REASON #2: It’s easy to get to
Whether you’re flying or getting the boat, you’ll find yourself in Dublin in no time at all. Dublin Airport connects over 100 European destinations, including daily flights to and from 29 UK airports, and ferries run here from Holyhead and Liverpool.
Start planning your trip here.
REASON #3: Its coastline
Dublin’s a great city – but it’s so much more than that. Travel north or south of the city centre by DART rail service or by bike, and you’ll find a sparkling string of coastal towns, beaches, harbours and bracing sea views. And where there’s sea, there’s great seafood!
Download your free guide on Dublin’s coastal delights.
REASON #4: The friendly locals
Ireland in general is renowned for the friendliness of its people, and we’re proud to say that Dublin is no different. We love a chat, we’ll always do what we can to help, and we’ve even been known to be “up for the craic” every now and then!
REASON #5: Our spacious parks and gardens
On glorious summer days like these, you just want to be outside, so why not join the countless Dubliners who love to get out and enjoy “the lungs of the city”.
From the historic Phoenix Park to the central Saint Stephen’s Green, to name but two, Dublin’s full of beautiful, relaxing green spaces.
Find your nearest park here.
REASON #6: Our castles
No exploration of Dublin should be complete without at least one castle visit.
From Dublin Castle in the heart of the city, to suburban sites in Malahide, Swords,Balbriggan, Dalkey and Drimnagh, they’re all impressive examples of ancient architecture.
Find more historic sites here.
REASON #7: It’s so kid-friendly
Dublin’s a city with something for everyone – and that includes the little ones.
Our Family Insider Guide is packed full of fun and exciting things to see and do that your kids will just love, from the Viking Splash Tour to Dublin Zoo… and did we mention the chocolate factory?
REASON #8: The beautiful beaches
You may not think of Dublin as a beach destination, but a short trip outside the city centre will bring you to any number of gorgeous sandy stretches. They’re perfect for walks and views, activities like kite surfing, and – of course – icecream!
Find a Dublin beach here.
REASON #9: Our dancing culture
Dublin’s a great place to see the nimble footwork of traditional Irish Dancing in action – and even to try it yourself! Click here to see where you can watch or learn some authentic Irish Dance moves.
REASON #10: Our cultural quarter
Dublin’s Temple Bar district richly deserves its status as the city’s Cultural Quarter. As well as its many fine bars and restaurants, you’ll find plenty of cool independent fashion and design shops, colourful outdoor markets and award-winning architectural spaces.
REASON #11: The River Liffey
Running through the heart of Dublin, and culturally celebrated by everyone from Joyce to Radiohead, the River Liffey is both a water and power supply for the city, and used by commercial and recreational craft. And once a year, hundreds of hardy souls attempt the historic Liffey Swim! Each of the many bridges that spans the river has its own history and style.
REASON #12: Our glorious food
Whether you fancy Michelin-star dining, cosy cafés, tasty Irish classics, the best in world cuisine, bustling food markets, or fresh seafood straight from the coast, Dublin’s a place with something to suit all tastes. We’re hungry just writing this!
Here’s our Insider Guide to Dublin Foodie Hotspots.
REASON #13: Our fantastic festivals
It’s no secret that Dubliners love to party, so it makes perfect sense that you’ll find so many festivals on here throughout the year. St Patrick’s Day is always the big one, but the rest of our calendar is usually packed with all sorts of festival fun.
REASON #14: Our live music scene
Whatever type of music you’re into, you’re never far from a gig in Dublin. Live traditional Irish music sessions take place nightly in dozens of pubs and hotels, and there are plenty of concert venues and clubs hosting local and international bands, artists and DJs.
Get into the rhythm here with our Dublin Insider Guide to Music & Dance.
REASON #15: Lots of free things to see and do
Not only has a trip to Dublin become more affordable than ever, you can also enjoy so many things during your visit without spending a single euro. From museums and galleries to parks and festivals, they’re all fantastic – and free!
Here’s a quick selection to get you started.
REASON #16: Our Georgian heritage
From gardens to galleries, townhouses and squares, you’ll find magnificently preserved examples of the Georgian style of architecture all over Dublin. Most noticeable, of course, is our countless number of gorgeous Georgian doors!
For some great Georgian starting points, see our Insider Guide to Georgian Dublin or download the Georgian Dublin iWalk podcast.
REASON #17: Our stunning mountain views
Even in Dublin city centre, there are places where you can spot mountains in the distance, but to really get the full vista, take the DART to Howth. While walking around Howth Head, you can enjoy a breath-taking panorama that includes both the Wicklow and Mourne Mountains.
REASON #18: Our glorious golf courses
If you’re wondering whether to bring your clubs to Dublin, let us make up your mind for you! You’ll find some of Europe’s best links courses along our coastline, and the scenery alone will ensure that these good walks will never be spoiled. Have a look at these links.
REASON #19: We’ve so much history
As you’d expect from a city that’s more than 1,000 years old, there’s ancient history to discover all over Dublin. From streets and buildings to cultural objects, you’ll find remnants of our Victorian, Georgian, medieval and even Viking eras!
Start looking back here or download one of our historical Dublin iWalk podcasts.
REASON #20: Our Christmas atmosphere
Dublin’s a great city to visit at any time of year, but when there’s Christmas spirit in the air, it really comes alive. The lights, the markets, the buzz of people, the warm and cozy pubs (perfect for post-shopping recovery) – it’s always fantastically festive!
REASON #21: Temple Bar
Temple Bar is the beating heart of Dublin city centre.
No trip here should be complete without a stroll through its cobbled lanes, full of restaurants, shops and galleries. And with so many popular nightclubs and traditional Dublin pubs in the quarter, night-time’s when it really comes alive!
REASON #22: Kilmainham Gaol
If the walls of Kilmainham Gaol (jail) could talk…
This hugely popular attraction is where some of modern Irish history’s most disturbing and inspirational themes came about. Down the centuries, the Gaol “hosted” the likes of Robert Emmet, Parnell and the leaders of the 1916 Rising.
It’s ALWAYS busy – so get there early!
REASON #23: Our many traditional pubs
We’re always happy to tell you about the craic, atmosphere, culture, music and history of Dublin pubs but really, there’s no substitute for experience. And it goes without saying that you’re always very welcome to come and sample it all for yourself!
REASON #24: Dublin Zoo
Located inside the equally wonderful Phoenix Park, Dublin Zoo’s spacious 28-hectare site is home to more than 400 amazing animals from around the world. Whatever time of year you find yourself in Dublin, it’s always worth a visit!
REASON #25: The Guinness Storehouse
Year in, year out, The Guinness Storehouse is Dublin’s most visited attraction, and with many good reasons. You can learn about the history of ‘the black stuff’ and discover how it’s made, pull your own pint, enjoy The Gravity Bar’s stunning panoramic views and more.
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