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The Cityscape sightseeing tour visits Dublin's top attractions and explores the city's hidden gems with 28 stops across the city.
The tours run every 15 mins from designated stops, 7 days a week. Essential to the experience is the storyteller or 'Seannachai' who brings Dublin's history and culture to life through their appreciation and love for Dublin city.
The Cityscape tour route has stops directly outside Jurys Inn Dublin Christchurch so you can hop-on and hop-off right at the hotel. If your staying at Jurys Inn Parnell Street, the Cityscape tour route stops at the Dublin Writers Museum which is just a short 6 minute walk from the hotel.
Situated in Glencullen in the Dublin mountains, Johnny Fox's is one of Ireland's oldest and most famous Traditional Irish pubs.
Discover the 2,000 year old history of Dublin on foot with Pat Liddy's walking tours of Dublin.
Play a round of golf at Howth Golf Club located on the beautiful scenic peninsula of Howth in north-east County Dublin, Ireland. The club features wonderful views over the city of Dublin, south to Co. Wickow, north over Co. Dublin and Co. Louth and the sea to the east. On a clear day you can see as far as the Mountains of Mourne in Co. Down.
Dublin's oldest building, erected in 1038, it was the centre of medieval Dublin. Inside Christ Church Cathedral are a range of oddities and relics, including the heart of St Laurence, Dublin's patron saint.
Inside City Hall is an interesting exhibition about Dublin's history, with historical items from the old city and multimedia presentations. The building, which dates from 1779, was recently renovated. Guided tours are available.
A joy for anyone interested in archaeology or history. Dublin Castle was built in the 13th century on top of the foundations of a Viking structure. The castle served as a military fortress, prison, court of law and the core of British administration in Ireland until 1922. It's now used for state functions and government conferences. Guided tours are available.
Until the 1920s, the British incarcerated and, in 1916, after the Easter Rising, executed, Irish political prisoners at this site. The jail was closed in 1924 and it is now a moving place to visit. See the audiovisual show and take a guided tour.
The sole college of the University of Dublin, Trinity was founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592. The reason most visitors venture to Trinity is to take a look at the Book of Kells, the renowned "illuminated" manuscript created by monks around AD 800. It's one of the oldest books in the world and one of the most exquisite. The Book of Kells is on display at the Old Library, and the ticket price includes admission to the Long Room, a striking space that contains 200,000 of the college's oldest books.
Relive the fascinating story of Jameson at The Old Jameson Distillery. Enjoy a guided tour and tutored whiskey tasting, and discover how Jameson became the world's leading Irish Whiskey. Lunch in the 'Still Room Restaurant', enjoy a Jameson cocktail in the '1780 Bar', or choose a Jameson branded gift from the extensive shopping facilities.
Dublin is home to many great attractions, but perhaps one of the most fun to discover during a break in the city is its multitude of statues. These are dotted throughout the streets, as well as in parks and squares, which means they’re free to view.
You can stumble upon them as you explore the city at your leisure, or you can follow our suggested route to seek out some of the best and most iconic sculptures Dublin has to offer.
Start: Merrion Square Park
Statues: Oscar Wilde and the Jester’s Chair
Merrion Square Park is a brilliant place to get an introduction to Dublin’s sculptures, as it’s home to a couple of notable statues as well as some public art created by sculptor Jerome Connor.
The most famous of the statues here is that of Oscar Wilde, who can be seen reclining on a large boulder. This is also one of the most colourful of Dublin’s statues and a fitting tribute to the playwright. The reason for its location on Merrion Square is that he lived in the area for around 20 years.
The Jester’s Chair is the other sculpture you shouldn’t miss here - this impressive bronze throne is, in fact, a tribute to Father Ted actor Dermot Morgan, who passed away in 1998.
St Stephen’s Green
Statues: Fates Statue, Great Famine Memorial and Theobald Wolfe Tone
To reach St Stephen’s Green from Merrion Square Park, exit the Park on Merrion Square South and turn right, following the road to Merrion Street Upper. Turn right again and follow the road until it becomes Ely Place. Turn right onto Hulme Street and, at the end of this road, right again onto the road that skirts around St Stephen’s Green.
