Dublin has a lot of places of interest to see and visit. During our stay, we had the chance to see many of them but not all. This is a selection of the best places to see when visiting the capital of the Republic of Ireland. They are definitely a must.

St. Patrick's Cathedral by Jesús, Alberto, Isabel and Rubén

It is the main cathedral of Dublin and it is known as the National cathedral of Ireland. The cathedral is dedicated to St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. 

It was built in the 5th century in wood  although in the 12th century it was rebuilt in stone. After a fire it was rebuilt by a donation of the Guinness family in the 19th century.

The interior of the cathedral is impressive, featuring beautiful stained glass windows, a magnificent altar, and a series of monuments and tombs honoring important figures in Irish history. It also houses a museum that provides information about the history of the cathedral and its significance in Irish culture. Additionally, the cathedral has a lovely garden and a grassy area where visitors can relax and enjoy the surroundings. It is a perfect place to learn about the history of Ireland and appreciate Gothic architecture.

The cathedral is located at the intersection of Patrick Street and Upper Kevin Street. A leisurely walk from the city center will take you here. The facilities are accessible for wheelchair users, the bus parking is free within the cathedral grounds, and there is a small gift and souvenir shop.

Another activity you can do when visiting the cathedral is tracing some images of saints and take them home with you. This activity is more focused on children make the visit to the cathedral more fun and entertaining. In the images below you can see some of our Erasmus+ students doing it. 

The opening hours from Monday to Friday are from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Sunday from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM. The ticket prices are 9 euros for adults, 8 euros for students and seniors, and 3.50 euros for children between 6 and 12 years old. They also offer reduced prices for families and groups.The guided tours are free, you can be booked in advance, and are mainly conducted in English. 

Christchurch by Patricia, Alberto and Héctor

Located at the end of Dame Street, Christchurch Cathedral is one of the two cathedrals in the city. This cathedral is protestant and not Catholic as many people believe. Its construction is dated on 1028 by order of the viking King Sigtrygg, who was king of Dublin for 46 years. That first construction was made of wood, years later the cathedral has undergone modifications since the year 1152 by order of the first archbishop or Ireland St Laurence O'toole. The last important modification was at the end of the 19th century, giving rise to the neo-gothic temple that we can see today. The small bridge to the left of the main front of building connects the cathedral with Synod Hall, the place where Dublinia is located, the museum dedicated to the Vikings

We must also highlight its bells, no less than 19 that have been added over the centuries. 

The most important place in the cathedral is the Crypt, located below it. It is the largest Crypt in the British Islands and it is also the oldest in Dublin that is still preserved and dates from the 12th century. In the Crypt there are exhibitions where you can see different sculptures and the candles used in the last Catholic mass that was celebrated in this cathedral in the 17th century before becoming Protestant. Something that draws attention is the café that is in the Crypt. During the 18th and 19th centuries, to compete with its neighbouring St Patrick's Cathedral, it housed a market and even taverns. 

The first impression you have when you get into the church is that you are in a really impressive place. You can enjoy walking around the main nave and seeing the beautiful windows and the old walls. In this area you can find the Strongbow´s tomb. Strongbow was one of the leaders of the Anglo-Normans who captured Dublin in 1170. This marked the beginning of 800 years of direct British rule in Ireland. Strongbow was buried here in Christchurch in 1176. Also you can find the mummified heart of St Laurence, patron saint of Dublin.

It should be highlighted that Christchurch has 19 bells in a single tower, a Guinness World Record. After a ride at the main nave, you can go downstairs to the crypt. The crypt is the largest crypt in Ireland and the oldest working structure in Dublin. It was built in the late 12th century. This is a lugubrious place and you can enjoy a quiet walk here seeing old medieval objects like books, manuscripts. Finally, there are a bunch of medieval costumes that you can wear and have a fun time.

Dublin Castle by Rachid

Dublin castle is located on Castle Street in the centre of Dublin and it summarizes the beauty and history of Ireland. It has been called the nerve centre of the historical power in Ireland, because it was the location for some main historical events. Dublin castle started to be built in 1204 by the order of king John in England as a fortress of his representatives. It had four corner towers and a courtyard that stood intact until 1684 when a terrible fire damaged the structures. However,some of the original parts still exist today including the record tower. Despite this, the damaged area was built up again. Over the centuries Dublin castle was the centre of the British government until 1922 when Ireland gained its independence and since that time the castle became the centre of the government for the Irish republic. 

