Whether it's for a festive St. Patrick's Day weekend (March 17) or the rest of the year, friendly Dublin will welcome you with open arms... and not just in the pubs. This is a city on a human scale, where it's great to stroll along the streets. Take your time immersing in Irish culture - 3 days minimum - to discover Dublin's cultural and human riches. An endearing city, from every point of view.
Discover the wonders of Georgian architecture
Stroll through the city, particularly along the south bank of the Liffey, to discover the treasures of classical Georgian architecture: superb civil buildings and private residences from the 18th and 19th centuries, the legacy of the British era.
Not to be missed, of course, is Merrion Square, with its typical Georgian buildings surrounding a beautiful English garden. Nearby is another fine Georgian-style square, Saint Stephen's Green, as well as the Trinity College district: here you'll find administrative buildings (such as the Bank of Ireland) of fine classical architecture.
Admire the famous Book of Kells at Trinity College
A jewel of classical architecture, Trinity College, founded in 1592 by Elizabeth I, has seen the likes of Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde, John Millington Synge, Bram Stoker and Samuel Beckett. A landmark of Irish history and culture.
The impressive Old Library, a kind of cathedral dedicated to books, conceals a treasure trove: the Book of Kells, one of the most sumptuously illuminated manuscripts of the Middle Ages, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament. Richly calligraphed and decorated, it was produced by monks in the 9th century. An exceptional piece, probably the only one of its kind in the world.
Dive into the Middle Ages at Dublinia
Would like to see Dublin's religious landmarks and spiritual sites? Borrow the time machine at Dublinia Museum, whose interactive tour presents 4 centuries of Dublin's history, from the arrival of the Normans to the advent of Henry VIII. Fun and educational.
Savour Irish gastronomy
Revise your prejudices! Take the time to savour Irish cuisine in one of the many trendy restaurants that have opened in recent years.
Long ignored, even scorned, it is now enjoying a veritable renaissance, particularly with the slow food movement.
Stroll through the Liberties district
Another face of Dublin, quite different from the usual Georgian neighbourhoods: located to the west of the Old Town, on the South Bank, The Liberties has retained its popular character, despite a certain gentrification. Little visited by tourists, it offers an authentic face of the Irish capital. Take a stroll around St. James Street, Thomas Street and Meath Market.
In the district, the entertaining Guinness Storehouse allows you to discover the secrets of making the famous beer, as well as tasting it (in moderation, of course).
If you're travelling with a larger group, you can choose different Dublin's transportation options. Consider Dublin car hires for convenient and flexible exploration of the city and its surroundings. The best times to visit Dublin are spring and summer when the weather is pleasant and the city is full of life. It's also essential to book your car hire for a road trip in advance to secure the vehicle of your choice, especially during peak travel seasons.
Follow in the footsteps of great writers and Irish rock
Dublin is a literary capital, honoured as such by Unesco. A visit to the Dublin Writers Museum gives an insight into the importance of Irish writers in world literature. Other attractions include the Oscar Wilde statue in Merrion Square and G. B. Shaw's birthplace at 33 Synge Street. In summer, the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl offers an evening tour of historic pubs, with actors reading from the works of great Dublin authors. Last but not least: James Joyce, whose work is intimately linked to the city.
Dublin in painting: visit the National Gallery and Francis Bacon's incredible studio
Attention, cult place! Francis Bacon's legendary studio is housed in the Dublin City Gallery on Parnell Square. A unique museum piece. This is Bacon's authentic studio, transferred from London and reconstructed in Dublin in 2001. This chaos of newspapers, books, tubes of paint, photos and garbage offers a wonderful insight into the creation of one of the greatest painters of the 20th century.
Watch greyhound racing at Greyhound Stadium
An authentic Dublin experience, if only for the atmosphere. Race dates are advertised in local newspapers or on the Irish Greyhound Board website.
Dubliners come here in the evenings, after work, to place their bets on the best dogs, and to enjoy a little froth with friends. The spectacle of this popular passion is well worth the trip. Races are held at Shelbourne Park and Harold's Cross.
The 100% Irish pub experience
So what about Dublin's traditional music and live performances? Go pub crawling - in moderation, of course - in and around Temple Bar. Located in the centre of Dublin, this friendly neighbourhood is surprisingly lively, day and night.
More than just a bar, the pub is a great place to live, a social institution on the Green Isle. For the backpacker, the pub is above all a great place to meet Irish people. So it's impossible to make a trip to Ireland without visiting a pub.
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