5 of My Favourite Things to do in Dublin

Dublin, a city I’ve spent relatively little time in, but love a bit more with each visit.

My first time in Dublin was a whirlwind day trip when my sister visited last summer. With less than a full day in the city, we checked out what most visitors would consider to be the key highlights.

On a recent one day return at the start of a road trip around the Irish countryside, I checked a few more Dublin activities off my ‘to-do’ list. And, with a race in Dublin coming up in August, it looks like I’ll be returning to the capital of the Emerald Isle for another day or two this summer.

Dublin is one of those cities that’s perfect for a day trip or weekend break. As Ireland’s capital, it’s a town filled with culture, beauty and history. Even though it’s quite big, I’ve had no problem getting around by foot or hopping on a local bus.

IMG_8976

5 of My Favourite Activities to do in Dublin

Sample Irish Whiskies: Although I’m preferential to Japanese whisky and scotch, Irish whisky is growing on me. Sure, you can drink whisky at just about any pub in Dublin, but Bowes Bar is famed for having over 225+ whiskies on their roster. Trust me, I’ve been- the place is literal heaven.

IMG_3912

During my latest visit, I also toured the Teeling Distillery. Learning about the history of Irish whisky, touring their working distillery, and sampling three of their varieties was an excellent way to spend an hour. Teeling’s is also Dublin’s first city-centre distillery in over 125 years- Jameson’s distillery isn’t operational.

IMG_3774IMG_3790ACS_0295ACS_0296

And, no trip to Dublin is complete without an Irish coffee. Teeling’s distillery has a great one at their cocktail bar, and we loved the ones from Temple Bar, albeit a tad touristy.

IMG_9131

Visit Trinity College, and the Book of Kells: A must-see on our first visit, Trinity College is beautiful. On a return trip, I’d love to do a walking tour of the campus. A main attraction at Trinity College, many visitors head there to see the Book of Kells and Old Library. When we got to the library, the line to get inside was massive. A quick Google search showed we could order digital tickets and skip the line, so we did just that.

The main attraction here is the Book of Kells, a 9th century gospel manuscript. And while it was incredible to see the book, I came to meander the Old Library, preserved from the 18th century. It’s absoluetly incredible.

IMG_8905IMG_8919IMG_8915IMG_8933

Listen to Live Music & Drink Guinness (or a local stout): Both of these activities are practically mandatory when in Ireland. Not much of a beer drinker normally, even I can’t deny how great Guinness is when poured on draft in Ireland. And, live music at pubs in Dublin is always a good time- whether traditional or covers of classic rock.

ACS_0302IMG_9136

Wander the Streets: One of my favourite parts of visiting Dublin is wandering streets at leisure, popping in and out of shops, admiring pubs with overflowing hanging flower baskets, and listening to live music in the alleyways. The Temple Bar neighbourhood and downtown area are easy to walk, even if you’re short on time.

IMG_9067IMG_9036IMG_8968IMG_9106IMG_9110IMG_3946

Visit Cathedrals: In a country with as much history as Ireland, visiting places of religious worship is always interesting to me. On a recent trip, I toured St. Patrick’s Cathedral- absoluetly stunning. And in August, I’m hoping to make it to Christ Church.

IMG_3806ACS_0299IMG_3829IMG_3842

Have you ever been to Dublin? In August, I’m hoping to make it outside of the city to check out a nearby coastal town of Dalkey.

ACS_0300

What are your favourite things to do and see in Dublin?

Other Posts You May Enjoy

2 thoughts on “5 of My Favourite Things to do in Dublin

Leave a Reply