Dublin’s landmarks tell the story of a city shaped by history, literature, resilience, and rebellion. From the quiet courtyards of Trinity College to the stately walls of Dublin Castle, the city’s architecture reveals centuries of history which is layered, imperfect, and fascinating to explore.
When Brian and I visited Dublin this past July, we found that seeing these landmarks is more than just checking off a figurative to do list. Instead, seeing these Dublin landmarks firsthand allows you to gain an understanding of the city. Ireland’s history is complicated, often bloody, and deeply human. Walking through Dublin landmarks like Kilmainham Gaol, where leaders of the Easter Uprising were imprisoned and executed, gives weight to the streets you wander later that day. It reminds you that the Dublin you experience now—full of music, warmth, and conversation—was built on centuries of struggle and resilience. This is what makes exploring Dublin's landmarks so meaningful. You are not just a visitor ticking off attractions or spending an evening in Temple Bar; but a traveler, choosing to learn, to listen, and to connect with a city and its people.
So where should you begin? These are the Dublin landmarks that bring the city’s past to life and make you appreciate it even more. Plus, a few tips to help you make the most of your time in Dublin, Ireland! ☘️
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Dublin’s most famous landmarks are a great place to start getting to know the city. Within a short walk, you can go from the quiet paths of Trinity College to the courtyard of Dublin Castle and then to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Each of these Dublin landmarks feels connected to the next, offering a clear picture of how Dublin’s history and culture overlap.
If it is your first time in the city, these landmarks make it easy to gain an understanding of Irish history without rushing. They are central, walkable, and give you a genuine sense of what makes Dublin such a unique city.
Trinity College is one of Dublin's most recognizable landmarks, and for good reason. Founded in 1592, Trinity College is Ireland's oldest university and it still feels very much alive with students crossing the courtyards between lectures. Trinity College is located right in the heart of Dublin, across from Grafton Street and a short walk from Temple Bar and the River Liffey. The campus itself is really beautiful with large courtyards, shaded walkways, and buildings in a variety of architectural styles including: Gothic, Neoclassical, and Irish Modernist.
Trinity College has long been a center of Irish learning and culture, producing some of the country’s most influential writers and thinkers, among them Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, and Mary Robinson, Ireland’s first female president. Additionally, for fans of Netflix's House of Guinness, both Arthur Guinness and Edward Guinness studied at Trinity College!
You can explore the campus grounds of Trinity College on your own, or join one of the student-led walking tours. Walking tours are held daily. These tours are worth it for additional information into campus traditions and history as they are as entertaining as they are insightful. Guided walking tours of Trinity College, known as Trinity Trails, do fill up in advance. For additional information and to book a walking tour, please visit the Trinity College Dublin website.
The real draw, though, is the Book of Kells housed at Trinity College. The Book of Kells is an exquisitely illustrated book of the four Gospels, created around 800 AD by Celtic monks on the Scottish island of Iona before it arrived in Ireland. The Book of Kells is largely considered Ireland's greatest treasure and is a must-see on your trip to Dublin!
The Book of Kells Exhibition provides an excellent introduction, explaining how the book was made, the meaning behind its intricate illustrations, and how it came to Trinity College in the 19th century for safekeeping and conservation. The book is displayed in a temperature-controlled case, rotated regularly to protect its pages from light.
The Book of Kells Exhibition leads into the Long Room, the university’s famous library hall, lined with marble busts and floor-to-ceiling bookcases. While the library is quieter these days, as major renovation work is underway to protect its collection of over 200,000 volumes, the nearby Red Pavilion provides insight into the grandeur of the library and the conservation work being completed.
The Long Room, as well as its extensive book collection, will close to the public for conservation work beginning at the end of 2027. During this time, the Book of Kells will be moved and displayed in the newly-restored Printing House at Trinity College. For more information about the ongoing conservation and renovation work at Trinity College, please visit the Old Library Redevelopment Project website.
Before you leave, take a moment to visit the Red Pavilion, a modern addition to the Trinity College campus that stands out amongst the historic architecture. With the new digital exhibition in the Red Pavilion, you will also be treated to an immersive experience that showcases the history and artistry of the Book of Kells up-close, while also learning more about the Long Room and the books held inside of it. The Red Pavilion is one of my favorite not-so-secret hidden gems in Dublin and a thoughtful way to see how technology is being used to showcase history at Trinity College.
