What to do in Dublin City

Covering nine hectares, St Stephen’s Green, or Faiche Stiabhna in Irish, is the largest of the city’s open spaces, and offers a beautiful and relaxing haven away from the busy streets. Stretch your legs, feed the ducks or sit down for a picnic amongst the Victorian-era gardens, or admire the many statues and monuments commemorating key figures in Dublin’s history.

Trinity College, Dublin, with its campus in the centre of the city, is Ireland’s oldest university. Explore the imposing 17th and 18th century stone buildings, where many of the country’s most famous authors studied. You’ll be able to admire exhibits ranging from modern art in the galleries to ancient manuscripts in the Old Library.

Learn all about Ireland’s iconic drink at the Guinness Storehouse, the first Guinness brewery to be established. Immerse yourself in an atmosphere heavy with the aromas of hops and barley, as you discover the secrets behind the rich dark stout with its thick froth. You’ll learn the trick to pouring the perfect pint, and of course, get to sample its unique bitter taste.

Among the most exclusive spots in European retail, Grafton Street is a boulevard full of upscale boutiques and restaurants. It is one of the two main commercial parts of Dublin and has an international array of big names. Yet the street retains its local charm with well-known street performers and traditional pubs. Bring cash and credit cards for a trip through the street’s upscale boutiques.

A World-Famous StadiumCroke Park certainly is impressive, however. It’s Ireland’s largest stadium, and with the capacity to seat 82,000 sporting fans, it is the fourth largest in Europe. During matches the noise and chants from the crowd can be heard all over the city of Dublin.

O’Connell Street is among Dublin’s busiest and recognizable parts. It consists of a wide boulevard divided by spaces for trees and works of art. Admire the many historic buildings and peruse the upscale boutiques that line this busy street.

Aviva Stadium is the national sports arena, where Ireland plays international rugby and soccer games. The structure has a futuristic design and stands in a picturesque area of fields and a canal. Experience the rhapsody and songs of the nation’s passionate fans in this stadium of 51,700 seats.

The 18th-century Dublin Castle is among the city’s most iconic sites. A small park with pretty floral displays lies behind the castle, which replaced a 13th-century Viking military fortress. Learn its fascinating history as the seat of British and Irish governments over the centuries.

The O2 is the biggest indoor venue in the Republic of Ireland, with a capacity of 14,500, reducing down to 9,500 for those occasions when the front rows of a gig simply have to be a moshpit!