Dublin is the capital of Ireland, with a population of over a million people. What to see and where to go in two days? For such a big city, this is certainly not enough time. But still, we will highlight the main top 10 sights of Dublin, which are worth visiting. Well, or at least to take a look from the outside.
In the place of Dublin in ancient times, there was a Celtic settlement. And only later, at the beginning of the 9th century, the Viking kingdom appeared near the coast of the Irish Sea. To this day, modern Vikings roll through the streets of the city.
Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle is an important national site. Earlier, it was the residence of English kings. And after the end of the War of Independence, it was taken over by Ireland in 1922. Most of the original buildings have not survived. Most of the buildings date back to the 18th century. The present appearance of the complex of buildings was acquired after major reconstruction.
The castle’s construction began in 1204 by order of King John (John) of England. Initially, it served as fortification walls of the city of Dublin. Later, for many centuries, it played an important role as a defense structure of Ireland. And as a political and military center. It was the seat of parliament and the courts.
Nowadays, Dublin Castle is the working building of the Irish government. Important state events are held here.
In the castle, you can explore the magnificent halls, art gallery, and throne room. Walk through the exhibition halls in the former royal bedchamber. The most magnificent is St Patrick’s Hall, where banquets for dignitaries and the inauguration of the President of Ireland take place. Concerts are held in the dungeons.
Open every day from 9.45 to 17.45. A guided tour costs 12 €, on your own, 8 € (not all rooms are available). The castle has a café with a terrace.
Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral is the main cathedral of Dublin. The denomination is Anglicanism and Catholicism.
It was founded in 1031 by the Viking king. The wooden church was intended for the first archbishop of Dublin – Donatus. Stone buildings appeared in 1172 and were completed during the century.
Open every day throughout the year. There is a charge to enter. Self-guided tour €6.5, with a guided tour €11. Check times and prices on the official website.
From this temple, you can cross the covered bridge/overpass to the Viking Museum – Dublinia.
Dublinia
An archaeological museum that tells the ancient history of Dublin and its surroundings. The Viking period is extensively covered. This is the site where legend has it that ancient Dublin was located. Website dublinia
St Patrick’s Cathedral
St Patrick’s Cathedral is the largest in Ireland. The date of its foundation is 1191. As a result of the English Reformation in 1537, the cathedral became part of the Anglican Church of Ireland.
The cathedral hosts concerts and many important national ceremonies besides regular church services.
St Patrick is considered one of the first preachers of Christianity in Ireland. According to legend, the cathedral was built near a natural spring where St Patrick performed baptismal rites. On 17 March, St Patrick’s Day (also the day of death of Ireland’s patron saint) is celebrated as a public holiday. In recent decades, the holiday has been more cultural and recreational than religious, symbolizing the adoption of Christianity in Ireland. This is due to the commercial influence. Large-scale festivals, dance and beer parties are organized. The festivities in different cities and countries can last a few days to a month. The symbols of the holiday are green clothes and a clover leaf (shamrock/cross).
It is noteworthy that in the 18th century, the rector of this cathedral was the famous writer Jonathan Swift. You can visit the church from 9 am to 5 pm for 7€ or during concerts. For more information about events and visiting times, see the St.Patric website.
Next to the church is a beautifully maintained small park. The entrance is free for everyone.
Guinness Beer Museum
The Guinness Beer Museum is probably the most visited in Dublin. Long queues at the entrance and crowds of people coming out already “tipsy”. Tip – buy your ticket in advance online.
The Enterprise is a whole working town, which includes production and office premises. The museum itself is located in a seven-story brick building, a former fermentation shop.
The story of this popular drink begins with a young brewer in the 18th century. Arthur Guinness brewed ale with his father as a child, the traditional drink of the time. In 1756, Arthur opened his first brewery near Dublin. And in 1759, looking to expand his business, he found an abandoned brewery, then on the outskirts of the capital. On 31 December, he signs a lease for 9000 years. The first name of the brewery was St James’s Gate Brewery.
It’s a very distinctive museum. First, there’s a short introduction to the history and process of beer production. And then a lot of bars and restaurants offer beer and products with the addition of this drink. You will be taught how to pour from bottle to glass and properly drink this foamy drink. From the 7th floor there is a panoramic view of Dublin.
It is better to visit the museum in the morning and on weekdays, when there are fewer tourists. It is open all 7 days from 9.30 to 17.00. Allocate at least 2 hours. You can stay there until closing time.
Kilmainham Prison
Dublin’s former prison now turned into a museum. The place is creepy, not for the faint-hearted. After all, here, in the period from the 18th to the beginning of the 20th century, not only held prisoners but also executed them. And their souls probably dwell among these walls.
In addition to adults, there were children aged 7 in the prison. And even in prison, there was gender discrimination. Conditions for women were worse than for men. It is necessary to book a day and time to visit the museum. The ticket is 8 and 4 €.
Trinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin was founded by Queen Elizabeth I of England in 1592. It is Ireland’s oldest and most prestigious institution of higher learning. A college and university in one.
Initially, the college was founded in an abandoned monastery of All Saints. And later, new buildings were gradually constructed. Entrance to the campus is free, available to all.
Students live in the old buildings.
For tourists, this place is famous because the school has an ancient library, the hall of which resembles a Gothic temple. Its fund totals 4 million volumes. The rarest, richly illustrated book of the library is a handwritten gospel “Book of Kell”. Supposedly written in the year 800 by Irish monks. Entrance to the library charges 10-14 €, depending on the time chosen. You can buy tickets through the website or on-site.
Grafton Street
The lively, wide pedestrianized area of Grafton Street is popular with locals and visitors alike. It is one of the two (the other being Henry Street) main shopping streets in Dublin. It stretches from St. Stephen’s Green Park and a major shopping center (St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre) to Trinity College.
Already in 1709, the planned development of this street began. Many shops, department stores, cafés and services are along the street. Street musicians, artists and poets perform here. There is plenty to see and do.
Dublin’s main post office
Quite an impressive building for a post office. Its construction began in August 1814 and opened in January 1818. The whole building, except for the pillars, is built of granite.
The historic building, in the Georgian style, is famous for its architectural appearance and because the Declaration of the independent republic was read before it. During the Easter Uprising of 1916, it was the rebels’ headquarters.
There is also a small museum there.
Dublin Needle
The Dublin Needle is a monument of light as a symbol of the millennium. Its height is 120 metres. It is located on the crowded city centre street O’Connell Street. It was erected in 2003. It was chosen due to a competition to reconstruct and improve the appearance of the street. During the day, the steel spire shines in the sunlight.
These are just a few of the important landmarks of Dublin, the capital of Ireland. Choose what is closer to your heart and make your itinerary. Museums take a lot of time to visit. If you don’t have one, stroll through the streets of Dublin to familiarise yourself with it. The city is interesting for its architecture, evening hangouts, and happy and hospitable people.