During our wonderful eight day stay in Dublin, we got to sink our claws into some unforgettable experiences. We want to share these nine mini adventures with you in hopes that you will enjoy them as much as we did. This guide will get you started on what activities to do when you get to Dublin.
1. Visit the Forty Foot (maybe even dive in!)
The Forty Foot bathing area is located in Sandycove and it is well worth the short and cheap DART ride. Once you get off of the DART it’s only a ten minute walk from the station. This bathing area originally permitted men only but as time went on it was changed to allow women as well. It is now known as the spot where the locals come and throw themselves into the chilly Irish Sea. The water is said to remain between 11-13 degrees celsius all year round. On Christmas Day some may even dress up as Santa and plunge into the freezing waters.
2. Guinness Storehouse
If you find yourself in Dublin then you have to pay a visit to the Guinness storehouse. Yes, may be trendy and it may be packed but it is a great experience and it is gorgeous on the inside. You can go through at your own pace since you don’t have to have a tour guide. I won’t reveal all the details but they do give you a free pint at the end of your visit.
3. Jameson Distillery
Since we are on the subject of booze, another place that we found to be filled with fun was the Jameson Distillery. It was far less busy than the Guinness Storehouse but this is a guided tour. We didn’t mind because the guide had a great sense of humor and made the visit delightful. Another bonus is that they also provide you with a free drink at the end.
4. Killiney Hill
Every once in a while it is nice to go on breathtaking hike along the side of a mountain filled with vibrant green and gaze down onto the sea. Killiney Hill can fulfill all of the things I just mentioned. To get to it you must take the DART to Dalkey, which is a gorgeous little town to spend the afternoon after you finish your hike. If I were to rate this trail I would say it could be easily trekked by all ages and if you happen to have brought your canine with you on your trip they could easily hike this as well.
5. The Sporting Emporium
If you happen to be a fan of the casino then this little gem is perfect for you. We were wandering around near the city center and noticed these large doors that read “Sporting Emporium” so naturally we were intrigued and we entered to find a small room with a man wearing a friendly grin. He asked if we were members so we explained to him that Dublin was the first stop on our journey and we were curious as to what this place was. It turned out to be a “private” casino that you have to join to enter. It is only 25 euro per person and they give it back to you in promo chips once you pay so you can use it on the blackjack table. Also, they give you a card that goes on your keychain to show you’re a member and once you become one you are a member for life and can come back at any time. We were thrilled to find the casino to be miniscule in comparison to the ones in the states and far less crowded. It is extremely neat, clean and if you are ever without a beer there will be someone who will come immediately and gently ask if you would like another. The last thing I must mention is that the dealers make kissy noises to call the pit boss over for help. It was so cute and we loved the entire experience!!
6. Fallon & Byrne
I happen to be a (nearly) full time health nut plus food fanatic so I had to put this beauty on the list. This healthy grocery store was filled with all of my favorite treasures from plump, organic fruit to kombucha to gorgeous cuts of meats and cheese along with fresh baked bread. I devoured the best strawberries I have ever tasted while in Dublin and they were from this store. If you are staying in a place such as an Air BnB (which I highly recommend) then you must come and gorge yourself on the delicious treats you find here and even grab some eggs to make yourself a home made breakfast the next day because we know eating at restaurants all of the time can get costly and tiring.
7. Dublin Zoo
The Dublin Zoo is the largest zoo in Ireland and it has been open since 1831. It attracts over 1 million visitors each year and is home to many different species of animals. It is an excellent place to go if you’re traveling with kids or have a large family. They have many educational sites around the zoo that explain everything you need to know about the animals and even the people that started the zoo in the beginning.
8. Blarney Stone
This was something we wanted to do so badly but didn’t have the extra time or money to make the journey because we didn’t plan to do so ahead of time. That is why I added it in here so you can know about it before your trip to Ireland and hopefully fit it into your itinerary. The Blarney Stone is located about 3 hours outside of Dublin so you’ll have to rent a car to get there or check to see if there is a train or bus that goes out that way. The story behind the Blarney Stone is that if you kiss it, it will grant you with the “gift of gabs” or the “Gift of Eloquence”. Now this may sound like it gives you an uncontrollable need to talk someones ear off but it actually means it gives you the power to entice, persuade, and flatter anyone you see fit. I can already imagine what a memorable experience this would be and we plan on going back to Ireland specifically to visit the Blarney Stone.
9. Howth
Howth makes for a wonderful day trip since it is only about a 30 minute DART ride from Dublin and it is filled with delectable places to eat along with some breathtaking scenery. You can take a stroll around the dock and gaze into the shimmering waters while boats bob up and down in a calming rhythm. After you’re done and you’re feeling a bit hungry, head over to Octopussy for the best seafood you’ll ever taste. While we were there we visited a Howth Martello Tower, St. Mary’s Abbey, and enjoyed getting lost while hiking all over this brilliant town. This is a must do for you and your partners in travel during your stay in Dublin.
I hope this helps you on your journey! Thank you for reading, have a blast in Ireland!
Leave A Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.