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With its colorful alleys, enchanting streets, Romanesque architecture, and classical music, it is obvious to see why Dublin, the Irish capital, has been known for stealing the heart of every tourist. 

Dublin’s pubs, nightlife, Old Library, Gravity Bar, Botanic Gardens, Croke Park, Gravity Bar, Botanic Gardens, Croke Park, hop-on hop, Irish Emigration Museum, and National Museum of Ireland re among popular tourist attractions in Ireland. 

This first-class city is trendy for its historic churches, haunted places, cultural museums, live music, and hidden charms.

Dublin really has something for everyone, whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or a lush green garden break, exploring the nearby mountains, or just strolling through the busy locale. 

So, if you just set your foot in Dublin or are still mulling over your decision to visit it, here is the list of top 10 things to do in Dublin city or city center.

Dublin Castle. Photo by Jeremy Matteo
Dublin Castle. Photo by Jeremy Matteo

1. Travel Back in Time by Visiting Dublin Castle

Want to see what prehistoric Dublin looked like? If yes, then what would be a better way to do that than by visiting this age-old Dublin Castle.

Stretching over an area of about 11 acres and encapsulating over 900 years of Irish memoirs, this tremendous castle proudly rests on one of the highest peaks in the precinct.

This archaic building has borne witness to many valuable and noteworthy events in Ireland’s history.   

Dublin Castle delivers, both the tourists and residents, with self-guided and guided excursions of the Castle.

Its numerous rooms and gardens or its cultural-loaded libraries and museums like the Garda Museum, the Chester Beatty Library, and the Chapel Royal.    

Ha'penny Bridge, North City, Dublin, Ireland. Photo by Mark Lawson
Ha’penny Bridge, North City, Dublin, Ireland. Photo by Mark Lawson

2. Take a Stroll Over the Ha’Penny Bridge

The splendidly distinct white-picketed Ha’penny Bridge is one of Dublin’s leading monuments that identifies the city – appearing on books, postcards, travel guides, and other brochures.

It is often deemed as the first pedestrian bridge to be built over the River Liffey in 1860. The name Ha’Penny (Half Penny) stemmed from the half-penny fee that the pedestrians were charged for crossing the bridge.

Aside from sauntering on this beauty, you can even go kayaking under the bridge which runs all year round, and who knows, you might get the opportunity to see the glorious autumn sunset of the capital city of Dublin. So, skip the road trip this time and have fun under the bridge.

And if luck really is on your side, you could even witness the famous ‘Music Under the Bridge’ tour, which is loaded with world-renowned musicians and is undoubtedly a delight for any melophile.  

Christ Church Cathedral in Ireland. Photo by Gabriel Ramos
Christ Church Cathedral in Ireland. Photo by Gabriel Ramos

3. Pay a Visit to Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral, formerly known as the Cathedral of Holy Trinity, is yet another of Dublin’s architectural marvels and is one of the top things among Dublin attractions.

With its sophisticated framework, 12th-century undercroft, history-filled walls, and the innumerable bells which rung over the town for hundreds of years, Church Cathedral serves as the leading site for all sightseers and chroniclers from around the world.

This medieval cathedral remains fully operational throughout the year for visitors who wish to admire its picturesque interiors.

However, since the Church gets no assistance from the state, the staff charged an entry and ticket fee to help maintain the glorious structure of this Irish relic. 

Howth, Dublin, Ireland. Photo by Adam Markon
Howth, Dublin, Ireland. Photo by Adam Markon

4. Enjoy a Day Off at the Howth Cliff

Though with multiple attractions and charms at every turn, one may eventually get tired of the bustling city of Dublin. So, if you want to spend a day enjoying nature and the sea breeze, the coastal village of Howth should be your next stop.

Easy to reach by taxi or a bus, Howth offers its guests exquisite souvenirs, cliff trails, and a once-in-a-lifetime view of the Howth Harbor, the Dublin Bay.