Trinity College Dublin by Valeria, Irene, David & Rocío

Trinity College Dublin is one of Ireland'd most prestigious univeristies and a place of great historical and cultural significance. Its stunning campus combines classical modern architecture in a unique way.  It was founded in 1592 in Dublin, Ireland by Queen Elizabeth I herself. Initially it was only intended for Protestan male students. It was not until the 18th century that Catholics were allowed to graduate in Trinity College. As for women, they were admitted to Trinity College as full members at the beginning of the 20th century. The campus has an extension of 47 acres and it is one of the largest campuses in the centre of a capital city. 

Trinity is Ireland's most prestigious University and the admissions are based only on academic merit. Many important Irish writers were students at Trinity College including Bram Stoker, Samuel Beckett or Jonathan Swift. Other famous people like the philosopher George Berkeley, the mathematician William Rowan Hamilton and the scientist Ernest Walton also attended Trinity College. 

Furthermore, Trinity College Dublin is one of the 6 legal deposits in the Bristish Isles. Whatever you look for, you will find there one copy. The book of Kells is the most famous of the books in the Old Library.

The Book of Kells and Old Library by Ana B, Soraya, Patricia and Paqui

The Old Library and The Book of Kells are situated inside Trinity College Dublin. The ticket costs about 18€ and it is better to buy it in advance.

You can download an App for the audio guide, wi-fi is free. First there is a small exhibition on The Book of Kells. Next, the book is inside an urn in a semi-dark room. It is well protected as it is about 1,500 years old.

The Long Room is the main room of the library. As soon as you see it, it reminds you of the Harry Potter films. It is 65 metres long, dark wood lines its large ceiling, walls and shelves on 2 floors, where some 200,000 ancient books are kept. There are also 40 busts of famous people and the 15th century Brian Boru's harp, the official symbol of Ireland. At the end of the visit, we find the gift shop.

At the moment there is a temporary exhibition for visitors. This exhibition allows visitors to immerse themselves in the history of the book, exploring not only its pages but also the historical context in which it was created. Interactive elements are presented to facilitate understanding of the techniques used in its creation and the symbolism behind its images

This exhibition highlights not only the artistic importance of the manuscript but also its cultural and religious relevance in Ireland. It is an invaluable opportunity to appreciate a national treasure and better understand the literary and artistic roots of the country. The visit is ideal for those interested in Irish history, art, and culture.

General Post Office by Santi

The General Post Office is a historical and iconic building in Dublin. It was constructed in 1818 in neoclassical style, and played a major role during the Easter Rising of 1916. The building was occupied by rebels and suffered extensive damage during the conflict. However, it was later restored and expanded, including the addition of a clock tower in 1929. Today, it houses government services and is still a popular landmark and venue for events. Visiting the General Post Office is a must for anyone interested in Irish history and architecture.

The Spire by Loli

O'Connell Statue by Magdalena

Ha'penny Bridge by Antonio

Wellington, Metal, Triangle, Iron Bridge, Liffey Bridge or most commonly known as Ha´penny Bridge, different names for the same bridge. Ha´penny Bridge was the first pedestrian bridge to cross the river Liffey, before that, Dubliners had to cross the river Liffey using one of the seven ferries and paying a half penny ticket, this fact gives us a clue about the origin of such a name. Thus, the charge to cross the river using the bridge was exactly the same than the price of the ferry tickets, half a penny.  

Its white shape forms part of the Dulin landmark from 1816. Made of cast iron, the bridge has 43 metres span, is 3 metres in width and rises 3 metres above the river. The main body is composed of three arch ribs, each formed in six segments.

Nowadays, an average of 30.000 people cross the river each day. It must be pointed out that in 2013 over 300 kg of love locks were removed from the bridge because the damage risk. If one day you were in Dublin not only should you cross this bridge but also visit the area of Temple Bar, one the most vibrant areas in the City. 

Guinness Storehouse by Roberto

The Guinness Storehouse is a museum of beer at St. James´s Gate Brewery. The Storehouse has seven floors and on the top, there is a bar called Gravity Bar where you can drink a pint of Guinness included in the ticket while you enjoy the landscape of Dublin from the highest bar in the city. On a sunny day you can even see Wicklow mountains from here. The price of the tickets are from 26€ but it is recommended to buy the 34€ tickets which includes the Stoutie Guinness.