There are actually 15 statues in St Stephen’s Green, but we’re only going to mention a few of them in detail. First up is the sculpture of Lord Ardilaun, who is responsible for the design of this park, and the man who dedicated it to the public.
The Three Fates statue, which is located in the centre of a shallow pool, was actually a gift from the German people in recognition of Ireland’s assistance with refugees after the Second World War.
Our final suggestion here is the monument to the Great Irish Famine, which is also where you’ll find the statue of Theobald Wolfe Tone. Wolfe Tone was an Irish revolutionary in the 18th century and one of the founding figures of Irish republicanism. His likeness, as well as the memorial to the Great Famine, was created by Irish sculptor Edward Delaney in the 1960s.
Grafton Street
Statues: Phil Lynott and Molly Malone
Exit St Stephen’s Green on its north-western corner and you’ll be just over the road from Grafton Street, the location of our next two statues. Walk up Grafton Street until you reach Harry Street and Bruxelles Bar - this is where you’ll find Phil Lynott.
Although not born in Dublin, Lynott did spend many of his formative years in the city and went on to become one of Ireland’s best-known musicians. He was the lead vocalist and bassist for Thin Lizzy and his statue depicts him standing proudly with his guitar at his feet.
Continue along Grafton Street and you’ll come to Molly Malone, who is shown with her cart of cockles and mussels. There is some debate as to whether Molly was a real person or a fictional character, but the reason for her fame is the song that shares her name - a tune that has become the unofficial anthem of the city.
By this point, you’ll be close to Trinity College, the grounds of which are home to a host of other statues, depicting the likes of William Lecky, Oliver Goldsmith and George Salmon. You can take a detour to see these, or continue to our next point of interest.
Ha’penny Bridge
Statue: Meeting Place
From College Green (just a short walk further along than Molly Malone) you need to take a left towards Dame Street. Before you get to Dame Street, take a left onto Crown Alley, which will lead you to the river. Cross the waterway on Ha’penny Bridge and on the other side you’ll find the statue Meeting Place.
This statue isn’t anything historical, but it is rather charming - two women sitting side by side having a natter, with bags of shopping at their feet. The sculpture was installed in 1988 and was designed to represent the ordinary women of the city.
O’Connell Street
Statues: James Joyce, Charles Stewart Parnell, Daniel O’Connell, Jim Larkin
There are a host of statues along (and just off) O’Connell Street, so it’s a great place for a stroll if you’re keen to see more of Dublin’s public artworks. To get onto O’Connell Street, it’s easiest to cross back over Ha’Penny Bridge and turn left, following the waterway until you reach the bottom of O’Connell Street, then take another left and start looking for statues!
The first one you’ll come to is the O’Connell Monument, which commemorates 19th-century Irish politician Daniel O’Connell, who campaigned for Catholic emancipation and Irish independence from Great Britain during his time. Keep walking and you’ll come to the statue of Jim Larkin, also known as Big Jim, who was an Irish trade union leader who played a role in the Dublin Lockout of 1913.
A short distance on from Jim Larkin’s likeness, you need to take a brief detour from O’Connell Street onto North Earl Street where you’ll find the sculpture of James Joyce. The world-renowned author is depicted leaning on his cane and is often surrounded by shoppers taking a break by sitting on his plinth.
At the top of O’Connell Street you’ll reach Parnell Square, which is where you’ll (unsurprisingly) find the Parnell Monument - a statue in honour of Charles Stewart Parnell, a powerful politician who led the Irish Parliamentary Party in the latter part of the 19th century and who was described by many of his peers as a truly remarkable man.
If you’re planning a trip to Dublin there is, of course, a chance that you’ll experience wet weather that makes the city’s outdoor attractions a little less appealing. However, the good news is that there are lots of wonderful indoor attractions that will keep you occupied in case you get caught in a downpour.
