Explore Dublin, the friendly capital of the Republic of Ireland. Discover its turbulent history, from the Vikings to the Easter Rising. Enjoy good times in Temple Bar and more.
Our 2-Day Dublin Itinerary showcases must-see attractions of the City Centre and beyond.
Table of Contents
Dublin Itinerary
We recommend spending at least two days in Dublin to see all of the major sites. If you only have one day, don’t miss Guinness Storehouse and the Temple Bar District.
One Day in Dublin
Concentrate your time in the Dublin City Centre. This area is easy to walk. There is no need for public transit.
- Start your day at the iconic Ha’penny Bridge capturing picturesque views of the River Liffey.
- Appreciate the magnificent Long Room in the Old Library at Trinity College.
- Witness the ancient manuscript at the college’s Book of Kells Experience.
- Snap photos with statues of Dublin’s famous literary and musical figures.
- For lunch, enjoy a picnic in the peaceful parks of St. Stephen’s Green or Iveagh Gardens.
- Enjoy Ireland’s Free National Museums, including the Natural History Museum and the Museum of Archaeology.
- Visit Old Dublin’s Historic Churches including St. Patrick’s Cathedral and St. Audoen’s.
- Walk the grounds of Dublin Castle. Tour the opulent State Apartments and visit the Chester Beatty Library.
- At night, experience traditional Irish music in the lively Temple Bar District.
Two Days in Dublin
On your second day in Dublin, explore the city’s other attractions.
- Visit the Guinness Storehouse and learn the art of pouring the “perfect pint”.
- Learn how whiskey is crafted and try a smooth sample at the historic Jameson Distillery.
- Step into the cells of a historic prison at Kilmainham Gaol.
- Walk O’Connell Street and spot the statues of Ireland’s heroes.
- Marvel at the 120-metre-tall, stainless steel Spire of Dublin.
- Discover stories of the Irish diaspora at EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum.
- Enjoy one final pint and night of song at Oliver St. John Gogartys in the Temple Bar District.
Dublin Attractions Map
Your two-day visit begins in the heart of Dublin, the Temple Bar District.
Temple Bar District
Dublin’s Temple Bar area is a must-visit. Each night, the district buzzes with activity and live Irish music at its many bars.
We made this famous neighbourhood our base for 2 nights and stayed in Blooms Hotel.
Temple Bar Venues – The Best Live Music
We visited all 5 of these pubs. Our favourite was Oliver St. John Gogartys, with its great atmosphere and non-stop music. Be sure to stop into all five for an unforgettable musical experience.
| Pub | Known For |
|---|---|
| Oliver St. John Gogartys | This was our favourite bar for live Irish music. |
| The Temple Bar Pub | This popular and legendary pub has Ireland’s Largest Whiskey Collection. |
| Vat House Bar | Cozy atmosphere with traditional live music, located in Blooms Hotel. |
| Merchant’s Arch | Great Irish fare and music at this historic building located next to the Ha’penny Bridge. |
| Bad Ass Cafe | Live performances and a party atmosphere. |
All of the above pubs serve food but for a truly authentic meal, we went to O’Sheas Restaurant. We had their terrific Irish and Guinness Stews.
The neighbourhood may be known for its nightlife but be sure to explore it during the day as well. A great way to start is with a walk along the river.
Ha’penny Bridge
Built in 1816, this historic, pedestrian bridge spans the River Liffey.
The bridge’s name comes from the fact that it used to cost half a penny to cross it. The toll was abolished in the early 1900s. Today, we walked across the bridge for “free” and admired its beautiful, cast-iron design and the river below.
The Temple Bar district has two museums that are worth visiting.
The Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum Experience showcases Dublin’s rock and roll scene from the 1970s to the present day. Exhibits and artifacts include Phil Lynott’s bass guitar. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Temple Lane Recording Studios located here and used by rock icons such as Thin Lizzy, Rihanna and more.
The nearby Photo Museum Ireland focuses on contemporary photography, both Irish and international. Explore its FREE exhibitions showcasing the talents of Irish photographers and delve into the evolution of photography through their National Photography Collection.
