Dublin
Travel article for Dublin
Age:
31-35
Travel time:
in February 12
Top 5 Dublin Attractions
Guinness and whiskey are often the first things you think of when Dublin, Ireland comes to mind. And yes, we’ve got that covered with a Jameson whiskey and Guinness Storehouse tour. But Dublin also
has a fair share of excellent sights and landmarks. Read on to read about our pick of the top 5 Dublin attractions.
Dublin Castle
This isn’t a traditional castle at all. In fact, it was the seat of British rule until Ireland took over in the 1920s. Note that this is a functional government building, and not simply one of the Dublin attractions on your itinerary. But do walk around the grounds to admire its medieval towers and the 19th-century Gothic Chapel Royal. Tip: The castle opens its doors the first Wednesday of every month and its State Apartments are open by advanced guided tour. See the official website for details: www.dublincastle.ie
Trinity College
Trinity College is one of the oldest and most picturesque universities in Ireland. It sprawls across central Dublin and is considered one of the top Dublin attractions for its history and beauty. Be sure to get a glimpse of the stunning campanile, one of the most beautiful buildings on campus. It’s also famous because it is where you can see the Book of Kells (and illuminated edition of Gospels and an Irish national treasure), but note that you will only be able to view two pages at a time under glass. It is kept in the Old Library, another stunning structure filled with over 200,000 antiquarian books. www.tcd.ie/Library/bookofkells
St Patrick’s Cathedral
The largest church in Ireland is a gorgeous, English style structure with oodles of Victorian details. It is a massive place and easy to see why it is one of the most popular Dublin attractions St Patricks also serves as the National Anglican church of Ireland. It contains the tomb of Jonathan Swift: The Irish satirist served as dean here but is most notable worldwide for his famous book, Gulliver’s travels. www.stpatrickscathedral.ie
The Old Jameson Distillery
This is one of the Dublin attractions that any whiskey-lover must experience. It is a simple tour but will give whisky aficionados a thorough history of the Jameson distillery. You will learn how whiskey is made, and what the intricate differences are between Irish and scotch whiskey. Note that this is the former distillery and these days it is a museum only (the actual whiskey is now produced outside of the city). But this is still a great place to see how the strong tipple is made inside the former distillery. The whiskey tasting at the end is wonderful and you learn about each one from the knowledgeable guides. If you are keen to taste more, raise your hand to be a volunteer (they’ll ask during the tour). If you are chosen you get to be the “Qualified Irish Whiskey Taster.” This basically means you get to try more whisky. www.jamesonwhiskey.com
Guinness Storehouse
The Guinness Storehouse is not only one of the top attractions in Dublin, but it is like a Disney version of Ireland’s most famous dark brew. But while the dynamic exhibits make this place might feel more like a theme park than anything else, it is more than worth the visit. Highlights include the atrium where you see the giant glass pint glass (it extends through the seven stories of the building) and interactive exhibits explaining the history of the stout and how it evolved through the years. You also get a chance to craft your own pint of Guinness. It’s a fun tour and at the end you’re treated to several tastes of the foamy Guinness stout at the ultra-modern 7th-floor glass Gravity Bar. www.guinness-storehouse.com
Dublin Castle
This isn’t a traditional castle at all. In fact, it was the seat of British rule until Ireland took over in the 1920s. Note that this is a functional government building, and not simply one of the Dublin attractions on your itinerary. But do walk around the grounds to admire its medieval towers and the 19th-century Gothic Chapel Royal. Tip: The castle opens its doors the first Wednesday of every month and its State Apartments are open by advanced guided tour. See the official website for details: www.dublincastle.ie
Trinity College
Trinity College is one of the oldest and most picturesque universities in Ireland. It sprawls across central Dublin and is considered one of the top Dublin attractions for its history and beauty. Be sure to get a glimpse of the stunning campanile, one of the most beautiful buildings on campus. It’s also famous because it is where you can see the Book of Kells (and illuminated edition of Gospels and an Irish national treasure), but note that you will only be able to view two pages at a time under glass. It is kept in the Old Library, another stunning structure filled with over 200,000 antiquarian books. www.tcd.ie/Library/bookofkells
St Patrick’s Cathedral
The largest church in Ireland is a gorgeous, English style structure with oodles of Victorian details. It is a massive place and easy to see why it is one of the most popular Dublin attractions St Patricks also serves as the National Anglican church of Ireland. It contains the tomb of Jonathan Swift: The Irish satirist served as dean here but is most notable worldwide for his famous book, Gulliver’s travels. www.stpatrickscathedral.ie
The Old Jameson Distillery
This is one of the Dublin attractions that any whiskey-lover must experience. It is a simple tour but will give whisky aficionados a thorough history of the Jameson distillery. You will learn how whiskey is made, and what the intricate differences are between Irish and scotch whiskey. Note that this is the former distillery and these days it is a museum only (the actual whiskey is now produced outside of the city). But this is still a great place to see how the strong tipple is made inside the former distillery. The whiskey tasting at the end is wonderful and you learn about each one from the knowledgeable guides. If you are keen to taste more, raise your hand to be a volunteer (they’ll ask during the tour). If you are chosen you get to be the “Qualified Irish Whiskey Taster.” This basically means you get to try more whisky. www.jamesonwhiskey.com
Guinness Storehouse
The Guinness Storehouse is not only one of the top attractions in Dublin, but it is like a Disney version of Ireland’s most famous dark brew. But while the dynamic exhibits make this place might feel more like a theme park than anything else, it is more than worth the visit. Highlights include the atrium where you see the giant glass pint glass (it extends through the seven stories of the building) and interactive exhibits explaining the history of the stout and how it evolved through the years. You also get a chance to craft your own pint of Guinness. It’s a fun tour and at the end you’re treated to several tastes of the foamy Guinness stout at the ultra-modern 7th-floor glass Gravity Bar. www.guinness-storehouse.com
