Ah, Dublin. Renowned for being one of the friendliest and most fun places on the planet, this is one city break that everyone should make at least once in their life.
While a trip to the pub district of Temple Bar is normally top of most tourists’ lists when visiting Dublin, a nighttime excursion there is likely to lead to many an empty wallet and sore head in the morning. Of course, in a city famed for its drinking holes, a visit to a pub or two is most definitely recommended. However it is best to broaden your horizons as this city really has so much more to offer than just the typical tourist traps.
What’s more, a day out experiencing the very best of Dublin certainly won’t break the bank. Many of its attractions cost €20 or under and most – you’ll be happy to learn – are absolutely free!
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1. Check out the alcohol equivalent to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory
No trip to Dublin would be complete without a visit to the home of the “Black Stuff. “ For €20 a ticket (discounts are also available where you can snap up a ticket from €16) you can shimmy through the Storehouse’s doors at the iconic St James’ Gate Brewery. On entering this impressive building, you will climb several floors and indulge in interactive exhibits celebrating their award-winning advertising as well as all-important tasting sessions of the homegrown brew.
In fact, included in the price of the ticket is the opportunity to learn how to pour your very own pint. Alternatively, if you fancy leaving it to the professionals, enjoy your perfect pint alongside panoramic views of the city at the Storehouse’s world famous rooftop Gravity Bar. Definitely worth the climb!
photo credit: @aislinnmcginn
2. Head to the seaside
Looking for a breath of fresh air? Wave goodbye to the hustle and bustle of the city centre and hop on a Dart at Connelly Station to the sleepy North Dublin Fishing town of Howth for only €6.15 return. Once there, scramble up Howth Head, the rugged hill walk along the coastline, and get some sea air in those lungs while you take in the view.
Next reward yourself with healthy portion of fish and chips, with lashings of salt and vinegar, from Beshoffs Bros along the seafront. This tasty dish is the perfect accompaniment as you watch the boats come in down at the port. If the sun is out, cash in that remaining change for an ice cream – the ultimate way to round up this seaside day out!
photo credit: @ellacagney_129
3. Go for a drink… with an intellectual twist
Dublin is awash with pub-crawls. However if you are after one with a little bit more clout, check out The Dublin Literary Pub Crawl. For €13 a ticket, you are guided through the streets of the city by a delightful double act, whose theatrics bring to life a crash course in the cultural, religious and political life of Dublin. Wonderfully fun and guaranteed to slap a smile on your face, the tour of course also very much lives up to its name, making many a pit-stop at various pubs along the way.
photo credit: @federicabacco24
4. Be a scholar for the day
Just south of the river is one of the city’s most famed universities – Trinity College Dublin. Here, why not check the Science Gallery, located on Trinity’s sprawling urban campus, where admission is free. A creative hub where science and art collides, its ever-changing exhibitions mean you’ll always discover something exciting and new.
Reveling in this roll of educational sights? Then pay a visit to one Trinity’s longest standing residents – The Book of Kells. Written by monks in 800AD, this beautiful illuminated manuscript contains the Latin texts of the Four Gospels. Once buried in the ground by the monks to avoid being plundered by Vikings, it’s now called Trinity home ever since it was rediscovered and deposited there for safe keeping back in 1653. And for 14 Euro entrance fee, you too can have a gander at this precious piece.
photo credit: @mbryan_
5. Laugh your socks off
Looking for a great way to kick off your night out on the tiles? Then look no further than buzzing hotspot The International Bar on Wicklow Street. Home to Ireland’s first and longest running comedy club, it’s been drawing crowds thirsty for laughs for more than 25 years. Serving up jokes every night of the week, its acts include Comedy Improv and stand up by rising stars on the scene, as well as surprise shows by some of the country’s most prolific comedians. With tickets ranging from €5- €10 pending on the night, for €20 in your wallet, not only would you cover your admission but a couple of rounds of drinks too!
6. Immerse yourself in Irish history
One of the most important historical sites in Irish history is Kilmainham Gaol. This former prison held some of the most famous military and political figures from the country’s history such as Charles Stewart Parnell, the 1916 Rising leaders and former president of Ireland Eamon de Valera.
Advanced booking is recommended to secure your €7 ticket fee, as this popular tour does have a tendency to quickly sell out. Offering visitors a fascinating though oftentimes disturbing insight into what life would have been like for prisoners confined within its walls, the culmination of the tour leads to the Gaol’s spectacular Victorian Wing which has featured in many movies over the years such as The Italian Job and In The Name of The Father.
photo credit: @laurapalander
7. Explore the art scene
Want to feel inspired? Head to the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Situated in the stunning grounds of The Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, admission is free to explore the exhibits that lie within this striking 17th century building and surrounding gardens. With a solid reputation for hosting world-class contemporary artworks within its halls, its exhibits feature both local artists as well as some of the biggest international names.
