County Dublin Information

Dublin city is one of the top tourist draws in all of Europe, but there is much more to County Dublin than its vibrant city life and abundant heritage sites. Located on Ireland's beautiful East Coast, County Dublin is part of the province of Leinster, and it is the most populous county on the island.

Dublin Airport is the gateway to the county by air, but there are also ferry services connecting Dublin Port and Dun Laoghaire Harbour with other ports in Britain and Europe. The rail stations of Heuston and Connolly offer services to other Irish counties, and the same is true of the Busaras central bus station.

Dublin's lively nightlife and traditional pubs are world famous and the city and county have plenty of accommodation options.

Dublin City Attractions

The Irish capital is famous for its music, pub culture and traditions. It is rich in museums and heritage sites, but also in modern entertainment options.

Trinity College Dublin is home to the one of Ireland's ancient treasures, the Book of Kells. The local tradition of storytelling will be best experienced by an evening at Dublin´s oldest pub: The Brazen Head, which combines traditional food and drink with music and storytelling.

Only a couple of miles from the city centre, the Kilmainham Gaol Historical Museum will offer a thrilling glimpse into the Irish past.
 
St. Michan's Church is very interesting. More focused on entertainment than on historical fact, the Secret Castle of Magic, with its Gargoyle Courtyard, Haunted library and Graveyard, will delight anyone interested in Dracula and vampires in general. The shows and performances at the Castle are said to be quite a thrill.
 
A cultural enrichment experience, The Irish House Party features traditional music and dance, as well as interesting facts about Irish culture, delivered in a highly entertaining way.  Reservations are required.

The guided tours at the National Museum of Ireland tell the story of Ireland´s Natural history, intertwining mythology and historical fact to create a compelling narrative that will delight grownups and children alike. The National Library of Ireland, located beside Leinster House (parliament buildings) often runs exhibitions and you can trace your family history in its reading rooms. If you are travelling with kids, Dublin Zoo, one of the top zoo attractions in Europe, is also a must.

Right in the city, Dublin Castle is also worth a visit. Finally, Ireland´s deep-rooted brewing tradition is best experienced through a visit to The Guinness Storehouse or The Porterhouse Brewing Company, one of the most traditional pubs with an impressive selection of beers and ales. The Viking Splash tour is a great way to see the city from a new perspective.

South of Dublin City 

Dún Laoghaire, a port city 10 km to the south of Dublin city is easily reached by train. Further south is the James Joyce Museum; the tower where James Joyce once lived, which he would later describe in his Ulysses. The Museum features manuscripts, first editions and abundant Joyce memorabilia.

There is also a National Maritime Museum at Haigh Terrace. Exhibits include an original Longboat from 1796, the Bailey Lighthouse Optic and a Spanish cannon. 

Nature lovers will be delighted by the Dún Laoghaire People´s Park with its flower beds and children´s playground and the Moran Park, Haigh Terrace, which overlooks the port and features a Bowling Green and some famous sculptures. Incidentally, this was the site of Marconi´s first ever wireless communication in 1898.

Dalkey village, with its three castles, is among the top heritage sites in the whole County, while Killiney is famous for the gorgeous marine views from Killiney Hill.

Blackrock is great for coastline walks and a visit to its weekend and holiday flea market or the traditional O'Rourke's pub.

North of Dublin City 

Howth is located on a peninsula northeast of Dublin. A popular and charming area of Dublin County, Howth is best explored following a marked walking trail along the peninsula´s cliffs, which will provide breathtaking views of Dublin Bay, Bailey Lighthouse and the whole town. The trail can be completed in three or four hours.

Howth features a very traditional old town and some remarkable ruins on the hills. The National Transport Museum in Howth Demense, houses numerous items pertaining to the history of  transport and vehicles in Ireland, including old trams that used to run through Howth itself. Last but not least, the Howth Quarry offers great hiking opportunities and majestic views of Dublin Bay.

Malahide on the North coast of County Dublin, can be reached by both bus and train from Dublin city. The prime sight in the area is the famous Malahide castle, which can be reached following several charming trails through the woods. 

A 40 minute walk will take you to the beautiful coastal point of Portmarnock, though several buses are also available, if walking is not your thing. 

Rush, right on the coast, is also great for beach walks, and it features a caravan and camping park.