Ireland’s capital attracts visitors from all over the world. It’s no wonder, because the pleasant city offers a wide range of experiences. Dublin has it all: From museums, castles, universities, parks, restaurants and shops. There’s something for everyone. But Dublin isn’t letting go of its best features: It’s still the city of a hundred churches and a thousand pubs! The River Liffey divides the city north and south, with new and old bridges spanning the slightly murky river. The city center is small, which makes it easy to explore the city on foot.
Here’s a complete guide to Dublin – area by area:
SOUTH OF THE LAFFEY RIVER
Temple Bar Once notorious for prostitutes and con artists, the Latin Quarter’s Temple Bar has changed course and is now a visitor favorite. You’ll come here to quench your thirst in the many pubs, eat good food or visit an art gallery. Street musicians compete for people’s attention and gather in Temple Bar Square. Ironically, the area originally belonged to the Augustinian Order. When the English King Henry VIII fell foul of the Pope, he closed the monasteries in 1537. In the 17th century, the area was acquired by Sir William Temple, after whom the area is named. In the 18th century, Temple Bar was notorious for its inns and brothels. Later, skilled craftsmen moved in, but due to industrialization in the 19th century, they lost their jobs. The area fell into disrepair. 
In the 1960s, the area was bought up by the national transport company CIE, which was to raze everything to the ground and build garages for the buses. This did not go down well with the Dubliners, who rebelled violently. CIE had to shelve all its plans. In the 1980s, the block was restored, and since then Temple Bar has received a serious facelift. The facades have been refurbished, old street lamps have been installed and cobblestones have been laid. Between the old pubs there are now new cafés, galleries and cultural centers. Temple Bar Square is the heart and soul of the Latin Quarter, where visitors from all over the world gather to listen to street musicians play, enjoy a beer and soak up the sun. Temple Bar is well known for its lively and cheerful atmosphere, which lasts well into the night. PUB TIPS: The Oliver & St. John Gogarty and The Temple Bar Pub 
CITY CENTER – SOUTH OF THE LAFFEY RIVER
Molly Malone Dublin’s most sought-after and photographed lady is undoubtedly Molly Malone the clam seller – famous from the song of the same name. Irene calls the bronze statue, which was erected on the corner of Grafton and Suffolk streets in 1988, The Tart with the Cart. The nickname refers to her voluptuous forms. Tart means tart, but the Irish refer to her with love in their voices. According to legend, Molly sold cockles and mussels on the streets during the day, but she was a gallant woman at night. Known for her beauty, she died a tragic death. No one knows if Molly Malone actually existed. What is certain is that she has become a symbol of Dublin. It’s almost obligatory to photograph Molly pulling a trolley with braided baskets. The song about Molly Malone, written by Scotsman James Yorkston, was originally intended as a humorous song. It became so popular in Ireland that it has become the country’s unofficial anthem, and is an Irish pub classic. The song has been performed by U2, The Dubliners and Sinead O’Connor. 
Trinity College Ireland’s most famous university was built by order of Queen Elizabeth I in 1592. It wasn’t until the 1970s that Catholic students were admitted. The original buildings are gone, but the area is rich in beautiful architecture. Visitors can see the 30 meter high clock tower from 1853, The Chapel from 1798 and the magnificent 18th century library. The Old Library is a mecca for book lovers. As you enter the Long Room, with its high, vaulted wooden ceiling, you look down a 65 meter long hall. On either side are rows upon rows of old books (approximately 250,000). Here you’re only allowed to look – not touch. You can also admire Ireland’s oldest harp (from the late Middle Ages), which is said to be the inspiration behind the logo of the very iconic Guinness Storehouse. Trinity College’s greatest treasure is the beautiful Book of Kells. It’s impressive to look at. A G winds across the page like a blue snake and ends in a yellow feather. Below the G hangs a small monster. The Book of Kells consists of 680 pages in calfskin and depicts the four gospels of the New Testament. The book was illustrated and written by monks in the 8th century. The masterpiece was exhibited by monks on the island of Iona (west of Scotland). In 806, the monks fled from the Vikings and took the book with them to Kells. The book was given to Trinity College in 1654. 
Statue of Oscar Wilde If you head to Merrion Square Park you can see a statue of author Oscar Wilde. The statue is life-size and the face radiates conflicting emotions. On the right side, the writer has a face that radiates joy, while on the left side the facial expression is sad. The statue is facing the Wilde family’s old home. The house is open to visitors. 
Bank of Ireland The Italian Renaissance building was designed by James Gandon and Edward Lovett Pearce. Inside there are long corridors, thick carpets and gilded ceilings. Large desks rest on lions of Irish oak and tall columns support the ceiling. In the 18th century, the impressive building housed the Irish Parliament. After the rebellion against the British in 1798, the parliament moved to London and the Bank of Ireland bought the building. The National Gallery of Ireland Art lovers can spend hours studying Irish works while listening to the guides’ fascinating stories about the many paintings. One section is dedicated to Ireland’s most famous painters. Visitors can also see Picasso’s Still Life with Mandolin and Jan Vermeer’s Writing Lady with Maid. National Museum/Archaeology and History A museum overflowing with art and dramatic stories. The National Museum of Ireland is also home to one of Europe’s largest collections of Bronze and Iron Age gold jewelry. These can be admired in the Ór – Ireland’s Gold section. The first floor is dedicated to the Irish Middle Ages and the Vikings. Silver brooches, skates made from animal bones, amber buttons and rusty axes and swords are evidence that the Vikings were both warriors and traders. The Treasury houses medieval Celtic artifacts, the Ardagh Chalice and St. Patrick’s Bell, said to have belonged to Ireland’s patron saint. 
