4 Days in Dublin: Visit the heart of the Republic of Ireland

Located on Ireland’s east coast, south of Northern Ireland, Dublin is the capital city of the Republic of Ireland and the largest city in the country. Within county Dublin as part of the province of Leinster, the city of Dublin is dissected by the River Liffey, separating it into two distinct halves - the Northside and the Southside. During the time of being colonised by the British Empire, it was the second-largest city at the start of the 19th century. That was until the partition of Ireland in 1922, when the south became the Irish Free State, later renamed the Republic of Ireland.

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And that is one thing I politely like to reiterate to potential visitors who may not be familiar with the countries of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. NI is a part of the United Kingdom with a predominantly Protestant population, while ROE is its own sovereign state, is a part of the EU and is mostly Catholic-practising. Unlike many other countries, there is no physical border between the two, and due to their proximity, you could easily jump between Belfast and Dublin if you so choose. While the rest of the Republic of Ireland is worth visiting as well, Dublin is an excellent place to begin an adventure on the Green Island.

Know Before You Go:

Getting There

To get to Dublin by air, you need to fly to Dublin Airport, located a few kilometres north of the city in Collinstown. The airport is served by many different airlines, both European and international, including budget airlines like Ryanair and Ireland’s national airline Aer Lingus. Alternatively, if you want to travel by sea, you can take a ferry to Dublin from Liverpool in England, Holyhead in Wales, Douglas on the Isle of Man and Cherbourg in France. You can also take a ferry or plane to Belfast, and then take public transport down to Dublin.

Public Transportation

While Dublin may not have its own underground network like other European capital cities, Dublin still has a decently reliable public transportation system. There are many different bus routes that crisscross the city, with the largest bus operator serving the city being Dublin Bus. If you don’t have a prepaid ticket, make sure to have some coins on you before you hop on. Dublin also has a train network, and you can use their website as well as their ticket offices for your trips. There is also a tram service known as Luas which mainly serves central Dublin as well as a few residential areas. There is also a bike rental service throughout the city, which you can access here.

Driving

To rent a car in Ireland, you must have a valid national driving licence, issued from your home country. Most rental companies in Ireland ask that you be at least 25 years old, seatbelts must be worn at all times, drive on the left, and go clockwise and give way to traffic on the roundabout. A lot of rental cars in Ireland are diesel vehicles, so when topping up on fuel, keep in mind that the nozzles at fuel stations are colour coded with black-handled nozzles for diesel. Speed limits are in kilometres per hour.

Weather 

While the climate in Ireland is mild and wet, it is rare for temperature extremes to occur. The sunniest months are between May and June, with May and July being among the warmest months. Rain is almost guaranteed throughout the year, though April is usually the driest month, and December/ January is the wettest. You can expect to get all four seasons in one day, so prepare accordingly - maybe bring a light waterproof in the summer.

Money 

The Republic of Ireland is a part of the European Union, and its currency is the Euro. While you should be able to get away with using your card in most establishments, we recommend carrying some cash on you - as previously mentioned, it’s handy to have some change on you for the bus.

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Day 1: Dublin City Centre

As with many visits to a new city, the best place to begin your tour is Dublin City Centre. Located on the section of the city where the River Liffey starts to meet the sea, the city centre is technically both on the Northside and Southside of Dublin and there are many attractions within this area of the city.

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There are many ways you can enjoy Dublin's city centre. It’s very walkable for a start, so you can easily go on foot. Alternatively, there are different tours you can sign up for, like a 45-minute sightseeing cruise on the River Liffey, one of the many walking tours - such as this 2-hour historical tour - or a hop-on hop-off bus tour, which I personally think is a great way to visit the touristy highlights of different cities. Whatever you decide to do, you’ll be spoiled for choice on how to spend your day in the heart of Dublin.

Where to Eat

When it comes to food in Dublin, one spot that we would recommend checking out is The Vintage Kitchen, which serves modern Irish cuisine in a vintage-style establishment.

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Guinness Storehouse

While it is a little stereotypical of Ireland, you can’t visit the country without sampling a Guinness. It is Ireland’s most successful beer export, and while you’ve probably tried it in bars back home, many people will say that Irish Guinness hits on a different level. So, with that being said, one spot you should consider checking out is the Guinness Storehouse.

