Home

destinations

europe

ireland

dublin

Dublin

Name: Ireland in a Week
Brand: Contiki
Price: 1395 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7

See all trips

Introduction to Dublin

A Dublin holiday will always leave you grinning ear-to-ear, thanks to the cheery locals, serious pub culture and uplifting museum collection. Whilst many European cities might see you reliving dark moments in history and trying to decipher the world of fine arts, a stint in the Irish capital will more likely involve a leprechaun museum and a serious study of Guinness. Indeed, there's something jovial about the city of Dublin, a trait witnessed most intensely on St Patrick's Day. But the day of green isn't Dublin's only special event, this city is home to a portion of the Six Nations Rugby, the world's most environmentally friendly music festival, and a 10-day international film festival. Your stay won't disappoint if your trip doesn't coincide with one of these Irish extravaganzas. You can get your kicks socialising at Temple Bar, touring the Old Jameson Distillery, and shopping the vintage stores either side of River Liffey. The intricate details of the St. Patrick’s Cathedral should also be high on your Dublin to-do list, as should the abandoned prison of Kilmainhan Gaol that stands as an eerie time-capsule of politics and culture gone by. Literature enthusiasts will want to take a glace at the world-famous four gospels of the life of Jesus Christ, a 9th Century medieval manuscript held at the Book of Kells Exhibition at Trinity College Library, whilst history and culture buffs will need a trip to Dublin Castle. In fact, whatever makes your heart sing can likely be found in Dublin; it's a city that makes a cordial effort to delight every one of its visitors.

FAST FACTS
Language: English
Currency: Euro
Electricity: 230V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Ireland.
Dialing Code: +35
Time Zone: GMT

ABOUT CONTIKI
From quick breaks to epic journeys, Contiki exists to connect young travellers with the time of their lives.
See more about Contiki

Things to do in Dublin

Appreciate the Beauty of St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Over 820 years of history seep through the walls of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, found in Dublin’s elegant riverside region of Wood Quay. The intricate details and 43-metre spire of this cathedral are enough to make one’s heart flutter, even for those not usually taken by extravagant religious sites. Those visiting Dublin around Christmas should time their visit with one of two annual carols events, a much-loved part of winter in Dublin for both locals and visitors.

Visit all of the vintage shops you can find

From hardly-worn designer garb to eclectic decades old fashion, the streets of Dublin are a labyrinth of squeal-worthy vintage shops. Start at George’s Street Arcade before meandering north along Fownes Street Upper, stopping at treasure chests like Sharp’s Ville, Flip, Tola and Lucy’s Lounge before arriving at River Liffey. Here you can admire the beauty of the city whilst crossing Millennium Bridge, only to stroll towards more vintage shops found on the northern edges of the city. The prices found in the vintage shops of Dublin should cheer your finances up, particularly if your wallet has been drained from weeks of travel through Europe.

Take a Tour of the Old Jameson Distillery

The original distillery of Jameson’s Irish whiskey can be found inside the hip walls of a Bow Street building, which was first opened to friends and guests over 200-years ago. Under a ceiling of wooden beams and iron lamps visitors can learn how to make whiskey cocktails, draw whiskey straight from the cask in a live maturation warehouse, and take a tour of the famous distillery. With plenty of premium tasting and learning to be done this is one of the more high-brow things to do in Dublin, even if alcohol is the theme of the activity.

Party like the Irish at The Temple Bar

Despite what the name suggests Temple Bar does not strictly refer to a singular bar, but rather to an entire street in Dublin alive with busy pubs, restaurants and boutiques. Found on the south side of River Liffey, the area stands as evidence of the Irish reputation as hospitable, fun loving folk, with a proud pub heritage. The red corner building of the Temple Bar Pub is perhaps the most famous and lively in the street, known for owning one of the largest whiskey collections in the country. Beyond eating and drinking, Temple Bar is home to the Irish Photography Centre, a weekend book market, and outdoor film screenings in the months of Summer.

Learn about the Abandoned Prison of Kilmainhan Gaol

Kilmainhan Gaol has not seen a detainee for almost a century, making it an eerie time capsule of Ireland’s politics and culture. Once an overcrowded space where executions took place and convicts awaited transportation to Australia, it is now a museum and exhibition space showing relics of the era such as the camera used to take prisoner’s photographs, letters and personal belongings of those held inside, and details of what warranted imprisonment for so many women, men and children - from serious assault to things as petty as taking an apple from an orchard.

Top 5 Festivals in Dublin

Sport, theatre, music and film. There’s hardly a genre of festival not covered here in the city of Dublin. There's one festival that really stands out from the crowd despite the professionalism and huge crowds of many...St Patrick's Day in Dublin will always stand in a league of its own.

St Patrick's Day Parade & Festival

Culture

Don your green and take to the streets of Ireland’s capital on March 17 for one of the world’s biggest annual parties. Despite being a traditionally Irish affair, St Patrick’s Day is celebrated in numerous corners of the globe, but none with quite as much zest or conviction as Dublin.

