I’ve been lucky enough to go to Ireland a couple of times now. I just can’t seem to get enough. I’m hoping to be able to go with Sam next year because I know he’s going to love it as much as I do. If you’re looking for friendly locals and a laid back atmosphere, I’m sure you’ll love Ireland too. There’s so much to see and do across the entire country but if you’re going to go, definitely plan to spend a day or two in Dublin. For a major European city, it has a surprisingly small feel to it. It’s also easy to navigate either by walking or checking out a Hop On Hop Off type tour (Highly recommend THIS one that I personally used to save both time and your feet). The following are some of my favorite places I visited in Dublin. Feel free to add your own favorites to the list in the comments below!
1. Kilmainham Gaol
Located in West Dublin, the Kilmainham Goal is a former jail famous for holding some of Ireland’s most notable prisons. Most famously, the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were imprisoned and eventually executed here. Not only is the Gaol cool looking but it gives a pretty awesome looking into Ireland’s history too. Arrive early and check out a guided tour.
2. Jameson Distillery
I may be biased since Jameson is my drink of choice but the Jameson Distillery is one of the best distillery tours I’ve ever been on. Jameson does a great job showing you the process of making whiskey while keeping you reasonably liquored up for the whole event. When we went, we were given three samples of whiskey to taste as well as a large Jameson and ginger ale to finish off the tour. Definitely recommend grabbing a snack for this one because unless you’re an experienced drinker you might find yourself a little tipsier than you would like. Or if you’re like me, you embrace the tipsy and use it to further enhance the rest of your morning.
3. Temple Bar
Located on the bank of the River Liffey, this exciting area of Dublin is a great place to have a little fun. Quaint cobblestone streets weave in between shops, bars and restaurants. Live music always seems to be in the background. The Temple Bar area reminds me a lot of Bourbon Street in New Orleans- there’s always something going on. This area is a great place to grab a bite to eat or a quick drink while watching the sights.
4. Trinity College and the Book of Kells
The Book of Kells is a manuscript of the New Testament Gospels written 800 AD. Even if this isn’t your thing, it’s still easy to appreciate the history behind something so old. The book is located in the Trinity College Library which is amazing. For all my Beauty and the Beast fans out there picture the Beast’s library on steroids. Each time I’ve walked through, I’ve been in complete awe just looking at the rows and rows of floor to ceiling books. If you do decide to check this out, I recommend going first thing in the morning. The line to get in can get very long in the mid morning to afternoon.
5. Grafton Street
Grafton Street is one of Dublin’s most famous shopping streets. The street is pedestrian only which makes it a nice place to roam around. The street is jammed packed with shops, restaurants, hotels and galleries as well as some pretty historical buildings.
6. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Ireland’s most famous church, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is definitely worth checking out. The inside is gorgeous, full of all kinds of intricate details. There’s also a beautiful garden that’s perfect for drinking a morning coffee and watching the people go by.
7. Guinness Storehouse
Can you really leave the Emerald Isle without having a pint of Guinness? The Guinness Storehouse does a great job of taking you through the history of Guinness and it’s part in Irish history. The tour is actually pretty extensive, there’s a lot to see and do. Afterwards make your way up to the Gravity Bar where you can enjoy a pint and have an amazing panoramic view of Dublin.