Not to mention that the 2-hour coastal hike is convenient for all fitness levels and is excellent to get some eye-catching photographs. Group walking tours are also available for people who prefer to share their views while looking at the view.

Pheonix Park
Pheonix Park

5. See Some Deer at the Phoenix Park

The citizens of Ireland take great pride in their nationally treasured Phoenix Park and its a must viewpoint while you are on a tour of Dublin.

This largest urban park in Europe was built over 300 years ago, and it encompasses an area of approximately 7 kilometers square.

Aside from being the home to Dublin Zoo, Phoenix Park is famous for housing about 450 deer, which can be found meandering in the forests (and traversing your path when you least expect them to).

So, be it for daylight deer hunting or an afternoon picnic, Phoenix Park is the definitive spot for all nature lovers.

Dublin Zoo
Dublin Zoo

6. Stop by the Dublin Zoo for Animal Sightseeing

Situated within the Phoenix Park, the Dublin Zoo can be a wonderful inclusion to your day.

With a vast diversity of animals to watch and an accurate and user-friendly map, this expedition is perfect for everyone, regardless of their age group.

The animals are looked after and have spacious quarters for them to wander and play, making each encounter a bona fide experience.

Also, don’t forget to stop by the Meerkat Café on your way out, where you can get a chance for an up-close interaction with the meerkats.

Hellfire Club
Hellfire Club

7. Hear Spooky Tales at the Hellfire Club

The Hellfire Club will surely fool you, surrounded by lush green trees and serving an extraordinary view over the Irish capital. Seeming like a serene retreat at first, but once you reach this cabin, you will surely change your mind.

At the hill, you will discover the haunted remnants of the unprecedented Hellfire Club. Their residents were believed to be Devil-worshipers and used to invite Satan to accompany them for dinner every night.

If you are not an enthusiast of spooky tales and ghost stories, it is better to stay away since this infamous site is associated with supernatural legends that will send shivers up your spine.

Streets of Dublin
Streets of Dublin

8. Learn About the City’s History at the Little Museum of Dublin

In between the mythological and historical excursions, you could free up some time to learn about the vast history of Dublin through this Little Museum.

The museum contains more than 5,000 displays that help you look at Dublin’s life during the last century. Apart from the regular guided tours, you can even spend hours scouring the museum on your own through simple ticket purchases.

Trinity College Library
Trinity College Library

9. Flip Through the Books at Trinity College Library

A phenomenal architectural marvel and a building of dream for most bibliophiles, Trinity College is Ireland’s oldest university. Its library is the largest home of the world’s most notorious books.  

Located in the heart of Dublin, with its large fields and cobblestoned yards, Trinity College Library is visited by thousands of tourists every year.

Unfortunately, only the staff, students, and university graduates have access to the main library. However, daily open exhibitions allow the visitors to gander at some ancient literature, such as the book of Kells.

Cliffs of Moher
Cliffs of Moher

10. Arrange an Outing to the Cliffs of Moher

Although they are about 260 km away from Dublin, many visitors love making a side trip to the famous Cliffs of Moher.

What is a better way to relieve your stress than lying on soft green grass enveloped by a breathtaking view? If you agree with us, then arranging a day trip to these spectacular Cliffs of Moher can be the next best thing for you!

With its towering peaks and surging waves, perpetual legends, and infinite fluttering birds, the Cliffs of Moher are nature’s blessing and undoubtedly a must-visit spot in Dublin.

Book This Trip to Dublin

Start planning your interesting adventure to Dublin today. Get prepared with tips on the best shops, hotel and VRBO accommodations, local restaurant favorites and more through TripAdvisor and Travelocity.

Plan even more fun by booking some unique Dublin activities, skip-the-line tickets to major attractions and expert-led tours with GetYourGuide. Find more information, browse tours and book your dates in advance here.

For the best deals on flights, train tickets and car rental options, check out Omio Travel Partner.

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Author Bio: Naeem Yousaf

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