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As part of the St. James’s Gate Brewery, this tourist attraction opened up in 2000, and goes through the history and production of the product. You can have a wee drink and bite to eat here as well, and if you don’t drink or if you’re the designated driver of the group, don’t worry. Guinness released a line of non-alcoholic beer called Guinness 0.0 a couple of years ago, which has the iconic flavour without the alcohol, so you don’t have to worry about missing out. Sign up for a self-guided tour here.

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Kilmainham Gaol

If you wish to learn a little bit more about Irish history, a place worth visiting is the Kilmainham Gaol. Built in 1796, this prison held and executed men, women and children, including Irish revolutionaries and combatants from the Anglo-Irish War and the Irish Civil War. It was abandoned in 1929, and though there was interest in reopening it as a memorial, it was left to decay, also being seen as a symbol of suffering 

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However, it was reopened to the public in the 60s with the help of volunteers and houses a museum dedicated to Irish nationalism. It is one of the largest unoccupied prisons in Europe and is well worth a visit for any fans of history. There are only guided tours available for the Gaol, and you can book yourself in for a timeslot here.

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Christ Church Cathedral

As previously mentioned, the Republic of Ireland is a predominantly catholic country, and as such you can expect a lot of monuments to Christianity. Dublin has about 200 different parishes and two cathedrals, one of them being the Christ Church Cathedral. Not to be confused with the Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford, this cathedral has been standing for almost a millennia, originally being a Viking church.

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The Christ Church Cathedral is an architectural marvel and is worth seeing from both the outside and inside. If you want to just visit, there is the ticketed entry which you can buy here, or you can join in on their daily services which you can find out more about here, though be respectful if you choose the latter. It is a beautiful building to visit but is still a place of worship for many of the locals.

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National Gallery of Ireland

There is something for every type of tourist in Dublin, and if you are an art connoisseur, then you should visit the National Gallery of Ireland. First opening its doors in 1864, this building has historical art pieces predominantly from the rest of Europe, but also a few notable Irish pieces as well. 

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The history of the gallery dates back to the Great Industrial Exhibition in 1853, when an overwhelmingly positive reception from the general public showed an interest in a permanent art display. The gallery is also a monument to William Dargan, a railway magnate who organised much of the artwork for the original exhibition. Entry to the permanent collection is free, and you can see what other exhibitions are on display here.

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Phoenix Park

Want to take a break from the urban landscape and experience some nature? Then go for a walk in the Phoenix Park. This is the largest enclosed public park of any capital city in Europe - it even dwarfs New York’s Central Park, stretching over 1750 acres while Central Park is about half as big! The name does not come from the legendary firebird, but instead the Irish phrase “Fionn Uisce”, which translates to clear water.

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Originally functioning as a royal hunting park, it was first opened to the general public in 1747, and there are many different things to admire about this location, from the native deer population to some of the park’s historical ties - 40 Viking graves have been excavated here, making it the largest Viking cemetery to be found outside of the Nordics. There are many walking and cycle trails for you to enjoy here.

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Dublin Zoo

If you’re going to Phoenix Park, then one place you could divert to is the Dublin Zoo. Home to over 400 animals from 100 different species, this zoo was first opened in 1831 with donations from the London Zoo and Royal Menagerie of the Tower of London. As well as displaying animals, this zoo is part of a conservation effort to preserve endangered species like Golden lion tamarins.

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Centuries old, this establishment has a variety of species spread out across different habitats. You can book a ticket for the zoo here, or you can buy a Go City All-Inclusive Pass, which allows you to see many of Dublin’s paid attractions all on one ticket.

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National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology, Natural History, and Decorative Arts & History

The National Museum of Ireland is a network of museums throughout Ireland. Of their four establishments, three of them are in Dublin city centre - the National Museums of Archaeology, of Natural History and of Decorative Arts & History. If you plan to visit these museums, Archaeology and Natural History are next to each other, while the Decorative Arts & History Museum is about a 40-minute walk along the river.

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Whether you decide to visit one or all of them, each of these museums illustrates Ireland’s history and its contributions on the world stage. Each of them has free admission. Archaeology focuses on medieval, Viking, Celtic and international discoveries, Natural History houses animals from around the world, while Decorative Arts is housed in an old military barracks and displays both artistic and historical items, such as antiquated military items.

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Teeling Whiskey Distillery

Out of the notable alcohol exports to come out of Ireland, Teeling Whiskey might be one of the lesser-known ones. However, it is one that any whiskey aficionado should familiarise themselves with. The first distillery to open in Dublin, the Teeling Whiskey Distillery has been operating for almost 125 years.