Jameson Dublin International Film Festival

Film

Attracting over 40,000 visitors in a salute to local and international big screen entertainment, the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival is one of the best things to do in Dublin during Spring. With numerous events and activities held across the city for 10-days, there’s a wealth of culture and enjoyment to be absorbed.

Oxegen

Music

Often dubbed the best music festival in Europe, Oxegen is a celebration of rock, pop and EDM music that attracts local and international visitors and celebrities alike. Headline acts have included The Cure, The Black Eyed Peas, and Lady Gaga. Best of all it’s a 100% carbon neutral event.

Six Nations Rugby

Sports

Join the fierce and friendly ball battle between England, Ireland, Italy, France, Scotland and Wales. With over a century of heritage behind it, the Six Nations Rugby event is not just for die-hard rugby union fanatics. Ireland’s segment of the competition takes place in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium and attracts over 50,000 attendees.

Dublin Theatre Festival

Theatre

Autumn comes alive in the city of Dublin with its annual 18-day celebration of theatre. With 60-years of laughs, cries and surprises under its belt, the Dublin Theatre Festival has become another compelling reason to visit Dublin. Ballet, poetry, comedy and more- it’s a feast for the dramatic at heart.

Top 5 Museums & Galleries in Dublin

Boasting the trademark Irish humour and plenty of history and mythology, the museums in Dublin are an ode to the country’s deep and colourful culture. Uncover a thing or two about leprechauns and learn to pour the roasted barley national drink, topping the tomfoolery off with a library visit and a castle stint.

Guinness Storehouse Factory

All the best things to do in Dublin involve a drink or two, and visiting museums is no exception. Ireland’s tangy stout might be some 250 years old, but the Guinness Storehouse Factory brings the brand into the future. Learn the artful 119.5 second six-step ritual of a perfect Guinness pour and enjoy 360-degree views of Dublin from the top level bar.

The Book of Kells Exhibition at Trinity College Library

Literature enthusiasts wondering what to do in Dublin will find no shortage of excitement at The Book of Kells Exhibition at Trinity College Library. Stepping the cobbled stone pathways will lead to a grand book collection and spiral stairs, home of the world-famous four Gospels of the life of Jesus Christ, a 9th Century medieval manuscript.

The Little Museum of Dublin

The Little Museum is an intimate look at the life and times of the city of Dublin during the 20th century. Sign up for their hugely adored ‘City of a Thousand Welcomes program’, which will team you up with a local volunteer for a cup of tea (or Guinness) and personal advice on Dublin.

National Leprechaun Museum

You don’t truly understand Ireland until you understand the mythology of the leprechaun. The National Leprechaun Museum in central Dublin is an enchanting and cultural experience filled with theatrics, childhood memories and magic. One of the best museums in Dublin, be sure (to be sure) to put it on your things to do in Dublin list.

Dublin Castle

The city’s historical and cultural heartbeat can be heard from the government complex of Dublin Castle. The structure itself dates back to medieval times and holds relics of Irish Vikings, but its upkeep and exhibitions keep up with the times, showing everything from flamboyant, pop-art style furniture to modern ceramics.

Food in Dublin

Eat Irish stew and Guinness pie and you’ve barely scratched the surface. The ultimate Dublin food experience won’t be complete without boxty and cuddle, not to mention a cheesy serve of soda bread. Take to a traditional pub and wash your meals down with a pint of stout for good and traditional measure.

Dublin Coddle

The bottom line on traditional Irish food, Dublin Coddle is a simple but delicious stew of sausage, onions and potato. Variations include other root vegetables and lashings of bacon. Nothing reflects Ireland’s landscape through flavour quite like this tasty dish

Best eaten at
The Bakehouse Bakery & Eatery, 6 Bachelors Walk

Boxty

This simple potato pancake began life as a widely eaten meal during the 19th century when food in Ireland was scarce. Made from nothing more than partially mashed potato and flour, it’s great as a side dish or a simple breakfast with a dollop of cream.

Best eaten at
Gallagher’s Boxty House, 20-21 Temple Bar

Guinness

We couldn’t leave this off the list. Ireland’s famous stout might be exported across the globe, but believe it when people tell you that the Guinness in Ireland’s capital is the best in the world. A must-do in Dublin even if the taste doesn’t appeal, it’s one of those things you need to tick off the list.

Best eaten at
The Gravity Bar at The Guinness Storehouse, St James’s Gate

Soda bread

Another simple staple, soda bread is a big deal in Ireland. The country’s national dish comes in all shapes and varieties, from bacon and cheese to cinnamon and sultana, with a local favourite mimicked the world over found at Fallon & Byrne.

Best eaten at
Fallon & Byrne, 11-17 Exchequer St

Irish stew

As if you need another excuse to visit the Temple Bar district, but traditional Irish stew is served up to perfection here. Commonly found with lamb, root vegetables and stalks of parsley, it’s a dish soaked in history and family tradition.

_{Best eaten at}
_{The Quays, 10-12 Temple Bar}

Other trips you might like

Ireland in a Week

2 Countries

Best of Scotland & Ireland

3 Countries

See all trips