Dublin is famous for its pubs, but why not go direct to the source for that pint? The Guinness Storehouse makes the nation’s most popular product: ale. The Storehouse is part of the original brewery which dates back 250 years. It has seven floors of exhibits devoted to the black brew; the tour ends with a pint in the Gravity Bar overlooking the city.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Lyn Gateley

At the pubs you can sing Dublin’s most famous song, “Cockles and Mussels,” about fishmonger Molly Malone. Better yet, visit the bronze statue of Dublin’s most famous maiden as she sells her wares on Grafton Street. Molly Malone wasn’t just a legend; she was a real person who died in a cholera outbreak.

Molly’s statue is across the street from Trinity College, so now is a good time to visit the Book of Kells in the Old Library. The Book of Kells features ornately decorated pages of the Four Gospels in Latin. Trinity College is an important historic site, having been founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. Famous students include Samuel Beckett and Oliver Goldsmith.

Next stop is a visit to Ireland’s largest church and national cathedral, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, named in honor of the country’s patron saint. The parish church dates back to 1191 and was named a cathedral in 1224. It stands next to the well where it is said St. Patrick baptized converts on a visit. One of Ireland’s most famous satirists, Jonathan Swift who wrote “Gulliver’s Travels,” was dean of the cathedral beginning in 1713.

End your list of the top five things to do in Dublin with a visit to Dublin Castle, built in the early 13th century and is some of the city’s oldest surviving architecture. See remains of an earlier Viking fortress on the grounds. Today, the castle is used for state functions and is the swearing-in place for Irish presidents.

View Five Things to do in Dublin Ireland in a larger map

The post Five Things to do in Dublin | Ireland appeared first on Best of European Union.

Trinity College is one of the most important buildings of Dublin, which was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. The culture and traditions are the important aspects in ancient buildings of Dublin.

St Patrick’s Cathedral is another pleasing sight for the visitors. It is considered the largest church not only in the city of Dublin but throughout entire Ireland. It was founded in 1191.

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral – Dublin, Ireland by William Murphy

O’Connell street is very impressive for the tourists and the general post office is situated in this street. The building has a majestic look and it is a wonderful sight to see. The street is completely covered with statues and monuments and that is the reason for the popularity of this street.

There are three National Museums of Ireland in Dublin and the tourists should never miss a visit to these museums, since they have both traditional and historical value. One is situated on Kildare Street – Archaeology Museum, another one can be found on Benburb Street – Decorative Arts & History Museum and the last one is located at Merrion Street related to Natural History.

Temple bar is another area, which can be interesting for the tourists. It is full of entertainment, art and culinary attractions. It is a home to many cultural institutions of Ireland and one of the best Dublin’s nightlife scenes.

Merrion Square is very popular for the National Gallery which has more than five hundred art works from great artists such as Monet, El Greco, Hogarth, Poussin and others.

Dublin Castle is originally a Viking fortress which you shouldn’t miss once you are in Dublin. There are many special aspects in this Castle. Rebuilding and renovation works are being performed regularly and at present, it looks beautifully. A massive tower and the Royal Chapel are built in medieval style while all administrative buildings are built in more modern styles.

Dublin Castle, Ireland by William Murphy

Phoenix Park is situated 3 km northwest of the city center and with the area of 712 hectares it is one of the largest walled parks in Europe. This place has a long history. There are huge alleys, grassy areas and wetlands which are home to more than 350 plant species.

Apart from these, there are many more sights and attractions to see in Dublin. You can also visit a Zoo, there are numerous parks and gardens, and since the city is situated at the cost, you can even relax on its beaches. However the main advantage of your staying in this city it its events. You can find more info about Dublin at the official site visitdublin.com.

Getting There

You have two options to get to Dublin and that’s either flying or taking the ferry. Aer Lingus and RyanAir are amongst a number of airlines that offer great value flights to Dublin but if you want to explore more of Ireland you will then need to hire a car. Alternatively you could take your own car and catch a ferry. Ferryonline compare ferries to Dublin providing all options with Stena and P&O Ferries. All you need to do is choose which port to cross from, Holyhead, Liverpool or Fishguard.

The post Top sights to see in Dublin – capital city of Ireland appeared first on Best of European Union.