Similarly, right in the heart of the city is The National Gallery of Ireland, which is most definitely worth a visit. Again, admission is free, so why not make to most of it and spend an afternoon discovering its artworks, which have included over the years masterpieces by the likes of Monet, Picasso & da Vinci amongst many others.
8. Check out the park life
Phoenix Park is the capital’s largest park and one you could easily spend an entire day in exploring for free. Sprawling grasslands are home to a herd of fallow deer, while a number of features also punctuate the landscape, including the Papal Cross, The Wellington Monument and Ashtown Castle- a restored medieval tower house dating from the 15th century.
The park is also home to Dublin Zoo, with an adult ticket priced at €17.00. Opened in 1831, it’s one of the world’s oldest zoos and is still very much thriving today. With a wide range of inhabitants that include rare monkeys and reptiles (to name but a few!), the Asian Forests is the newest development to open at Dublin Zoo where visitors can see Asian lion cubs, Sumatran tigers and Sulawesi crested macaques!
9. Enjoy the alternative scene of Temple Bar
Tucked away amongst the many pubs of Temple Bar is the Irish Film Institute (IFI). This cultural hub screens the very best in art-house cinema both old and new; with tickets setting you back about 10 Euros a showing- an excellent way to while away a rainy afternoon.
The IFI is also neighbours with the Gallery of Photography, whose über cool showcases are definitely worth dipping in to have a look. The gallery’s on site store alone is rather impressive with a collection of over 3000 photo books which customers are welcome to browse.
10. The Leprechaun Museum
A relatively new addition to Dublin’s collection of attractions, The National Leprechaun Museum has popped up in recent times to answer all those burning questions that having been crossing tourists’ minds for many, many years. Like… do Leprechauns really exist? For €14 admittance fee, you might just find out…
11. Experience the heart of the GAA
Croke Park Stadium, located north of the city, is the home of the Gaelic Games Association (GAA) and is an integral part of Ireland’s heritage. For €13 a ticket, you will receive a tour of the iconic stadium as well as gain entrance to the on site GAA museum, which celebrates the country’s unique national games of hurling and Gaelic football. Definitely one for the sports fans! Alternatively, for €20 a ticket, experience not only the stadium but incredible 17 storey high views of the city on the Etihad Skyline Tour, allowing you to walk on top of Croke Park itself!
12. Make like a Viking and visit some mummies
One of the city’s top attractions is Dublinia, located at Christchurch. See Dublin from a whole new perspective as three interactive exhibitions on show allow you to explore life as a Viking, delve deep into Medieval Times and also intrepidly assume the role of a “history hunter” as you adventure through Dublinia. Tickets are priced at €8.50 for an adult, however it is worth investing in a combo ticket for €13.25 that allows you entry also to Christchurch Cathedral. This beautiful building is been noted as “the spiritual heart of the city” and would be recommended to visit not only to admire its incredible interiors but also to check out its medieval crypt, home to none other than a mummified cat and rat!
13. Experience Whelan’s
The Irish know great music and one of the capital’s most famed live music venues is Whelan’s on Wexford Street. Hosting an eclectic array of acts on its stages, many of its gigs range from €5- €20 entrance fee. You never know what incredible new acts you might discover at this venue- In fact, Ed Sheeran credits this place as where it all started for him!
As well as being a fantastic live music venue, Whelan’s is also the perfect place to pop for a pint with friends- Great music, friendly staff and an all-round excellent vibe.
14. See the stars & learn a tale or two
If you have a car, take an afternoon drive to Killiney in South Dublin. This coastal suburb is one of the more exclusive areas of the capital thanks in part to its favourable comparison to the Bay of Naples in Italy. With stunning sea views and beautiful houses to boot, it’s no wonder that many celebrities like U2’s Bono call Killiney home. After a spin around Killiney, stop off at the neighbouring village of Dalkey and book a boat ride out to Dalkey Island for €8 where you can visit Martello Tower and spy on the local wildlife. The boat man will enthral you with tales of the island as you make your journey – though make sure to keep an eye out also for the pod of bottle nosed dolphins who frequent the bay. On return to Dalkey, stop off at Biddy’s Cottage for some tea and cake as you step back in time to enjoy some traditional Irish storytelling by the fire.
15. Have the craic at The Brazen Head
Rounding up your trip to Dublin? Then check out The Brazen Head before you say a fond farewell. This place is officially Ireland’s oldest pub, dating all the way back to 1198 and is a brilliant place to spend those last few Euros getting a round of drinks in with your pals.
Located on Lower Bridge Street, past patrons of this pub include the likes of James Joyce, Jonathan Swift, Michael Collins and Van Morrison. With live music echoing through its various rooms whose timeworn walls have been plastered in trinkets, photos and drawings; this vibrant pub is truly bubbling with an unforgettable character and charm. Yep, if these walls could talk, they would certainly tell a tale or two!
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