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Describing itself as “small batch, big flavour”, Teeling Whiskey has won many international whiskey awards, You can sign up for a tour here, but if you’re curious about the establishment and can’t visit Dublin at this moment in time, there is also a virtual tour available here.

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Irish National War Memorial Gardens

Most countries have their own historical scars from the two World Wars, and Ireland is no different. If you’re walking towards Phoenix Park, you’ll want to visit a smaller garden nearby, the Irish National War Memorial Gardens. These beautiful gardens are dedicated to the memory of the 49,900 Irish soldiers who lost their lives during World War One, almost a quarter of the 206,000 who served in the British forces during this conflict.

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These memorial gardens also remember the men and women who served in Irish regiments of the Allied forces, some of them being as far away as South Africa and the United States. The memorial gardens were designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, and it is free for visitors to enter.

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Oscar Wilde House

Ireland has produced many individuals who made significant contributions to culture, one of them being the writer Oscar Wilde. Known for his works such as The Picture of Dorian Grey, Wilde as an author is a staple of literature and you can visit his childhood home at the Oscar Wilde House. 

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While you can walk in and see the house for yourself, you can maximise your visit by taking part in a guided tour, though these are only available on Saturdays. Across from this house is also a statue of Oscar Wilde, which will be another item of interest to fans of the writer

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Trinity College

Founded in 1592, Trinity College in Dublin is Ireland’s oldest university and is popular among tourists for its architecture and history. Modelled after Oxford and Cambridge, it is now also Ireland’s highest-ranked university.

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Another reason to visit this university is because of a notable artefact that makes it a must-see for anyone who visits Dublin. Inside the old library is the Book of Kells, a gospel manuscript dating back to the 9th century. Though this is the main attraction, the Old Library has also 200,000 historical texts which, even though impossible to see all in a lifetime, are still worth seeing.

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The Temple Bar

If you’re going to go out for a drink on the town, then you need to have a pint at the legendary Temple Bar. You might even recognise it from photos of friends and family who have been to Dublin. With its current license dating back to 1840 and hosting a decent beer collection and one of the largest selections of whiskey in Ireland (over 450 different kinds!), it’s the place to be for some Irish craic (or banter).

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As well as having a drink and a gab with the locals, you can enjoy a quick bite to eat and live music. It can get crowded during the weekends, so come in early to grab yourself a table or during a weekday if you want a bit more of a relaxed vibe. Either way, you need to get a photo here before heading home!

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Hugh Lane Gallery

While the National Gallery of Ireland is host to art pieces of a historical nature, the Hugh Lane Gallery displays more contemporary and modern pieces, with artwork dating from the 19th century to the present, both from Irish and international artists. Founded in 1908 by art collector Sir Hugh Lane, this gallery is considered to be the first public gallery of modern art.

Though it originally was on Harcourt Street, the gallery moved to its current location of Charlemont House in 1933. There is an interesting albeit tragic story about how much of the original collection was taken away by the English, a story which echoes British colonization victimizing the Irish. The gallery is closed on Mondays and is otherwise admission free.

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Dublin Castle

There are estimated to be over 30,000 different castles and ruins dotted around Ireland, but Dublin has only three different ones. The one right next to the city centre is Dublin Castle, a castle that was originally constructed during the early 13th century on the site of a Viking settlement. For centuries, it served as the headquarters for British administration until the partition in 1922. 

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It is still a government building today, though it serves the independent Irish government. As well as being a remarkable example of historic architecture, visitors can also take self-guided 40-minute tours of the state apartments inside. You can purchase tickets for these tours here.

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Irish Whiskey Museum

While their Celtic cousins across the sea might be more well-known for their whiskey, Ireland has a thriving industry as well, and If you are on a bit of a boozy tour sampling Dublin’s inebriating exports, then you need to check out the Irish Whiskey Museum. 

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Independent of any of the local distilleries, this establishment housed in a historic building on Grafton Street is just the place for any whiskey fan (and it also might be a good idea to get a grasp of the different distilleries in Ireland, as there are 24 operating ones and a further 28 in different stages of planning). As well as the traditional tours, you can even make up a bottle of your own blend! You can sign up for a tour here.

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EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

Last but most certainly not least for your first day in Dublin is EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum. Open seven days a week, this award-winning museum documents the experiences of Irish ex-pats from all over the world, from notable figures who contributed to society and those who operated outside of the law.

