# Dublin's Top Must-See Landmarks in Ireland > Dublin offers unique attractions, from historic libraries to breweries. Discover what to see first in Ireland's capital and how to fit it all in. - URL: https://langandtrip.com.ua/en/article/dublin-proponuie-unikalni-pamiatky-vid-istorychnykh-bibliotek-do-pyvovaren-rozkryvaiuchy-svoiu-bahatu-kulturnu-spadshchynu/ - Language: en - Published: 2024-06-13 - Categories: Culture, Historic Sites, Museums, Tours, Ireland, Food & Drinks --- When you travel to Dublin, it becomes clear fairly quickly that this isn't the capital of a former, far-reaching empire like London, Madrid or Rome. While there are no towering buildings or ancient monuments to past imperial grandeur, Dublin overflows with friendly, approachable charm on a more human scale. It really is one of the great destinations in Europe, if not the world. Dublin is one of Europe's smallest capital cities, with a population of just over half a million people, yet it packs in a disproportionate number of places to visit. Here's a worthy roundup of wonderful sights waiting for you when you arrive in Dublin: ## National Gallery of Ireland Ireland is a country famous for its literary contributions, but don't overlook its contributions to the world of art, many of which are housed here at the National Gallery. It holds a number of works by Rembrandt, Goya and Monet. The gallery's collection numbers 15,000 Irish and European works dating from the 13th to the mid-20th century, and includes paintings, prints and national portraits. Especially treasured is the Yeats collection, which includes works and other materials connected to the Irish artist Jack B. Yeats, brother of the poet and playwright W.B. Yeats. National Gallery of Ireland, Merrion Square West, Dublin 2, Ireland; +353 1 661 5133 ## Old Jameson Distillery The story of the Old Jameson Distillery goes back to 1780, and it truly is a must-visit spot in Dublin. Rather than a self-guided walk, the tour opens with a short, informative film and is led by guides who really know their craft. The tour covers the basics of whiskey distilling, but it also gives you a sense of what sets Jameson apart, and it wraps up with a complimentary tasting. Tip: Stand near the front of the group and act fast when the guide asks for volunteers, because an extended tasting awaits you at the end. Old Jameson Distillery, Bow Street, Smithfield Village, Dublin 7, Ireland; +353 1 807 2355 ## Ha'penny Bridge This modest cast-iron bridge over the River Liffey has become a symbol of Dublin thanks to its elegant design and picturesque lamps. The Ha'penny Bridge got its name from the half-penny toll originally charged to cross it. Before it became a tourist attraction, the Ha'penny Bridge was a welcome addition for working people. When it was built in 1816, the Ha'penny Bridge became the first iron bridge across the Liffey. Before it was built, most pedestrians had to cross the river by ferry. Ha'penny Bridge, Bachelors Walk, Wellington Quay, Dublin 1, Ireland ## Dublin Castle ![](/storage/image/prev/july-article-image-65-1-2024.jpg) You're in Europe. It's hard to resist a good castle. And you have one right in the heart of Dublin. Like all good castles, it comes with a rich history, from its beginnings in the 1200s on the site of a Viking settlement to 1922, when it was handed over to the new Irish government after independence from the United Kingdom. A fire in 1684 damaged much of the medieval castle, and during the rebuild parts of it took on the look of a Georgian palace, which today creates an intriguing blend of styles. It's open seven days a week for tours, but be sure to check the website in case it's closed for government business. Dublin Castle, Dublin Castle, Dame Street, Dublin 2, Ireland; +353 1 645 8813 ## St. Stephen's Green While you'll have the chance to see so many beautiful shades of green all across Ireland, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the greenery of this park in the very heart of Dublin. A cherished part of the city for centuries, the park features important sculptures of great figures from Irish history, along with beautifully preserved Victorian gardens at its center. Plane trees and other trees line the perimeter, helping to muffle the city noise, and it's a refuge for birds and people alike. Look out for robins, wrens, magpies and even birds of prey. It's open all year round, even on Christmas. And it's a very easy stroll from the National Gallery. St. Stephen's Green, main entrance through the Fusiliers' Arch, at the top of Grafton Street. ## St. Patrick's Cathedral St. Patrick's Cathedral is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland. You can come here as an observant tourist or attend a service. It's believed that St. Patrick himself baptized people on the site of the church around the year 445. Construction of the present cathedral began in the 1200s, and in the 1800s it underwent a major restoration. The building has weathered windstorms, fire and turbulent times. You can admire the Gothic craftsmanship and visit the grave of Jonathan Swift, author of "Gulliver's Travels." As with many places like this, you can arrive early in the morning and soak up the atmosphere in relative calm before the crowds arrive. St. Patrick's Cathedral, St. Patrick's Close, Wood