Trinity College Dublin
Visit the campus of Ireland’s oldest university, Trinity College. We walked through College Park and the cobblestone paths around Library Square.
A highlight for many and the college’s main tourist attraction is the Old Library which houses the famous Book of Kells.
Library of Trinity College
The highly photographed Long Room, inside this majestic 18th-century library, held over 200,000 printed works, many in the collection since the 16th century. The famous Book of Kells is in a dedicated exhibition space.
Due to concerns about the safety of the building and its ability to protect the library’s collection, the Old Library Redevelopment Project was approved in 2020. The project includes the removal, cleaning, measuring and electronic tagging of each book and item in the library. All pieces of the collection are being relocated to a climate-controlled storage facility to await the renovation and preservation of the building itself. The whole project is currently anticipated to be complete by the end of 2030.
The Old Library and Long Room remain open to visitors until the end of 2027 with the Book of Kells in place and on display for visitors in the Old Library. The Long Room remains open as the collection is moved. Currently in the Long Room, see Gaia a 3D, illuminated artwork by Luke Jerram. He used detailed images of the Earth to create a mini-planet earth as it would be seen from space.
Several innovative exhibits have been added to create an immersive Book of Kells Experience.
Book of Kells Experience
Be sure to take advantage of the chance to see a true masterpiece of medieval art firsthand. The intricately-designed, illuminated, religious manuscript was created by monks and dates back to around 800 AD.
The Experience package includes seeing the pages of the Book of Kells on view the day of your visit and learning about its creation. The pages on display change regularly to keep the book binding flexible. While photography isn’t allowed to preserve the manuscript, the experience of viewing this historical treasure is unforgettable.
The Pavilion building, a minute’s walk from the Old Library, contains 3 immersive exhibits. The Secret Life of the Collections brings the collection alive. The Book of Kells 360 is a light and sound presentation of the ancient masterpiece’s history. The Long Room Reimagined presents the Library’s Long Room as it was and as it will be after redevelopment.
Booking in advance is recommended. Tours of the campus are also available. Book your tickets through the Trinity College website.
Sphere Within Sphere
The bronze sculpture called “Sphere Within Sphere” is just outside, in the library courtyard. Created in 1982 by Arnaldo Pomodoro, the sculpture shows the Earth cracked open. The meaning of the two cracked spheres, one nestled within the other, is open to interpretation. The artist stated that this represents “the complexity of the human being”. A number of spheres are located throughout the world.
Walking south from Trinity College, there are several interesting sites to see as you head towards St. Stephen’s Green.
St. Stephen’s Green District
The area south of Trinity College has a number of statues, several parks and an excellent shopping street. These are a few places to visit as you walk the area.
Dublin’s Iconic Statues: Oscar Wilde, Molly Malone and Phil Lynott
We had a lot of fun searching for these famous statues.
The Oscar Wilde Monument sits in nearby Merrion Square Park drawing fans of history and literature alike. The colourful statue captures Wilde in a relaxed pose on a rock. Flanking the statue are two pillars with smaller sculptures of Wilde’s wife, Constance Lloyd, and Dionysus, the Greek god of drama and wine.
Another Oscar Wilde statue is just north of the park, at Kennedy’s Pub & Restaurant. Grab a seat on a bench beside Wilde’s statue.
At the corner of Suffolk and St. Andrew Streets, the Molly Malone Statue is a tribute to a beloved Dublin fishmonger. This bronze sculpture depicts the attractive woman from the folksong “Cockles and Mussels”, a fictional character who sold seafood on the city’s streets. The statue is a popular tourist spot for photos. Some believe touching her ample breasts will bring them luck.
Be sure to check out the Phil Lynott Statue on Grafton Street. The statue is located near Bruxelles, a pub that Lynott often frequented. A tribute to the Thin Lizzy frontman, sculpted by Paul Daly, the statue shows Lynott standing with his bass guitar.
Grafton Street Shopping
This pedestrian-friendly street has plenty of shops selling clothes and gifts, plus lots of dining options. Enjoy the street performers and activities as you walk this lively area. Grafton Street runs from Trinity College to St. Stephen’s Green.