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There are many different exhibitions to be found at Epic, from documenting the stories of over 300 different Irish people who left to start a new life abroad to the Irish Family Historic Centre, which can help unlock the secrets of your family’s history. This establishment helps to celebrate and educate on the experiences of those tied to the over 70 million who claim Irish heritage and ancestry. 

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Where to Stay

Budget - Ashfield Hostel 

Dublin city centre isn’t the cheapest of places to stay, but this hostel is very centrally located and is a decent place for travelling on a budget,

Mid range - Jacobs Inn Hostel 

This location is ideal for school, university and low budget tours of Dublin, with a free guided walking tour included on top of your accommodation.

Luxury - Motel One Dublin 

This three-star modern hotel is just the place to stay for a comfortable night in Dublin.

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Day 2: Northside

Now to venture to the northern half of Dublin across the River Liffey. Though it’s more of a colloquial term than a formally recognised administrative region, the Northside is considered anywhere north of the river and has some of the wealthiest areas in the whole of Ireland. With many different attractions, it’s also one of the more attractive areas to tourists.

While we touched upon some attractions which are technically part of the Northside, they were still within walking distance of the city centre, while the ones we’re covering for this day are a bit further out. Enjoy exploring this unique half of a wonderful city!

Where to Eat

If you want a nice place to eat with lovely views of the sea, then check out the family-run Bay Restaurant, which uses Irish ingredients in worldwide cuisine.

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Jameson Distillery Bow Street

Just as Guinness is the most well-known beer export to come from Ireland, so too is Jameson one of the notable whiskeys to come from the nation. Founded by John Jameson in 1780, the Jameson Distillery Bow Street was where the whiskey was produced until 1971. This location is now a tourist attraction that details the history and production of Jameson, while the production operation has moved to New Midleton Distillery outside of Dublin.

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On top of the traditional tour of the old distillery - which you can book yourself in for here - there are additional experiences you can participate in at Bow Street, including whiskey blending and whiskey cocktail classes. This is a must-visit for anyone coming to Dublin.

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North Bull Island

Located in Dublin Bay is North Bull Island. At five kilometres in length and less than a kilometre in width, this island has different habitats such as sand dunes and salt marshes, making this nature reseverve popular for hiking for walking and birdwatching. 

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You can easily walk across this island in a couple of hours and it is easy to reach from the main island as the 130 buses and trains service this area, but there are a few rules to keep in mind, like avoiding inter-tidal areas as these can be dangerous and dogs aren’t allowed since they disturb the local wildlife.

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The Little Museum of Dublin

If you’re visiting Dublin, you might want to learn a little bit about the city. In that case, you should go see the Little Museum of Dublin. Made up of items donated by the public, over the course of a half-hour guided tour, you will learn about the local history, whether it be historical or contemporary.

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This is a must-see for any fans of history or for those curious about Irish culture. However, you should take note of the little in the name. It is a rather small museum, but a popular one, and tours can sell out quickly, so book yourself a ticket in advance to avoid disappointment. You can buy a ticket to the museum here

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National Botanic Gardens

Five kilometres away from Dublin city centre in Glasnevin are the National Botanic Gardens. Open daily with free admission and extended hours during the summer months, these gardens contain plant species from all over the world and have been cultivated here since 1795. Over two centuries since they were created, and the gardens have only grown more beautiful.

In addition to being an attraction for tourists and locals alike, this establishment is also a research institution for those within the field of botany. Please note that if you’re visiting, only guide dogs are allowed on the property and the only vehicles allowed are wheelchairs.

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Glasnevin Cemetery 

A short walk away from the botanic gardens is the Glasnevin Cemetery. A Victorian graveyard, these cemetery grounds are the largest in all of Ireland with over 1.5 million occupants. There’s also a nearby museum. You might think it’s a bit morbid having a museum next to the grounds, but some of the people buried here are significant characters in the shaping of Irish history.

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Opened in 1832, these grounds were consecrated for the purpose of putting both Catholics and Protestants to rest. Up until that point, the penal laws of the 17th and 18th centuries hindered those of the Catholic faith in many different ways, including burial ceremonies. As well as famous people, like Daniel O’Connell who championed Catholic Emancipation in the 19th century, 800,000 unmarked graves mark victims of the Great Irish Famine.

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GAA Museum

If you want to visit a place that is less gloomy, why not take yourself to the GAA Museum? Located in Croke Park Stadium, the Gaelic Athletic Association Museum - or Museum of Gaelic Sports - celebrates both sports which are unique to Ireland, like hurling and Gaelic Football, as well as beyond Ireland, exploring cultural and social contributions throughout sporting history.

