Dublin Things to Do: Literary Tours, Dublin Pubs - 2

Dublin Outdoors

The east of Ireland enjoys some of the country’s best weather, making Dublin a great place to enjoy Ireland’s outdoors. St. Stephen’s Green is a lovely park in the middle of the city. With numerous winding paths and grassy patches, this is a grand spot for a picnic lunch on a sunny day.
 

There are also numerous gardens and paths throughout Dublin’s city center and its suburbs, suitable for taking a bit of exercise or just drinking in the beauty of your surroundings. [Read more about Dublin outdoors.]

Irish Castles

While Ireland no longer has royalty, it still has some breathtaking castles. In the city, you will find Dublin Castle, the former seat of British-appointed rulers. A guided tour of the castle provides an interesting history lesson about Irish government. Dublin’s suburbs have some beautiful castles as well: The Dalky Castle & Heritage Center is worth a visit, as is the Malahide Castle.

 

• The oldest sections of the Malahide Castle date back to the 12th century.

Antonio Fiol

Churches and Cathedrals

A visit to one of Dublin’s famous cathedrals will help you appreciate Ireland’s long history of Christianity. Christ Church Cathedral is the oldest of Dublin’s cathedrals, dating back to about 1030 A.D. Be sure to head down to the crypt, which is even older than the cathedral. Also worth a visit is St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland.

For those who like their religion with a touch of the macabre, head north across the Liffey to St. Michan’s Church. After a cheerful tour of the pretty, yet unremarkable sanctuary, a friendly guide leads you deep beneath the church into a dusty and slightly claustrophobic crypt, where mummified body parts peek out of off-kilter tombs.

 

• Take a tour of the Guinness St. James’s Gate Brewery to learn about how Ireland’s most popular beer is made.

Pierre Phaneuf

Brew Tours

No one in Dublin would judge you harshly for enjoying a pint with your lunch. But if you need an excuse to imbibe, consider taking a tour of one of Dublin’s famous breweries or distilleries. The Guinness Storehouse is a great place to start. The Storehouse, often mistakenly called the Guinness Brewery, is located behind the iconic St. James Gate, just west of the city center. Once inside this modern attraction, the self-guided tour teaches you about the history of Ireland’s most famous drink, from how it’s made to its groundbreaking advertising history. Once you’ve finished your tour, head upstairs to the Gravity Bar where you can take in the impressive view of the city while you enjoy a pint of the black stuff.

If you fancy something a bit stronger, head north of the Liffey to the birthplace of Jameson Whiskey. While it’s no longer an active distillery, a tour of the Old Jameson Distillery will teach you what goes into the making of an Irish whiskey, and at the end you are rewarded with a glass of this famous Irish drink.

 

• The Temple Bar cultural quarter is the center of Dublin’s nightlife.

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Drinking in Temple Bar

A prime example of a successful urban renewal project, Temple Bar was once run down and derelict, but now is Dublin’s most popular night spot. Located just south of the River Liffey, at the picturesque Ha’penny Bridge, Temple Bar is full of traditional Irish pubs. The streets in this area are made of cobblestone, adding to its old-fashioned charm. While the area works a bit too hard at attracting tourists, it certainly deserves a visit. [Read more about Drinking in Dublin.]

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