Dublin is the capital of Ireland. It is the largest city by size on the island of Ireland. This city has everything, history, charm, and a walkable city center. Dublin was once the second city of the British Empire. You can find evidence of English influence all over the city. Some of the best tourist attractions for nature lovers are St. Stephen’s Green, Phoenix Park, and Dublin Zoo. For devoted visitors there is St. Patrick’s Cathedral or Christ Church Cathedral. Other famous places include the James Joyce Centre, Kilmainham Gaol, The Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum Experience, etc. 

Here are the Best Tourist Attractions in Dublin

1. The National Gallery of Ireland

 

This national gallery was built in 1854. It is located in the center of the city of Dublin. This national gallery is popular for its amazing collection of art which has 2500 paintings. It even has 10000 other works in different media including watercolors, drawings, prints, and sculpture. The National Gallery has several Irish paintings that are renowned all over Ireland. This gallery has been renovated and extended by receiving donations of both artworks and finances to aid the process over the years. It started with a small collection of merely 125 paintings Works of men from France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Netherlands. The National Gallery of Ireland has various exhibitions throughout the year.

2. Spire of Dublin

 

This monument is one of the most impressive tourist places to see in Dublin. Located on O’Connell Street. It is a 120-meter-long stainless steel monument with a pin-like arch. With a base diameter of 15 cm, the tip of the tower sways away up to 1.5 meters during windy weather. The Spire of Dublin is consider a landmark of this place. Designed by Ian Ritchie Architects. The surface of the spire is made from a material that reflects the street view during the daylight making it an elegant landmark. However, the night comes with another stunning view at the Spire of Dublin as lights are reflected from the beautifully lit base.

3. Dublin Castle

 

It is located off Dame Street in central Dublin. This castle was originally a defense center against Norman invaders and the seat of the English government. Since then it has served as the Royal Mint. This was the site of the central administration during 700 years of British rule until 1922. Now the castle is used for ceremonial occasions, exhibitions, and even concerts. There are also many museums to explore including the Chester Beatty Library and Gallery.

4. Christ Church Cathedral

 

This Christ Church Cathedral is regarded as the official seat of the Archbishop of Dublin. It is known to be home to the oldest and largest crypt in Britain and Ireland. The church dates back to the 12th century and was built in 1930. Christ Church Cathedral was built by the Sitric King of the Dublin Norsemen. This church holds the most interesting medieval exhibits, such as manuscripts and artifacts, along with many treasures from Christ Church. The major exhibition includes the royal plate which was gifted by King William III in 1697 as a thanksgiving gift for his triumphant win in the Battle of the Boyne. And the rare 14th-century copy of the Magna Carta Hiberniae. However, cathedral bells are also a famous feature of the Christ Church.

5. Phoenix Park and Dublin Zoo 

 

Spread over an area of 1700 acres. Phoenix Park is one of the largest enclosed parks in a European city. This wonderful park has trees, filled with monuments, buildings, gardens, a fort, and the Dublin Zoo. In the 17th century, the park was one of the royal hunting grounds with many verdant willows and sparkling lakes which was opened to the public in 1747. The major attraction of the Phoenix park is the Dublin Zoo. Regarded as the oldest zoo in Europe. It has more than 400 varieties of animals. Visitors can enjoy cycling. There is also a Segway tour. Other notable attractions of the park include the Visitor Centre and Ashtown Castle.

6. St. Patrick’s Cathedral

 

This St. Patrick’s Cathedral was constructed in the honor of f St. Patrick. It is one of the famous patron saints of Ireland that depicts the rich culture. This church is the largest in Ireland. They are usually celebrated as the national cathedral of the Church of the city. It is popular for its choir, established in 1432, and still performs. Visitors can opt for a guided tour here or use the free app while wandering in the cathedral. This church had major repairs in the 1660s. From that time it has been hailed as one of the best examples of medieval architecture in Dublin. Some of the popular things to spot at this cathedral include the memorial plaques, busts, and souvenirs, the most famous being the Boyle Family tomb from the 17th century.

7. Chester Beatty Library

 

This Beatty library is now known as the Chester Beatty. It is a museum and library in Dublin. This library was established in Ireland in 1953. It houses the collections of mining magnate, Sir Alfred Chester Beatty. This place features a fine collection of oriental art and several collections of manuscripts, books, and ancient texts. The major treasures of this museum are the French Books of Hours of the 14th and 15th centuries a prayer book. That belonged to Philip II of Spain, works of Far Eastern art, Islamic prints, Sanskrit manuscripts (12th to 13th century), Indian miniatures, and Babylonian clay tablets. There are also European medieval and Renaissance manuscripts, Egyptian papyrus texts, copies of the Qur’an, and the Bible. Buddhist paintings and Turkish and Persian miniatures are also on display, as are woodblock prints from Japan and Chinese dragon robes.