Before landing in Scotland, we made a short stopover in Ireland to explore some famous spots and wander the colorful and festive streets of Dublin. This brief stopover has obviously made us want to come back to visit the rest of the country, but until then, here are our favorite stops and things to do if you plan to visit the Irish capital in the coming months.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
1. Visit Trinity College’s impressive library
During your stay in Dublin, however short it may be, you absolutely must stop at Trinity College to explore the most beautiful library in the world, The Long Room! Built in 1732, you’ll find more than 200,000 old books, including The Book of Kells, as well as busts commemorating authors, scientists and personalities who have marked the country’s history. It’s also where some great Irish writers studied, including Oscar Wilde, Bram Stocker, Jonathan Swift and Samuel Beckett, and where you’ll get a glimpse of the oldest harp in Ireland, the emblem of the country.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
It’s like walking into a fairy tale, the atmosphere is so magical! It’s definitely the kind of place where you could wander for hours without getting bored. If you’re a #booklover too, this is a must to add on your bucket list!
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
And if you didn’t have enough of literary destinations, stop at the Museum of Literature of Ireland, a pretty pink building near St. Stephen’s Green where you can learn about Ireland’s best authors, past and present.
2. Grab a bite to eat in an Irish pub
A trip to Ireland isn’t complete without stopping at a pub to enjoy a local beer to the sound of Celtic music. There is no shortage of options among the must-see addresses, but the famous Temple Bar and The Brazen Head are safe choices for a first visit to Dublin.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
In business since 1198 (yes, yes, you read that right), The Brazen Head is the oldest Irish pub in Dublin. Once a gathering place for Irish rebels throughout the ages, the inner courtyard is now a charming place where you can grab a pint and enjoy a Guinness beef stew or seafood chowder.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
With its iconic red bricks and central location, you can’t miss Temple Bar, one of the most famous bars in the world. Open since 1840, you’ll find more than 350 varieties of Irish, Scottish and Japanese whiskey and plenty of Irish beers, including the classics Harp, Kilkenny, Murphy and Guinness.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
3. Explore Dublin’s mythical places and its charming streets
Perfect for history and culture enthusiasts, we recommend a visit to Dublin Castle. Built in the 13th century on the former territory of a Viking colony, you can stroll through its walls and pretty gardens, discover its artistic exhibitions, its sublime library, and then have a coffee on its roof terrace.
Crédit photo: Alexandra Mitache/Unsplash
During your walk through Dublin’s streets, you’ll also come across the sublime St Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest in Ireland. Built in 1191, its impressive decor of vaulted ceilings, large stone turrets and colorful stained glass windows is worth the detour. It’s also the resting place of Jonathan Swift, the author of Gulliver’s Travels.
Crédit photo: K. Mitch Hodge/Unsplash
4. Stroll across Dublin’s iconic bridges (and admire them)
As you continue your day, be sure to stop near the Ha’penny Bridge, the first pedestrian bridge to pass over the River Liffey. Its name comes from the halfpenny that pedestrians had to pay to cross it when it was built. With its appearance reminiscent of Ireland’s emblematic harp, the design of the Samuel Beckett Bridge has fascinated locals and tourists since its opening in 2009.
Crédit photo: Gabriel Ramos/Unsplash
5. Grab a pint of Guinness from the top of the city
Founded by Arthur Guinness in 1759, during your stop at the Guinness Storehouse, you can learn more about the iconic brewery’s past and the production process of their creations. Your entry ticket will also allow you to end your visit on the seventh floor with a pint at the Gravity Bar and a breathtaking view of the city.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
A little bonus
To make your stopover in Dublin even more pleasant (and restful), we recommend the magnificent Iveagh Garden Hotel. Its glamorous interior and excellent restaurant will certainly charm you. It’s definitely one of the best accommodation to stay in Dublin for your stopover.
And for a coffee break, don’t forget to stop at one of the Butlers Chocolate cafes for a good latte and a delicious tasting of fine chocolates.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
We hope that these recommendations have given you the desire to explore the Irish capital and will help you have a great stay in Dublin!
Have a great trip!
*Some links in this article are affiliate links. This means that if you click on the link and make a purchase, we receive a small affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Of course, we only share activities that we enjoyed.
*Did you like this article and would you like to receive more travel content? Subscribe to our newsletter now to stay on top of trends and our favorite destinations!