There is plenty for everyone to enjoy in this city, from historic sites and cultural activities to breathtaking parks and open areas, delectable cuisine, and one-of-a-kind experiences. However, there are occasions when it might be challenging to determine what is off the established route. When you are in Dublin, these are some of the undiscovered treasures that you shouldn’t miss out on seeing.
St. Stephen’s Green
St Stephen’s Green is one of Dublin’s most popular and well-loved parks. It’s a beautiful idyll in the center of an energetic and youthful city and a favorite place to visit for locals and tourists alike.
This large, historic public park has a plethora of activities to enjoy such as taking a stroll around the picturesque wide perimeter paths and exploring its many sculptures that pay tribute to various events in Irish history. There’s also a Garden for the Blind with aromatic plants and a braille guide to help people with vision impairments.
It’s also a great spot for children to run around and feed the ducks in the park’s large lake while visitors can sit back and relax under the trees or listen to live music from the bandstand in the summer. Several hop-on, hop-off bus tours stop here and it is accessible by foot as well. It is open daily. Entry is free.
The Guinness Storehouse
The 7-story, pint glass-shaped Guinness Storehouse draws travelers from around the world to see where the famed dark beer was first brewed. In this visitor attraction, you can learn about the ingredients, brewing process and even taste your way around the place.
If you want to take your visit to the next level, consider the Tasting Experience which focuses on learning what makes a pint of Guinness taste so good. You can also enjoy a free pint of Guinness at the spectacular Gravity Bar with its incredible panoramic views over Dublin city.
Book your trip with Discovering Ireland Vacation and we’ll arrange discount admission to this popular visitor attraction. Maximize your sightseeing time in Dublin by combining your admission ticket with a hop-on hop-off bus tour of the city; disembark to explore attractions like the Little Museum and the Dublin walking tour whenever they interest you. Alternatively, opt for a talking statues tour that have you ring a plaque on the side of a statue to hear an actor recite an entertaining monologue from the perspective of the statue.
The Irish National Stud
For a day of equine luxury head to the Irish National Stud, an immaculately kept center that breeds top-quality thoroughbreds for racing and breeding. Wander the paddocks and go eye-to-eye with famous stallions during one of the 45-minute guided tours (four daily; included in admission). Depending on your timing, you could see a foal being born at the foaling unit.
The south side neighborhoods of Portobello and Phibsborough are less frenetic than Temple Bar, but equally rich in history and culture. Cobbled streets lead to stately Georgian townhouses and 18th-century parks with native tree trails and sports fields.
The Boyne Valley
Aside from being one of Ireland’s most historic areas, the Boyne Valley also offers stunning landscapes and a local food scene that deserves more attention. For example, take a guided trip down the River Boyne in a handcrafted currach with Boyne Boats or explore the ruins of an ancient monastic site at 5th-century Monasterboice with its well-preserved Celtic high crosses.
Though many visitors to Dublin visit the iconic Guinness Storehouse and Kilmainham Gaol, few venture west of the city to discover a whole other side of the country. The Boyne Valley—the setting of the 1690 Battle of the Boyne between William of Orange and James II—has 5,000 years of heritage in its luxuriant fields, from tombs dating back to the Neolithic age to Newgrange’s extraordinary passage tomb that’s lit with precision by the winter solstice sun. In addition to its historic relics, the region also houses a state-of-the-art whiskey distillery and has a vibrant restaurant scene.
Visiting Dubrovnik? Visit the Cathedral, the city’s architectural treasure. In “A Trip to Dubrovnik – The Cathedral is a Must-See,” we explore its exquisite beauty and historical significance. Let’s switch to Dublin, another captivating destination. In “Exploring Dublin’s Lesser-Known Delights,” we discover this bustling city’s hidden gems. Explore Dublin’s hidden gems, from hidden gardens to hidden museums. Expect more than just tourist attractions.