Natural History Museum
Where: Merrion Street Cost: Free (if you go self-guided)
There are many fantastic museums in Dublin, but the Natural History Museum is a real gem. It is also one of the oldest museums in the country, having first opened its doors in 1857. What you’ll find here is one of the most incredible collections of specimens in the world, with more than two million species on show in its display cabinets.
One of the most exciting parts of the museum, particularly if you’ve got children with you, is the Discovery Zone, where you can handle some of the taxidermy animals and seek out hidden surprises within the room’s drawers - this is a great way to get kids excited about the natural world and a fun place to spend a few hours out of the rain.
Imaginosity, Dublin Children’s Museum
Where: The Plaza, Beacon South Quarter Cost: €8 (£6.73) for adults and children over three
This is a wonderful place to come with the kids if you’re on a family break in Dublin and the heavens open - in fact, it’s an excellent attraction to visit no matter what the weather. The whole museum has been designed with children in mind and the aim is to provide little ones with a creative space that will let their imaginations run wild.
There is a wide variety of things that kids can get up to here, with all the exhibits themed around real life. For instance, children can work on a construction site, where they can build walls using foam bricks or operate a crane to install solar panels on a roof.
Alternatively, they can go shopping or even work in one of the stalls in the market - it’s a fantastic space for little ones to have fun and learn at the same time. There are also drama and art studios where they can let their creative side shine through.
Butlers Chocolate Experience
Where: Clonshaugh Business Park Cost: €12.85
For anyone with a sweet tooth, the Butlers Chocolate Experience is an absolute must-visit. This chocolate factory opens its doors to the public and offers tours to show you how its delicious treats are made. Tours take around one and a half hours and involve a visit to the chocolate museum, the chance to see a host of chocolate artefacts, a look at the factory floor and the opportunity to decorate your own chocolate novelty.
Butlers also offers regular cook with chocolate demonstrations, which show you how to whip up your own cocoa-fuelled delights at home. These are held throughout the year, so it’s worth checking if there’s one during your trip if you’re a real chocoholic. You need to book in advance for these courses.
Ski Centre
Where: 26 Rowan Avenue, Stillorgan Business Park Cost: €49
If you’ve got a bit of cash to splash during your trip to Dublin and want to do something completely different, head to the Ski Centre. This is Ireland’s only indoor ski school and taking a lesson on its slopes can be a lot of fun, especially if you’re with a group of friends or your family.
Of course, as it’s undercover you don’t need to worry what the weather outside is doing, because there will always be snow on these slopes. One of the great things about booking lessons here is that numbers of groups are limited, so you’ll get plenty of personal attention from your instructor.
What’s particularly impressive about Ski Centre, though, is its use of revolving slope technology, which means you can ski continuously for ten to 15 minutes at a time, rather than reaching the end of your run in a matter of seconds.
Old Library and Book of Kells
Where: Trinity College Library, College Street Cost: €13 for guided tour
The Old Library in Trinity College Dublin is a truly breathtaking sight, with its Long Room home to more than 200,000 tomes, many of which are centuries old. These are kept in huge oak bookcases that run the length of the room, giving you a sense of the scale of this library’s archives.
However, the main attraction here is the Book of Kells, a 9th century gospel manuscript that’s on show as part of the Turning Darkness into Light exhibition. This is one of several old manuscripts held by the library and you’ll be amazed by the stunning artwork that accompanies the text. It is believed that the Book of Kells was created by monks at a monastery on Iona and it offers a fascinating glimpse into Ireland’s religious heritage.
Dublinia
Where: St Michael’s Hill, Christchurch Cost: €8.50
Dublinia is a fantastic choice if the weather turns against you and you fancy stepping back in time. The three exhibition spaces here cover Viking Dublin, Medieval Dublin and archaeology in the area, where you can learn how artefacts are recovered and how historians use these to piece together information about the past. Because the exhibits are interactive, it’s a great place for families, as you’ll all learn something in a fun environment.
