Caroline’s Guidebook for Dublin 8
Sightseeing
One of the major Dublin visitor attractions. Steeped in our country's history. New visitor centre to be opened soon. Wonderful guided tours. Booking essential.
568 locals recommend
Kilmainham Gaol Museum
Inchicore RoadOne of the major Dublin visitor attractions. Steeped in our country's history. New visitor centre to be opened soon. Wonderful guided tours. Booking essential.
Over 800 years of history within these walls. It is now the Church of Ireland Cathedral. Services are held 3 times daily to which entry is free. Otherwise entry is paid. Tours are provided and extremely interesting. A very popular visit.
391 locals recommend
St Patrick's Cathedral
Saint Patrick's CloseOver 800 years of history within these walls. It is now the Church of Ireland Cathedral. Services are held 3 times daily to which entry is free. Otherwise entry is paid. Tours are provided and extremely interesting. A very popular visit.
Tour the world famous Guiness Storehouse based in St Jame's Gate Brewery. See how it's made and pull a pint of your own! Last stop the Gravity Bar. With a pint of the black stuff, you'll be able to see from Howth in the north to the Wicklow mountains in the south and the whole of Dublin city in between! the best view in Dublin!
950 locals recommend
Guinness Storehouse
Tour the world famous Guiness Storehouse based in St Jame's Gate Brewery. See how it's made and pull a pint of your own! Last stop the Gravity Bar. With a pint of the black stuff, you'll be able to see from Howth in the north to the Wicklow mountains in the south and the whole of Dublin city in between! the best view in Dublin!
A wonderful and historic cathedral......don’t forget to visit the crypt!
378 locals recommend
Christ Church Cathedral
Christchurch PlaceA wonderful and historic cathedral......don’t forget to visit the crypt!
One of our oldest cathedrals. Free entry and free guided tours giving you a wonderful history of Dublin through the ages!
St Audoens
32 Cook StOne of our oldest cathedrals. Free entry and free guided tours giving you a wonderful history of Dublin through the ages!
Great just to walk around and also visit the garden area at the back. Tours of the State Rooms are available as well tours of underground areas with foundation going back to Viking times.
403 locals recommend
Dublin Castle
Dame StreetGreat just to walk around and also visit the garden area at the back. Tours of the State Rooms are available as well tours of underground areas with foundation going back to Viking times.
Yes it’s worth the queues! Don’t expect to see the whole book as a new page is turned every day. The history of this is mind blowing!
105 locals recommend
The Book of Kells
College GreenYes it’s worth the queues! Don’t expect to see the whole book as a new page is turned every day. The history of this is mind blowing!
Founded by King Charles the second, sister hospital to the Royal Chelsea in London. Stunning building with cobbled courtyard and small Italianate gardens. Home to IMMA. Has a coffee shop and book shop in crypt area.
53 locals recommend
Royal Hospital Kilmainham
Dublin 8 Military RdFounded by King Charles the second, sister hospital to the Royal Chelsea in London. Stunning building with cobbled courtyard and small Italianate gardens. Home to IMMA. Has a coffee shop and book shop in crypt area.
Teeling Whiskey Distillery
13-17 NewmarketOne of our local distilleries.
We love our whiskey! And this distillery utilises a former church.
11 locals recommend
Pearse Lyons Distillery
James StreetWe love our whiskey! And this distillery utilises a former church.
DescriptionTemple Bar is a busy riverside neighbourhood, spread over cobbled pedestrian lanes. Crowded pubs host live folk music and DJ sets, and diners pack restaurants serving Asian, American and Irish cuisine. Quirky boutiques stock clothes and crafts by local designers. The National Photographic Archive highlights Ireland’s past, while the Project Arts Centre and Temple Bar Gallery + Studios shows contemporary art. Just be careful of the prices of some of the pubs!
Restaurants: The Temple Bar, Bad Bobs Temple Bar, Oliver St. John Gogarty's Hostel, Fitzsimons Hotel Temple Bar, Porterhouse Temple Bar, Elephant & Castle Temple Bar, Hard Rock Cafe, Thunder Road Cafe,
528 locals recommend
Temple Bar
DescriptionTemple Bar is a busy riverside neighbourhood, spread over cobbled pedestrian lanes. Crowded pubs host live folk music and DJ sets, and diners pack restaurants serving Asian, American and Irish cuisine. Quirky boutiques stock clothes and crafts by local designers. The National Photographic Archive highlights Ireland’s past, while the Project Arts Centre and Temple Bar Gallery + Studios shows contemporary art. Just be careful of the prices of some of the pubs!
