What would you consider the "must see" highlights to see in Dublin? And, what were your favorite shopping places?
Posted by
Baltimore, MD, USA
67 posts
With such a short time in Dublin I would do the "hop on - hop off" bus. It runs all day and you can get off to see what you want. Also, you can ride it all the way around in about an hour and get a good bit of history of the area and also ideas of where you might want to get off and see things.
I did not do the Guinness tour cause it was too much $$$ but did go to the Book of Kells at Trinity College (great if you are interested in history and the ornate writing done by the monks centuries ago)
I really enjoyed the beauty and quiet of St. James Park, also.
Lots of shopping in Dublin - O'Connell Street stretches on and on.
Ask anyone there (at B&B or on the bus) and they can suggest the best shopping areas for you.
Have a great trip - wish you could stay there longer.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5847 posts
One of the the highlights of my trip to Dublin was the historical walking tour of Dublin that departs from Trinity College. They are led by history grad students. The young woman who led my tour was phenomenal. I learned so much about Irish history and the city of Dublin. Here is their website.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
Definitely see Kilmainham Gaol. And spend time on Grafton St. There are lots of shops, and there are always musicians playing all along the way. And for great pizza, try Bad Ass Cafe in the Temple Bar area.
Posted by
Kalamazoo, MI, USA
100 posts
Grafton Street was definitely the place to shop. Also, check out the nightlife and the pubs. Our favorite pub was O'Donoghue's. Their website is www.odonoghuesbar.com. We also got a lot of help from the Rick Steves guidebook and dvd's before we left. It was really cool to see all the georgian doors of dublin also. One of them, can't remember the address right now (it is listed in Rick steve's book) is open to the public for tours. It was kinda hard to find, but very cool. One piece of advice, if no one has mentioned, look on the side of buildings (up high usually) for street names. The night we drove into Dublin we were lost for several hours trying to find out hotel and we never saw any street signs. Finally, someone told us where they were. Have fun!!
Posted by
Sheboygan, Wisc., USA
934 posts
I agree on the hop on hop off bus.If you take the entire trip you will learn a lot about Dublin and then you can get off when and where you want too.
Posted by
westminster, md, usa
196 posts
The Goal & mues is fantatic and is on hop-on-hop off route. National Mues. is a must and is w/in walking distance of Trinity/Book of Kells & the National Art Mues.
Go to Temple Bar district, but pass on Hard Rock Cafe & any other 'American'. The food & service(Americans in Ireland) is terrible. Go to local Irish Pubs.
If you do not choose to use the 'hop-off-hop-on' bus, please do take a trip around town in a double decker bus to really see Dubliners and their wonderful city. :)