The Best Places to Visit in Dublin, Ireland

If you are planning a trip to Dublin, Ireland or the country in general, you are probably thinking about the many different places you can visit while you are there. There are so many interesting and historical places that call out to you in Dublin. There are some places though that are "must-see" locations for anyone who will be spending
any amount of time there.

So, what are the best places to visit while you are in Dublin? I'm so glad you asked!

Dublin Castle located off Dame St.:
Built between 1208 and 1210, this is one of the oldest surviving structures in Dublin. It was once the center of English power in Ireland for more than seven centuries before being taken by the Irish Free State in 1922. Today, it is the focal point for government ceremonial functions and presidential inaugurations.

Their Guided Tour includes the State Apartments, the Chapel Royal, and the Undercroft.

Admission:
Adults - €4.50
Students and Senior Citizens - Euro 3.50
Under 12 - €2.00

According to their website, when the State Apartments are unavailable, there is an Alternative Tour of Chapel Royal and Undercroft:

Admission for the Alternative Tour:
Adults - €3.50
Students and Senior Citizens - €2.00
Under 12 - Free

Tours are given daily except in July.

Guiness Storehouse:
No visit would be complete without a trip to the Guiness Storehouse located at St. James Gate, Dublin 8.

Built in 1904 and, according to the Guiness Storehouse website, housed the fermentation of Guiness beer until 1988.

Guiness Storehouse is open seven days a week except when they close for Christmas December 24-25, St. Stephen's Day (Boxing Day) December 26, and on Good Friday.

Parking is available at the visitor car park on Crane Street.

Admission (you may also buy your tickets online):
Adults - €13.50
Students 18+ - €11.00
Family (2 Adults/2 Children) - €34.00
Students under 18 - €9.00
Senior Citizens - €11.00
Children 6-12 - €5.00
Children under 6 - FREE

Private group tours are available (10 or more people). Visit the Guiness Storehouse website for more information.

Kilmainham Gaol on Inchicore Road:
A very popular attraction, it was built in 1792 and closed in 1924. Guided tours last 90 minutes and include an exhibit that details the political and penal history, as well as an audio-visual show.

Facilities include a restaurant, a car park, and is accessible to the disabled.

Open:
October-March: Monday-Saturday 9:30 to 5:30; Sunday 10:00 to 6:00.
April-September: Daily 9:30 to 6:00

The last tour begins one hour prior to closing.

Admission:
Adults - €6.00
Children - €2.00
Senior Citizens - €4.00
Family - €11.00
Group - €3.50

Groups of more than 10 must book in advance. There are no group bookings on Sundays or bank holiday afternoons.

Dublinia:
History, history, and more history! This popular attraction offers up three exciting exhibits: Viking Dublin, Medieval Dublin, and History Hunters.

Dublinia is an interactive exhibit that traces Dublin's history from 1170 when Strongbow and his knights captured the city to King Henry VIII's closure of the monasteries in the 16th century. There's also a large-scale model of ca. 1500 Dublin housed on the ground floor.

Visitors also get the chance to see for themselves what it was like to be on a Viking warship and why the Vikings looted monasteries, among other things.

Dublinia is open:
April-September 10:00 to 5:00 daily
October-March: Monday-Saturday 10:00 to 4:00; Sunday 10:00 to 4:30

Admission:
Adults - €6.95
Students - €6.95
Senior Citizens - €5.95
Children - €4.95
Family - €20.00

As you can see, there are some really interesting places to see andvisit when you are in Dublin. The city itself is rich in history that goes back more than 1,000 years. The people who live there are proud of their heritage and it shows. The next time you are in Ireland, make it a point to go to Dublin and take in their culture and historical
landmarks. You will have a wonderful time exploring and learning about Dublin and the country of Ireland. You won't be sorry you did.

Sources:
Guiness Storehouse
Dublin Tourism-Historic Sites-Kilmainham Gaol
Dublinia
Welcome to Dublin Castle - At the Heart of Irish History