Admission to the Red Pavilion does require tickets for the Book of Kells Experience, which also includes admission to the Long Room at Trinity College and viewing of the original Book of Kells. For more information, and to book tickets, please visit the Trinity College Dublin website. An audio guide is included with your admission.
The Book of Kells Experience welcomes visitors daily. You can expect to spend a minimum of 90 minutes at Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. Another 45 minutes is required if you are planning on also embarking on a Trinity Trails walking tour.
Jetset Seeker Pro Tip: Book your tickets for the Book of Kells Experience, online, ahead of your visit. Some 600,000 people visit the Book of Kells at Trinity College each year and tickets can sell out in advance of your visit. By booking your tickets online via the Trinity College Dublin website, you can guarantee your entry into the Book of Kells Experience and avoid time waiting in line at the ticket office on the day of your visit.
Located just off Dame Street in central Dublin, Dublin Castle has been at the center of Irish history for more than 800 years. Constructed as a medieval fortress in the early 13th century, Dublin Castle went on to serve primarily as a residence for the British monarch’s Irish representative, the Viceroy of Ireland. Dublin Castle remained the seat of British administration in Ireland until 1922, when it was handed back to the newly formed Irish Free State. Today, it functions as both a government complex and a museum.
Much of what you can see of Dublin Castle dates to the 18th century, after a devastating fire in 1684 destroyed most of the medieval structure. Following the fire, the castle was rebuilt in the grand Georgian style, transforming it from a fortress into an elegant symbol of political power. Nowadays, Dublin Castle stands as one of the most famous Dublin landmarks and is essential to see on any visit to the city.
The State Apartments are the main draw at Dublin Castle. Each room is richly decorated and tells part of the story of British rule and Ireland’s path to independence. The Throne Room, previously used for royal receptions, still holds its original gilded chair created for King George IV in 1821.
St. Patrick’s Hall, once the site of lavish royal banquets, remains one of Ireland’s most important ceremonial spaces, with a vaulted ceiling and elaborate murals depicting scenes from Irish history. Today, St. Patrick's Hall also serves as the site of presidential inaugurations.
No visit would be complete without seeing the State Drawing Room and Portrait Gallery, both filled with portraits of viceroys and Irish leaders that trace centuries of shifting political power.
One of the most poignant stops, however, is the James Connolly Room. Beginning in 1915, Dublin Castle was transformed into a Red Cross Hospital for soldiers wounded during World War I. It was also here that James Connolly, a leader of the 1916 Easter Rising, received treatment after being wounded in the armed rebellion. The room has been preserved in his memory, and standing there offers a sobering reminder of how intertwined Dublin Castle is with the city’s struggle for independence.
Admission to the State Apartments at Dublin Castle includes access to a free audio guide, which offers historical context as you move through each of the rooms on the tour. I personally found the audio guide a bit clunky to use. The audio guide is hosted on SoundCloud and relies on your own device and data, but it was worth the effort for the detailed information it provides. You will learn small details that might otherwise be missed, like the Waterford Crystal chandeliers that were installed in the State Drawing Room during restorations in the mid-1960s.
Guided tours are also available, daily, at Dublin Castle and offer visitors the opportunity to see the Viking excavation site, the Chapel Royal, and other sites not included with the normal self-guided tour of the State Apartments at Dublin Castle. Guided tours of Dublin Castle do sell out, so I recommend booking your tour online, as soon as tickets become available.
Dublin Castle is open daily, including Sundays and Bank Holidays. Tickets for Dublin Castle, including both self-guided and guided tours, can be booked up to 15 days in advance of your visit online via the Dublin Castle website.
Please keep in mind that Dublin Castle is still a working government building, so access to rooms may be limited without advance notice.
If you are visiting Dublin on a budget, you can still enjoy parts of Dublin Castle for free! Entry to the main courtyard is completely free, and it is worth walking through to see how the castle’s original fortress layout still shapes the grounds today. The contrast between the Georgian buildings and the older defensive structures gives you a clear sense of how the historic site has evolved over the centuries.
Just behind Dublin Castle, you will find the Dubh Linn Garden, a quiet green space named after the “black pool” that once gave Dublin its name. The garden offers a scenic view of the castle itself and is a perfect spot to take a break after visiting nearby Dublin landmarks. Dubh Linn Garden is also one of my favorite not-so-secret hidden gems in Dublin - calm, photogenic, and often overlooked by visitors rushing to see the more famous Dublin landmarks nearby.
