Dublin is a fascinating city, also from a tourism point of view. Unlike many other cities in Ireland, and also UK, which usually get a very specific visitors, Dublin tends to get a mix of them all. If you go to Liverpool, you will see a lot of people traveling there to party. Manchester is technology and history, and it is often visited by families, whereas Dublin gets a total mix of everyone.
I believe that part of this is because of such a multitude of various things to do in the city. From Temple Bar, a cultural district, where you can immerse yourself in a famous Dublin’s nightlife to great museums as well as landmarks, often standing as a commemoration of important historic facts that shaped the city and Ireland as a whole.
Dublin is also a great place to visit on a budget. Even though it is usually considered a fairly expensive city, there are plenty of things you can do there at absolutely no cost. In this post I want to highlight some of them to you.
1. Trinity College Grounds
One of the finest landmarks in the city centre is this Ireland’s oldest university, operating from 1592, when it was founded by Queen Elizabeth I. Without a dount, Trinity is one of the most fascinating tourist attractions in the city.
The grounds of the college are opened to the public and offer plenty to those interested in architecture. Once there, you must see the Chapel and the Examination Hall. The Museum Building is another one not to miss. You can also visit the Trinity College Library, which is also the largest research library in the country. One of the highlights of its collection is the Book of Kells, the oldest printed book in Ireland.
Trinity College is fairly easy to fine. It’s located at the start of the famous O’Connell Bridge and another well known street, Dame street.
2. Grafton Street and St. Stephens Green Park
Right off Trinity starts another important landmark in the city, Grafton Street. This is one of the two top shopping streets in Dublin. Major brands like Brown Thomas have their retail outlets there. The street is bustling with life, and if you are tired of browsing through the shops, you can relax in one of the many cafes or restaurants there.
On top of Grafton street sits a gem of Dublin’s city centre, St. Stephens Green park. This large green area is a perfect escape from the busy Grafton street. You can enjoy walking in the part alleys or, in the summer stumble upon a jazz concert in the parks alcove.
3. Phoenix Park
And, if you want to escape the city for longer, then Phoenix Park, one of the largest city parks in Europe is certainly the best place to do so. The park spans over 1750 acres, incorporating walking paths, bicycle tracks, monumements you can visit as well as Dublin Zoo.
One of the highlights of the Park is the residence of the President of Ireland, which you can actually visit, the Papal Cross, erected to commemorate the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1979 as well as the Deerfield Residence, the home to US Ambassador in Ireland.
4. National Gallery Of Ireland and Modern Art Museum
For those of you who are interested in art, not only from Ireland, there are two amazing places to visit. National Gallery of Ireland, located on Merrion Square, which houses a large collection of Irish and European Art.
The Museum of Modern Art, which is not far from Phoenix Park is, as the name suggests, dedicated to the contemporary art and offers exhibitions that stimulate and intrigue.
Thomas writes about interesting things to do in various European cities and by day, works for a leading Dublin Apartments provider in Ireland.