badbobsadminDublin is a city bursting with life, full of vibrancy and quirks. However, if you don’t know what to look for, it’s easy to miss the best sights.
If you are planning a trip to Dublin, or you are here already, have a read through this guide. It will encompass both; must-see landmarks and hidden gems, making sure you get the most bang for your buck.
This walking tour has 7 stops, taking you on a beautiful loop, showing off what Dublin has to offer. Lasting around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on walking speed and stops.
Where To Start?
We will start our tour at Trinity College. Founded in 1592, it’s Ireland’s oldest university and something of an architectural phenomenon.
A perfect location to begin the tour.
Inside the grand courtyards, is where the real showstopper lies; the Book of Kells.
This is an ancient manuscript, one of the most famous in the world, created by monks in the year 800AD.
Besides the manuscript, the Long Room houses over 200,000 antique books, beautifully displayed in a great long hall.
Fun fact: the long room isn’t home to just books, the Brian Boru Harp is also housed here. This is Ireland’s oldest surviving harp and the model for the Guinness logo.
2. Molly Malone Statue
Just outside of Trinity College, stands a timeless bronze beauty.
Molly Malone is a legendary fishmonger who “wheeled her wheelbarrow through streets broad and narrow” – The Dubliners (1983).
Indeed, Molly can be found with her trusty wheelbarrow, often drawing a crowd. She is a beloved statue, however, whether Molly Malone was a real person or fictional character remains a mystery.
3. City Hall Rotunda
A few minutes walk away from Molly, you will pass the jaw-dropping neoclassical City Hall. First known as the Royal Exchange, where people exchanged Irish Punt and English Sterling.
It is one of Dublin’s most stunning 18th century buildings, with huge stone pillars and rolling marble flooring – it’s a sight to behold.
Best of all, it’s free to visit (Monday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm).
4. Badbobs Temple Bar
As a halfway stop along the tour, you’ll be feeling thirsty and maybe hungry.
Whatever you want, we have!
Our food menu is highly rated, freshly prepared and locally sourced.
We’ve got 5 floors, each with stocked bars and a unique atmosphere. Keep climbing the floors and you’ll find our very own rooftop terrace, which is perfect to get out of the bustling street noise, and relax accompanied by your drink of choice.
If you are less in the mood for a relax and more in the mood for boogie – here at Badbobs we have live music every night! This is followed by a resident DJ on friday and saturday evenings.
5. Dublin Castle & Dubh Linn Garden
In the heart of the city, soak up some rich history.
The site was originally a viking settlement, and the noble castle was later built upon it.
Tucked behind the castle is Dubh Linn Garden (pronounced “Dove Lin”) literally meaning “black pool” in Irish, and refers to the original dark tidal pool where the River Poddle met the Liffey. It’s from this spot that Dublin gets its name.
6. Christ Church Cathedral
This whimsical, yet magnificent masterpiece of construction dates back to the 11th century, making it Dublin’s oldest cathedral.
It is a stunning building with majestic towers and an atmospheric interior.
The crypt downstairs has a church organ, found inside the organ pipes are a mummified cat and rat – aptly nicknamed “Tom and Jerry”.
Have a look at reviews here.
7. Graffiti Street Art
Take a wander down Liberty Lane (just off Camden Street) to find one of Dublin’s most popular graffiti art hotspots.
You can find large-scale murals, among the bright and bold street-style graffiti. The best thing about this place is that every visit is unique because the artwork here frequently changes.
You never know what you’ll find.
Go and explore
Now that you know what to look for and where to find it – there is nothing left to do but to do them.
Whether you are into art, history, food and drinks – or all of the above, this guide will take you on an unforgettable journey through the beautiful and slightly mysterious Dublin City.