Few Dublin landmarks capture the city's layered history as clearly as St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Built between 1191 and 1270, it stands on a site where St. Patrick is said to have baptized converts to Christianity more than 1,500 years ago. For centuries, St. Patrick's Cathedral served as a Catholic place of worship in Dublin, until the English Reformation in the 16th century, when it was converted into a Protestant (Anglican) cathedral under the Church of Ireland. That shift marked one of the defining religious and political divides in Irish history.
Today, St. Patrick's Cathedral is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland, a Protestant denomination, even though the vast majority of Dublin’s population is Catholic. That tension between faiths has defined much of Ireland’s history, and visiting the cathedral - one of the most well-known Dublin landmarks - offers a quiet, tangible reminder of how religion shaped the country’s identity.
Arguably, one of the most interesting chapters of St. Patrick's Cathedral came in the 1860s, when the Guinness family (yes, that Guinness family) funded a massive restoration project to save the cathedral from near ruin. Their philanthropy preserved the structure we see today and tied one of Ireland’s most famous brewing families to the country’s religious and cultural heritage.
Architecturally, St. Patrick’s is a masterpiece of Gothic design: soaring stone arches, intricate stained glass, and detailed memorials that trace centuries of Irish life. Among them is the grave of Jonathan Swift, the author of Gulliver’s Travels, who served as dean of the cathedral in the 18th century and used his pulpit to speak out against social inequality.
As you visit the cathedral, look for the beautifully carved wood choir stalls, Knights of St. Patrick banners (which hang over the choir), the Lady Chapel, and the many monuments and memorials that tell the story of Ireland’s soldiers, writers, and clergy. The Lady Chapel, dating back to 1270, remains one of the clearest reminders of the cathedral’s Catholic roots.
Unlike many Protestant churches across Europe that were stripped of their opulent ornamentation after the Reformation, St. Patrick’s Cathedral largely retains its Catholic character. The stained glass and richly detailed choir stalls give the space a sense of warmth and continuity. It is almost as if its Catholic origins were never entirely erased.
Even if you are not religious, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is worth a visit for its atmosphere alone. The combination of faith, history, and craftsmanship makes it one of the most important Dublin landmarks and one that helps you understand the city far beyond its architecture.
St. Patrick's Cathedral is open daily for visits, although I recommend visiting Monday through Saturday since the cathedral hosts a number of services on Sundays that interrupt the opening hours. Tickets for St. Patrick's Cathedral can be purchased online via the St. Patrick's Cathedral Dublin website, in advance of your visit, or on-site. Audio guides are included with your admission.
Additionally, free guided tours are available Monday through Saturday at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM at St. Patrick's Cathedral Dublin.
Please keep in mind that St. Patrick's Cathedral is a house of worship and you should dress accordingly. While St. Patrick's Cathedral does not enforce a formal dress code, visitors should avoid wearing revealing attire, hats, or any symbols that could be considered disrespectful in a place of worship.
You can also visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral for daily worship services, which are open to the public and free to attend. Tickets are not required, and attending a service offers a quieter, more personal way to experience the building’s history and atmosphere. For the most up-to-date service times, check the cathedral’s official website before your visit.
Some landmarks in Dublin do not just show you the city’s past, they make you feel it. These places tell the story of Ireland’s struggle, resilience, and identity in a way that is hard to grasp from books or museums alone. Visiting them gives you a deeper understanding of how Dublin became the city it is today, shaped by revolution, faith, and the people who refused to give up their voice. While these Dublin landmarks may not be the most fun to visit, they are an integral part of Dublin's story.
If there is one place in Dublin that brings Ireland’s more recent history into sharp focus, it is Kilmainham Gaol. Opened in 1796, this former prison witnessed some of the country’s most defining, and tragic, moments. Its damp stone corridors once held political prisoners, revolutionaries, and ordinary people swept up in Ireland’s long fight for independence.
Walking through the rows of cells, you begin to understand just how intertwined this building is with the story of the Irish nation. Leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising, including Patrick Pearse, Thomas Clarke, and James Connolly, were imprisoned and executed here by the British. Standing in the Stonebreakers’ Yard, where 14 of the leaders from the 1916 Easter Rising met their fate, is one of the most sobering and powerful experiences you can have in Dublin.
