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Dublin is known as the “Town of the Hurdled Ford” and is Ireland’s capital and largest city.  The nightlife of the city and numerous tourist attractions equate to the city’s allure and vibrancy.  It is also the most popular point of entry for international travelers visiting Ireland.  Dublin is the country’s economic hub and the downtown area can get congested on the streets and very crowded on the walkways.  The following list is our top 5 tips when visiting Dublin.

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Trinity College Library – this may seem like an odd recommendation for your Dublin vacation itinerary, but once you lay your eyes on the Book of Kells, the gospels written around 800 AD.  The library houses some 200,000 books.  Additionally, the campus of the university features a stunning array of 18^th century architecture.

Georgian Dublin – brightly colored doorways decorated with pillars, handsome and long red brick terraces and fanlights are the key features of this city section.  You can wander in and around Fitzwilliam and Merrion Squares while venturing into buildings with rooms reminiscent of the late 1700s.  If you’re looking for a great place to have a spot of tea in the afternoon, visit the exquisite drawing room inside the Merrion Hotel.

Guinness Storehouse – nothing says Ireland like Guinness, the preferred draught of pubs throughout the country.  This large scale exhibition covers just about anything you can possibly imagine regarding Guinness and was originally a brewery.  Without a doubt, you’re bound to enjoy the advertising exhibit that focuses on the most memorable Guinness marketing campaigns of the past.  Just be prepared for an admission fee that is a bit steep as well as being a very popular venue that can get quite crowded at times.

National Museum of Ireland (Archaeology and History) – the Bronze Age artifacts are the highlight of this attraction as many locals and past visitors will quickly tell you.  However, you’ll be stunned by the gold jewelry and other accessories from past historical eras on display.  The structure in itself is nothing short of memorable due to its Victorian architectural style and its spectacular domed rotunda.

National Gallery of Ireland – a well-displayed, wide-ranging collection of some of the best art from the European Middle Ages through the 20^th century is the key feature here.  This is an educational experience you don’t want to miss and even the children will enjoy this, as long as you keep moving through the building.  Renowned works of art by geniuses such as Caravaggio and Picasso are also part of the attraction here.  However, the big draw here, especially with the locals, is the Irish art featuring a roomful of different scenes that were created by the famous artist, Jack B Yeats.

Hotels in Dublin

Hotel Isaacs Dublin
Average Price: €52
Average Rating: 7.9

Maldron Hotel Smithfield
Average Price: €57
Average Rating: 8.5

D4 Hotels Ballsbridge Inn
Average Price: €54
Average Rating: 7.8