Restaurants: The Temple Bar, Bad Bobs Temple Bar, Oliver St. John Gogarty's Hostel, Fitzsimons Hotel Temple Bar, Porterhouse Temple Bar, Elephant & Castle Temple Bar, Hard Rock Cafe, Thunder Road Cafe,
In the centre of south Dublin City you’ll find Molly.....the Tart with the Cart or the Trollop with the Scallops.....Dublin humour! You’ll know the song ‘cockles and mussels alive alive oh’
56 locals recommend
Molly Malone Statue
Suffolk StreetIn the centre of south Dublin City you’ll find Molly.....the Tart with the Cart or the Trollop with the Scallops.....Dublin humour! You’ll know the song ‘cockles and mussels alive alive oh’
Arts & Culture
The Irish Museum of Modern Art is based in a wonderful old building, the Royal Hospital Kilmaiham. A large selection of innovative and exciting art. Entry is free. Regular exhibitions and local artists work in the Stable Block.
358 locals recommend
Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)
Military RoadThe Irish Museum of Modern Art is based in a wonderful old building, the Royal Hospital Kilmaiham. A large selection of innovative and exciting art. Entry is free. Regular exhibitions and local artists work in the Stable Block.
A truly iconic university. Visit the Book of Kells and get a tour around the college by Trinity’s own students.
91 locals recommend
Trinity College Dublin
College GreenA truly iconic university. Visit the Book of Kells and get a tour around the college by Trinity’s own students.
Free entry to this wonderful gallery and it’s not just for tourists. Lots of locals here regularly!
316 locals recommend
National Gallery of Ireland
Merrion Square WestFree entry to this wonderful gallery and it’s not just for tourists. Lots of locals here regularly!
Small and perfectly formed! This museum is rather different and the tour is certainly not boring!
126 locals recommend
The Little Museum of Dublin
15 St Stephen's GreenSmall and perfectly formed! This museum is rather different and the tour is certainly not boring!
Dublin’s best known theatre with the Riverdance Show running every summer.
69 locals recommend
The Gaiety Theatre
King Street SouthDublin’s best known theatre with the Riverdance Show running every summer.
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Discover weaponry, furniture, silver, ceramics, glassware, Asian art and the Asgard, as well as folklife and costume artefacts. Great place to visit, you’ll never see it all!
166 locals recommend
National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History
Benburb Street123456789101112
Discover weaponry, furniture, silver, ceramics, glassware, Asian art and the Asgard, as well as folklife and costume artefacts. Great place to visit, you’ll never see it all!
Established in 1707 with more than 25,000 books. Full of wonderful collections with a full range of exhibitions with visitors made very welcome.
36 locals recommend
Marsh's Library
Saint Patrick's CloseEstablished in 1707 with more than 25,000 books. Full of wonderful collections with a full range of exhibitions with visitors made very welcome.
Parks & Nature
You can hire a bike or simply walk around and catch site of the deer. There are flower gardens as well as grassland.
Contains the Wellington Monument, Dublin Zoo, Farmleigh House and Aras an Uachtarain (the Presidents residence) all of which can be visited. Check the park Visitor Centre. Several coffee shops available.
1242 locals recommend
Phoenix Park
You can hire a bike or simply walk around and catch site of the deer. There are flower gardens as well as grassland.
Contains the Wellington Monument, Dublin Zoo, Farmleigh House and Aras an Uachtarain (the Presidents residence) all of which can be visited. Check the park Visitor Centre. Several coffee shops available.
Whether you’re a Dubliner or a visitor, this is the park to wander round or relax in.
720 locals recommend
St Stephens Green
Saint Stephen's GreenWhether you’re a Dubliner or a visitor, this is the park to wander round or relax in.
Dublin Zoo
Zoo RoadA great zoo with dedicated staff taking great care of its animals.
This park is home to Ireland's War Memorial Gardens designed by Sir Edward Lutyens for all those who died in both world wars. The book rooms house the Books of the Dead, designed by artist Harry Clark. All surrounded by lovely gardens.
72 locals recommend
Irish National War Memorial Gardens
Island BridgeThis park is home to Ireland's War Memorial Gardens designed by Sir Edward Lutyens for all those who died in both world wars. The book rooms house the Books of the Dead, designed by artist Harry Clark. All surrounded by lovely gardens.
Get out of town! Take the Dart train and go north to this wonderful fishing village. Great cliff walks too! Great market every weekend. This village has some lovely fishy places to eat and plenty of ice cream !
