Advice

Get comfortable in front of the statue of Luke Kelly, icon of Irish music and co-founder of the band The Dubliners. Let’s take a short break in your visit to quickly introduce you to a few other points of interest that couldn’t be included into the itinerary. Let’s start with one of Dublin’s most famous symbols: Guinness. You can’t fully experience Ireland without trying out a pint of the famous dark beer. You can even go on a pub crawl, and you definitely don’t want to miss a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. More than just a brewery, this is an incredible seven-story museum, as grand as the Guinness empire itself. If you’re more of a whiskey drinker, no problem! The iconic Old Jameson Distillery, founded in 1780, offers a variety of tours and tastings. For a nature break without leaving the city center, check out Phoenix Park. Twice the size of Central Park in New York, this huge 700-hectare green space is a peace haven. And if you’re lucky enough, you might even spot the resident deer that call the park home. For something unusual and slightly frightful, don’t miss a visit to Kilmainham Gaol. Once considered one of the most dreadful prisons in Europe, this former jail, now museum, will send shivers down your spine. If you have some extra time to explore beyond Dublin, you’re in for a treat! There’s something for everyone. Nature lovers, head to the Wicklow Mountains National Park. Numerous hiking trails will lead you through stunning lakes and views. This is also where you’ll find the famous village of Glendalough, a perfect blend of religious heritage and wilderness. The site was once home to a 6th-century monastery, one of the first places of learning for many Irish Christians. Glendalough literally means “Valley of Two Lakes” and is full of hiking routes amidst a historic and spiritual landscape. If you stick around in County Wicklow, you can visit Powerscourt Estate, an 18th-century manor surrounded by some of the most beautiful gardens in the world, along with a golf course and Ireland’s highest waterfall! If you are in to visiting mysterious medieval castles, don’t miss Malahide Castle! This cultural visit takes you through the Talbot family’s history, hosting outdoor film screenings, concerts, and whiskey tastings. And the best part? It’s only 20 minutes away from Dublin’s city center. To travel even further back in time, head to Newgrange! This megalithic site is older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids! A guided tour is highly recommended, as it is the only way to step inside this ancient tomb. And if you want to explore the Irish coast, you can take a day trip to the quaint fishing village of Howth or the seaside town of Bray, known for its Cliff Walk. While one offers a charming local market and fresh seafood tastings, the other boasts dizzying trails along the cliffs with breathtaking views. Both destinations are easily accessible by train from Dublin. With all these options, you’ll have plenty to do if you decide to spend some extra time in the region.