10 Most Famous Places in Dublin that You Don’t Want to Miss

Dublin is a very well-known place in Europe that has so many historically important architectures and old culture. A lot of tourists from all over the world come to this city and sometimes feel difficult to decide the tourist spots to visit since Dublin has a bunch of tourist attractions. 

As an Ireland’s capital city, Dublin still has the small–town atmosphere which you can never meet in the other countries’ capital cities.

1. Jameson Distillery Bow St

Jameson is an old shop that was founded in 1780 and still running its business until now. Jameson Distillery Bow St is this country’s biggest – selling Irish traditional whiskey. 

Back in the day, this shop was not only sell Irish whiskey, but also distill the liquid. But, now the distilling process is no longer takes place at this building.

You can visit Jameson Distillery Bow St at Bow Street, Smithfield, Dublin 7. Here, you can experience an interactive tour to see the videos of John Jameson, the founder of Jameson Distillery Bow St, and his crews to produce a bottle of whiskey from barley. 

The interactive tour also invites the visitors to taste the Irish whiskey that was produced by Jameson Distillery Bow St.

At the downstairs, there is a bar that provides its visitors with cocktail–making classes and whiskey–blending. Since there are so many tourist activities available here, it is no wonder that Jameson Distillery Bow becomes one of the most famous places in Dublin.

2. Trinity College and College Green

Trinity College and College Green are one of the most famous places in Dublin that a lot of tourists from outside of Dublin are curious about visiting these tourist spots. Many people say that going to Trinity College can be your best Dublin tour’s kick off. 

If you are a kind of historical sites lover, then Trinity College surely will provide you with Ireland’s incredible history remains.

The Trinity College itself is the Ireland’s oldest university being built by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592. It is located at the heart of Ireland’s capital city for about 40-acre site large. 

You can enjoy the well-preserved ancient architectural building of Trinity College such as gardens, cobbled squares and stunning parks with numerous collection of plants.

Plan your schedule to visit the university since during the peak season, there will be many visitors come to visit here. Enjoy your time here by visiting several priceless artifacts such as ancient Irish harp, the Trinity College’s oldest books, and many more.

3. Dublin Castle

You can experience the remains of historical architecture from British government here in Dublin Castle. This building was built in 1204 and used by British to rule Ireland for up to 700 years. 

Unfortunately, the building of Dublin Castle now, is slightly different from the original one since the fire disaster which happened in April 1684 had destroyed its structure.

The castle then being rebuilt with different style. A wonderful Georgian palace was being chosen to replace the previous style. 

During your stay in Ireland, you can visit Dublin Castle and take a guided tour which will bring you walk around the castle. The guided tour will also bring you to the Brazen Head, Dublin’s oldest pub and many favorite tourist spots in Dublin.

4. St. Stephens Green

St. Stephens Green is located near to the Grafton Street. This park is surrounded by old Georgian buildings which make you feel the old European vibe here. 

St. Stephens Green occupies a 40-acre site which make it as one of the Dublin’s best treasure for tourist spot. This place serves as an oasis for people who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the crowded capital city life.

At the center of St. Stephens Green park, there is an ornate fountain which surrounded by soft grass. Many people choose to relax or take a rest in this area. 

You can also take a picture at the bridge over a duck pond. If you have children with you, you can take your child to play at the children’s playground at the park.

5. Christ Church Cathedral

Before becoming what “Christ Church Cathedral” looks alike now, this impressive cathedral actually being built as a wooden Viking church. Christ Church Cathedral had been founded since 1030 and the few centuries ahead, this church has undergone several major renovation which added this church with Gothic and Romanesque elements.

During Victorian era, Christ Church Cathedral also got some major renovation which made this church became more magnificent. To visit this cathedral, you can buy a standard ticket which only includes a self – guided tour around the cathedral, the exhibition of the Treasures of Christ Church, and the crypt.

There is also an event called as the Choir of Christ Church Cathedral which being held since 1493 and has attracted many visitors. The Christ Church Cathedral is located at Christ Church Place, Wood Quay, Dublin 8, Ireland.

6. Ha’penny Bridge

Ha’penny bridge is located at the Bachelors Walk, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland. This bridge was originally called as the Wellington bridge. 

It was named after the Dublin–born Duke of Wellington. This bridge constructed across the city’s River Liffey and was first built in May 1816.

Before Ha’penny bridge was built, the Dubliners needed to take ferries in order to go from one side of Liffey river to another side. The total ferries available to take the Dubliners across the river were 7 ferries and all of them were run by William Walsh. 

As the ferries began to deteriorate, William Walsh decided to construct a bridge that connected Liffey river.

For about 85 percent of the ironwork of the Ha’penny bridge comes from original metal. Ha’penny bridge serves up to 184 years as the only pedestrian bridge for Dubliners who want to walk across the Liffey river. 

Up until now, Ha’penny bridge still becomes the icon and one of the most famous places in Dublin.

7. Kilmainham Gaol

If you are wonder about the independence history of Irish people, then visiting Kilmainham Gaol site will be your best choice. In Kilmainham Goal, you can learn more about the long road of Irish people to get their independence. 

You can see the leading figures of Irish independence movement named Henry Joy McCracken who was also the founder of the United Irishmen.

There is also the figure of Eamon de Valera who became the president of Ireland. The ground of the prison had been used as the place for execution and torture for the rebels. 

The Gaol prison was closed in 1924 and since 1960 it becomes one of the national monument for Irish people.

It is not permissible to get into the Kilmainham Gaol by self – guided tour. You have to take guided tour which is offered at the entrance.

8. Howth

This impressive and traditional fishing village located in the northeast of Dublin is one of the most famous places in Dublin that becomes favorite day-trip tourist destination in the capital city of Ireland. Here you can take a breath of the fresh sea air of the Dublin while walking around the area to taste the high quality and fresh seafood which is cooked using traditional cuisine.

Howth is a great place not only for seafood best restaurants, but also for hand – made Dublin’s souvenirs such as traditional handicrafts that are sold at vintage wares at Howth Market. As a nature – lovers, you will be amazed to see plenty of guillemots, eagles, and seals around the coastal areas. 

Tourists can reach this traditional fishing village by getting the northbound DART from the city center of Dublin. DART is a fast train service provided by Ireland’s government. A single ticket from Dublin’s city center to Howth costs €3.30 while a day – return costs about €6.25.

9. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is relatively a new museum in Ireland that was built in 2016. This magnificent museum offers its visitors with stunning views of Irish emigration over the centuries. 

EPIC museum has up to 20 separate themed galleries that are available for people to be explored.

EPIC museum not only provides visitors with the Irish migration’s history but also the dynamic story people had met when they settled in their new places. This museum also has Irish Family History Centre which offers advice and tips for people who want to track their family history.

10. Ireland’s National Museum

The Ireland’s National Museum opened in 1997 and was originally an army barracks. It was renovated and redecorated before it became a National Museum. 

This museum exhibits the national treasure collections such as ceramics, silver, furniture, jewelry, Irish military items and history as well as Irish haute couture fashion.

Besides National Museum of Ireland, there is also the Natural History Museum which was built in 1856. This museum stays what it looks like originally since it didn’t get major renovated until now. 

Natural History Museum exhibits fossils from a lot of species in Irish and becomes one of the most famous places in Dublin.

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