Things to do in Dublin
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Wild Wicklow Tour including Glendalough from Dublin
8 hours 30 minutes (Departs Dublin, Ireland)
by Viator
The Wild Wicklow Tour from Dublin is the perfect introduction to Wicklow's untamed landscapes. On this Wicklow day tour you'll explore ancient monastic ruins at…Not LP reviewed
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Glasnevin Cemetery
Ireland's largest and most historically important burial site (aka Prospect Cemetery) was established in 1832 by Daniel O'Connell as a burial ground for people of all faiths, a high-moral-ground response to Protestant cemeteries' refusal to bury Catholics.
The tombstones read like a 'who's who' of Irish history: a modern replica of a round tower acts as a handy landmark for locating the tomb of O'Connell, who died in 1847 and was reinterred here in 1869 when the tower was completed. Charles Stewart Parnell's tomb is topped with a huge granite rock. Other notable people buried here include Sir Roger Casement, executed for treason by the British in 1916; the Republican…
reviewed
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Lock’s
When chef Troy Maguire left the immensely popular L’Gueuleton in early 2007 to team up with ex-Bang manager Kelvin Rynhardt to take over one of the steady stalwarts of the Dublin dining scene, the bar was suddenly set very, very high. Would Lock’s shake off its old-town dust? Could Maguire recreate the informal-but-superb French campagnard cooking that made his former kitchen such a huge hit? Would Lock’s be as cool as Bang used to be? And would the prices stay this side of decent? Thankfully, yes on all counts, and while it’s still early days, Lock’s promises to be one of the most sought-after tables in town for years to come.
reviewed
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Henrietta Street
Henrietta St dates from the 1720s and was the first project of Dublin’s pre-eminent Georgian developer, Luke Gardiner. It was designed as an enclave of prestigious addresses (Gardiner himself lived at No 10), and remained one of Dublin’s most fashionable streets until the Act of Union (1801). It’s looking a little forlorn these days after spending much of the 20th century as tenement housing, where up to 70 tenants were crammed into each four-storey house. Some of the residences are in disrepair, yet it’s still a wonderful insight into the evolution of Georgian residential architecture, and features mansions of varying size and style.
reviewed
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Skip the Line: Guinness Storehouse Entrance Ticket
Flexible (Departs Dublin, Ireland)
by Viator
Book your Skip the Line: Guinness Storehouse Entrance Ticket now and your ticket will be pre-booked and pre-paid, for a fast, hassle-free entry into Ireland's…Not LP reviewed
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Northern Ireland including Giant's Causeway Rail Tour from Dublin
13 hours (Departs Dublin, Ireland)
by Viator
Sit back and relax on this combined rail and coach day trip from Dublin to Northern Ireland. With all your travel arrangements organized for you, you'll see…Not LP reviewed
from USD$141.66 -
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Arbour Hill Cemetery
Just north of Collins Barracks, this small cemetery is the final resting place of all 14 of the executed leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising. The burial ground is plain, with the 14 names inscribed in stone. Beside the graves is a cenotaph bearing the Easter Proclamation, a focal point for official and national commemorations. The front of the cemetery incongruously, but poignantly, contains the graves of British personnel killed in the War of Independence. Here, in the oldest part of the cemetery, as the gravestones toppled, they were lined up against the boundary walls where they still stand solemnly today.
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Ice Bar
Not to be confused with the Dice Bar in a taxi – practise your elocution because the bars are worlds apart in every sense. Young, single 20-somethings with infinite disposable incomes come here to see and be seen, making this either the most sought-after destination in town or somewhere to avoid like a bad dose of plague. Flash your convertible-beemer car keys at the door for speedy access. The all-white chichi interior with central chrome and marble bar is softened by some lovely, specially commissioned wall hangings by Irish artists. Vodka-based cocktails are the house speciality.
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Aya
Aya looks like it belongs in downtown Tokyo, with its chic, designer ambience and revolving sushi bar favoured by shoppers laden down with bags from the attached Brown Thomas store, and anyone else looking to gossip over raw fish and sake. Problem is, the sushi belt consists mainly of fruit plates, desserts and mostly non-sushi bites; the few bits you do get are generally of the salmon and fake-crab type. If you want the real deal, you have to order à la carte, and even then it’s not that brilliant. Still, it is a great place to meet and greet and it looks just fabulous.
reviewed
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King’s Inns
Home to Dublin’s legal profession, King’s Inns occupies a classical building on Constitution Hill, which was built by James Gandon between 1795 and 1817, with Francis Johnston chipping in with the cupola. In 1541, when Henry VIII staked his claim to be King of Ireland as well as England, the country’s lawyers took the title the Honourable Society of King’s Inns and moved into a Dominican monastery on the site of the modern-day Four Courts. When that building was erected they relocated here, where Irish barristers are still trained. It’s only open to members and their guests.
reviewed
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Dublin City Hop-on Hop-off Tour
1 day (Departs Dublin, Ireland)
by Viator
Explore Dublin's historic buildings and vibrant nightlife with a hop-on hop-off bus ticket. Valid for 24 hours you have plenty of time to see the sights of…Not LP reviewed
from USD$20.79 -
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Alilang
With elements of Chinese, Japanese and Thai cuisine, this Korean restaurant on multicultural Parnell St has plenty to whet Western appetites. Tasty dishes like padun (a seafood pancake), cod-and-tofu hotpot and barbecued meats are brought to your table with gas burner, skillet and spicy marinade, for you to tuck in DIY-style, making the food a talking piece. Although the bright and shiny décor may not be conducive to romantic first dates, the atmosphere at Alilang is strangely inviting. Steer clear of the dull wine list in favour of the Korean Hite beer.