The truly one-off experience in The Guinness Storehouse is the Stoutie. It consists of printing your selfie on the top of your Guinness before enjoying it.  That is really amazing! You can see an example on the photos below. 

Apart from the merchandising and the sections about the process to make the perfect Guinness there are some restaurants and stores in the Guinness Storehouse where you can eat different types of food including the famous Guinness Stew from Dublin and the menus are between 20€ and 30€.

Molly Malone Statue by Adriana

The Building of the Bank of Ireland by Marisa

This building was built between 1728 and 1739 as the Parliament House in Dublin and it is considered SirEdward Lovett Pearce’s masterpiece, the best of the Palladian style in Ireland. The building lost its political function in 1800 and at that time it was decided to use it financially as the British government gave the building to the Irish with the only condition it was never used as a governmental building anymore.

A feature of this building is that it does not have windows and the Irish have two explanations or theories for this. The first one states that the place where the windows were was occupied for statues of parlamentaries when the building had a political function. The other theory states that in 1696  there was the so-called window tax and, to avoid paying it, they decided not to have windows.

St Stephen's Green by Silvia

Walking through the center of Dublin we can find St. Stephen´s green park. It is one of the oldest public parks in Ireland. Despite being in the city centre it is very green and the perfect place to rest in the shade of the trees or have lunch because it is really quiet. 

Also it is a nice place for walking, running or maybe if you prefer, you can feed the pigeons. Inside the park there is a beautiful lake with ducks and swans and a wide variety of flowers depending on the season such as daffodils or turnips. 

Grafton Street by Carolina

Firstly, it is one of  the most significant streets in the centre of Dublin,since most of its shops are luxury design houses.Also best known for its atmosphere, in which one can walk around and find artists in the streets (buskers) showing their performances. To conclude, it is a street filled with joy and colour thanks to the flower ladies with their precious stands.

Temple Bar by Vicente

Near Ha' Penny Bridge we can find one of the most popular and lively zones in Dublin, Temple Bar. Temple Bar is not only a pub, but also it is one of the most important areas in the downtown of Dublin. Walking through its narrow streets, we can see the most essential aspects in the heart of the city like art galleries, pubs, shops and markets too.

Nightlife in Dublin is centralized in this area. There are many pubs on every street with live music and the atmosphere is also amazing. Every day there are many interesting bands playing in the pubs, while we enjoy a good Guinness  listening to folk music and dancing.  On the one hand, the most popular pub in Dublin is the pub called Temple Bar. Despite the fact that a pint is expensive, about 9€, you must visit it.   On the other hand, inside Temple Bar, there are only tourists so if you want to have a beer in Dublin without people from IRELAND... Maybe Temple Bar is just the place.

Phoenix Park by Noé, Lucía, Miguel and Sara

Phoenix Park, Europe's largest city park, can be reached in 30 minutes on foot from Dublin city centre, or by bus 28. It is next to the Court of Justice. As soon as you enter the park you will see a road that crosses the park, which can be used by cars, and on both sides of this road there are paths for pedestrians and cyclists. On the north side of the park is Dublin Zoo. Further on is the residence of the Prime Minister of Ireland and, what I thought was a racecourse, but upon further investigation, is a polo field (by the skin of my teeth!!!). In the southern part of the park there are different sports fields (cricket, football, rugby, etc.) and the famous deer which are free and you can get close to them, but without disturbing them too much. Next to the entrance is the Wellington Monument, an obelisk about 50 metres high. The park has a perimeter of about 14 kilometres, so if you want to visit it all (I was only able to stay two hours), it's best to take your time, or a good option is to cycle around it. If you enjoy any kind of sport, such as skating, jogging or cycling, you can't miss it and get away from the hustle and bustle of Dublin city centre.

The park was created in the year 1662 by the Duke of Ormond. At that time, it was used as a private deer park for King Charles II. In the beginning, only the rich and powerful could enter, but in 1745, Phoenix Park was opened to the public.

There are many fun activities to do in the park. People like to walk, cycle, or run along the many paths. It is also a great place for picnics, sports, and relaxing with friends or family. Some parts of the president’s house are open to visitors, and guided tours are sometimes available. Many people also enjoy taking photos of the nature and animals.

