10 Things to Do in Dublin, Ireland

It’s been a few years since I’ve been in Dublin, but man-oh-man, there are some seriously cool things to do there.  It is an uh-mazing city, and you really HAVE to see it at least once in  your life.

Here’s some of my favorites:

1. Stroll through the campus of Trinity College.  It is a BEAUTIFUL campus, and it makes me want to go back to school again.
2. Hit the National Botanic Gardens.  You know I had to include at least one garden in this list.  These are soooo pretty, and there’s a coffee shop on site to boot.
3. If possible, schedule your trip around St. Patrick’s Day.  I haven’t been during this time, but have always promised myself I would.  The parade is supposed to be legendary.
4. Checkout Dublin Castle.    You can take a guided history tour of the castle and the apartments within it.  The apartments are still used to house visiting diplomats, etc.  They use the grounds and building to hold fancy schmancy functions too.
5. Visit the Chester Beatty Library.  The library is both a library and art museum.  It houses several collections of manuscripts, rare books, and paintings.  It’s known for its eclectic collection of various religious works.
6. Glasneven Cemetery Museum.  This cemetery and museum offers guided tours–complete with some pretty cool stories.  When you’re done, you can pop off for some lunch at the cafe.  {I know that makes it sound commercialized, but it really is a fascinating walk through history.}
7. Take a Guinness Brewery Tour.  If nothing else, this tour will blow your mind at how much Guinness is brewed each year.
8. Farmleigh House and Estate.  This is the former house of the Guinness Family.  It is a massive estate, and if you time it right, you can also enjoy a farmer’s market.
9. Catch a Rugby game at Croke Park.  Game days are a HUGE deal in Dublin, so before you see the game, make sure to stop off at one of the local pubs to take in the full game day atmosphere.
10. Hit Cake Cafe.  Ummm, obviously this would not be a full-blown Mavis approved list without a pastry hot spot.  This is a locals’ favorite.  The smell alone is worth stopping in, if you like fresh baked pies and cakes, that is.

Have you been to Dublin?  What are your must-sees?

~Mavis