Yes, there’s the Guinness brewery. Sure, Trinity College is worth a look. And obviously you should visit a local pub or two. But when you’ve seen the main sights of Dublin, it’s time to delve deeper into the Irish capital. From the country’s oldest library to a tall ship on the River Liffey, these seven off-the-beaten-path experiences have nothing to do with grabbing a pint.
The paths and peacefulness of Iveagh Gardens are available to all every day of the year except Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day.
Photo by Tony Quinn/Shutterstock
1. Stroll in the Iveagh Gardens
You’ll probably pass St. Stephen’s Green during your visit to Dublin, but take a short stroll to find a less-visited spot: the Iveagh Gardens. Designed in 1865 and hidden just behind the National Concert Hall, this space offers a peaceful retreat from the buzz of the city. Stroll the paths and you’ll discover a cascade, a yew maze, rockeries, a rose garden, and fountains. Entrance is free, and you can access the park through gates at the Concert Hall, Clonmel Street, or Hatch Street.
The current structure housing the Whitefriar Street Church dates back to 1825.
Photo by Noel Bennett/Shutterstock
2. See St. Valentine’s remains
If you’re seeking some divine romantic inspiration, visit the remains of Saint Valentine at Whitefriar Street Church, run by the Carmelite Order. The remains of the Roman saint and a small vessel tinged with his blood were sent there in the 1800s and are in a small casket at an altar to the right-hand side of the church. Visitors can write their intentions for prayers in a book at the shrine. And if you need some extra spiritual help with your love life (or lack of it), the shrine of Saint Jude, said to be the patron saint of hopeless cases, is in a handy location right next door.
3. Walk the Great South Wall
Dublin city is positioned at the mouth of a large bay. One of the city’s best-kept secrets is the walk along the Great South Wall, which stretches out a few miles into the center of the bay. At the end, you’ll find the landmark Poolbeg Lighthouse, a popular spot for fishing. From here, you can see large ships and ferries arriving and departing from Dublin Port. Look northward for views of the peninsula of Howth or south to see the Dublin Mountains and Sandymount Strand and across to Dun Laoghaire Harbour.
4. Climb the tower at Glasnevin Cemetery
The Irish National Cemetery at Glasnevin dates back to 1832. It’s full of old gravestones and tombs and has many famous occupants, from poets and writers to heroes who were involved in the Irish fight for freedom. These include rebel leader Michael Collins (1890–1922) and politician Countess Constance Markievicz (1868–1927). The main tour covers Irish history and the 1916 Rising, War of Independence, and Civil War, while the “Dead Interesting” tour visits the final resting place of writer Brendan Behan and the poet and novelist Rosa Mulholland. One of the most interesting experiences is to go underground inside the crypt of Daniel O’Connell, known as “the liberator,” and then climb to the top of Ireland’s tallest round tower to get a bird’s-eye view of the whole lot. Make sure to leave time for the visitor center to learn stories of the cemetery’s occupants and see the “City of the Dead” exhibition on funeral culture around the world.
5. Visit Marsh’s Library, the oldest in Ireland
Marsh’s Library was Ireland’s first public library when it opened in 1707 just beside St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It also happens to be Ireland’s oldest library, period. The interior hasn’t changed much over the past three centuries, and book lovers will enjoy strolling along the galleries, soaking up the atmosphere, and admiring the wooden shelves with old books, arranged in order by size and covering subjects from law and politics to classical studies and travel atlases.
The James Joyce tower is 30 minutes from the center of Dublin.
Photo by Roy Harris/Shutterstock
6. James Joyce tower and museum
This Martello Tower on Sandycove Point in south Dublin is best known for its appearance in the novel Ulysses. James Joyce stayed in the tower briefly in 1904, and he went on to set the opening chapter of the famous book in the tower. You can check out the artifacts in the small museum at the base, which include the author’s old guitar and his traveling trunk. The open top level has views across Dublin Bay and overlooks the famous Forty Foot swimming spot where you can take a dip if brave enough. Back in Dublin City, check out upcoming events and readings at the James Joyce Centre in a Georgian building on North Great George’s Street.
7. Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship and Famine Museum
If you’re looking down the River Liffey and admiring the tall ship tied up on the north quays, you might be surprised to find that you can step aboard—it’s actually a museum. The Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship and Famine Museum tells the story of Irish emigration and those who crossed the Atlantic Ocean for a new life during the Great Famine. Although the ship is a replica, all of the rigging is in full working order, and this ship has also crossed the Atlantic. Below deck, the quarters show what life was like during the grueling journey in famine times. To learn more about Irish emigration, stroll over to the nearby Epic Irish Emigration Museum at Custom House Quay, which describes how Irish emigrants shaped the world in everything from the arts and science to politics and sport.
This article was originally published in 2017 and was updated on November 13, 2024, with new information.
