While it might not be one of Europe’s biggest cities, Dublin remains a firm favourite with tourists. It lies along the River Liffey on the country’s east coast and has a fascinating history of occupation by the Gaels, the Vikings and the Anglo-Normans. Today, it’s a world-renowned literary and cultural hub, with an energised nightlife that’s like nowhere else on Earth
Read on to discover what it is that makes Dublin so popular with tourists and start planning your getaway to the Irish capital. You’ll find a wealth of accommodation inspiration at http://renthero.ie, a holiday rental site that gathers apartments, villas and houses across the city. It provides comfortable places to stay within close proximity to all of Dublin’s cultural and historical attractions, as well as accommodation within a stone’s throw of the city’s legendary bars and pubs. So, prepare to indulge in the warmth of Irish hospitality, the allure of centuries-old landmarks, and the liveliness of Dublin’s contemporary attractions.
Dublin is steeped in historical significance
With Dublin officially settled in 988 AD, the city has a storied past dating back more than 1,000 years. One of the best ways to learn more is at the National Museum of Ireland, which is spread across three locations in the city. You can get up close to Viking treasures at the Archaeology building on Kildare Street or learn about the area’s natural history at the locally-dubbed “Dead Zoo” before exploring the Decorative Arts and History exhibits at the former Collins Barracks.
The Irish legacy of seeking fortune abroad is explored at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, which is located within the Dublin Docklands. At Trinity College, you can learn all about the illuminated manuscript of Ireland’s greatest treasure, the Book of Kells. A short walk away is Dublin Castle, which has served as a backdrop to some of the city’s most important events since the 13th century.
Dublin has a rich cultural heritage
Dublin is globally renowned for its arts and culture, with literary figures such as James Joyce and Oscar Wilde once calling the city “home”. You can learn more at the Museum of Literature Ireland, which occupies a historic house on St. Stephen’s Green. In addition to housing “Copy No. 1” of James Joyce’s “Ulysses”, there are personal belongings and manuscripts from Irish literary greats on display.
At the National Gallery of Ireland, you’ll find a significant collection of Irish works, including paintings by James Barry, Daniel Maclise and Augustus Nicholas Burke. The National Concert Hall hosts classical music concerts throughout the year while theatrical venues such as the Gaiety and the Abbey Theatre showcase works by leading Irish playwrights.
Dublin is home to award-winning golf courses
Dublin is a deservedly popular destination for golfers, with some of Ireland’s best golf courses located in and around the city. You can tee off beside a 600-year-old fortification at the Luttrellstown Castle Golf Club, with its par 72 course extending for 7,347 yards in Dublin’s west. One of the area’s oldest golf courses is the Royal Dublin Golf Club, which has a history dating back to 1885.
For coastal views, head to the Island Golf Club, a challenging links course with high dunes overlooking the Irish Sea. Alternatively, you can enjoy a round at the Portmarnock Golf Club, which has played host to the Irish Open, the Walker Cup and the British Amateur Championship, making it one of the top golf courses in Ireland.
Dublin offers easy access to nature
Dublin offers easy access to nature Despite being a densely populated city, you’re never far from nature in Dublin. Within a short drive, you can be walking along the spectacular cliffs of Howth, strolling the grounds of Malahide Castle, or relaxing on the sands of Portmarnock Beach. “You also get access to some of the freshest & best seafood in the world,” says food expert, Julian Plateado, of Nordic Catch.
Just to the south of Dublin is Wicklow Mountains National Park, a ruggedly beautiful area that protects blanket bogs, rare orchids and fast-flowing streams. You can explore along one of the scenic drives that traverse the park or ascend the Great Sugarloaf for sweeping views across the Wicklow Mountains.
Dublin has a legendary nightlife
It goes without saying that Dublin has a reputation for offering some of the best nightlife in northwest Europe. It’s not only home to Michelin-starred restaurants and cultural cafes offering cuisine from all over the globe but it boasts more than 770 pubs, meaning it has one of the highest pub-to-person ratios in the world!
At the Guinness Storehouse, you can discover what goes into making Ireland’s most famous beer before enjoying a tipple at the Irish Whiskey Museum. Most visitors make a beeline for Temple Bar, which is renowned for its abundance of pubs and traditional Irish music scene. It’s a deservedly popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties, making for an electric atmosphere. For a more authentic experience, head north of the Liffey River where you can enjoy a Guinness or whiskey while chatting with the locals.