Yet, Kilmainham Gaol tells more than one story. Before its closure in 1924, Kilmainham Gaol also held prisoners during the Great Famine (1845-1852), women and children convicted of minor crimes (i.e., stealing food), and countless others who exemplified the social realities (and inequality) of Dublin over the two centuries that the prison operated.
Today, Kilmainham Gaol is a museum that honors both the people who suffered here and those who have worked to preserve their memory. There is also a small museum on-site that showcases artifacts from the prison, dives further into the 1916 Easter Uprising, and the eventual creation of the Irish Republic.
Architecturally, the prison is stark but striking. The East Wing, with its iron staircases and central light well, is a hauntingly beautiful example of 19th-century prison design. However, it is far more familiar now from film scenes than from real life. Kilmainham Gaol been used as a set for movies like The Italian Job and Paddington 2.
Visits are by guided tour only, and tickets sell out weeks in advance, especially for weekend tours. Tours last about an hour and include access to the cells, chapel, exercise yards, and Stonebreakers’ Yard with a knowledgeable guide who brings each space to life through stories and context that linger long after you leave.
Tickets for Kilmainham Gaol tours go on sale 28 days in advance. To guarantee admission, I recommend booking your tour as soon as tickets become available for your intended date. However, keep in mind that extra tickets may be released at 9:15 AM for same-day tours on the Kilmainham Gaol website.
Few Dublin landmarks are as instantly recognizable, or as charming, as the Ha’penny Bridge. Opened in 1816, it was the first pedestrian bridge to cross the River Liffey and remains one of the city’s most photographed spots. Officially called the Liffey Bridge, it earned its nickname from the original half-penny toll that pedestrians once paid to cross.
Made of cast iron, the bridge was a marvel of its time - a graceful white arc that connected the north and south sides of the city long before Dublin was easy to navigate. Today, it is hard to imagine Dublin without it. Locals and visitors alike still stop halfway across to take photos or just watch the city move around them.
Beyond its charm as a symbol of the city, the Ha’penny Bridge represents something deeper about Dublin’s character: the connection between old and new. Its restoration in 2001 returned it to its original elegance, with new lighting that makes it glow softly at night.
Unlike the other Dublin landmarks listed in this blog post, the Ha'penny Bridge is completely free to visit, at quite literally any time of the day. Located between Bachelor’s Walk and Ormond Quay on the north side of the River Liffey to Merchant’s Arch and the edge of Temple Bar on the south side. The Ha'penny Bridge is located just west of the O’Connell Bridge and less than a 10-minute walk from both Trinity College and Grafton Street.
Located on O'Connell Street, on the north side of the River Liffey, is the General Post Office (GPO). You may be thinking to yourself why is a post office listed among the top Dublin landmarks and it is a valid thought. However, the GPO is more than just any post office. It is one of the most important symbols of Ireland's fight for independence.
Built in 1818, the GPO has a neoclassical façade, with grand Ionic columns and a triangular pediment. It looks every bit the part of an imperial-era building. However, in 1916, during the Easter Rising, it became something far more significant: the headquarters of the Irish rebels who declared independence from British rule.
For six days, the building was at the center of the uprising. It was here that Patrick Pearse read the Proclamation of the Irish Republic (a copy of which you can see at Trinity College) in a moment that forever changed the course of Irish history. The GPO was heavily shelled during the armed rebellion. If you look closely, you can still see bullet holes in the columns of the façade today from the 1916 Easter Rising. (The nearby O'Connell Monument also has visible scars from the rebellion.)
Today, the GPO still functions as Dublin's main post office. However, it also houses the GPO Museum. The museum is a testament to the events that lead to Irish independence, including the 1916 Easter Rising, the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921), the Anglo-Irish Treaty (1921), and the Irish Civil War (1922-1923). The GPO Museum also covers the events of the Troubles (1968-1998). The GPO Museum offers interactive exhibitions that bring these historical events to life with multimedia displays, artifacts, and personal accounts.
Even if you do not have time to visit the GPO Museum, it is worth walking past the GPO to see a building so integral to modern Irish history. Few buildings capture Ireland’s blend of past and present quite like this one, where locals (and visitors alike) can still buy stamps beneath the same roof where a republic was born.
If you are interested in visiting the GPO Museum, discounted tickets are available online, via the GPO Museum website. The GPO Museum is closed on Sundays, public holidays, and Christmas Eve (December 24). Admission to the GPO Museum includes a free audio guide. You should plan to spend around 90 minutes at the GPO Museum.