Quay, Dublin 8, DZ08 H6X3, Ireland; + 353 1 453 9472 ## The Jeanie Johnston Ship One of the most devastating periods in Irish history was the Great Famine of the 1840s. A potato blight caused mass starvation and economic ruin. Ireland's population fell from 8.4 million in 1844 to 6.6 million by 1851. Even today, the country has never returned to its pre-blight numbers. Many Irish people fled to the New World. The Jeanie Johnston was one of the ships that crossed the Atlantic to carry people to a new life. It made its first voyage on April 24, 1848, from Ireland to Quebec, Canada, with 193 passengers aboard. Over the following seven years it made another 15 crossings, without a single loss of life. Today, visitors can board the restored ship and see the harsh conditions in which these emigrants sailed. The tour lasts a little under an hour. The Jeanie Johnston, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1; +353 1 473 0111 ## Trinity College Library ![](/storage/image/prev/july-article-image-65-2-2024.jpg) A must-see stop for any first-timer in Dublin, Trinity College is the Irish equivalent of the Ivy League. Its Old Library is genuinely breathtaking: stacks upon stacks of leaning, antique wooden bookshelves that seem to stretch upward for miles. The entry ticket includes a visit to the Book of Kells, a richly decorated manuscript of the Gospels that Celtic monks illuminated by hand in the ninth century. Trinity College Library, College Street, Dublin 2, Ireland; +1 353 896 1127 ## Natural History Museum This museum opened in 1857 and has been enlightening visitors about the natural world ever since. On the ground floor, the Irish Room is devoted to the mammals, birds, fish and insects that live on the island. And in the other exhibits you'll find taxidermied specimens of not-quite-local creatures: an elephant, a polar bear and lions, among others. The museum has a reading room if you want to learn more. To avoid the weekend crowds, the museum recommends coming Tuesday through Friday. It's closed on Mondays. Natural History Museum, Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2, Ireland; +353 1 677 7444 ## Dublin Writers Museum Ireland's contribution to world literature is celebrated in this modest yet inviting museum. The Dublin Writers Museum spans three centuries of Irish literature, with exhibits showcasing the lives, works, materials and personal belongings of some of the country's literary icons, from W.B. Yeats to Frank McCourt. Dublin Writers Museum, 18-19 Parnell Square North, Dublin 1, Ireland; +353 1 872 2077 ## Guinness Brewery You know the name. You've probably enjoyed the drink once or twice. Now it's time to see how the Guinness magic happens. Across seven floors, you'll learn about the rich history of Guinness and of brewing in Ireland, and on the top floor you'll get to try the dark stout that has come to delight not just Ireland but the whole world. Fun fact: did you know that Nigeria is actually the largest market for Guinness? There are restaurants on site too, so you won't be tasting on an empty stomach. Guinness Brewery, St. James's Gate, Ushers, Dublin 8, Ireland: +353 1 408 4800 ## Grafton Street Here you'll find shopping and plenty of people-watching. Dublin's main shopping street runs right through the city center, south of the River Liffey. Pedestrianized during business hours, Grafton Street owes much of its lovely atmosphere to the red brick it's paved with. Stretching for several "blocks" (if Dublin had such things), Grafton Street is the Irish equivalent of a British high street, with a wealth of international and local shops and the famous Irish department store Brown Thomas, in case you fancy some Chanel or Gucci. At the southern end, the Stephen's Green Shopping Centre is a beautiful Victorian wrought-iron shopping arcade home to even more well-known brands. Keep in mind that it can get incredibly crowded with shoppers, especially on a Saturday. Directions: Start at the Fusiliers' Arch by St. Stephen's Green and head up ## Drury Street For food, drinks, shopping and strolling, skip the touristy Temple Bar district and focus on the area around Drury Street, a few streets west of Grafton Street. You can browse the quirky shops and stalls in the George's Street Arcade, pick up stylish souvenirs at the Irish Design Shop and Industry and Co, then stop for refreshment at Kaph or Blazing Salads. Well-respected watering holes like The Hairy Lemon, Grogans, The Long Hall and the Library Bar in the Central Hotel are all within easy reach, along with younger spots like Fade Street Social. Directions: Start at the junction with Wicklow Street and head up ## The Gutter Bookshop As so many small independent bookshops have vanished across Dublin, The Gutter has remained a steady little beacon of bookish goodness in the Temple Bar area. While it's certainly tidier, neater and cuter than you'd expect from a bohemian bookshop, The Gutter is stocked with a heartfelt selection of books (including, naturally, a wonderful section of Irish authors) as well as staff who have actually read them. The Gutter also offers a regular program of events, including reading groups, book launches and the odd cultural happening. The Gutter Bookshop, Cow's Lane, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland; +353 1 679 9206