St. Stephen’s Green Park
Walk though Fusilier’s Arch, the grand entrance to St. Stephen’s Green. Erected in 1907, the arch honours the men of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers who fought and died in the second Boer War.
St. Stephen’s Green is a great place to unwind and take a break. We grabbed a coffee at one of the cafés lining the park’s southeastern corner and wandered the park. Stop beside the picturesque pond and watch the ducks. It’s a lovely spot to relax.
Iveagh Gardens
If you have plenty of time, head south to Iveagh Gardens. This hidden gem is not on many tourist lists so is less crowded than St. Stephen’s Green. We walked the pleasant pathways and discovered the pretty city waterfall.
City Centre Museums
For those interested in museums, the city centre has a nice group. They are located in the government block between Merrion Square Park and St. Stephen’s Green Park. All three museums (plus the library) are free. We visited each one, during our walk in the City Centre.
The National Gallery is a great place to start your museum tour.
National Gallery of Ireland
The first floor of the National Gallery showcases a treasure trove of Irish and British works. But don’t stop there!
Head upstairs to the top floor and mezzanine and find yourself surrounded by works of renowned European masters like Picasso and Monet. The beautiful paintings and sculptures will leave you awestruck.
National Museum of Natural History
The Natural History Museum houses a large collection of animal exhibits. Nicknamed the “Dead Zoo”, this Victorian-era museum is practically unchanged from when it opened in 1856. Many of the taxidermy specimens on display are over 100 years old.
From towering skeletons of extinct Irish elk to intricate displays of marine life and Irish wildlife, there’s something of interest for visitors of all ages.
NOTE: The museum is closed for a multi-year refurbishment project. A temporary exhibition called the Dead Zoo Lab is open at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks on Benburb Street. Some of the museum’s most popular specimens have been relocated along with displays of items not seen in many years.
National Museum of Archaeology
The National Museum of Archaeology is a treasure trove of artifacts, taking visitors on a journey through Ireland’s rich history, from the earliest prehistoric settlements to the Viking invasions and the Middle Ages.
There are ancient tools and weapons, made of stone and steel on display. Displays also show how the Vikings lived in Ireland around AD 800.
On the first floor, I was amazed by the Lurgan canoe, carved from a single oak trunk. At 14-metres long, this is easily the largest artifact in the museum. This ancient woodworking masterpiece, estimated to be over 4,000 years old, was discovered in a bog near Galway.
Don’t miss the ‘Bog Bodies’ in the “Kingship and Sacrifice” exhibit. These two bodies were amazingly preserved for 2000 years in Ireland’s peat bogs. Were these bodies ritually sacrificed? Find out more at this intriguing exhibit.
National Library of Ireland
The National Library of Ireland boasts an incredible collection of manuscripts, rare books, and historical documents. While a valid reader’s ticket is required to access the reading room and explore these treasures in depth, the library offers alternative ways for the public to connect with its rich holdings.
One excellent option is to visit the free temporary exhibitions. We were fortunate to catch “The Life and Works of William Butler Yeats,” a fascinating showcase of the renowned Irish poet’s life and work. This exhibit features personal items and even some of Yeats’ beloved poem manuscripts. The exhibit runs through the summer of 2025. Be sure to check the National Library’s website for current exhibits.
Historic Churches of Old Dublin
Dublin’s churches tell the story of the city’s past and present. There are several in the city centre that are worth visiting including: St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral and St. Audoen’s Church.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Ireland’s largest church, St. Patrick’s has served worshippers for centuries. This building was built in the 13th century.
Legend has it that St. Patrick himself baptized converts in the 5th century using a well located somewhere beneath the cathedral floor. See the grave slab that was discovered covering what many believe to be this ancient well.
Marvel at the beautiful stained glass windows, including one on the west side of the church depicting the life of Saint Patrick in vibrant colours.
The cathedral boasts a beautiful, 14th-century, medieval, tiled floor and a 4,000-pipe organ, one of the largest in Ireland, dating from the 19th century.
The choir and its carved oak choir stalls were added in the 1660s.
