DK Travel : Dublin

One of the most popular capitals in Europe, Dublin is a city steeped in history. Huddled together within a small vicinity you’ll find Viking remains, medieval cathedrals and churches, Georgian squares and excellent museums. But it’s not just about buildings – music, theatre, literature and pubs play just as strong a part in Dublin’s atmosphere. These highlights are the must-sees for any visitor who wants to truly capture the variety and vibrancy of the city.

Smuggler’s Creek

Take a table with a view in this family-run restaurant overlooking the sweep of Donegal Bay. The speciality is seafood but they also provide a good range of other dishes.
Sneem

This pretty village, backed by the 682-m (2,240-ft) Knockmoyle Mountain, resembles something out of a children’s picture book, with its houses all painted different colours. A popular, friendly place.
Soup Dragon

A tiny take away eatery, this is one of the best economic values in the city. For the price of a coffee in most places, you get soup, bread and fruit. Serving both vegetarian and meaty dishes, grab a warm lunch here and then head to a nearby park to enjoy a wonderful lunch al fresco.
Spiddal

Officially Irish-speaking, and with a Gaelic summer school, Spiddal makes a pleasant stop on the Galway Bay coast road. Several craft workers have set up shop in the Spiddal Craft Village, where you can see pottery, weaving, knitting and other skilled work in progress, or buy the finished goods.
St Brigid’s Crosses

Country people still weave rushes into these crosses and hang them up to protect against evil spirits.
St Mary’s Abbey

Founded in 1139. All that remains of the abbey is the vaulted chapterhouse.
St Mary’s Pro Cathedral

Catholic Dublin has not had its own cathedral since the Reformation but St Mary’s has been playing the part since 1825. It is home to the Palestrina choir, who sing the Sunday morning service.
St Michan’s Church

The attraction at this 11th-century church is the macabre mummified bodies.
St Patrick

Patrick, a 5th-century Roman Briton, was captured by Irish raiders and taken into slavery in Ulster. Escaping to France, he became a priest and returned to Ireland to help convert the Irish. Extraordinary tales about him abound – he cured the sick, raised the dead, and rid Ireland of snakes by ringing his bell (see Christianity Comes to Ireland).
St Patrick’s Cathedral

Dublin’s “second” cathedral and long-time rival to Christ Church. Apart from the many monuments and plaques commemorating deceased dignitaries, and some fine architectural features, St Patrick’s most interesting association is with Jonathan Swift. Appointed dean at the beginning of the 18th century, Swift carried out much of his work from the cathedral. You can see his death mask, writing desk and chair in the north pulpit and the memorial to himself and “Stella” lies just inside the entrance.

Jump to top

Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €25
- €25–€35
- €35–€55
- €55–€70
- over €70