It can take a long time to explore all Dublin has to offer, but here are a couple of suggested highlights to visit.
Guinness Storehouse
Guinness Storehouse
Besides perfecting the “pint of plain” Guinness does a remarkable job of giving a tour of the brewing process. After a brief introduction, guests may go through the process at their own pace and have the option to learn how to properly pour a pint. The tour ends at the Storehouse’s top level, which houses the Gravity Bar that overlooks Dublin.
Dublin Writer’s Museum
This museum gives a quick and thorough overview of three hundred years of Irish literature. In addition to first and early editions of texts such as Gulliver's Travels, Dracula, and Ulysses, the museum houses some curious artifacts including Lady Gregory’s lorgnette, Samuel Beckett’s telephone, and Brendan Behan’s union card.
Collins Barracks
Collins Barracks
This location of the National Museum of Ireland is larger than the more famous branch across from the National Library of Ireland. Collins Barracks houses a wide range of exhibits, many on Irish topics, but also on other topics. The barracks house the overcoat Collins was wearing when he was killed at Béal na Bláth during the Irish Civil War.
Book of Kells
Close to Trinity College’s library, the exhibit on this famous illuminated Gospel is not to be missed. The exhibit clearly illustrates the context of the world in which the Book of Kells was made and the labor that went into creating such a piece of artwork. Admission to the Book of Kells includes a visit to the famously beautiful Long Room.
Ulysses Rare Books
Located just off Grafton Street, this small book store holds some treasures. Among other hard to find editions and texts, it has early editions of Joyce’s works and Alice Adventures in Wonderland.
Kilmainham Gaol
Kilmainham Gaol
Built in the eighteenth century, Kilmainham Gaol held many rebellion leaders including Robert Emmet. Several of the rebels from the Easter Rising including Eamon de Valera and Countess Markievicz were held at Kilmainham Gaol. The jail also has museum exhibits about political history and penal history.
Glasnevin Cemetery
Several of Ireland’s best known sons and daughters have been buried in this graveside in Dublin’s north side. Residents include Michael Collins, Eamon de Valera, Charles Stuart Parnell, Daniel O’Connell, Maud Gonne, Jim Larkin, and Roger Casement among many others. In addition to the museum, visitors may go on a guided tour or wander through the cemetery at their own pace. For Joyce fans, Glasnevin is also the setting for Paddy Dignam’s funeral in Ulysses.
Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle
The seat of English administration for 700 years, visitors can still see the remains of an earlier 13th-century structure at Dublin Castle. A guided tour takes visitors through the prestigious State Apartments, the Throne Room, and St. Patrick’s Hall. The grounds of the castle have a memorial garden for fallen police members.
* Originally published in 2016. Updated in 2025.
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