Things You Must Do in Dublin
So you’ve just landed in Dublin. What now? Here are some things I suggest:
Kilmainham Jail Tour - it’s worth your while to visit this old prison that brings on some Shawshank Redemption vibes. Here, you can get a tour of the grounds, go inside some of the jail cells and hear the stories of the Irish revolutionaries that were imprisoned and lost their lives here.
Celtic Nights dinner show - we had such a blast. perfect way to start our vacation. We got a great taste of Irish fare and music. Dancers came out and I got pulled up on stage! (I’ll try posting the video footage to prove it). SO interactive and entertaining, I highly recommend! It was GRAND!
Guinness Storehouse/ Jameson Distillery - at these facilities, you can learn all about the production of Ireland’s most prized products - their stout and Irish whiskey! Each one takes you through the whole process and, in true Irish fashion, ends with a generous sampling of the alcohol. If you’re a Guinness drinker or a bartender, you know that there is a particular way to pour a Guinness - unlike any other beer from a tap. At the Guinness Storehouse, you can be properly taught how to do so and receive a certificate stating you learned by the professionals themselves! Even if you don’t care for Guinness, I suggest still giving it a second try! It tastes different in the Emerald Isle compared to back in the States!
Temple Bar - the bar is so legendary, they named the whole neighborhood after it! It’s worth catching a glimpse of it’s bright red exterior and snapping a picture. We actually rented an AirBnB directly above the bar, which was a little noisy considering this place is always bumping until the wee hours of the night but a great location nonetheless!
Trinity College Library - located in the heart of the city, you can’t miss it. What’s special about this place is the Library. Now, I don’t spend all that much time in libraries so I can’t compare it to others, but damn, this place is majestic. It would make the laziest of people feel inspired to pick up a book. Tall ceilings with bookshelves just as high. Here is the official home of the harp which is a national symbol of Ireland, a copy of 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic, and the Book of Kells.
Hop On Hop Off Bus - I know this seems really touristy, but it’s a great way to get some background on the city’s highlights and also serves as a mode of transportation to other parts of the city rather than walking or grabbing a cab. I think we paid around $30 for the day (then also, sneakishly used it the next day too * it proved to be totally worth the money)! The dry humor and cursing from the drivers made each bus ride enjoyable and unforgettable.
Walk across Ha’penny Bridge - this pedestrian bridge built in 1816 is one of the most iconic sites in Ireland. It was named the Ha’penny bridge because the original toll to cross over the River Liffy was half a penny.
Grafton Street - one of the principle shopping streets and path to St. Stephen’s Green Park. Many Irish musicians have got their break from being discovered on this street including Bono and Hozier.
***These are just some of the great things that Dublin has to offer. Let me know if I missed any that I should add to this list!