The Cathedral also houses numerous busts, monuments, and mortuary plaques that commemorate some of Ireland’s most famous citizens. The tomb of Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels, can be found near the church entrance. He was Dean of St. Patrick’s from 1713 until his death.
Leave the church and visit St. Patrick’s Park. Enjoy its central fountain and take some time to unwind. Be sure to check out the Literary Parade, an intriguing feature along the eastern wall. A series of bronze plaques mounted on the wall commemorate some of Ireland’s most renowned authors and poets, including Dublin-born literary giants like George Bernard Shaw, William Butler Yeats, and Samuel Beckett.
Just south of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Marsh’s Library is worth a short visit. This was the first public library in Ireland, established in 1707. This gem is a must-visit for any history buff or bookworm with its beautifully preserved collection of over 25,000 antique books and manuscripts. Keep an eye out for the intriguing original book cages, where readers were once secured while perusing the precious volumes.
Christ Church Cathedral
Step back in time at Christ Church Cathedral, the oldest Anglican church in Dublin, boasting a history that stretches back almost 1,000 years. Descend to the massive underground crypt, one of the oldest in Britain and Ireland, dating back to the 12th century. This crypt space houses various exhibits, including a rare copy of the Magna Carta, and for a surprising touch, a coffee shop!
The belfry houses 19 swinging bells and one of those bells is believed to be from the original church.
The cathedral’s story began in 1038 when Vikings erected a wooden church on the site. Over the centuries, the church has been rebuilt in stone and undergone numerous restorations. By the 1870’s the structure was in danger of collapsing so a substantial renovation was done. While it was necessary, it is now difficult to see what was original medieval and what was added in the 19th century.
The stone bridge, over Winetavern Street, connects Christ Church to the former Synod Hall. Both the bridge and the hall were part of the 1870’s renovation. The hall, used for diocesan meetings, is now part of Dublinia, one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.
Dublinia
History comes alive at Dublinia with exhibits on the Vikings and the medieval history of Dublin. This is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions with interactive displays that are fun for all ages.
Museum highlights include a reconstructed Viking house, complete with furnishings and everyday objects, offering a glimpse into Viking domestic life. A full-scale model of a Viking warship lets you imagine the seafaring prowess of these Norse explorers.
Wander through a recreated, medieval Dublin street with live actors portraying merchants hawking their wares and artisans showcasing their crafts.
Dublinia’s fascinating exhibits are housed in a building steeped in history itself. The architecturally-significant Synod Hall, a neo-Gothic building designed in 1875, sits on the ruins of the medieval St. Michael’s Church. Don’t miss the opportunity to climb the tower, at the end of your visit, for a panoramic view of Dublin.
Old Dublin City Walls and Gate
While much of the city’s old defensive walls have disappeared, a few fragments remain, offering a glimpse into medieval Dublin. One of the best-preserved sections is by St. Audoen’s Gate, located on the north side of St. Audoen’s Park, along Cook Street.
Dating back to 1240 AD, this imposing gate was one of four main gates that once provided access to the walled city. It was known as the “Water Gate” because it led to the River Liffey.
Walk through St. Audoen’s Park to get to the next church.
St. Audoen’s Church
The church was protected within the medieval walls of Dublin. Founded in 1190, St. Audoen’s is the oldest parish church in Dublin. This is an operating Church of Ireland church and includes an interesting museum.
Your first sight after entering the visitor centre is a preserved section of a 12th-century cobble-stone lane that ran through the medieval town towards Audoen’s Gate. This lane ran beside the 12th-century church and was covered when the church was enlarged in the 15th century.
The church building boasts beautiful, stained-glass windows and an organ built in 1885 which can still be operated without the need for electricity.
A statue dedicated to Sir Roland FitzEustace is at the back of the church. FitzEustace was a significant figure in 15th-century Irish politics during the power struggles between Irish nobles and the English crown.
In the same room, stairs lead to the famous bell tower. Its bells hold the distinction of being the oldest surviving church bells in the world, chiming for over 600 years! Visitors are no longer allowed in the tower.
To the east of the visitor centre, find the unroofed ruins of the Portlester Chapel, built by FitzEustace. Abandoned in 1773, see its weathered arches and the windows of a bygone era.
