52 BEST THINGS TO DO IN DUBLIN

Written By: Gail Clifford | Published By: 52 Perfect Days |  Aug. 8, 2019

https://52perfectdays.com/travel-tips/best-things-to-do-in-dublin/

More than 10% of the total U.S. population self-identifies as having Irish ancestry. So the fascination with the Emerald Isle comes as no surprise. 

Dublin, the capital and largest city of Ireland, remains a great place to explore. At the mouth of the River Liffey, it’s bordered by the Irish Sea and the Wicklow Mountains range. Dublin’s surprising nature allows year-round active adventures.

Whether you visit for a weekend, a week, a month, 52 perfect days, or a lifetime, there’s always more to do in Dublin.

52 BEST THINGS TO DO IN DUBLIN

1. Visit the Molly Malone Statue

“It’ll bring you luck to rub her breasts,” is not a commonly heard phrase in this PC world. But start a tour at this favored statue and you’ll see tourists and Dubliners alike adhering to the tradition. She’s the start of sculptures throughout the city.

2. Find Historic Statues

Like Molly Malone, you’ll find random statues scattered around the city. There are already enough for a scavenger hunt. Check them out.https://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.516.0_en.html#goog_685395989

3. Enjoy the Great Food in Dublin  

This photo is the cajun chicken salad at the Skerries Mills cafe. No need to have dry fish and oily fries. The city’s chefs deliver mouthwatering, healthy food with an understanding of your dietary restrictions.

4. Tour the Jeannie Johnston Famine Ship

This famous ship had no deaths, and one birth, during her 16 voyages to North America during Ireland’s famine years. The famine ship provides several tours daily.

5. Go to the EPIC museum 

Europe’s number one tourist attraction, EPIC tells the tale of the Irish emigration experience. Showcased are Ireland’s contributions to the worldwide workforce, art, literature, and entertainment.

EPIC museum banner is a symbol of the epic time you’re about to have.

The emigration story allows you to imagine what your ancestors experienced.

EPIC Museum: Arriving in A New World

6. Pay Respects at the Famine Memorial 

Not far from the Jeannie Johnston Famine ship on the north side of the Liffey, find these sculptures representing emigration during the potato famine years. A complementary memorial is present in Ireland Park, Toronto, Canada.

7. Visit the Grand Canal Quay

Life in Dublin centers around water. Facebook. Google. Entertainment. Commerce. Shopping. All happens here. And keep an eye peeled. Bono lived here.

8.  Head to the GPO to Witness History

The General Post Office on O’Connell Street required rebuilding after damage from the 1916 Revolution. Filled with displays and videos, it’s worth the price of admission to see what steps were taken towards independence.

9. Visit Dublin Castle

Both protective and governmental, this complex includes the ancient fort, private apartments, public meeting space, government buildings, a decommissioned church, and a large memorial garden. Dublin Castle is truly one of the best things to explore in Dublin. This park is the entry for the Special Events Building and the Chester Beatty Library.

Dublin Castle 

A park where you’d never expect. Hidden behind the wall of historic and medieval buildings downtown. Go in. Take a picnic. 

This Dining Room was used for visiting dignitaries, including the English monarch.

Step out of the weather to enjoy free admission to the latest display of Irish art.

10. Visit the Chester Beatty Library 

The most extensive religious manuscript collection in the world was collected by American born Alfred Chester Beatty. The atrium contains a small gift shop, seating, and restaurant. Free admission and one of the top things to do in Dublin.

The best library in the world for religious documents. Chester Beatty and his wife traveled the world to find known and obscure religious documents from all faiths. Free admission.

11. Visit Hugh Lane Gallery

This free art museum is located across the street from the Garden of Remembrance on Parnell Square.  This artist’s garret was moved “en toto” within the Gallery. It’s hazy b/c it was photographed thru thick glass

12. Garden of Remembrance 

Resplendent with school children, or peaceful at rest, this Irish Freedom memorial allows reflection. It has not been an easy process for Ireland to gain her independence. And many are aware. They’re not done yet.

13. Visit the Little Museum of Dublin

This (not so) little museum underwent expansion in Spring 2019. Contents include pop-culture references sure to amuse and amaze you. Check out the entire room dedicated to the band U2. And tributes to the most elected mayor of Dublin. Everybody loved Alfie.

14.  Visit the Oldest Bar in Dublin: The Brazen Head 

The oldest bar in Dublin is visible from a distance thanks to this external art.

The oldest pub is also one of the busiest. If you are looking for what to do in Dublin, this is a must!

15. Do Some Genealogy Research

With a preponderance of Irish descendants around the world, Dublin has robust genealogy records. To be most successful though, know the Catholic parish to which your ancestors belonged.