St. Stephen’s Green Park has been a green lung in Dublin since 1664. Locals and tourists alike can drop their shoulders and take a breather on manicured lawns, surrounded by colorful beds and small lakes. Around the park are busts of the city’s famous residents, including James Joyce. A triumphal arch is the entrance in the north. The triumphal arch is a tribute to the Royal Irish Fusiliers, who fought on the English side in the Boer War in South Africa in 1899-1902. 
Dublin Castle The origins of the castle are unclear, but it is believed to have been an ancient Gaelic fort. Since then it has been under the control of both Vikings and Britons. The latter ruled from here for well over 700 years, until 1922. Most of the building dates from the 18th century, but in some places there are remnants of the original castle, which was built under John of England. He was the first Lord of Ireland. Over the centuries, the castle has been the residence of Ireland’s governor, also known as the Viceroy of Ireland. The castle has also at times been used by Parliament and various courts. Dublin Castle is at the heart of historical power in Ireland, and the guides have many exciting stories to tell about the castle. Among other things, you’ll hear about the Irish Crown Jewels, which were kept here. In 1907 they were stolen and have still not been recovered. Note the throne, which is missing lion’s feet. It is said that when Queen Victoria visited Dublin Castle for the first time, she couldn’t get up on the throne. She was too small and had to be lifted. It was beneath her dignity and she ordered her feet to be removed. 
Teeling Whiskey Distillery After 125 years without a whiskey distillery in Dublin, there was great rejoicing when Teeling Whiskey opened in 2015. The distillery experiments with making whiskey in red wine, calvados and rum barrels. On the guided tour, you’ll be taken into the production area, where the smell of wet grain hits you. Then comes the heat and then the silence. Large tanks made of steel, wood and copper work continuously to produce tasty whiskey. Here, 150,000 liters of corn, barley and water are transformed into alcohol. 
CITY CENTER – NORTH OF THE RIVER LIFFEY
Jeanie Johnston Travel back to the 1850s and follow in the footsteps of the hundreds of thousands of Irish who emigrated to North America. The emigrants wanted to get away from poverty and famine, searching for a better life on the other side of the Atlantic. The Jeanie Johnston is a replica of a ship built in southwest Ireland in 1847. The ship crossed the Atlantic 16 times, carrying Irish people full of hopes and dreams. The original Jeanie Johnston sank in 1858, but everyone on board was rescued by nearby ships. The guides share exciting stories about life on board as well as stories about some of the passengers. 
The Irish Emigration Museum Many millions of Irish emigrated to the USA, Australia, Britain and other countries from Ireland. Some because the spirit of adventure lured them away. Others because they were exiled. But the majority fled poverty, famine and unemployment. The museum tells the story of Ireland through digital and interactive exhibitions. Visitors get to hear about Irish artists, sports stars and scientists, all of whom have had success abroad. You’ll also hear stories of people who didn’t make it, but still made history. Billy the Kid is among them. The outlaw kid who left his mark on the Wild West was the son of Irish immigrants. 
The Famine Memorial A moving memorial to the Great Famine of 1845, the most fateful event in Irish history. The country’s potato crops were destroyed and the disaster lasted until 1852. Irish leaders asked the British to repeal the Corn Laws, which required a tax on wheat, which significantly increased the price of wheat. The repeal helped very little. The result was a famine that killed over a million people. Around 1.5 million were forced to emigrate and never returned. The Famine Memorial commemorates the men and women who left Ireland in the hope of a better life on the other side of the Atlantic. The sculptures were created by Rowan Gillespie and installed in 1997. They depict people with worn-out faces walking along the river. 
Spire of Dublin The 120 meter high spire has many names: The Stileto in the Ghetto, The Nail in the Plae and several others. The spire is made of bronze and stainless steel and symbolizes Ireland’s past. At the base it is 3 meters wide and at the top around 15 cm. General Post Office Relive the 1916 Easter Rising through the impressive GPO Witness History exhibition. After declaring Ireland a free republic, Irish rebels entrenched themselves behind the six tall pillars. The English gunboats on the River Liffey responded with fire and bullets. Five days later, the rebellion – and part of the post office – was crushed. The leaders of the rebellion were later executed. The exhibition tells the story of the Easter Rising and its significance in the form of photographs, documents, uniforms, guns and a dramatic video. Outside stands a statue of the Celtic legendary giant Cú Chulainn. Legend has it that when he was about to go into battle, he swelled up and turned many colors. He killed countless enemies, but was known as a humble man. The bronze statue shows the giant at the moment when a raven sits on his shoulder and he dies. 
WEST OF THE CITY CENTER
National Museum/Decorative Arts & History The National Museum is housed in the former Collins Barracks from 1706, one of the oldest barracks in Europe. It housed up to 4,000 soldiers and was an important base for the British for almost 200 years. The museum extends over four floors. The largest exhibition focuses on Irish military history (1550-2000) and gives a good insight into Ireland’s bloody history. Artifacts include uniforms, spears, sabres, cannons, medals, aircraft and tanks. Kilmainham Gaol A visit to the bleak, gray prison sends chills down your spine. It’s easy to imagine the sound of heavy doors closing behind the prisoners as they are locked inside the cold cells. On the walls you can see names carved into the stones. Kilmainham Gaol dates from the 1790s. The last prisoner, Eamon de Valera, left the prison in 1924. The man later wrote himself into the history books by becoming President of Ireland. The guides tell gripping stories about the fates of those who spent time behind the cold walls. You’ll hear about escape attempts as well as the 14 leaders of the Easter Rising who were shot here. Several films have also been shot here, including In the Name of the Father (1993). The film is about the Guildford Four, a group that was wrongly convicted of a terrorist act in England in 1975. The script is based on the autobiography of one of the convicts, Gerry Conlon. 
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