Dublin
Nestled between Wicklow Mountains and the Irish Sea, Dublin is a young, vibrant, happening city full of culture and heritage. A Viking city at heart, Dublin’s streets are an eclectic mix of history and contemporary. Home to Ireland’s National Museums and Galleries and with many more historical, artistic and literary attractions in Dublin, there is plenty to see and do for the culturally inclined.
Ireland’s capital has been the back drop for many an epic movie, from Dunsloghly Castle in Braveheart (1995) to Heuston Station in Haywire (2011). You’ll also recognise parts of Dublin from TV series such as Ripper Street, Penny Dreadful, and The Tudors.
Top Tips to Explore Dublin:
Fly direct to and from Dublin from the UK with Dublin Airport
Stay at Travelodge Dublin Airport South, Dublin Airport North, Dublin Phoenix Park, or Dublin City Centre Rathmines
Invest in a Visitor Leap Card for Dublin Bus, Dart & Luas or Dublin Pass
Croke Park
Must see along this route:
Phoenix Park
Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre
Book of Kells
National Gallery of Ireland
St Patrick’s Cathedral
Dublinia
Chester Beatty Library
Dublin, voted the second friendliest city in the world by Conde Nast Traveler readers in 2015, and is home to a vibrant nightlife as well as a host of attractions from Phoenix Park to Kilmainham Gaol. Dublin’s Phoenix Park is the largest walled park in Europe and is home to several of Dublin most popular attractions including Aras an Uachtarain, the residence of the Irish President, Dublin Zoo and Farmleigh House. Dublin has fascinating walking and bus tours, cultural escapes, scientific exhibitions and literary inspirations – after all, it is the city that inspired James Joyce’s Ulysses and Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
Things to do in Dublin
Kilmainham Gaol
Kilmainham Gaol is a landmark of Irish pride and nationalism. As the detention point for leaders of almost every Irish rebellion of the last 200 years, this site is a must see for history lovers.
You may recognise Kilmainham Gaol from TC shows such as Ripper Street & The Tudors. The former prison has been used as a location for a whole host of films, the most notable The Italian Job (1969).
Croke Park Tour
A Dublin landmark, this historic location operates 3 separate experiences for guests; the GAA Museum, the Croke Park stadium tour and the Etihad Skyline tour. The museum and stadium tours will teach you everything you ever needed to know about Ireland’s greatest games and their historical significance. The Skyline tour offers a uniquely panoramic and stunning view of the city from the top of Croke Park.
Guinness Storehouse
Consistently ranked among the best tourist attractions in Europe, this is the one stop shop where you can learn everything that goes into making one of the most iconic drinks in the world. A guided tour around the facility will teach you everything you need to know about ‘the black stuff’. The tour culminates with a chance to pour your own glass in the Gravity Bar with stunning views overlooking Dublin
Teeling’s Whiskey Distillery
Watch the process from beginning to end and experience the sounds and smells of the distillation process. At the end of this riveting tour you can taste a range of award-winning Irish whiskeys or even fill your own bottle of Teeling’s directly from a cask in the gift shop.
Dublin Zoo
Located in the Phoenix Park in the heart of Dublin city, Dublin Zoo is Ireland’s most popular family attraction, and welcomed over one million visitors last year. As one of the world’s oldest, most popular zoos, the 28 hectare park is home to some 400 animals in safe environment where education and conservation combine for an exciting and unforgettable experience.
EPIC Ireland
EPIC Ireland is a stunning interactive look at the history and legacy of the Irish Diaspora. From the 20 themed galleries learn about Irish Culture, find out why people left, see how they influenced the world and enjoy interactive displays on everything from Irish literature, emigration and sports. Located nearby is the Famine Memorial and Jeanie Johnston tall ship.
Travelodge Dublin Airport North, Swords
Travelodge Dublin Airport North is located just off the M1 Dublin to Belfast Motorway at Airside Retail Park, Swords. The hotel is 8 minutes (3.8 km) from Dublin Airport terminals 1 & 2 and 17 minutes from Dublin City Centre (3 Arena). Hotel Facilities include a Restaurant & Bar, Complimentary Guest Car Parking & Wi-Fi and 24 hour reception. The hotel was most recently refurbished in 2016.
Travelodge Dublin Airport South
Travelodge Dublin Airport South is located just off the M50 Dublin Junction 4. The hotel is 10 minutes (6 km) from Dublin Airport terminals 1 & 2 and 15 minutes from Dublin City Centre (O’Connell St.). Hotel facilities include a Restaurant & Bar (Breakfast only), Complimentary Guest’s Car Parking & Wi-Fi and 24 hour reception. The hotel was most recently refurbished in 2016.
Travelodge Dublin Phoenix Park
Travelodge Dublin Phoenix Park is located just off the M50 (Dublin Ring Road) Junction 6 on the Navan Road. The hotel is 17 minutes (12 km) from Dublin Airport terminals 1 & 2 and 10 minutes (6 km) from Dublin City Centre. Hotel facilities include a Restaurant & Bar, Complimentary Guest’s Car Parking & Wi-Fi and 24 hour reception. The hotel was most recently refurbished in 2017.
Travelodge Dublin City Centre, Rathmines
Travelodge Dublin City Centre, Rathmines is located on the R114 Rd, Rathmines Road lower. The hotel is 10 minutes (2.5 km) from Dublin City Centre (St. Stephen’s Green). Hotel facilities include Guest Car Parking, Complimentary Wi-Fi and 24 hour reception. The hotel was most recently refurbished in 2017. There is a restaurant located next to the hotel.