Butler's Chocolate Factory by Lucía, Mª José, Eva & Miriam

If you are going to be in Dublin for a few days, you can live a great experience related to something very sweet and that everyone likes, chocolate. Not far from the centre of the city, there is Butler´s Chocolate Factory. In this factory we can enjoy three magnificent experiences. One of them is to visit the factory and see how they make different kinds of chocolate and flavours with which they later make the chocolates. They also show a brief history of when, where and how cocoa arrived in Europe and finally who the founders of the factory were. But that is not all, the second experience is when we are able to make our own decorations. The third experience is to taste their elaborations in a beautiful cafe shop at the entrance of the factory and even buy their products.

When we arrived at the chocolate factory they made us feel part of them, they left us a lab coat for each one so we took very fun photos 

First, we were able to observe the process of making various types of chocolates. We also witnessed the precise and sophisticated machinery they use to package some of them.

At the end of the tour inside the factory, we were taken to a room full of lively music where there were tables and chairs so we could experiment with chocolate. The activity consisted of decorating a chocolate elephant figure with white chocolate. When we finished it, we wrapped it and took it home.

It was fun. Each of us created our own Easter elephant. Some were really adorable, however, others not so much.

Malahide Castle by Mª Paz, Alfredo and Pilar

Malahide Castle is said to be the oldest castle in Ireland. Malahide is a town located on the outskirts of Dublin. The castle is a medieval jewel built in the 12th century by the Talbot family, which stands in the middle of a large park and gardens with 5,000 species of exotic plants, a Victorian greenhouse, a rose garden, a pond... It is very famous for its many ghosts. There are several ghosts haunting the castle: Sir Walter Hussey, from the 15th century who died in battle on the same day as his wedding; Maud Punkett, young widow of Sir Walter who married immediately after her husband died; Miles Corbett, who occupied the castle in Cromwell's time; the White Lady and Puck, a Talbot family jester who was murdered. Ireland is a country linked to the Celtic tradition and for this reason it has hundreds of legends full of ghosts, spirits and other myths.

The castle is a prime example of medieval architecture, with its grand turrets, battlements, and beautiful gardens. It has been expanded and renovated over the centuries, resulting in a blend of medieval, Georgian, and Victorian architectural styles.

The interior, which is furnished with period furniture and artwork, features many elegant rooms, including the Great Hall, the Oak Room, the Red Drawing Room, and the Library. The castle also houses a variety of historical artifacts and exhibits, showcasing the rich history of the estate and its former inhabitants.

In addition to this, the grounds of Malahide Castle are home to extensive gardens and parkland, including a Victorian walled garden, a butterfly house, and a children's playground. Moreover, the castle is surrounded by 1 square kilometer estate, which includes woodlands, ponds, and walking trails for visitors to enjoy.

If you go to Malahide, don't miss the walk that runs along the entire port along the sea.  beautiful setting with magnificent views.

Butterfly House by María

This butterfly garden is one of Dublin´s Hidden Gems.

When you visite Malahide,  you can buy a  tour ticket and it includes entry to the Butterfly house. Garden tickets which include entry to the butterfly house, are also available separately. The price is 5€.

In the butterfly house you can find the most colourful creatures on Earth. With over 20 species of butterfly housed at Malahide, it is a paradise for amateur enthusiasts. In the visit you learn new thingd about the life cycle of these fascinating pollinators.

The butterfly House is open all year around from 9:30 until 5:30. The last entry is at 4:30 pm.

After seeing and meeting the butterflies, It is time to rest in any of the gardens.

Epic Museum by Eloísa, Julio and Elo

Epic the Irish Emigration Museum explores the stories of Irish emigrants, and why they left Ireland at different points in history. One very important factor that caused a lot of people  to leave Irleand was the Great Famine of AD 1845-1852, also known as the Potato Famine, the Great Hunger or in Irish, An Gorta Mór. During this time, due  to the failure of potato crop, a million of Irish people died and another million or more left Ireland.

The Epic Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6.45 p.m.

Admission prices range from 10,50 € for children to 21 € for adults with discounts for people over 65, students and teenagers

Kilmainham Gaol by Mª José and Cristina

Kilmainham Gaol is one of the largest unoccupied prisons in Europe. It opened in 1796 and it closed as a prison in 1924. This treasure of history has witnessed the most heroic and tragic events which involved the freedom of Ireland.

Not only were detained leaders of different rebellions, but also members of the Irish movement were executed. Apart from that, thousands of men and women were prisoners there. Their crimes ranged from petty offenses such as stealing food during the Famine to the more serious crime of murder.

