by Bjørn Christian Tørrissen (cropped) / [CC BY-SA 3.0
One of the Most Vibrant Cities in Europe
Table of Contents
A. About Dublin
Nickname: DubSituated on a bay on the east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey, Dublin is in every respect the center of the Republic of Ireland: political, economic, and cultural.
Ireland's capital has a lively, bustling atmosphere, in fact, it has become one of the most vibrant cities in Europe, and always seems to be in a good mood.
The population of the Greater Dublin Area was 1,904,806 per the 2016 census.
➕ The Good
Dublin offers, first of all, a wonderful atmosphere with friendly, welcoming people and vibrant nightlife.
Furthermore, Dublin is a very safe place with clean streets.
Finally, the public transportation system is great.
➖ Negative Aspects
There are no outstanding sights, and the price level is high (especially for food and alcohol).
Furthermore, don't expect a great food scene.
B. Best Things to Do in Dublin 2024 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)
In total, we count more than fifty sights in Dublin. The following sights and attractions contribute to a score of 6.65/10 in this most important category:
# Trinity College and Old Library 6
Founded in 1592, this impressive university in the middle of Dublin is home to the eighth-century Book of Kells, one of the most famous and important books in the world.
Another highlight is the Old Library with its Long Room; at 64 meters it is the longest library in Europe.
by Diliff / CC BY-SA 4.0
# National Gallery 6
This most prestigious museum of Ireland is home to a world-class collection of Irish and European fine art from the Middle Ages to today.
In addition, entrance to the National Gallery of Ireland is free.
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- Important Masterpieces: 3
- Highlight: The Taking of Christ, by Caravaggio (1602), 133.5 cm × 169.5 cm (52.6 in × 66.7 in)
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Top 5 Artworks of the National Gallery of Ireland: 1) The Taking of Christ, Caravaggio (1602), 133.5 cm × 169.5 cm (52.6 in × 66.7 in) by Wikimedia / Public Domain 2) Lady Writing a Letter with her Maid, Johannes Vermeer (c.1670), 71.1 cm × 60.5 cm (28.0 in × 23.8 in) by Wikimedia / Public Domain 3) Hellelil and Hildebrand, The Meeting on the Turret Stairs, Frederic William Burton (1864), 95.5 cm (37.6 in) × 60.8 cm (23.9 in) by Wikimedia / Public Domain 4) Doña Antonia Zárate, Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes (1805), 103.5 cm × 82 cm (40.7 in × 32 in) by Wikimedia / Public Domain 5) Ecce Homo, Titian (1558–60), 73.4 x 56 cm by Wikimedia / Public Domain
Art Museum Gallery Space: ca. 6,000 m2 | Artworks on Display: ca. 650 | Established: 1864
(Click on images to open in lightbox, recommended)
Interesting Artworks: 6/10 Famous Artworks: 6/10 Art Display: 6/10 Building: 6/10 Size: 4/10 🧮 Overall: 5.6/10
# Chester Beatty Library 6
Inside the Dublin Castle complex, the collection of this great library consists of books, manuscripts, papyrus rolls, miniatures, and ornamental objects, gathered by mining magnate Sir Alfred Chester Beatty (1875-1968).
by C. Curling / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Kilmainham Gaol Prison 5
This 18th-century building is one of the largest former prisons in Europe and is now a museum and a glimpse into Ireland's violent recent past.
by Velvet / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Dublin Castle 5
The impressive Dublin Castle covers more than 44,000m². Two museums, the prestigious State Apartments, Undercroft, Chapel Royal, and Restaurant are open to visitors.
by J.-H. Janßen/ CC BY-SA 3.0
# St Patrick's Cathedral 5
This 12th-century cathedral is the largest church in Dublin and is said to be on the oldest Christian ground.
by Diliff / CC BY-SA 3.0
# National Museum of Archaeology 5
This museum is home to great archaeological exhibits, as well as the largest collection of Celtic artefacts.
by Mike Peel / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Christ Church Cathedral 5
This imposing Neo-Gothic cathedral dates from 1871-78.
by Donaldytong / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Royal Hospital Kilmainham - Irish Museum of Modern Art 5
Housed in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) holds the country's collection of modern and contemporary art.
by William Murphy / CC BY-SA 3.0
C. Other notable sights and attractions in Dublin
– Stephen's Green Shopping Centre 5
Opened in 1988 in 19th-century style, this striking shopping center boasts elegant staircases, one of the largest indoor clocks in Europe, and a gleaming glass roof and dome.
by Arbol01 / CC BY-SA 3.0
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- Bank of Ireland 4
- Temple Bar (City District) 4
- Guinness Storehouse 4
- Powerscourt Centre 4
- Grafton Street 4
- Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship 4
- National Museum of Ireland - Natural History 4
- Newman House 4
- Marsh's Library 4
- Liffey Bridge (Ha'Penny Bridge) 4
- Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane 4
- Leinster House (Irish Parliament) 4
- O'Connell Street 4
- 14 Henrietta Street 4
- Old Jameson Distillery with Smithfield Chimney 4
- Dublin Writers' Museum 4
- National Botanic Gardens 4
- St. Stephens Green 4
- Samuel Beckett Bridge 4
D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Dublin
BEND OF THE BOYNE (Newgrange) 6
Said to be built in 3200 BCE, the tomb at Newgrange – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – remained untouched until 1960.
A 19-meter-long corridor leads to the six-meter-high burial chamber with three side chambers.
National Park World Heritage Site: since 1993 | Distance from Dublin: 58 km
by Tjp finn / CC BY-SA 4.0
GIANT'S CAUSEWAY 8
The Giant's Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland, featuring around 40,000 basalt columns formed by volcanic activity and enveloped in local folklore.
Natural Wonder 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1993 | Distance from Dublin: 265 km
by Code Poet on flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Dublin in 2024 (including close-by excursions)
To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Dublin for at least two entire days.
Trinity College and Old Library 6
National Gallery 6
Chester Beatty Library 6
🌍 BEND OF THE BOYNE (58 km from Dublin) 6
Kilmainham Gaol Prison 5
Dublin Castle 5
St Patrick's Cathedral 5
National Museum of Archaeology 5
Christ Church Cathedral 5
Royal Hospital Kilmainham - Irish Museum of Modern Art 5