Dublin Tours

Top 10 Things to Do in Dublin

1. Grafton Street

   
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   A short stroll from Trinity College will take you towards one of Dublin's most famous streets, Grafton Street.  On a Private Dublin City Tours, you will see the stunning statue of Molly Malone and the streets where U2 and other famous Irish singers, fiddlers and bands would have served their time busking on Grafton Street.  Bewleys Oriental Cafe is an institution here since 1927; it is the central meeting place stop off for a coffee. 

2. Christ Church Cathedral

   
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   Christ Church Cathedral was built on the site of Dublin's first church, which is believed to have been founded in 1028.  Tours of the Great Nave has amazing gothic arches and a 14th-century replica of the tomb of Norman conqueror (Strongbow).  There is a fragment alongside the tomb with Strongbow's Son written on it is said to be part of the original tomb.

3. St Stephens Green

   
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   After your coffee at Bewley's Oriental Café, take a stroll up Grafton Street to Fusilier's Arch and the main entrance to St. Stephen's Green. Georgian buildings surround 'the Green' although some sadly fell by the wayside during redevelopment.  The 22-acre parkland is the gem in Dublin city tours crown and an oasis of calm away from downtown city life.  Immaculate flowerbeds fringe the lawns with an ornate fountain at its centre.

4. National Gallery Ireland

   
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   The National Gallery of Ireland is home the finest unique exhibition of Irish art in the world.  There is also an outstanding collection of European art from the Middle Ages to the present day.  Opened in 1864 additions were built 1903, 1968, 2002.  Collections include the Yeats Museum, seven rooms devoted to Irish art, The Baroque Room and The Shaw Room.  The gallery, spread over four levels, regularly hosts temporary world exhibitions.

5. Trinity College

   
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   Trinity College guided private tours are probably the best spot to start off your Dublin city tour.  University alumni include the famous Oscar Wilde, Bran Stoker, Samuel Beckett and Johnathan Swift.  In the heart of the capital, the oldest university in Ireland founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, it is packed full of history and Irish culture.  Some priceless artefacts are on exhibition here including the Book of Kells and an ancient Irish Harp.

    

6. Kilmainham Gaol (Jail)

   
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   Private guided tours of the forbidding Kilmainham Gaol (jail), dating back to 1789, truly is a famously notorious site in the history of Irish culture.  It was here that the leaders of the 1916 rebels were first incarcerated and then executed for high treason.  The exhibition in the modern hall will give you a taste of what conditions must have been like and the Stonebreaker's Yard is sure to send shivers up the spine.

7. James Joyce Centre

   
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   A short walk from the GPO in Dublin centre, in a restored Georgian house, is the James Joyce Centre, founded by Irish Senator and renowned Joycean scholar, Mr David Norris.  Dedicated to all things Joycean this little museum is on many Dublin City Private Tours.  This museum is much loved by locals and tourists as it gives an insight into the famous James Joyce.  

8. National Museum of Ireland (Collins Barracks)

   
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   Originally an army barracks, private tours of the National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts and History opened and started in 1997.  The collections include ceramics, silver, furniture, jewellery, Irish haute couture fashion, and many exhibitions exploring Irish military history. There are several other permanent exhibits on the site from Asian Art, Irish antique furniture and Military uniforms and artefacts.

    

    

9. Phoenix Park

   
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   A short walk from Collins Barracks is The beautiful Phoenix Park.  The largest enclosed urban park in Europe with over 1,700 acres.  Áras an Uachtaráin, The President of Ireland's official residence call the Park home and has hosted many global political and regal dignitaries.  On your private guided tour of the Phoenix Park, you will see the many deer roaming the parkland, the visitors centre and Farmleigh House.  

    

    

10. Dublin Zoo

    
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    Dublin Zoo attracts over one million visitors annually and dates back to the 1830's.  The second oldest zoo in Europe there are many guided tours available but book in advance if possible as the Zoo is busy all year round.  Exotic and rare animals are housed here such as Asian elephants, Asian lions, a Reptile House, orangutan enclosure, tigers, sea lions, bats, hippos, and penguins. 

Travel Tips for Dublin