5 things to do in Dublin
Molly Malone – the famous song and lady
In our previous post we talked about how to get from the airport to downtown Dublin, 3 accommodation options and the hop on hop off bus to orient yourself a bit to the layout of Dublin.
Dublin is a city with a long history and several famous authors came from Dublin including Oscar Wilde, James Joyce and Jonathan Swift. It is home to the famous Guinness Brewery. If this is your first visit I recommend the following 5 things to do in Dublin.
The Guinness Brewery
Dublin is where Guinness was discovered and the old brewery is now a visitors centre with several floors on the history and making of the famous brew. The tour ends with a stop at the Gravity Bar with some views of Dublin while you enjoy a freshly drawn Guinness. It cost 18 euros for an adult although if you purchase a Dublin Pass it is free and you are fast tracked with the queues. Since the Guinness Brewery is Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction it does get busy.
The National Gallery of Ireland
The National Gallery of Ireland is well worth a visit to see the various collections including paintings by Vermeer, Picasso, Monet, Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Titian. There is also an Irish collection of paintings and drawings which include the Yeats Collection. If the weather is a bit inclement the Gallery is a great place to visit and enjoy the masterpieces on display.
Entry is free.
Kilmainham Gaol
Kilmainham Gaol was built-in 1792 and closed in 1924. It is Ireland’s most famous jail where the 1916 Easter Rising Leaders were executed here. You can only take a guided tour which is excellent and you see the cells where famous prisoners were held and you are also asked to guess what famous films have used the Gaol as a set. The tour includes the place of execution of the Easter Rising Leaders.
The Gaol is around 3.5 kilometres from downtown Dublin and the hop on hop off bus stops here.
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is the largest Cathedral In Ireland and over 800 years old. It is a place steeped in history and the final resting place of the author to Gulliver’s Travels, Jonathan Swift. His death mask is on display. He is famous for his quote about the poor of Ireland who eat their own children in his satirical essay of 1729, A Modest Proposal.
The Cathedral has seen a lot of turmoil around it.
Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle has been at the heart of Dublin since it was built-in the 13th century. The English used the castle as the base to administer their rule over Ireland for 700 years. Today it is still used for formal state ceremonies, such as presidential inaugurations. Only guided tours are permitted in some areas and they are 45 minutes long.
These are 5 of the top things I would recommend in doing if it is your 1st trip to Dublin.
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You can’t visit Dublin without visiting the Guinness Brewery right? I learnt to pour my first pint there!
They do a good guinness there. Loved the Gravity Bar.