417 locals recommend
Howth
Get out of town! Take the Dart train and go north to this wonderful fishing village. Great cliff walks too! Great market every weekend. This village has some lovely fishy places to eat and plenty of ice cream !
Wonderful walk with great views. Appropriate footwear needed as some loose covered paths. Great favourite with locals of all ages.
32 locals recommend
Bray To Greystones Walk
Bray-Greystones Cliff walkWonderful walk with great views. Appropriate footwear needed as some loose covered paths. Great favourite with locals of all ages.
Tucked away by the National Concert Hall this garden is quieter than Stephens Green so a nice little rest stop. Holds concerts during the summer.
167 locals recommend
Iveagh Gardens
Saint Stephen's GreenTucked away by the National Concert Hall this garden is quieter than Stephens Green so a nice little rest stop. Holds concerts during the summer.
Essentials
Open daily till late. Foods, drinks and household supplies. Top up or buy Leap Cards here. ATM machine to get cash out and a Post Office.
Centra Rialto
South Circular RoadOpen daily till late. Foods, drinks and household supplies. Top up or buy Leap Cards here. ATM machine to get cash out and a Post Office.
Not just a great butchers! Ready made meals, deli, salads, veg,fish, antipasti, fruit, deserts, chocolate, bread and wines!
11 locals recommend
Ennis Butchers
463 S Circular RdNot just a great butchers! Ready made meals, deli, salads, veg,fish, antipasti, fruit, deserts, chocolate, bread and wines!
Well it is an essential! A traditional Dublin local! Friendly people. Music and song at the weekends. A good pint of Guinness here.
7 locals recommend
The Bird Flanagan
471 S Circular RdWell it is an essential! A traditional Dublin local! Friendly people. Music and song at the weekends. A good pint of Guinness here.
The Bakery by Cupcake Bloke
461 S Circular RdA yummy local stop for bread and cakes!
Very knowledgeable and friendly staff who will help with all your health needs.
Haven Pharmacy Cassidys
449 S Circular RdVery knowledgeable and friendly staff who will help with all your health needs.
Large variety of wonderful breads and cakes. Buy in shop and take into coffee shop next door.
49 locals recommend
The Natural Bakery
631 S Circular RdLarge variety of wonderful breads and cakes. Buy in shop and take into coffee shop next door.
Food Scene
Smart brasserie with great staff. Open mid morning till late. Wonderful lunches and evening meals, also Sunday brunch. Or just pop in for coffee or a drink. Outside seating area.
93 locals recommend
Union8
740 S Circular RdSmart brasserie with great staff. Open mid morning till late. Wonderful lunches and evening meals, also Sunday brunch. Or just pop in for coffee or a drink. Outside seating area.
Lovely lunches and great location opposite Kilmainham Gaol. Also does breakfasts and lots more. Nice outside space also.
22 locals recommend
LimeTree Cafe
Lovely lunches and great location opposite Kilmainham Gaol. Also does breakfasts and lots more. Nice outside space also.
Brother Hubbard (South)
46 Harrington StDubliners love this shop! Great food and drink in the main shop/ deli area with plenty of Irish artisan foods. Enjoy a coffee or a light meal in the food hall, or there’s a more formal dining room upstairs and a wonderful wine bar down in the vaulted basement with great wine and charcuterie and cheese boards.
175 locals recommend
Fallon & Byrne, Food Hall
11-17 Exchequer StDubliners love this shop! Great food and drink in the main shop/ deli area with plenty of Irish artisan foods. Enjoy a coffee or a light meal in the food hall, or there’s a more formal dining room upstairs and a wonderful wine bar down in the vaulted basement with great wine and charcuterie and cheese boards.
Well you’re not a Dubliner if you’ve never been to Bewleys. Our most loved ‘coffee house’! The Victorian interior remains and the wonderful stained glass windows by Dublin artist Harry Clarke are a joy to behold!
32 locals recommend
Bewleys Cafe Theatre
78- 79 Grafton StreetWell you’re not a Dubliner if you’ve never been to Bewleys. Our most loved ‘coffee house’! The Victorian interior remains and the wonderful stained glass windows by Dublin artist Harry Clarke are a joy to behold!
I think it’s the best curry in Dublin! And we have a 10% discount card and the bus stop is nearby...... what’s not to like?
11 locals recommend
Diwali Restaurant
South Great George's StreetI think it’s the best curry in Dublin! And we have a 10% discount card and the bus stop is nearby...... what’s not to like?
