Dubliners are hugely proud of their city - and with good reason too. Irelands capital is an enticing place on the shores of Dublin Bay, small enough to walk round and with something for everyone. From Dublin Zoo for the kids to designer boutiques if you love to shop, youre sure to be kept thoroughly entertained on every trip.
Stroll alongside the Liffey, visit Trinity College or stop off for a pint
The city is full of historic buildings: castles, cathedrals, Georgian squares and townhouses, monuments, churches and pubs. Much of the centre has been redeveloped over the last few decades, so youll also discover grand new hotels and shopping centres, impressive modern architecture and a great tram system.
Top 5 family activities
- Dublin Zoo - Irelands most popular visitor attraction is home to 400 animals.
- Dublin Castle - Take a guided tour of the State Apartments then wander round the grounds, chapel, library and two museums at your leisure.
- Experience Gaelic Games - Learn about and then play the Irish games of hurling, Gaelic football and handball. You can also learn Ceilí dancing and how to beat an Irish Bodhrán drum.
- Phoenix Park - This 707-hectare expanse of greenery is home to a huge variety of wildlife. Attractions include the Furry Glen conservation area, a flower garden and Victorian tea kiosk
- Boat trips - Take a boat trip off the scenic Hoath peninsula to admire the beautiful coastline and marine wildlife, including seals, porpoises and puffins
Top 5 places to go
- Fabulous Food trails - A two-and-a-half hour tasting walk round the city, taking in the best shops, cafes and food outlets youll visit everything from cheesemongers and fishmongers to street markets and bakeries
- James Joyce Centre - This restored Georgian townhouse has been turned into a museum about the life and work of author James Joyce
- The Winding Stair Bookshop and Cafe - Named after a Yeats poem, this was a popular meeting place for writers, musicians and artists in the 1970s and 1980s. It overlooks the River Liffey and has a great view of the Hapenny bridge
- National Botanic Gardens - Home to 300 endangered species from around the world, plus six that have become extinct in the wild, as well as the National Herbarium, which contains nearly 750,000 dried plant specimens
- Guinness Storehouse - Learn about the history of Guinness, let a master brewer guide you through the brewing process and even learn to pour the perfect pint