Among the highlights are seeing what life was like on a Viking warship, learning medieval games in the marketplace and testing your own skills as a history hunter with the Time Detective section.
Between October 28th and 31st, Dublin will be celebrating the life of one of the most famous authors to have lived in the city - Bram Stoker. The four day festival is aimed at examining his life and work, with a host of varied events scheduled.
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Dublin during the Bram Stoker Festival, you can catch the likes of special film screenings, take part in a vampire-themed treasure hunt and get caught up in street performances dedicated to all things spooky.
However, if you’re not going to make it to Dublin for the celebrations, there is still much you can learn about Stoker and his inspiration for the Dracula novel by taking a tour of some of the city’s sights. We’ve put together a selection of the best places to follow in the footsteps of the author himself.
15 Marino Crescent
There’s no better place to start your tour of Stoker’s Dublin than at his birthplace - 15 Marino Crescent. In this unassuming private residence, Stoker was born in 1847 and it was where he spent his childhood.
During his early years, he was frequently ill and spent much of his time bed-ridden until he started school. His parents sometimes walked him around the gardens at St Stephen’s Green to help him convalesce.
Although you can’t go inside, looking at its exterior will give you a sense of the Victorian Dublin he grew up in. If you do want to be nosy, there’s a video available online that gives a tour of the house - it was put together when the property was up for sale in 2012.
Around the corner from the residence is Bram’s Cafe - not a landmark from Stoker’s time, but a charming place to grab some refreshments before you continue on your journey around Dublin.
Trinity College
In 1864, Stoker started attending Dublin’s Trinity College, where he performed well academically and on the sports field. He studied mathematics and graduated with a degree in the subject, but it was here that his true love of literature and writing was fostered, with Stoker beginning to explore his creative side while still studying.
A visit to the Trinity College campus is a lovely way to spend an afternoon, with its grand buildings and open spaces. The university was established in 1592 and went on to grow considerably in size and stature, building a reputation for itself as one of the top universities in Europe.
While you’re visiting the campus, make sure you pop into the library to see the Book of Kells - a beautiful and ornate gospel manuscript that dates from the 9th century. It’s on show in the Old Library - itself a staggering 18th century building - and in addition to the Book of Kells you can also peruse other fascinating manuscripts in the university’s Turning Darkness into Light exhibition.
Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle will more than likely be on your list of places to visit while you’re in Dublin regardless of its connection to Bram Stoker. In fact, you may be surprised to learn that the reason why the castle is associated with the author has nothing to do with his literary prowess, but instead relates to the fact that he took a job here as a civil servant when he first graduated from university.
Stoker worked here for a decade, during which time the spectacular surroundings of the castle must have got his imagination going. It would be easy to spend an entire day exploring Dublin Castle and its grounds, which are home to the Garda and Revenue museums, as well as the Chapel Royal.
It’s possible to gain access to the State Rooms on a guided tour, although tickets for this must be purchased in advance. These apartments were initially built in 1680 and are now used for important state functions.
The Treasury Building, which was constructed in 1714, has the honour of being Dublin’s oldest office block - now it’s where you’ll find the gift shop and restaurant.
Dublin Castle will be the location of an impressive art installation that is being put up as part of the Bram Stoker Festival. Entitled Dracula’s Fire Garden, it is an interactive walk where lanterns line the path and characters from the novel spring to life before your very eyes.
Although it’s free to enter Dracula’s Fire Garden, you do need to pre-register for the event, which you can do online.
St Patrick’s Cathedral
There may be no direct tie between Stoker and St Patrick’s Cathedral, but this Gothic building looks as though it could have come out of the pages of Dracula and there’s always the chance that its design in some way inspired the author when he lived in Dublin.
During the festival, a free evening of readings and music will be hosted at the place of worship, with Laurence Foster and Michael James Ford delivering readings from Stoker’s work, while the Crux Ensemble choral group will provide dramatic and haunting music.