Note of Clarification: Google Maps shows a second St. Audoen’s Church beside the historic one. This neighbouring church is the Polish Roman Catholic Church of the same name. It was built in the 19th century with a distinctive Greek Revival style. We walked by this church. It did not appear to be open to the general public.
Dublin Castle
The area of Dublin Castle was the heart of British government in Ireland from 1204 to 1922. Explore its historic buildings dating from the 17th to 20th centuries.
State Apartments
Begin at the State Apartments, which offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle and ceremonial functions of the British administration in Ireland.
Highlighted rooms include: the grand St. Patrick’s Hall, the Throne Room, the Drawing Room and the Portrait Gallery that displays paintings of the Irish viceroys. We were impressed with the gilded ceilings and crystal chandeliers of these lavishly decorated rooms.
Today, rooms such as St. Patrick’s Hall are still used by the Irish government for state ceremonies and the inauguration of the President.
Medieval Tower
Dublin Castle’s crown jewel is undoubtedly the Medieval Tower, also known as the Record Tower. This is the complex’s oldest surviving structure, dating back to the 13th century. Its walls, an impressive 4.8 metres thick, provided a secure defense against potential invaders.
The tower was also used as a jail for state prisoners, including Archbishop William King in 1689. It was repurposed in 1811 to house Ireland’s most important state papers. It hosted the Garda Museum until 2017 and is currently closed to the public pending restoration.
Chapel Royal
The Gothic Revival Chapel Royal opened in 1814 replacing earlier chapels on the site since 1242. The church stopped being used as a place of worship in the 1980s.
Interior highlights include the stained-glass windows containing coats of arms representing the many Viceroys of Ireland. On the exterior, check out the 103 decorative heads carved in limestone, representing kings, queens, archbishops etc.
A visit to the chapel is included in the tour of the State Apartments.
Revenue Museum
The Revenue Museum is located in the crypt of Chapel Royal and accessed from the south side of the building. Enjoy a quick visit for an historical look at Irish tax collection.
There are historical documents and artifacts such as tax stamps and a stamp duty machine. One interesting exhibit shows a still that was used for distilling illegal spirits, highlighting the history of illicit alcohol production in Ireland to avoid taxes.
Dubh Linn Garden
The Dubh Linn Garden is located behind Dublin Castle. The name “Dubh Linn” translates to “Black Pool”. Viking settlers moored their ships near here centuries ago.
Take a moment to walk around this beautiful garden. The green lawns are adorned with distinctive brickwork patterns representing sea serpents.
At the south end of the garden is the Coach House Gallery. This building hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing art and history. We enjoyed an informative exhibit about the history and culture of the Republic of Ireland on our visit.
Chester Beatty Library
Award-winning Chester Beatty Library houses an incredible collection of rare manuscripts, artifacts, and fascinating exhibits.
The first floor has a temporary exhibit showing ancient texts. We were fortunate to see the Hamilton Field Book of Hours, acquired by the renowned collector Chester Beatty in 1927. This exquisite book of prayers features beautifully painted flowers bordering the devotional text.
Climb to the second floor to see the Sacred Traditions exhibit. Numerous sacred texts from a multitude of world religions, including Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism, are displayed.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the third-floor roof patio. This hidden gem offers a delightful surprise – a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful Dubh Linn Garden below.
This is the end of Day 1, our walk around Dublin’s City Centre.
Dublin – West End Attractions
On Day 2, take public transit to visit Dublin’s west end.
Guinness Storehouse
When in Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse, located at St. James’s Gate, is a must-visit. This haven for beer enthusiasts is consistently rated as Europe’s top visitor attraction.
Seven floors in the former fermentation plant are filled with interactive exhibits delving into the history and process of brewing. Learn how Guinness has transformed from a humble Dublin brew into a legendary beer and globally-enjoyed brand.
I really enjoyed the 3rd floor which features the history of Guinness advertising.
We tried the popular Guinness Academy experience and attempted to master the art of pouring the perfect pint. We received diplomas recognizing this newly-found skill and enjoyed drinking our perfect pour.