Along the north bank of the River Liffey, just east of the O'Connell Bridge, is one of Dublin's most striking neoclassical buildings: The Custom House. Completed in 1791, the building was designed by architect James Gandon, whose work helped create the cohesive look of Georgian Dublin. At the time, the building symbolized the reach of British rule in Ireland.
The Custom House served as the center for customs and tax collection, managing goods that flowed through Dublin's port. Its symmetrical design, grand façade, and central copper dome were meant to impress merchants arriving from abroad.
In 1921, during the Irish War of Independence, the building's symbolism made it a target. Members of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) set fire to The Custom House in an attempt to disrupt British administration, destroying much of the interior. The Custom House was later restored.
With a copper dome that is visible from large swaths of Dublin, especially along the River Liffey, it is easy to see why The Custom House remains one of the most enduring Dublin landmarks as a place that bridges Ireland’s colonial past and independent present.
Today, the building houses the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage and the Custom House Visitor Centre, which opened to the public in 2021. The Custom House Visitor Centre is home to exhibits that combine archival records, personal stories, and digital displays that explore the building’s architecture and its political importance.
The Custom House Visitor Centre can be visited on a guided tour or on a self-guided visit with an audio guide. Tickets can be booked online, in advance of your visit, via The Custom House website. The Custom House Visitor Centre is open daily. Admission is free on the first Wednesday of every month on a first-come, first-serve basis (no advance online booking required).
The most famous Dublin landmarks are not limited to cathedrals, castles, or buildings related to the fight for Irish independence. The city's streets, squares, and parks are filled with monuments that honor the people of Dublin. From statues of beloved folk figures to poignant memorials and tributes to Ireland’s literary giants, these landmarks add another layer to understanding Dublin’s history and culture. A handful of my favorite Dublin monuments listed here can be easily seen as you sightsee across the city.
You will find the Molly Malone Statue near St. Andrew’s Church, just off Grafton Street. It depicts the heroine of Dublin’s unofficial anthem, “Molly Malone,” a fishmonger who “wheeled her wheelbarrow through streets broad and narrow.” The statue has become one of Dublin’s most photographed spots and Dubliners affectionately call her “The Tart with the Cart.” Though Molly’s story blends folklore and song, the statue captures the warmth and humor that define Dublin’s personality.
Located along the banks of the River Liffey on Custom House Quay, the Famine Memorial offers a more somber reminder of Dublin's past. Installed in 1997, the haunting bronze figures commemorate the millions who suffered and emigrated during the Great Famine (1845–1852). The sculptures - gaunt, barefoot, and carrying few belongings - are deeply moving, especially when viewed against the modern skyline of Dublin’s Docklands neighborhood. It is a quiet, powerful place to pause and reflect on Ireland’s history of hardship and endurance.
In Merrion Square Park, just a short walk from his alma mater, Trinity College, you will find the Oscar Wilde Monument. The monument is a playful and fitting tribute to one of Dublin’s most famous literary figures. The colorful statue shows Oscar Wilde reclining on a rock, dressed in green and pink, with his trademark smirk hinting at his wit and irreverence. Around him, two stone pillars display quotes and reflections from his life and works. It is a beautifully designed tribute that captures both Wilde’s brilliance and the spirit of Dublin’s literary legacy.
Located on O'Connell Street, not far from the GPO, stands The Spire of Dublin, officially known as the Monument of Light. Installed in 2003, this 398-foot (120-meter) stainless steel needle rises high above the city center. Sleek and minimalist, it represents a modern, forward-looking Dublin. The monument itself is divisive among locals, but it is hard to deny that it has become a defining feature of the city’s skyline.
To make it easier to explore the Dublin landmarks listed in this blog post, I have created a custom Google Map that includes every spot mentioned here, from Trinity College and Dublin Castle to the Famine Memorial and the Oscar Wilde Monument. You can use it to plan your walking route, estimate travel times, and even save it to your own Google account for easy access during your trip.
As you can see, most of Dublin’s major landmarks are located within a relatively compact area within the city center. If you follow a loosely circular route, you can start at Trinity College, then continue to Dublin Castle, passing the Molly Malone statue on your way, and then St. Patrick’s Cathedral. From St. Patrick's Cathedral, you can cross the Ha’penny Bridge, head toward O’Connell Street to see the GPO and The Spire. From O'Connell Street, it is an easy walk east along the River Liffey to The Custom House and Famine Memorial, before heading back over the River Liffey and finishing in Merrion Square Park at the Oscar Wilde Monument.
