Dublin Things to Do: Literary Tours, Dublin Pubs

Think of Ireland, and you think of enchantment. While leprechauns and pots of gold may seem more compatible with the picturesque Irish countryside than with Ireland’s bustling capital city, Dublin is a mesmerizing blend of the quaint and the contemporary; of the fashionable and the fey. Tourists and native Irish alike flock to Dublin in droves, for shopping, music and literary festivals, sporting matches, or just a bit of culture. While cosmopolitan enough to compete with other European cities, Dublin has an openness and charm that make it unmistakably Irish.

Suburbs sprawl out from Dublin in all directions, but the city center itself is small, easy to navigate and full of delightful surprises. With talented musicians playing for change on practically every street, a young population and a vibrant literary scene, Dublin teems with culture, life and its own special magic.

Getting Your Bearings

If your sense of direction is less than reliable, never fear; just let the river be your guide. The River Liffey runs through Dublin, dividing the north and south of the city. The south is historically the wealthier area of town, and it contains some of Dublin’s most famous sights. It can be tempting to spend all your time there, lounging in St. Stephen’s Green and wandering up and down Grafton Street, but don’t overlook the area just north of the river.

This part of Dublin includes the General Post Office, the grand and imposing Customs House and one of Dublin’s newest landmarks, the Spire of Dublin. This huge, needle-like statue, which towers over the Dublin landscape, was built in 2002 in an effort to spruce up O’Connell Street, Dublin’s main thoroughfare. The Spire has been given many colorful nicknames celebrating its upright nature, such as “The Stiffy by the Liffey.”  

 

• The Liffey runs through Dublin and divides the city into north and south areas.

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Of course, you don’t need a lewd sense of humor to enjoy Dublin (although it might help when wandering past the well-endowed statue of Molly Malone, aka “The Tart With the Cart”). Fortunately, there are enough museums, parks and restaurants to satisfy even the most mature traveler.

Historic Dublin

Dublin is a youthful city, with a thriving nightlife that caters to the large population of young adults. However, much of Dublin’s character still lies in its past. Get acclimated to the city and its history by taking a 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour. This will take you throughout the city center, exploring landmarks that played a role in the 1916 Easter Rising, when Irish republicans took arms against the British in an attempt to gain their independence.

Though perhaps not for the squeamish, a fascinating historic spot is the Kilmainham Gaol, where those captured in the Easter Rising were held and some were executed. This somewhat gruesome landmark is a must see for those interested in the power struggle between Britain and Ireland throughout the years.

 

• Kilmainham Gaol is a former prison where many leaders of various Irish rebellions were imprisoned and some executed.

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Of course, there’s more to Dublin’s history than the fight for independence. Go even further back in history with a Viking Splash Tour, a fun-filled excursion that pays tribute to Dublin’s first settlers while exploring the city by boat.

Dublin Museums

Dublin boasts many fine museums and galleries, including the National Gallery of Ireland, the Irish Museum of Modern Art and the Chester Beatty Library and Gallery of Oriental Art. All three of these attractions are a wonderful way to while away an afternoon, and best of all, they’re free!

While it isn’t technically a museum, the Old Library at Trinity College is a great place to explore some of Dublin’s culture. Ireland’s oldest university houses many treasures in its library, including ancient texts such as the Book of Kells. This remarkable manuscript contains the four gospels of the Bible and illuminations drawn in breathtaking detail.

 

• The exterior of the Irish Museum of Modern Art.

Courtesy of Dublin Tourism

Also at the Old Library is the Long Room, which boasts a gorgeous barrel vaulted ceiling that showcases the gallery bookshelves. While in the Long Room, be sure to take a gander at the oldest surviving Irish harp, an instrument that has become a symbol of the country.

Next: Dublin Parks, Castles and Pub Tours