The Guinness Storehouse

There’s no question that a trip to Dublin, well, isn’t a trip to Dublin unless it’s accompanied by a pint (or three) of Black Stuff. But since this has been the philosophy of many tourists before you, how about making that look a little more original? How about drinking that free pint, in Dublin’s highest bar, with panoramic views of the city below? Head to The Guinness Storehouse, in the heart of St. James’s Gate Brewery, and this is exactly what you can do. A tour of the seven-story Guinness Tribute, built around a pint-glass-shaped glass atrium, details the ins and outs of the production and history of one of the world’s most iconic drinks, concluding with a drink of courtesy at Gravity Bar. on the head of the pint glass. Expect stunning city views and ever-increasing thirst levels, though note that only the first pint is on the house.

Swim in the River Liffey

If the Gravity Bar has left you hungover, then what better way to revitalize than by taking a dip in the River Liffey, which runs through the center of Dublin. This 80-year tradition takes place in August each year and involves over 400 competitors swimming from the Watling Street Bridge to the Custom House. However, showing up in your speedos and a pair of goggles doesn’t mean you’re going to take the plunge: swimmers have to go through a qualifying stage before they can sample the different kind of Black Stuff from the river! But if your swimming experience doesn’t go beyond your 50m badge, then don’t worry as spectators use the day as an excuse to dress up in ridiculous costumes so you don’t miss out on the fun!

Leopardstown Racecourse

Betting on the horses doesn’t always have to mean Wednesday afternoons at the bookmakers wondering why you’re not at work. At Leapordstown Racecourse you have a great day out for you and your friends just 15 minutes from Dublin city center and the summer races are often great for family night out entertainment. If you’re in town in September, you can’t miss the Irish Champion Stakes as it’s the biggest race on the course and attracts trainers from all over the world.

Saint Michael’s Church

For a more cultural afternoon or if you’re just looking for something to scare the kids, try St. Michan’s Church. The church vault contains preserved bodies, including a 6ft 6in crusader, a nun, and interestingly, a body with amputated arms and feet. The church itself was originally built in 1095, but today consists mainly of a 1686 reconstruction, so if mummified Irishmen aren’t your thing, then the unusual carvings and magnificent organ will be more than enough to keep you entertained. A worthwhile visit for anyone looking for a bit of history without boring the rest of the family to tears, though a tour of the vaults can never be guaranteed to be tear-free.

temple bar

Dublin’s Temple Bar area is the city’s cultural hotspot, retaining its medieval cobbled streets to make it a tourist hotspot. During the day, you may want to try one of the food, fashion or book markets that take place most weekends, and it’s also the location of several Irish cultural organizations such as the Irish Center of Photography and the Irish Institute of Photography. of Irish Cinema. . At night the area transforms into a lively array of bars and clubs, including the cleverly named Temple Bar, and is often considered the best place to enjoy a real Irish night out. A great place to grab a pint once you finally get the kids to bed after a day in St. Michans.

croke park

Croke Park is not only the sixth largest stadium in Europe, but it is also the home of the Gaelic Athletic Association, making it a must-see on your trip. Each year it hosts the finals of the Gaelic Football and Hurling Championships, and is home to the GAA Museum, which details the history of the GAA movement and its effects as a nationalist symbol. Rugby Union and Association Football games were actually banned for fear of corrupting the domain of traditionally Irish sports, and it was only in 2007 that the two sports were welcomed to ‘Croker’ as it is informally known, such is the level of patriotism that it comes with Croke Park and the GAA in general. Definitely worth a visit for anyone remotely interested in sport, or the culture of Ireland itself, and a great place to pick up fridge magnet-type souvenirs.

Trinity College

Situated in the heart of the city, Trinity College is Ireland’s most famous educational institute. It’s also conveniently steeped in history, meaning you can return to your third night in a row at Guinness satisfied that you’ve at least satisfied your cultural taste buds for the day. Tourists come from far and wide to see the picturesque cobblestone courtyards and the Old Library, which houses the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript containing the four gospels of the New Testament. In latin. Therefore, there. What’s more, previous students at the university include Samuel Beckett and Oscar Wilde, so you’re safe in the knowledge that wise people like you have followed in your footsteps.

George Street Gallery

If you’re looking for a side of Dublin that you don’t see in the weekend getaway brochure, then from Temple Bar, try George’s Street Arcade. Housed in a compact Victorian building, Arcade is a bazaar of stalls and shops to satisfy the bohemian side of your character. And if you don’t have a bohemian side, visit George’s Street and you will soon. Fine wines, exotic jewelery and completely original souvenirs make for an intriguing day’s shopping, with a variety of cafes allowing you to sit back and take in the sights, from the trendy to the downright unusual when your legs get tired. .

to ride a horse

Despite its distinctive metropolitan feel, Dublin boasts an impressive variety of landscapes, and there’s no better way to experience it than on horseback. For the experienced rider, Calliaghstown Riding Center in South Dublin offers 5-day heroic treks through the Wicklow Mountains that will definitely test your fitness/patience/will to survive, and for the less experienced or even novice Places like the highly recommended Paddocks Riding Center will provide the basic tuition and equipment, match you with the right horse, and take you through some of the often stunning coastal and mountain scenery.

Saint Patrick’s day

This one probably needs no explanation, but if you find yourself in Dublin on March 17th, then make sure you have some kind of green clothing in your suitcase and your “drinking head”, because the St. Patrick’s Day parade is definitely worth it. the sorrow. apart from. And while it’s technically the day and only public holiday, the five-day carnival of street parades and fireworks tends not to acknowledge this minor issue, so if you’re in town during the week, prepare for a real party in the last few days. Over the years, up to half a million people have witnessed the festival, so while St George’s Day may come and go with a sob in the UK, the Irish certainly don’t let their patriotism go unnoticed. And bring your wallet, because as another of them will tell you as you pay for your Guinness, ‘everyone is Irish on March 17’.