Why visit Dublin
Streetscapes
The charm of Dublin is best experienced with a leisurely stroll through its city streets. Travel Dublin in stride with your guide as you discover stately architecture, iconic monuments, and plenty of personality. Here are some main thoroughfares we know you’ll be delighted by in Dublin.
O'Connell Street
Just a short walk through O’Connell Street will show you its power of attraction. The iconic monuments and multitude of shopping and restaurant options establish the street as a main thoroughfare that entertains thousands of Dubliners and visitors on a daily basis. If you happen to drive by, your guide may point out the “Spire,” a large steel spike that pierces Dublin’s skyline.
Merrion Square
Take a stroll through one of the finest squares in the city and revel in the beauty of Merrion Square. The square is truly the heart of Georgian Dublin, a fact you’ll come to realize as you marvel at the gorgeous redbrick houses. While there, pay homage to writer Oscar Wilde, one the Square’s famous former residents.
Grafton Street
Find the perfect souvenir and take a jaunt through one of Dublin’s cultural gems: Grafton Street. Offering nearly every variety of shop, café, and restaurant, Grafton Street begins at College Green (Trinity College) and runs to St. Stephen’s Green. Our guests love the liveliness of the street, amplified by the talented buskers that entertain passerby.
Creative Quarter
See where Dublin natives shop, dine, and sell their wares in Dublin’s Creative Quarter. Running from South William Street to George’s Street, and from Lower Stephen’s Street to Exchequer Street, the Creative Quarter is the hub for all things artful, handcrafted, and one-of-a-kind. For truly local wares, our guide suggests visiting the George’s Street Arcade.
Sites
Whether you yearn to trace your cultural roots back to the city or simply want to relax with a pint in hand, our local guides know every nook and cranny of Dublin that’s worth exploring. From your first moments in Ireland’s inviting capital, you’ll see how easy it is to stumble across an iconic site. Here are just some of the highlights you’ll witness while traveling with Collette in Dublin.
Phoenix Park
For a dose of nature in the city, venture over to Dublin’s Phoenix Park. Explore the picturesque flower gardens, nature trails, and tree-lined paths as you breathe in the crisp, Irish air. Be on the lookout for deer; our local guide notes the park used to be royal hunting grounds, so herds of these creatures still roam about the wooded areas.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
No visit to Dublin would be complete without a visit to its largest church, St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Learn how the Cathedral shaped the lives of Dublin residents as you take in the grandeur of this holy site. Your guide might point out that famed writer and satirist Jonathan Swift was once Dean of this iconic church.
River Liffey
Flowing through the center of Dublin is the River Liffey. A source for trade, connection, and solace, the river has been just as vital to shaping the city’s history as its brick and mortar sites. Take a relaxing cruise and glide across the tranquil waters for a different perspective of Dublin.
The General Post Office
While walking down O’Connell Street, your guide is likely to point out the General Post Office. The focal point of the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin, this iconic site is both historic and functional. Mail a postcard and enjoy the fascinating history of this classical building.
Museums
Head to one of Dublin’s many museums to further immerse yourself in its diverse culture. Whether you’re looking for a crash course in Irish history, a day of modern art, or a backstory on the game of camogie, our local guides have the inside track on the best museums of the city. Here are a few favorites that have delighted guests throughout the years Collette has traveled to Ireland’s capital.
Dublin Writer's Museum
From Joyce to Swift, Wilde to Yeats, some of the most iconic writers of past and present have called Dublin their home. View first editions of classic tomes like “Gulliver’s Travels” and “Dracula” as you walk through this beautifully restored 18th century Georgian mansion. Don’t be surprised if inspiration for a great novel strikes after visiting this literary gem!
Irish Museum of Modern Art
Dublin’s modern art scene comes alive at the Irish Museum of Modern Art, or IMMA as locals know it best. As your local expert may tell you, the IMMA served as the Royal Hospital Building in the 1700s and was not converted into an art space until 1991. The structure and the grounds of IMMA provide a grand backdrop to the contemporary works within.
Little Museum of Dublin
Check out the newest museum in Dublin and delight in the local artifacts found at the Little Museum in Dublin. Featuring over 400 pieces donated by many Dubliners, the museum celebrates Dublin’s rich history over the last century. Who knows, your local guide might know a family whose relics are on display!
Croke Park and GAA Museum
Educate yourself on Ireland’s sporting past as you explore expansive Croke Park Stadium & Gaelic Athletic Association Museum. From Gaelic football to hurling, local experts will regale you with tales of epic games and matches that have occurred on the stadium’s grassy field. This mecca dedicated to Irish sport is not to be missed.