The only Dublin landmark really located outside of the tourist center is Kilmainham Gaol. Kilmainham Gaol is best reached by bus (serviced by buses 13, 60, C3, C4, G1, G2, and P29), otherwise it is about a 15-minute drive or taxi ride west of the city center.
Dublin is one of those cities that rewards both planning and spontaneity. Most of the major Dublin landmarks are close together, which means you can see a lot in a short amount of time. Simultaneously, Dublin is a city that invites you to slow down, wander, and let its history unfold around you.
While I recommend spending at least three days in Dublin, especially for first-time visitors, if you are short on time, you can comfortably see four or five major Dublin landmarks in one day, especially if you focus on those located in the city center like Trinity College, Dublin Castle, and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Here is a general idea of how long you should plan to spend at each of these Dublin landmarks:
If you move at a relaxed pace, you can cover most of these over two days, with time for breaks, coffee stops, and a few detours. Many of Dublin’s best experiences happen between these iconic landmarks in the quiet side streets, traditional pubs, and small museums you stumble upon along the way.
If you would rather not piece together an itinerary on your own, or figure out public transportation, the Dublin City Pass by MegaPass is a great option. It includes an audio guide walking tour of the city and a 24-hour hop-on hop-off City Sightseeing bus, which stops at many of the Dublin landmarks featured in this blog. The pass also includes admission to several of the top things to do in Dublin, including the Jameson Distillery Bow Street (with tastings included), making it a time-saving and cost-effective way to explore the city.
Summer is my favorite time to visit Dublin since the daylight hours are long and the weather is perfect - not too hot and not too cold. However, summer is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit Dublin. If you are visiting Dublin on a budget, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons. Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September and October) offer a great balance of mild weather and manageable crowds.
Dublin's weather is famously unpredictable, so think layers and light sweaters, even in the middle of summer. You will also need a waterproof jacket, a small umbrella, and (comfortable) waterproof shoes no matter the time of year. October is technically the rainiest month in Dublin, but showers can pop up anytime. Meanwhile, July is supposedly the driest month in Dublin, but I still experienced a number of rain showers on my trip this past summer.
Most Dublin landmarks in this guide are within a 15–20 minute walk of one another, but for longer trips, like to Kilmainham Gaol, use the Dublin Bus or hop aboard the City Sightseeing bus included with your Dublin City Pass for easy access. If you plan to explore beyond the city center or are staying outside of the main tourist area, consider getting a Leap Visitor Card for unlimited public transport over one, three, or seven days.
When choosing where to stay in Dublin, location makes all the difference. (Take it from me, I spent my first time in Dublin staying a long walk from the tourist core and it really put a damper on my time in the city.) Most of the city’s major landmarks are concentrated along or just south of the River Liffey, so finding a base nearby means you can explore much of the city on foot. Here are a couple of neighborhoods and hotels to consider, depending on your travel style:
If you want to be right in the middle of everything, Temple Bar offers unbeatable convenience. You will be steps away from Ha’penny Bridge, Trinity College, and Dublin Castle, plus plenty of cafés, pubs, and live music. The area can get noisy in the evenings, but its energy and walkability make it ideal for first-time visitors. A couple of hotels that I recommend in Temple Bar are listed below.
Just south of Temple Bar, this area offers a calmer atmosphere while still being close to major Dublin landmarks. Hotels around St. Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street put you within walking distance of Trinity College, the Oscar Wilde Monument, and plenty of shopping and dining options. Some other hotels that I recommend in this neighborhood include:
Exploring Dublin landmarks is more than just a checklist of sights. Each place, from Trinity College to Kilmainham Gaol, tells a part of Ireland's story: one of creativity, resilience, and transformation. You feel it in the quiet halls of the Long Room, in the solemn courtyards of Dublin Castle, and even in the laughter and music that echo through Temple Bar.
If you are planning your first trip to Dublin, take your time. Learn a little, listen a lot, and let the city unfold at its own pace. Dublin rewards curiosity, and the more you look, the more you will find!
For more ideas on planning your trip, explore our Dublin Travel Guide or browse my favorite Not-So-Secret Hidden Gems in Dublin for even more places to explore beyond the main sights. Combining your trip to Dublin with nearby London? We have a guide for that, too! Our recently published London Travel Blog dives into all of the best things to do in London, where to stay, and our favorite places to grab a bite. Happy travels!