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Considering the location, you might want to see more of the stadium itself. It’s been a major sporting venue for almost a century and a half, so while you’re seeing the museum, you can also take part in the Croke Park Stadium Tour. If you’re not that into sports, you can always do the Skyline Tour which promises amazing views of Dublin.

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GPO Museum

Ireland has a rich history, and a decent chunk of that history is tied to the imperialist rule held over the country by the British Empire. These include events such as the Easter Rising of 1916, which marked the first conflict of the Irish revolutionary period of the 1910s and 1920s, when armed Irish Republicans fought for the independence of Ireland.

You can learn more about this pivotal event at the GPO Museum. Set inside the walls of the General Post Office, this is one of Dublin’s newest attractions and is a must-see if you want to discover more about one of Ireland’s most important events in the shaping of the nation.

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James Joyce Centre

If you’re a fan of literature, you might want to consider visiting the James Joyce Centre. Dedicated to the Irish novelist who is considered to be one of the most important writers of the 20th century, this establishment seeks to educate visitors on the legacy he left behind as well as the influence his writing had.

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The centre has done a lot of work to keep the memory of Joyce alive, such as organising the annual Bloomsday Festival in his memory. The museum itself breathes new life into his works -  from art exhibitions and other items related to the writer to performances and live readings, there is something here for book lovers to enjoy.

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Where to Stay

Budget - Leevin Hostel Mountjoy 

If you’re looking for a cheap place to stay in Dublin, then the Leevin Hostel chain is for you! Prices are typically cheaper on weekdays and climb a bit on the weekends.

Luxury - Dublin Skylon Hotel 

What to stay in a luxurious hotel that will provide you with a comfortable stay and is close to most Northside attractions? Then stay here at the Dublin Skylon.

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Day 3: Southside

Now to hop over the River Liffey to see the Southside. Barring a couple of neighbourhoods in the Northside, this area of Dublin has historically been regarded as the wealthier of the two sides. There is an ongoing debate between locals and those who visit about which side is better, including arguments like while the Northside is generally considered more working class, it’s also cheaper to stay. 

While I won’t get too much into it, outside of the city centre, the Northside seems to have more tourist attractions. But that doesn’t mean you’re going to be struggling for things to do. You could go for a stroll along Sandymount Strand beach where ice cream vans regularly appear in summer, the 11 different parks which are in Southside, or visit the rest of Dublin’s castles. Outside of previously mentioned items south of the River Liffey which are close to the city centre, here are a few notable attractions within Dublin’s Southside.

Where to Eat

A place to check out for dinner is Hugo’s Restaurant, a bistro-style eatery with an Irish menu and live jazz events.

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St. Patrick's Cathedral

Let’s start off with the second of Dublin’s cathedrals, but possibly the most well-known of the two. Named after Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick’s Cathedral was founded in 1191 and is currently the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland. A gorgeous example of Gothic architecture, it shouldn't be confused with the cathedral that shares the same name in New York, built in response to Irish immigrants coming to the city.

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As for the one in Dublin, it’s Ireland’s largest church with the current building dating back to the 13th century. Because of the building’s age, it is continuously repaired to keep it in prime condition and to continue remaining a significant part of the city of Dublin.

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Drimnagh Castle

Up next are the two remaining castles in Dublin, the first being Drimnagh Castle. This restored Norman Castle is the only castle in Ireland which has a floating moat around it, fed into it by the Camac, which is a tributary of the Liffey. Dating back to the 13th century, this castle was once the seat of the de Bernival family, sometimes referred to as the Barnewalls.

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It fell into disrepair around the 1980s until it got restored and reopened its doors in 1991. Nowadays, it doesn't house any noble families but is instead a pleasant tourist attraction and heritage site. You can visit the castle and the surrounding gardens, either by yourself or as part of a guided tour. 

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Rathfarnham Castle

And finally out of Dublin’s castles, there is Rathfarnham Castle. Originally believed to have been built in the 16th century, this castle is one of Ireland’s first examples of a ‘fortified house’. It received extensive alterations almost two centuries later to give a more Georgian aesthetic. 

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Like Drimnagh, it is no longer a home but instead belongs to the Irish state and is another heritage site. As well as the building’s unique exterior, you can go inside and view some of the exhibits Rathfarnham has, including artworks and unique interior design.

