Much hype surrounds Dublin as a city, it won’t typically disappoint. It’s home to many talented artists and academics and if you scratch the surface you’ll find it’s a city that has a rich culture of art, theatre, street celebrations and festivals. It’s often said that the most redeeming aspect of Dublin is its people, you’ll find them warm welcoming and full of character. Needless to say, socialising in Dublin is a must.

Here are our selection of things to do and see in Dublin.

1. Trinity College

Trinity College is the oldest seat of learning in Ireland and many of the historic buildings are open to the public as well as to current students. Most visitors to Trinity College take a guided tour, led by one of the students who can give a real flavour of what it is like to study there.

2. Grafton Street

This is Dublin’s main shopping thoroughfare and is home to both international and local designers and more high street names. Most locals go shopping at the weekend, so try to time your visit to avoid the most crowded times.

3. Temple Bar

Dublin has a reputation as being a party city and Temple Bar is the area with the greatest concentration of bars and clubs. Temple Bar is busy every day of the week, but really comes to life at the weekend when it attracts visitors from across the city and further afield.

4. Guinness Storehouse

The black beer produced by Guinness is famous the world over and the Guinness Storehouse takes the visitor right through the production process as well as explaining how the drinks are marketed, bottled and distributed. Don’t miss the Gravity Bar at the top of the Storehouse where you can sip a pint while enjoying the panoramic views.

5. Dublinia

When visiting Dublinia you step back into the Dublin of the medieval and Viking times. The emphasis is on interaction, and children in particular will love the smells and sounds of Medieval Dublin.

6. Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham has a long standing reputation as a chilling place, and is closely linked to the uprising of 1916. A guided tour around the Gaol is by far the best way to learn more about the history and people who made the Gaol what it is.

7. Botanic Gardens

Dublin’s Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin is a large area of parkland with trees, flowers and shrubs from around the world. It is popular with locals at the weekend, so try to visit during the week to have a more tranquil experience of the gardens.

Photo by daspunkt