Finally made plans to visit Dublin? We’re delighted for you! You've picked a great city with a fascinating history, a vibrant culture and lots of wonderful things to see and do.
If you’ve been looking for some of the best things to do for your first time in Dublin, you've probably already heard about us. The Guinness Storehouse is one of Dublin’s best attractions and is officially Ireland's most visited attraction; seven floors of stories and stout that will take you on a journey through the history of our brewing here at St James Gate. And all around us, throughout Dublin 8, you’ll find more stories, and a neighbourhood that’s one of the oldest, most historically rich, and culturally fascinating parts of the entire city.
So, here's how we'd suggest spending your time – or at least a day of it – if it’s your first time visiting Dublin.
Seven floors, 265 years of history, one of the world’s most famous pints, and one of the best views in Dublin. The Guinness Storehouse takes you through the full story of Ireland's iconic stout, from the smell, taste and texture of the ingredients and brewing process through to the legendary Guinness advertising archive. You’ll also learn the story of the Guinness family and their impact on the city around them.
Our brewery tours are self-guided, so you can move at your own pace, and they end in a spectacular fashion at the Gravity Bar, our 360-degree glass-walled sky-high bar. Here, 46 metres high above the city, your complimentary pint of Guinness comes with a perfect pour and panoramic views of the city, the Liffey, and even the mountains in the distance on a clear day.
Book your tickets in advance to secure the right time slot for your day’s itinerary as our time slots sell out regularly, especially at weekends and during the busy summer months.
About fifteen minutes on foot from our gates, Christchurch Cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in Dublin and has stood powerfully over the Liffey for over 1000 years now. Its Viking foundations date back to 1030, and its intricate stonework tells the story of century upon century of city life. Whether you want to wander the grounds and exterior and just get a sense of the might and history of the place or go inside and take a tour of the Cathedral and crypt, it’s well worth the walk. Oh, and for those who want some drama, you can even try a bell ringing experience here!
Dublin's two medieval cathedrals sit within easy walking distance of each other. St. Patrick's Cathedral – a five-minute stroll from Christchurch – is the larger of the two and easily one of the most beautiful medieval buildings in Ireland. The guided tours here are free and are a superb way to get a cathedral-side perspective on Dublin’s history. If by chance you're visiting when there’s a service or event on, try to get in to experience the magnificent acoustics and atmosphere when the place is filled with music.
Right next to Christchurch, Dublinia is one of those experiences that sounds like it might be just for children, and while it’s a top Dublin family attraction, it turns out to be genuinely fascinating for adults too. It's a faithful and wonderfully immersive recreation of Viking and medieval Dublin – you’ll get to experience the sights, sounds, smells (yuck), and stories of the city as it was centuries ago. If you want to understand what Dublin was before it was Dublin, this is truly the perfect way to do it.
First-timers to Dublin will get a huge amount from a tour of Kilmainham Gaol, which sits about twenty-five minutes on foot from our gates. The Gaol is the place where the leaders of the Irish rebellion, the 1916 Easter Rising, were executed, and where the story of the Irish struggle for independence reached its most devastating and defining chapter. The guided tours here are truly exceptional, they offer a genuinely moving and brilliantly told journey through the story of Dublin as seen through the thick stone walls and tiny windows of the Gaol’s cold cells. You have to book your spot in advance here as it’s another of Dublin's top groups activities.
The beauty of Dublin 8 as a base for first-time visitors is that so many of Dublin’s best attractions for families, groups and couples are walkable from here. Christchurch, St. Patrick's, Dublinia and Kilmainham are all within a twenty-five-minute walk of the Storehouse. The city centre – Temple Bar, Grafton Street, Trinity College – is thirty minutes on foot or a short bus or Luas ride. Dublin is a compact city, and once you're on your feet and out and about, it opens up fast.
WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ARTHUR GUINNESS ON A NEW BREWERY EXPERIENCE
It’s no secret that Guinness is steeped in history and tradition. But how familiar are you with the origins of the black stuff? During a new one-of-a-kind experience, you have the chance to step back in time and explore the rich legacy that made Guinness what it is today.
The Gravity Bar
The Gravity Bar is an iconic spot that offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, while you savour a pint of the world-renowned Guinness stout. This unique space, enveloped in glass and steel, tells a story of innovation, tradition, and a deep love for beer that started with Arthur Guinness in 1759.
GET THE MOST FROM YOUR GUINNESS STOREHOUSE EXPERIENCE
Here at the Guinness Storehouse you'll find stories and secrets that turn the humble pint into something truly magical. But, before you ride that wave of frothy goodness, let's talk a little about how you can get the most from one of the best tours in Dublin.
What to do in Dublin?
With so many attractions and activities, how do you choose what to do in Dublin? We’ve used our insider knowledge to put together a list of 15 other top spots around the city we think you really must visit.