As a vibrant, friendly city with a fascinating history, Dublin is the perfect vacation destination for history enthusiasts. Irish history is extensive, intricate, heartbreaking, heartwarming and humorous, and Dublin really gives a sense of it all. What I also really like is that Dublin is an extremely walkable city, which makes it easy to see a number of sites, even if you’re only there for a few days. To help guide your visit, below I’ve put together a list of 10 Historical Things to do in Dublin, Ireland.
1. See the Book of Kells at Trinity College Dublin.
As someone with a degree in Celtic Studies, this is probably one of the most impressive texts I’ve ever seen in person. The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript that contains the four Gospels in Latin. It’s believed to have been written around the year 800 CE, although there is still debate as to where it was produced (generally believed it was either at monasteries at Iona, Kells or both). The Book of Kells is renowned worldwide because of its impressive artistry and decorative features that required an immense amount of skill from the monks who produced it. Along with the admission to see the Book of Kells, visitors will also be able to explore the the Old Library of Trinity College, which is often noted as one of the most picturesque libraries in the world.
Visit here to purchase tickets for the Book of Kells and the Old Library.
2. Experience the nightlife in Temple Bar.
One of the best things about Dublin is the amount of live music you’ll find throughout the city’s pubs and there’s no better place to go exploring than in Temple Bar. Temple Bar is the name of the neighbourhood south of the River Liffey in the city centre. It’s home to the well-known Temple Bar pub, which has been welcoming guests since 1840. In the neighbourhood, you’ll find a number of traditional Irish pubs, with live music blaring out from their doors most nights of the week. It’s a great place to grab a pint and tap your toes to some fabulous tunes.
3. Visit Dublin’s oldest pub, The Brazen Head (c. 1198).
Dating back to 1198, The Brazen Head is Dublin’s oldest pub (and it also claims to be the oldest in Ireland). A hostelry has been on site since the 12th century, although the current building dates back to 1754 when it was built as a coaching inn. It’s truly a historic place to have a drink because it’s been serving alcohol since before liscencing laws were even introduced! It’s a cozy place, with its small doorways and low ceilings, and also offers fantastic pub food. I recommend trying the fish and chips and catching some traditional live music while you’re there.
4. Explore Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.
Saint Patrick is probably the most well-known religious figure in Ireland and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral gives a great insight into Irish history. Built in the 13th century, it’s a beautiful (and rare) example of medieval architecture in Dublin. It was built in honour of Saint Patrick it’s believed that be baptized Christians on this very site over 1,500 years ago. As a result, it has been a site of pilgrimmage for centuries. Today, visitors are able to explore the cathedral and experience its many years of history. There is also an interesting connection to Johnathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels, as he was the Dean of the cathedral from 1713 to 1745. He is also buried inside of the cathedral and he is one of many interesting stories within its walls.
5. Enjoy a pint of Guinness.
There’s not many things more Irish than a Guinness and if you drink, it’s essential that you try one while visiting the city. Dublin is home to the Guinness Storehouse, where you can visit to learn the 250-year old story of Ireland’s famous beer. Guinness originated in Dublin in 1759 and is still one of the world’s most beloved beverages. At the Guinness Storehouse, you can go on a tour, taste the beer and even have your selfie printed off and imprinted on the head of a pint! Of course, you can also enjoy a pint of Guinness in any pub within the city. Does it taste different than elsewhere in the world? That’s up for you to decide… but I will say there’s nothing like having a drink in its hometown.
6. Visit the GPO Museum and a building that played a significant role in the Easter Rising of 1916.
The General Post Office, located on O’Connell Street, is one of the most recognizable buildings in Dublin. The GPO played an important role in the 1916 Easter Rising, an Irish republican insurrection against the British government in Ireland. The uprising is viewed by many as one of the key events that led to the eventual creation of the Irish Republic. The GPO was the headquarters of the Irish who fought against the British during the rebellion. Today, the GPO Museum is located within the building, which is an immersive experience that tells the story of the Easter Rising and its impact on Irish history.
7. Visit Dublin Castle, which was handed over to Michael Collins in 1922.
The history of Dublin Castle dates back to the 13th century when a medieval fortress was built on the site of an old Viking settlement. The current building dates back to the Georgian period, but the site has long played a role in Irish history. Dublin Castle was the seat of English and British rule from the 13th century up until 1922, when the castle was handed over to Michael Collins and the new independent Irish Free State. It has held a controversial role in Irish history, due it symbolizing Irish oppression, but has been maintained due to its significant role in the country’s past. Today, visitors can explore the State Rooms on either a guided or self-guided tour.
8. Learn about the Irish diaspora at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.
A huge part of Irish history is the stories of emigration and the impact the Irish diaspora has had worldwide. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum gives a wonderful insight into the many reasons the Irish relocated around the world and the traditions they brought with them to new countries. I found the museum did a good job of showcasing that although we tend to view Irish emigration as sad events marked by hardship, there were actually many reasons Irish individuals relocated to other countries. And while there are many stories of hardship, there are also many celebratory stories, particularly when it comes to the legacy of Irish immigrants worldwide. By taking a look at Irish literature, music, sports, politics, science and more, the museum provides an interactive look at the global Irish influence.
Visit here to book tickets to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.
9. Remember all who suffered at the Famine Memorial.
Close to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is the Famine Memorial. This harrowing depiction of starving people leaving their homes pays tribute to the victims of the Great Famine of the 19th century. The famine, sometimes referred to as the Irish Potato Famine, lasted from 1845-1849 and resulted in over one million citizens dying of starvation. It is also estimated that a further one to two million people emigrated to other countries. The political and socio-economic factors that led to the extreme devastation are still debated in Irish history. The statues were presented to the City of Dublin in 1997 as a way of remembering the tragedy and commemorating those who were lost and displaced.
10. Pay respects to a literary great at the Oscar Wilde Memorial Sculpture.
The Oscar Wilde Memorial is located in Merrion Square Park, just across the street from Wilde’s childhood home at 1 Merrion Square. Born in Dublin in 1854, Oscar Wilde would go on to be a celebrated poet and playwright, producing works such as The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890) and The Importance of Being Earnest (1895). He is also remembered for the heartbreaking circumstances under which he was imprisoned for homosexuality and his eventual exile in France. The memorial in Merrion Square Park pays tribute to Oscar’s life and work, with space for visitors to write their favourite quotes. You can also visit the Wilde family home where you can take a guided tour of the house to learn more about the lives of the family.
Bonus: Experience traditional Irish music at The Cobblestone.
This one I can’t take credit for finding (as a musician friend introduced me to the place), but if time allows I highly recommend a visit to The Cobblestone to experience some traditional Irish music. The Cobblestone describes itself as a “Drinking pub with a music problem” and is run by Tom Mulligan and his family who have been playing Irish music for at least five generations. A number of well-known Irish musicians have played here and the live music sessions every night give an experience of Irish music unlike anywhere else I experienced in the city. A pint here is a the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing and it’s great to support this important place keeping Irish musical traditions alive!