Explore Dublin, an ancient city of myths and mysteries

Here’s a list of things to do if you want to Explore Dublin.

Enjoy an historical tour walking in the footsteps of Dublin’s most famed literary son James Joyce, author of Ulysses. The 90-minute walking tour takes you through the historical streets with stops at Joyce Tower and Museum. Stop off at Sweny’s Pharmacy at lunchtime to hear daily readings from Joyce’s books. The tour costs $14.50 and can be booked through the James Joyce Centre.

Sight Seeing Jogging tours are all the rage for the fitness conscious traveller in Dublin.  Sign up to Sight Jogging Dublin and you can call the shots on how long you want to jog for. You also choose the distance and what fun and historical sites you want to see.  Your guide will happily jog at your pace while giving you the low-down on this unique city.

You can’t visit Dublin and not take a tour around the famous Guinness Storehouse.  Uncover the secrets and myths of this 250-year-old stout in the company of master brewer Fergal Murray who will expertly guide you through the brewing process. The tour finishes with a delicious pint of Guinness in the rooftop Gravity Bar, where you can enjoy your Guinness while taking in 360-degree views over the rooftops of Dublin.

Raise a pint to Dublin’s literary giants

Take a journey through Dublin’s historical pubs and raise your pint to the many literary greats that frequented these famous watering holes. Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels was said to frequent the famous Brazen Head bar, the oldest bar in Dublin, which dates back to 1198. Poet W.B. Yeats and Bram Stoker (Dracula) preferred the homely rustic charms of Toner’s Pub. Choose a guided tour or explore this literary laden city on your own.

If you are wanting to Explore Dublin on a Saturday then make your way to Meeting House Square for the Temple Bar Farmers Market. Here you can let your taste buds do the exploring with organic delights from local producers. Delicious artisan cheeses, fresh ground coffee, vegetarian treats, pastries, the freshest seafood and olives are just some of the produce on offer at this open air foodies paradise. At night Temple Bar comes alive with party goers looking for a fun night out in this cobblestone hotspot overflowing with pubs, bars and restaurants.

Find some peace in a busy city

After a morning of sight-seeing around the grand old city of Dublin there is no better place to revive your flagging energy and spirit than at one of the city’s many gastro pubs. Here’s two of our favourites. The Chophouse on Shelbourne Road has a light contemporary décor and mouth-watering dishes. Try the Aged Rib-Eye with twice cooked chips and you won’t be sorry. The award-winning Exchequer Bar on Exchequer Street oozes charm with vintage couches and raw timber floors. The Pork Belly with Black Pudding is to die for.

Trinity College is a must see for any visitors wanting to Explore Dublin. Noted as one of the seven ancient universities of Britain and Ireland this college dates back to 1592. Such literary greats as Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, W.B. Yeats, Samuel Becket and Jonathan Swift have paced the hallowed floors of this famous institution. The library itself is worth the visit alone with more than 4.5 million printed volumes among which is the Book of Kells, a ancient manuscript dating back to the nine century.

Fancy a spot of shopping?  Head to Grafton Street the popular shopping precinct in the heart of Dublin. Nestled among the picturesque historic buildings you will find fashion stores ranging from high-end boutiques to high-street fashion outlets. There’s also a great range of restaurants and cafes to relax in while watching the world go by. If it’s raining you can pop into Grafton Street’s undercover mall, Stephen’s Green, which houses over 100 fashion stores.