popular daytrip destination for Dubliners is an ideal spot to get some peace and quiet near to the city. There are great walking paths, biking trails, a wide stretch of beach, caf
Our recommendations in Dublin
Academy Plaza Hotel
In the city center and near a metro station, Academy Plaza Hotel is in an area with good airport proximity. Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral are notable landmarks, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit O'Connell Street and Grafton Street. Check out an event or a game at 3Arena, and consider making time for Croke Park, a top attraction not to be missed. Our guests appreciate the hotel's convenience to public transportation: Abbey Street Station is 7 minutes by foot and Busaras Station is 10 minutes.
The Croke Park Hotel
Located in Dublin, The Croke Park Hotel is near the airport and near a train station. Dublin Port and Guinness Storehouse are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Phoenix Park and Grand Canal. Croke Park and Dublin Zoo are not to be missed.
Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane
Located in Dublin, Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane is in the city center and on a river. Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral are notable landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Dublin Port and Guinness Storehouse. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at 3Arena or Aviva Stadium. Our guests love the hotel's convenience to public transportation: Mayor Square - NCI Station is 7 minutes by foot and Spencer Dock Station is 9 minutes.
Blooms Hotel
Located in Dublin's Temple Bar neighborhood, Blooms Hotel is near a metro station. Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Phoenix Park and St. Stephen's Green. Check out an event or a game at 3Arena, and consider making time for Croke Park, a top attraction not to be missed. Our guests appreciate the hotel's location for the sightseeing. It's also convenient to public transportation: Jervis Station is 7 minutes by foot and Abbey Street Station is 8 minutes.
The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection
Located in Dublin, The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection is in the city center and near a metro station. Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and Guinness Storehouse are cultural highlights, and some of the area's popular attractions include Croke Park and Dublin Zoo. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Aviva Stadium or 3Arena.
Maldron Hotel Parnell Square
Located in Dublin, Maldron Hotel Parnell Square is in the city center and near a metro station. Guinness Storehouse and Dublin Port are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit Grafton Street and O'Connell Street. Check out an event or a game at 3Arena, and consider making time for Croke Park, a top attraction not to be missed.
The Gibson Hotel
In the city center and near a metro station, The Gibson Hotel is in an area with great shopping. 3Arena and Bord Gáis Energy Theatre are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Aviva Stadium or Leopardstown Racecourse. Our guests appreciate the hotel's convenience to public transportation: The Point Station is just steps away and Spencer Dock Station is 6 minutes by foot.
The Westbury Hotel
In the city center and near a metro station, The Westbury Hotel is in an area with good shopping. Grafton Street and O'Connell Street are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Phoenix Park and St. Stephen's Green. Traveling with kids? Don't miss Croke Park and Dublin Zoo.