One of the most moving stories is starred by Joseph Plunkett and Grace Gifford. Joseph took part in the Easter Rising. By the end of Easter week 1916 he was placed in Kilmainham Gaol to be executed. When he found out his destiny, asked permission to be married to Grace. They got married in the jail chapel the day before Joseph Plunkett was executed.

 Croke Park Stadium by Jorge and Rafa

To begin with, Croke Park Stadium is located in Ireland and it is the place where Gaelic football and hurling/camogie are played. In addition, not only is it the most important stadium in Dublin, but it's also one of the biggest in Europe.

After a short tour, we could see the field and learn how Gaelic sports are played. Furthermore, we were able to play both sports on our own!

Nonetheless, all that glitters is not gold. Dublin's team is believed to be cursed because they interrupted a funeral when they won a match and the priest cursed them by not winning another cup until the last player died.

Regarding history, Croke Park is also a cornerstone because of Bloody Sunday, an attack during a match in 1920 which resulted in the death of 14 Irish people. To add insult to injury, a second Bloody Sunday took place in 1972. It should be pointed out that U2 wrote a song in order to remember these events.

All in a nutshell, Croke Park Stadium is a highly recommended place to visit in Dublin due to the multiple things you can learn there.

 Archaeology Museum by Esther, María and Antonio

The Archaelogy Museum of Dublin, located on Kildare Street, shows a fascinating collection of artifacts spanning thousands of years of Irish and world history. Visitors can explore exhibits ranging from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages, including exquisitely crafted Celtic jewelry, ancient weapons, funerary objects, and remains of prehistoric settlements. Additionally, the museum showcases the renowned Ardagh Treasure Collection, featuring a unique selection of gold and silver objects from the 8th century.

The Archaeological Museum of Dublin offers visitors a profound insight into Ireland's rich history and culture, as well as that of other ancient civilizations. From Viking treasures to Bronze Age finds, each room offers a window into different periods of time and aspects of ancient life. Visitors can marvel at the craftsmanship of past civilizations and gain a deeper understanding of Ireland's cultural heritage and its place in world history.

Finally, you can not miss the bog bodies exhibition. Bog bodies are remarkably preserved human remains found in peat bogs across Northern Europe, including Ireland. These bodies, often dating back thousands of years, provide valuable insights into ancient societies, their customs, and even their causes of death. The unique acidic and anaerobic conditions of the bogs prevent decay and lead to exceptional preservation, allowing researchers to study details such as clothing, hairstyles, and even the last meals of these individuals. 

Free admission to all

Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 10am-5pm       Sunday-Monday: 1pm-5pm 

 Botanical gardens by Soraya and Gabriel

Ireland´s top garden is a lush haven full of color. It is located in Glasnevin, County Dublin and is situated between Glasnevin Cemetery and the River Tolka. You will find more than 17.000 plant species and cultivars in its 19.5 Has.

The gardens are well known for their beautifully restored and carefully cultivated glasshouses, particularly the Turner Curvilinear Range and the magnificent Palm House.

The outdoor offerings include the enchanting rose and rock gardens, the organic fruit and vegetable garden, paths by ponds and rivers, paired herbaceous borders, and Wild Ireland, the designated conservation area for native flora and fauna.

Admission is free.

The glasshouses and gardens are open to people with disabilities, although there are some areas with step gradients.

 Dublinia by Silvia, Vicente and Salva

During our Erasmus+ in Dublin, we had an amazing time exploring Dublinia, a museum that really brings the city’s Viking and medieval history to life. We kicked things off with the Viking section, where we got to learn about their way of life, their epic ships, and how they shaped Irish culture. The interactive displays made it super fun—walking through a Viking settlement felt like stepping back in time.

The medieval part was just as cool. We wandered through recreated medieval streets, checked out what different trades were like back then, and even tried some hands-on activities. One of the best moments was climbing up St. Michael’s Tower, where we got stunning views of the city from the top.

Dublinia was such a fun and interesting way to dive into Dublin’s history. It’s definitely a place we’d recommend to anyone curious about the city’s past or just looking for a unique experience.

Jameson Distillery by Cristina, Jorge  and Rafa

Jameson is widely known thanks to its whiskey drinks but, what do we really know about this brand? Is it a mere alcohol factory or does it have anything special?

Indeed, Jameson distillery in Dublin is supposed to be one of the most profitable companies in the country, how could we waste this chance? Furthermore, such an amazing place could not be ignored! Not only did we have the opportunity to taste some, but also we could learn about the history and process to get the whiskey we take.