Queen of Tarts
Cow's LaneIt’s really yummy food! Wonderful cakes!
Cornucopia
19-20 Wicklow StA great local favourite for veggies or vegans! Amazing room upstairs!
You’ll want the wings , oh yes you will! Nestled in the middle of Temple Bar, it’s a good price for good food.
90 locals recommend
Elephant & Castle Temple Bar
18-19 Temple BarYou’ll want the wings , oh yes you will! Nestled in the middle of Temple Bar, it’s a good price for good food.
Noshington Café
186 S Circular RdGood food and lovely garden out back. Great for weekend brunch!
Leo Burdock Temple Bar
4 Crown AlleyWe Dubs love a bit of Leo! Enjoy!
Good prices and decent burgers. Also a store in Dame Street.
8 locals recommend
BóBós Burgers Restaurant
22 Wexford StGood prices and decent burgers. Also a store in Dame Street.
Great for any time of day or evening. Great set menus and large selection of craft beers.
10 locals recommend
The Larder Restaurant & BrewHouse
8 Parliament StGreat for any time of day or evening. Great set menus and large selection of craft beers.
Great mix of Thai and Vietnamese cooking. We locals love it so don’t forget to book!
36 locals recommend
Saba
7 William St SGreat mix of Thai and Vietnamese cooking. We locals love it so don’t forget to book!
Michelin star restaurant with beautiful food and wine for a special occasion. Lunch is particularly good value.
19 locals recommend
The Greenhouse
21 Dawson StMichelin star restaurant with beautiful food and wine for a special occasion. Lunch is particularly good value.
Drinks & Nightlife
Whelan's
25 Wexford StGreat live music and atmosphere!
The Brazen Head
20 Lower Bridge StGreat food and music! Possibly the oldest pub in Ireland!
One of the few pubs in Temple Bar where the food and drinks are reasonably priced! Great atmosphere and music
24 locals recommend
The Old Storehouse
3 Crown AlleyOne of the few pubs in Temple Bar where the food and drinks are reasonably priced! Great atmosphere and music
Great selection of craft beers, music and food. Reasonable priced pub in the Temple Bar area.
108 locals recommend
Porterhouse Temple Bar
16-18 Parliament StGreat selection of craft beers, music and food. Reasonable priced pub in the Temple Bar area.
This place is famous for the music and a pint of the black stuff!
133 locals recommend
O'Donoghues Bar
15 Merrion RowThis place is famous for the music and a pint of the black stuff!
Our best known hotel! Go for a drink in one of the 2 bars or afternoon tea in the lounge for a treat. It’s not our cheapest but it has a wonderful atmosphere!
49 locals recommend
The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection
27 St Stephen's GreenOur best known hotel! Go for a drink in one of the 2 bars or afternoon tea in the lounge for a treat. It’s not our cheapest but it has a wonderful atmosphere!
A great old pub. If you’re in a group, give the drinks order all in one go, never one drink at a time!
119 locals recommend
The Long Hall
51 South Great George's StreetA great old pub. If you’re in a group, give the drinks order all in one go, never one drink at a time!
If you love rugby or just a great Dublin pub atmosphere, you won’t go wrong here. It’s busy...... :)
29 locals recommend
Doheny and Nesbitt
5 Baggot Street LowerIf you love rugby or just a great Dublin pub atmosphere, you won’t go wrong here. It’s busy...... :)
Great vibe and great shows! Locals love this place and guests can see a lot of their favourite bands and comedy acts here.
85 locals recommend
Vicar Street
58-59 Thomas StGreat vibe and great shows! Locals love this place and guests can see a lot of their favourite bands and comedy acts here.
Pretty ordinary downstairs but go upstairs to the lounges, velvet seating and candle lit tables. Music and food on offer or just go for the extensive cocktail menu.
26 locals recommend
Peruke & Periwig
31 Dawson StPretty ordinary downstairs but go upstairs to the lounges, velvet seating and candle lit tables. Music and food on offer or just go for the extensive cocktail menu.
Getting Around
Hertz Car Hire
151 S Circular RdHop On Hop Off Tour Dublin
59 O'Connell Street UpperDublin
8 Grand Canal PlaceDublin City bikes, a great way to get around!
National rail station with bus stops and Luas Tram stop. We’re only 3 stops away on the Luas.
135 locals recommend
Heuston station
Saint John's Road WestNational rail station with bus stops and Luas Tram stop. We’re only 3 stops away on the Luas.