In a few days’ time, I’ll be off to Ireland on a whirlwind media trip, starting my journey in Dublin. As the most visited city in Ireland, Dublin is packed with intriguing sights and most of all, atmospheric pubs. I’ll be spending most of my time in its old city center, where most hotels and attractions are located.
Seeing how social media is influencing the way I travel, I decided to get some tips and advice from fellow-travelers on Twitter. These top attractions have been suggested by travelers who have been to or lived in Dublin.
1. Guinness Storehouse
Voted unanimously as the number one must-see in Dublin by many tweeps, the Guinness Storehouse has a range of exhibits on the brewing process. @whereishawkins suggests going early, while @jessicacolley recommends booking tickets online to skip the line. The 15euros admission ticket even includes a free pint of Guinness at the gorgeous 7th-floor Gravity Bar.
Flickr photo by mrago
2. Dublinia: Viking Museum
@foxnomad has some interesting suggestions, one of which includes the Dublinia. For an insight into Dublin’s Viking heritage, the museum provides some interesting historical information. The most interesting part is the archaeological artifacts and interactive exhibit on the top level.
Photo by Shadowgate
3. Traditional Irish Pubs
No visit to Dublin is complete without a visit to the traditional Irish pubs. When I used to live in London, these pubs were my favorite haunts, so I’d be sure to make a visit to the birthplace of Irish pubs!
Photo by dusi_bbg
@jessicacolley suggests O’Donoghues for traditional Irish music, while @wandermom also suggested her favorite Dublin bar: The Palace (on Fleet Street) and Brazen Head, albeit being over-touristy. @SadieGeoghegan says, for the perfect hangover cure, head to La Med in Temple Bar for a slap-up Irish breakfast or crepes, all at very reasonable prices.
4. Dublin Writers Museum
As a writer, how could I miss the well-known Dublin Writers Museum. @HowieKoss finds the museum extremely interesting and informative. Housed in a townhouse, the museum highlights Ireland’s rich literary tradition.
5. Trinity College
@SadieGeoghegan recommends a visit to Trinity College. As the oldest university in Ireland, the college is reputed for its invaluable treasures and timeless collection. The Book of Kells at Trinity College is a must-see. The museum showcases the 9th-century illuminated manuscript along with an Irish harp and several other important artifacts.
Photo by dusi_bbg
6. Jameson Factory Tour
@20sTravel picks the Jameson Factory Tour as a must-see. A guided visit to the original John Jameson distillery (no longer functioning) will bring visitors back to its history. Visitors can follow the fascinating craft of making whiskey and various stages from malting to bottling. The tour culiminates in the Jameson bar for some whiskey tasting.
7. Kilmainham Gaol
In @a_hostelsdublin’s suggested 1-day itinerary, Kilmainham Gaol was one of the must-sees in town. As one of the largest unoccupied gaols in Europe, this one gives visitors a dramatic and realistic insight into the political and penal history of the prison. Access to Kilmainham Gaol is only allowed on a guided tour.
Photo by John_Brennan
8. Picnic at St Stephens Green
@jessicacolley, a lover of the outdoors, highly recommends picking up fresh sandwiches and salads at Fallon & Byrne before having a picnic at St. Stephens Green. St Stephens is the lungs of the city, anchored at one of the most important junctions in Dublin city center.
Photo from Wikipedia
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Special thanks to Jessica Colley, an ex-Dubliner who writes the Great American Travel Dream; as well as Howard Koss, a geologist who documents his research on Ice Stories: both for taking the effort to providing me plenty of Dublin travel tips.
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You're very welcome Nellie! Enjoy your trip and thank you for the generous shout out!
I forgot to add: If you go on the Jameson factory tour, stand near the front and be quick to respond when the guide asks for volunteers. Then you can be a whiskey taster at the end.
ha! Good to know! Will keep that in mind, thanks Stephanie.
Very cool! I've been dying to go to Ireland. I have some friends who went there recently and raved about the Guinness brewery tour. The viking museum sounds awesome. Enjoy!
Cheers Emily, I’ll definitely let you know how my trip goes.
Great way to utilize twitter! I’ve never been to Dublin, but I do enjoy a pint of Guinness occasionally!
Don't forget about Yelp.ie a brilliant resource for finding your way around
You have shared here nice and interesting information about Dublin and its fabulous attractions. I really enjoyed your post. Your precious information will be helpful for me because I am planning to visit Dublin on next holidays. Thank you so much for great and worthy sharing.
Have you ever thought about creating an ebook or guest authoring on other sites?
I have a blog based on the same ideas you discuss and
would really like to have you share some stories/information.
I know my visitors would enjoy your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e mail.
It is! I followed these tips I got on Twitter and had a ball of a time