The tour ends at the Gravity Bar. This rooftop bar boasts a breathtaking 360-degree view of Dublin. Sipping another complimentary pint of Guinness was a great way to cap off our visit.
There are several different visit experiences at the Storehouse. To learn more and plan your visit, check out the Guinness Storehouse website.
As well as being home to a centuries-old brewery, Dublin is home to a major player in the world’s whiskey scene.
Jameson Distillery
For whiskey enthusiasts, a visit to Dublin wouldn’t be complete without stepping into the iconic Jameson Distillery on Bow Steet. Founded in 1780 by John Jameson, this distillery is not just a place of production but also a top tourist attraction.
The guided tour starts with a great introductory video. Continue on and learn how barley and grain are transformed into the world-famous Jameson whiskey.
The highlight at the end of the tour is the interactive tasting experience with the opportunity to sample Jameson’s different whiskeys.
See the Jameson Bow Street Distillery website for more tour information.
Kilmainham Gaol
This prison played a pivotal role in the Irish fight for freedom, housing rebel leaders such as Robert Emmet of the 1798 uprising and many figures involved in the 1916 Easter Rising.
Kilmainham Gaol closed in 1924. It’s now a captivating museum, offering a glimpse into Ireland’s turbulent past.
The audio tour describes the old cells and the execution yards showcasing the harsh realities faced by the inmates.
The original Proclamation of the Irish Republic is on display. This is the actual document read by Patrick Pearse at the start of the 1916 Easter Rising. It serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during those turbulent times.
Be sure to reserve your tickets early through the Kilmainham Goal website. Spots are limited and they sell out months in advance.
National Museum of Decorative Arts & History
The Decorative Arts Museum presents Ireland’s cultural items such as clothing, furniture, ceramics, silver and more. A particular highlight is the Irish Silver Gallery. This renowned collection of Irish silver traces the development of the silversmith’s craft. The museum’s silver collection is one of the largest in the world.
The museum is in the former Collins Barracks where you can also learn about the history of this 200-year old army base which closed in 1997. The permanent exhibition “Soldiers and Chiefs” explores Ireland’s military life, through the eyes of a soldier, from the 1500s to present day.
Irish Museum of Modern Art
The IMMA is located in the former Royal Hospital Kilmainham. This 17th-century building houses over 3,500 works by both Irish and international artists. The permanent collection includes over 1,500 paintings, sculptures and photographs.
Dublin – North End Attractions
With more time, explore some of the attractions on the north side of the River Liffey. Walk along O’Connell Street to see several historical monuments. Further east, along the river, find museums such as EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum.
O’Connell Street: Historical Monuments
With its wide pavement, O’Connell is very pleasant to stroll. It is usually brimming with pedestrians shopping or heading to local restaurants. Several statues and monuments, commemorating key figures in Ireland’s political and cultural past, line the central boulevard.
The largest, the Daniel O’Connell Monument, is at the foot of the street opposite O’Connell Bridge. This towering figure honours the man known as ‘The Liberator’, who fought for Catholic freedom in Ireland during the 19th century. This monument, with its two-ton granite base, stands over 12 metres high. Unveiled in 1882, the four, winged figures at the base represent Patriotism, Fidelity, Courage, and Eloquence. At the top, the sculpture of O’Connell himself is 2.5 times life-size.
Other historic monuments along O’Connell Street include: William Smith O’Brien Statue (leader of the Young Ireland movement), Jim Larkin Statue (trade union leader and socialist activist), James Joyce Statue (famous Irish writer) and the Parnell Monument (Irish nationalist political leader).
The Spire of Dublin
The Spire has become an iconic part of Dublin’s skyline. Standing at over 120 metres high, it is impossible to miss. Also known as the Monument of Light, the needle-like structure is made of six sections of stainless steel that stretches upward. Its base is 3 metres in diameter, tapering to just 15 centimetres at the top.
The lower 10 metres are partially polished to reflect the light and action of the street. A light inside the tip, turned on at night, makes The Spire a beacon in the Dublin skyline.
The tower was completed in 2003 on the former location of Nelson’s Pillar, destroyed in 1966 in a suspected IRA (Irish Republican Army) bombing.