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Ely CHQ Bar & Brasserie
As part of the ongoing development of Dublin’s docklands, Ely opened a branch of its successful city-centre restaurant in what they assume will be one of the hippest spots in town. The new restaurant is suitably impressive – lots of exposed concrete coupled with modern designer touches more often seen in a high-end Bangkok restaurant – and the food is made to match, even if the menu isn’t all that adventurous and you won’t eat anything that will absolutely blow your socks off. Still, it’s a good spot to eat off a hangover.
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Dublin Traditional Irish House Party including Dinner and Show
3 hours 30 minutes (Departs Dublin, Ireland)
by Viator
Welcome to the party! A traditional Irish house party is the perfect introduction to Dublin, with great entertainment and a warm and friendly atmosphere. You'll…Not LP reviewed
from USD$25.99 -
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Dublin Castle
The stronghold of British power in Ireland for 700 years, Dublin Castle is mostly an 18th-century creation built on Norman and Viking foundations. Of the 13th-century Anglo-Norman fortress built on the site, only the record tower remains. Once the official residence of the British viceroys in Ireland and now used by the Irish Government, a tour will appeal to history and architecture buffs. On Sunday and holidays free tours run every 30 minutes. Please note that the State Apartments may be closed at short notice – call ahead to check.
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Chez Max
Guarding the main gate to Dublin Castle is a French cafe that is Gallic through and through, from the fixtures imported from gay Paree to the beautiful, sultry staff who ignore you until they're ready and then turn the sexy pout into a killer smile. The lunchtime tartines – basically open sandwiches – are good enough to get us misty-eyed for Montmartre. They've recently opened a sister restaurant on Baggot St.
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Story of Banking
The Bank of Ireland Arts Centre, which hosts a variety of cultural events, including classical concerts and regular free lunchtime recitals and poetry readings. It also screens an eight-minute film about banking and Irish history, called the Story of Banking. An exhibition features a 10kg silver-gilt mace that was made for the House of Commons and retained by the Speaker of the House when the parliament was dissolved.
It was later sold by his descendants and bought back from Christies in London by the Bank of Ireland in 1937.
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Wells Spa
OK, so it’s not technically in Dublin, but this extraordinary spa in a luxurious country house is the favourite chill-out spot for Dublin’s high-flyers. Mud and flotation chambers, Finnish and aroma baths, Hammam massages and a full range of Decleor & Carita treatments make this one of the top spas in the country. Whole-day treatments include a light lunch and full use of all the pool and gym facilities. Your credit card will never have nestled in softer hands. It is 3km west of Rathrum in the village of Macreddin.
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St Mary’s Abbey
Within the grounds are the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, originally founded in 1042 by the Viking King Sitric, who also founded the original church on the site of Christ Church Cathedral. The abbey was amalgamated with the monastery on Ireland’s Eye in 1235. Some parts of the ruins date from that time, but most are from the 15th and 16th centuries. The tomb of Christopher St Lawrence (Lord Howth), in the southeastern corner, dates from around 1470. See the caretaker or read instructions on the gate for opening times.
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Garden for the Blind
The centre of St Stephen's Green has a garden for the blind, complete with signs in Braille and plants that can be handled. There is also a statue of the Three Fates, presented to Dublin in 1956 by West Germany in gratitude for Irish aid after WWII. In the corner closest to the Shelbourne Hotel is a monument to Wolfe Tone, the leader of the abortive 1798 invasion; the vertical slabs serving as a backdrop to Wolfe Tone's statue have been dubbed 'Tonehenge'.
At this entrance is a memorial to all those who died in the Famine.
reviewed
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Strawberry Hall
Strawberry Hall alone makes it worth the trek to the Strawberry Beds, a totally unspoilt bit of countryside. The Strawberry Beds run alongside the northern banks of the Liffey between the villages of Chapelizod and Lucan, roughly along the western edge of the Phoenix Parkand, and is one of the city's most beautiful getaway spots. Have drinks at the utterly wonderful Strawberry Hall, reputedly Dublin’s second-oldest pub and one of the best-kept secrets in town. This place alone makes it worth the trek.
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2-Day Cork, Blarney Castle and Ring of Kerry Rail Trip from Dublin
by Viator
Explore Cork, Blarney Castle and the stunning coastal scenery of the Ring of Kerry at your leisure on this relaxed overnight rail and coach tour from Dublin.…Not LP reviewed
from USD$323.61 -
Ring of Kerry Rail Trip from Dublin
15 hours 30 minutes (Departs Dublin, Ireland)
by Viator
Immerse yourself in some of Ireland's most spectacular scenery on a day trip to the Ring of Kerry from Dublin. You'll admire Ireland's coastal landscapes…Not LP reviewed
from USD$141.66 -
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Irish Rugby Football Union
The association with privilege has pretty much always been there with rugby, until the game decided to go global, kick its branding into a whole new gear and Dublin began witnessing some pretty successful local teams at both inter-provincial and international level. Irish rugby’s governing body, the Irish Rugby Football Union, has done a brilliant job of selling rugby outside its traditional domain, so much so that the game has finally generated a genuinely national interest.
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Tiger Becs
Below SamSara, this long and cavernous restaurant serves high-end Thai nosh to Dublin's beautiful young things. The lamb massaman, a mild curry from southern Thailand, is a popular choice on a menu that sparkles but doesn't often shine. You'll probably feel you're paying a little too much for the sense of style, but nevertheless this loud, buzzing venue has oodles of atmosphere and is a great place to launch yourself into a night on the razzle.
reviewed