Dublin is a city like no other. Situated on both sides of the River Liffey, Dublin is a historic city in the midst of an economic boom. With stunning Georgian architecture as a backdrop to everyday life in Dublin, visitors to Dublin will enjoy seeing something very unique, a historic city that is home to a very modern and high-tech population. People who visit Dublin generally only visit Dublin for a weekend, so it can be difficult to decide what to see and do. This article is intended to help you decide where to spend your time. In this particular article, I’ll look at the top 5 things to do in Dublin, while a second article will take up the rest of my list of top 10 things to see in Dublin.
1 – Georgian architecture
Georgian architecture in Dublin dates back to the 18th century when Dublin enjoyed rapid population growth, growth that meant the city had to develop outside of its medieval walls. Georgian architecture is so named because it was built between 1714 and 1830, during the reigns of George I to George IV. Georgian architecture shares a sense of proportion and balance and a certain amount of grace that came from implementing mathematical rules and proportions with architecture.
Among the best examples of Georgian architecture in Dublin are the Custom House, Georgian Houses, The Four Courts, and the General Post Office (GPO).
2 – Trinity College
Located in the heart of Dublin City, Trinity College is a world-famous educational institution. The college was founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592 and was intended exclusively for the education of Protestants in Ireland. It was not until 1793 that Roman Catholics were allowed to receive an education at Trinity College.
Today, the College still retains much of its bygone feel with its expansive green areas and cobbled courtyards. Combined with being an educational facility, Trinity College also houses the Book of Kells, an illuminated gospel book dating back to the 8th century.
3- Temple Bar
Located on the south side of Liffey, Temple Bar is a trendy area in a historic location with narrow streets that are still cobbled. Today, Temple Bar is associated with nights out, a Saturday market, culture, stag and hen parties. For the younger generations visiting Dublin, Temple Bar is often the first point of call.
Historically, Temple Bar is very varied, since during the last century the area was very dilapidated. At one point during the 1980s, the area almost became a bus terminal. In opposition to this development proposal at the urging of residents and businesses, the Government established a non-profit company in 1991 to protect this unique area.
4 – Grafton Street
Grafton Street is the main shopping street in Dublin. The street is pedestrianized and runs from College Green to St Stephen’s Green. Named after the Duke of Grafton, who was the owner of the land in this area, the street developed from a country lane to its present status as one of the best streets in Ireland, if not all of Europe.
The recent economic boom in Ireland has treated Grafton Street well, and subsequent developments did little to dampen the street’s charm. Whether you plan to go shopping during your visit to Ireland, or plan to sample the nightlife, be sure not to miss Grafton Street.
5 – Guinness Warehouse
Billed as where the past and present meet, The Guinness Storehouse is a fashion museum that takes you to the home of Guinness. In this fantastic exhibition you will see, smell and enjoy more than 250 years of Guinness making in this part of Dublin. The museum takes you on a historical journey to the present day and will hopefully answer all your questions about the ‘black things’ along the way.
The gravity bar sits at the top of the Guinness Storehouse and offers fantastic panoramic views of Dublin as the restaurant slowly rotates on its axis.