GPO Museum
Learn about key events, such as the 1916 Easter Rising, in the story of Ireland’s fight for independence throu engaging exhibits and artifacts. The award-wining interactive museum is in the GPO Building which played a crucial role in the 1916 Easter Rising, serving as the headquarters for the rebellion’s leaders.
The General Post Office (GPO) building, with its iconic Greek-revival-style façade, is one of the most beautiful buildings on O’Connell Street. This building, built in 1814, replaced an earlier post office that had been on the site since 1783. It continues to operate as a post office.
If you have additional time, continue north on O’Connell Street to the Garden of Remembrance.
Garden of Remembrance
This garden, inaugurated in 1966, commemorates the 50-year anniversary of the Easter Rising and those who gave their lives for Irish freedom.
The water pond is in the shape of a cross, symbolizing sacrifice. The bottom of the pond is decorated with mosaic tiles depicting broken Viking weapons. The Celtic custom of breaking weapons and casting them into water signified the end of war and celebrated the establishment of peace.
The “Children of Lir”, a large bronze sculpture symbolizing the rebirth and transformation of the Irish nation, stands at one end of the garden.
The Hugh Lane Gallery, housing a significant collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by many Irish artists, is just north of the garden.
Return to the River Liffey for more great museums.
Two blocks east along the river is the historic Custom House. If you have time, visit its small museum. Continue east to reach EPIC.
EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum
Dublin’s EPIC museum isn’t your typical history museum. This interactive journey digs into the fascinating story of Irish culture and emigration.
The museum goes beyond just the hardships and struggles faced. It celebrates how Irish emigrants contributed to politics, arts, science, and sports in many different countries. Touch screens help you explore detailed stories of individual Irish emigrants.
Moored at Custom House Quay, just east of the EPIC museum, a fascinating ship tells a further story about Irish Emigration.
Jeanie Johnston: An Irish Famine Story
This replica ship showcases the grim realities of the Irish Famine of the mid-19th century. The Jeanie Johnston carried 2,500 emigrants to North America without losing a single one. The ship made 16 transatlantic voyages between 1847 and 1855, during the height of the Great Famine.
Step aboard for a 50-minute guided tour of this amazing replica. After walking the upper decks with its majestic masts, visit below deck. See for yourself the cramped quarters where 250 individuals spent most of their time as they crossed the ocean.
Purchasing the EPIC + Jeanie Johnston combo ticket (through the EPIC website) let’s you explore both of these excellent attractions.
Famine Memorial
Take a moment to view the Famine Memorial, another reminder of a sad part of Ireland’s past. These haunting sculptures capture the despair of those affected by the Irish Potato Famine or the Great Famine from 1845 to 1852. Roughly 1 million people died and another million emigrated in hope of better conditions elsewhere.
Dublin Accommodations
Looking for a hotel in Temple Bar?
Make Temple Bar your home base while exploring the Dublin City Centre. Check out these great options.
- Blooms Hotel – We stayed here! Stay in the heart of Temple Bar.
- NYX Hotel Dublin – 4-star hotel near Dublin Castle and Temple Bar.
Here are other great hotels in Dublin.
Explore All of our Ireland Road Trip Guides
Discover our complete series of detailed Ireland Guides to help you plan your perfect 7 to 14-day adventure around the Emerald Isle.
Main Article: Ireland Self-Drive Tour – Your 7 to 14-Day Itinerary
Part 1: Dublin – Historic Capital and Traditional Pubs (You’re reading this guide now!)
Part 2: Best Dublin Day Trips – The Ancient East and Historic Sites
Part 3: County Cork – Blarney, Cork City & Cobh
Part 4: Killarney and Ring of Kerry – The National Park and Scenic Drive
Part 5: Dingle Peninsula Drive – Rugged Coastline and Irish Culture
Part 6: Wild Atlantic Way – Cliffs of Moher, Limerick to Sligo
Part 7: County Donegal – Remote Landscapes and Northern Beauty
Part 8: Coastal Causeway Route – The Giant’s Causeway and Dramatic Cliffs
Part 9: Belfast – Titanic History and City Life
