It’s easy to see why Dublin is one of Ireland’s most popular destinations. Steeped in history and culture, Dublin is the largest city in Ireland and home to the country’s top tourist attraction – the famous Guinness Storehouse Brewery. Every year, the brewery draws over one million visitors from around the world. Add to that the city’s 1,000+ pubs, it’s no surprise that it’s a fun place to celebrate a special occasion, especially St. Patrick’s Day! Enjoy Dublin’s historical and literary walking tours… plus fun day trips to some of Ireland’s most magnificent natural wonders and iconic landmarks.
Here are 10 reasons to visit Dublin this year:
1. Skip-the-Line: Guinness Storehouse Entrance Ticket
If you’re a beer lover, this Guinness Storehouse Tour is a “must-do!” Avoid waiting in long lines at this popular tourist attraction and gain fast-access entry with this special Skip-the-Line ticket. Explore the 7-floor Storehouse (modeled after a giant Guinness glass) at your leisure. Discover the secrets of this world-famous stout, including the four ingredients that go into making a perfect pint of beer – water, barley, hops and yeast. Learn about founder Arthur Guinness, the brewing process and the tasting lab. Savor a complimentary pint of Guinness at the 7th floor Gravity Bar while admiring breathtaking 360-degree views across Dublin.
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2. Dublin by Night Open-Top Bus Tour
See Dublin’s magical city lights from an open-top bus as a professional tour guide fills you in on the history and culture of Ireland’s capital city. Get a bird’s-eye view of Dublin’s illuminated landmarks, including the Spire of Dublin, dubbed “The Monument of Light.” The evening bus tour is approximately 45 minutes, making it a fast and fun way to see the city at night.
3. Dublin Historical Walking Tour including Trinity College
Irish history buffs won’t want to miss taking this informative and entertaining historical walking tour (guided by a Trinity College graduate) that includes Dublin Castle, Trinity College, Old Irish Parliament, City Hall, the Medieval and Viking Quarter and the old port of Temple Bar on the banks of the River Liffey.
Founded by Queen Elizabeth 1, Trinity College is Ireland’s oldest and most famous college, dating back to 1592. Famous male graduates have included Oscar Wilde, Jonathon Swift, Samuel Beckett, and Bram Stoker.
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4. Blarney Castle and Cork Day Trip from Dublin
Travel through picturesque Irish countryside to visit Blarney Castle, enjoy sightseeing in Cork City and tour the Rock of Cashel on this fun one-day trip from Dublin. Built nearly 600 years ago, Blarney Castle houses one of Ireland’s most treasured attractions – the famous “Blarney Stone” (be sure to kiss it during your visit). According to legend, kissing the Blarney Stone gives one the ability to gain more eloquent speech.
Continue on to the quaint city of Cork, where you can explore the sights at your own pace – including the English Market (Ireland’s most famous covered food market) and the historic St. Finn Bar’s Cathedral. Last stop… tour the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary.
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5. Dublin Literary Pub Crawl
This fun 2-hour Literary Pub Crawl combines two things that Dublin is famous for – its rich literary heritage and over 1,000 pubs! Enjoy a fascinating walking tour through the city’s literary past and pub culture. See where some of the world’s most famous writers (Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw and W.B. Yeats) got their inspiration. Tour guides are seasoned actors who bring select literary characters and highlights to life – informative and entertaining. And yes, you’ll get to enjoy pints of locally brewed ale!
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6. 2-Day “Games of Thrones” Tour from Dublin including Belfast Sightseeing and Giant’s Causeway
Travel by train along the scenic eastern coast of Ireland to Belfast. Then explore the historical city at your own pace aboard a hop-on-hop-off bus – it’s a great way to see Belfast’s top attractions, including the dock where the Titanic was built and the Peace Wall. After a fun day of sightseeing, spend the night at a 4-star hotel in the city center.
On Day 2, journey by coach along the Causeway Coastal Route and visit iconic locations from the “Games of Thrones” TV show, including Cushenden Caves, Ballycastle, the Dark Hedges road and Larrybane. Hear all the insider gossip from a local guide and take pictures along the way.
Your final stop let’s you explore Giant’s Causeway – a rare and magnificent rock formation located on Ireland’s Northern Coast, often referred to as the “Eighth Natural Wonder of the World.”
Book 2-day “Games of Thrones” Tour from Dublin including Belfast Sightseeing and Giant’s Causeway
7. Dublin Historical Highlights Walking Tour
This tour makes a great introduction to anyone visiting Dublin for the first time. See the city’s top attractions on this educational 2 1/2-hour historical highlights walking tour. Your expert guide will share stories along the way as you take in Dublin’s popular landmarks – the former Houses of Parliament, Trinity College, City Hall, the gardens of Dublin Castle, Georgian mansions, the Medieval and Viking quarter… and ending at Temple Bar, Dublin’s popular nightlife and culture district.
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8. Cliffs of Moher Tour including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City from Dublin
Admire the spectacular Irish countryside and coast as you travel along the Wild Atlantic Way by luxury coach to the stunning Cliffs of Moher – a not-to-be-missed natural wonder that towers over 700 feet above the Atlantic ocean. Explore the area at your own pace and enjoy some fantastic picture-taking opportunities.
This fun day trip also takes you to the Burren, another of Ireland’s most magnificent and unique natural wonders, featuring some of the finest archeological megalithic tombs in the country.
Visit the charming city of Galway – enjoy a 30-minute tour of the city and its harbor and then spend some free time exploring the area at your leisure.
Book Cliffs of Moher Tour including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City from Dublin
9. Northern Ireland including Giant’s Causeway Rail Tour from Dublin
Enjoy a relaxing train and coach day trip from Dublin to Northern Ireland – wait until you see those breathtaking views! After arriving by train to Belfast, your coach tour will head up the famous Antrim Coast Road, crossing the Glens of Antrim (known for its natural beauty) to Ballycastle – and the stunning Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (a 65-ft bridge suspended almost 100 feet above sea level). The bridge, a popular tourist destination, is open from March to October and there’s a small fee to cross it if you’re feeling adventurous.
Continue on to the world-famous Giant’s Causeway – a magnificent rock formation situated on Ireland’s Northern Coast. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes as you explore this amazing area. Tour concludes with a photo stop at historic Dunluce Castle before returning to Belfast to catch your train.
Book Northern Ireland including Giant’s Causeway Rail Tour from Dublin
10. Best Wild Wicklow Tour including Glendalough from Dublin
Wicklow Mountains is known as the “Garden of Ireland” and when you see this breathtaking area you’ll know why. Visit Glendalough (“Valley of the Two Lakes”), one of the country’s most popular and beautiful destinations, known for its history and spectacular natural setting. Enjoy a guided tour as you explore the 6th-century monastery and ruins, including its most famous landmark – the Round Tower, built by the monks almost 1,000 years ago. Stroll through the woods to Upper Lake – there are some great walking trails connecting the lakes and the ruins.
After a local pub lunch (additional cost), you’ll begin your return to Dublin via Sally’s Gap, where scenes from Braveheart were filmed in 1995. And you’ll visit the bridge from the movie P.S. I Love You.
Book Best Wild Wicklow Tour including Glendalough from Dublin
Top 10 Dublin Sightseeing Tours and Day Trips
Top 10 Dublin Sightseeing Tours and Day Trips
May the “Luck of the Irish” be with you during your travels to the Emerald Isle. For those of you who have visited Dublin, what are some of your favorite things to do there?