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Dublin Mountains Way

While there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fresh air in Southside, one notable hiking trail you could do is the Dublin Mountains Way. Officially open in 2010, this route is a 26 mile trail that winds its way through the Dublin mountains which takes you from the town of Tallaght in South Dublin to Shankill on the eastern coast.

Though this trail takes you to the very edge of Dublin, it makes for an amazing day trip, hiking through the beautiful landscape that Ireland is so famous for as well as regularly providing amazing views of the city below. Don’t forget your camera!

Where to stay

Luxury - Radisson Blu St. Helen's Hotel 

Southside may be expensive, but like this hotel situated on 4 acres of private grounds, what this area lacks in frugality makes up for in quality.

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Day 4: Outside of Dublin

For the last day, there are a few attractions for you to check out outside of Dublin. While Dublin’s neighbour of Belfast might be more well known for attractions beyond the city, like the iconic Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones studio  - both of which you can organise to visit from Dublin with a Game of Thrones tour with a coach transfer or a Game of Thrones and Giant’s Causeway day trip from Dublin - there is still plenty for you to do outside of Dublin.

You could also go beyond the outskirts of Dublin and see the rest of Ireland - the Wild Atlantic Way is a road trip that takes you across the west coast of Ireland, and you absolutely need to see the Cliffs of Moher on the east coast. You can also go up north and visit places like the previously mentioned Belfast. Whatever the case, here are some place worth seeing on your last day in Dublin.

Where to Eat

Bring a packed lunch for today, and load up at breakfast at Bibi's Café in Portobello.

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The Hellfire Club

First up on the list, it’s the Hellfire Club, and no, I don’t mean that one from Stranger Things. Hellfire Clubs were the name given to places where members of high society participated in all manner of debauchery during the 18th century. This is the name given to the ruined building on top of Montpelier Hill, and it makes for a lovely walk, offering lovely views of Dublin from the top.

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Though you may decide that sticking around isn’t in your best interest. There are rumours that this place is haunted for all manner of reasons. Richard Parsons, the founder of the Irish Hellfire Club, was said to have flirted with black magic, and there is even a legend that one night, the devil himself attended one of the Hellfire Club nights.But that’s probably just something to scare those who decide to visit… right?

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Royal Canal Greenway

Anyway, if spooky houses with satanic ties don’t do it, might I suggest a more relaxed trek? Starting in the nearby town of Maynooth, the Royal Canal Greenway is a 130-kilometre pathway which follows the canal all the way up to the town of Longford. This route makes for a great walking or cycle route, with plenty of cafes and places to set up a picnic.

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Maybe the idea of a mere 80-mile cycle trip sounds unappealing to you? Well, the royal canal greenway is actually part of a much larger route, the Eurovelo EV2 route. This is a route that is supposed to travel across the breadth of Ireland, from Dublin to Galway. I say supposed to because the route is still under development. Once you’re west of Athlone, it’s up to you how to go. Wild camping isn’t legal, but tolerated, however I suggest it is better to be safe than sorry and ask the landlords if you can stay on their land before planning your trip.

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Wicklow Mountains

If you didn’t have a chance to walk up the Dublin Mountains Way yesterday or you fancy another challenge, then you might want to go see the Wicklow Mountains. This mountain chain is another range of mountains iconic to the region with the largest unbroken area of uplands stretching over 500 square kilometres. The highest peak of the mountains is Lugnaquilla at 925 metres.

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It is also one of Ireland’s national parks with untouched lakes as well as towering peaks with loads of hiking trails in between, but if you’re pressed for time, I suggest the loop trail between Crone Woods and Maulin. It’s a decent route with stunning views of the surrounding area.

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Brú na Bóinne

And finally, the Brú na Bóinne. Also known as the Boyne Valley tombs, this archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage site which is located 40 kilometres north of Dublin and is best known for the three passage graves of Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth, as well as 90 smaller ones on the site.

This area is considered to be one of the most important prehistoric landscapes by the archaeological community, covering over 780 hectares. However, It is only accessible through guided tours, so why not book yourself in for one here? The nearest railway station is Drogheda railway station, which is about 9km away so you can get a nice trek in.

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Where to Stay

Luxury - Forty Four Main Street 

As previously mentioned, some areas of Dublin may not be the cheapest place to stay, but this accommodation, just 5 minutes away from the airport in the town of Sword, makes for a comfortable base for the last day of your adventures.

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