Welcome to County Dublin, one of the biggest, busiest and most exciting pockets of Ireland. The city is a whirlwind of museums, galleries and eye-popping architecture. Get to know Dublin’s unique neighbourhoods and visit one of Europe’s most prestigious universities. Venture beyond the city to discover chocolate-box villages, charming seaside towns and picturesque countryside.
Things to do in Dublin
From hipster strongholds to historic enclaves, you could easily spend days exploring Dublin’s different neighbourhoods. Hop between breweries and distilleries in The Liberties, check out the colourful LGBTQ+ scene in Stoneybatter and satisfy your appetite in Portobello, a hotspot for trendy restaurants and wine bars. The legendary Temple Bar district is a maze of cobbled streets lined with traditional Irish pubs.
Trinity College showcases the proud academic heritage of County Dublin. The university campus is a jewel box of Victorian, Georgian and Gothic buildings. Watch students play cricket in College Park and visit the magnificent Long Room in the Old Library. It’s almost 65 metres long and features a soaring vaulted ceiling. Inside are around 200,000 rare books, including the 9th-century Book of Kells.
Escape to the seaside in Malahide, a picturesque town fringed by a golden sand beach. Explore the 12th-century castle set in sprawling gardens and stroll around the lively town centre filled with cafes and boutiques. Howth is another popular coastal town perched on a rugged peninsula. Get lost in the rhododendron-filled grounds of Howth Castle and enjoy spectacular views from clifftop trails.
From Rembrandt and Picasso to Caravaggio and Tintoretto, the National Gallery is filled with works by European luminaries. There’s a special focus on Jack B Yeats, one of the most famous Irish impressionists of the 20th century. Enjoy coffee and cake in the light-filled café and shop for art-inspired souvenirs in the gift shop.
Getting around Dublin
The city of Dublin is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot or bicycle. Dublin is also well-serviced by buses, trams and trains. Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) trains connect the city centre with coastal towns like Malahide and Howth. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore Dublin County at your own pace. Dublin Airport is a 20-minute drive from the city centre.