Top Things to do in County Dublin
What to do and see in County Dublin, Province of Leinster: The Best Free Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in County Dublin, Ireland including Oratory of The Sacred Heart, James Joyce Tower & Museum, National Gallery of Ireland, St Stephens Green, Phoenix Park, St. Anne's Park, Chester Beatty, Portmarnock Beach, Killiney Hill, Howth Head.
Restaurants in County Dublin
1. Oratory of The Sacred Heart
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By johanniec19 - Dublin, Ireland
This tiny little Oratory - with the most amazing artwork & decoration by Sister Concepta (Lily Lynch) ... This year 2020 - a hundred years ago that she started decorating the space behind the Statue of the Sacred Heart and commissioned the Studio of Harry Clarke to do the stained Glass Windows too . An inscription on one of the windows read: Pray for All the Donors of this Oratory 1920. But it was built by the Monks Brothers 1919- commissioned by the Dominican sisters as a Peace Memorial after WWI. Dun Laoghaire CountyCouncil organise tours with Heritage Tours on specific dates which can be find under either Spring Heritage or Summer Heritage with a dedicated website to give exact dates & times ( which often varies).
2. James Joyce Tower & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 296 reviews
Museum housed in a seaside tower that inspired the setting of the first chapter of Ulysses; features memorabilia and a fantastic view of the coast and the surrounding countryside.
Reviewed By Seehanes
If you are in the Sandycove area it would be difficult to justify not visiting the James Joyce Tower. The tower is one of a series of small defensive forts that were built along the Dublin coastline in the early 1800s. There is access to all levels including the open roof from which views are impressive. If the tower itself is not sufficient reason to attract attention, then the James Joyce perspective may tip the balance. Joyce stayed here for six nights in September 1904, when he was 22 years old, as a guest of his friend Oliver St. John Gogarty who was leasing the tower. On the sixth night fellow guest Samuel Chevenix Trench dreamt he saw a black panther and proceeded to shoot at the creature - terrifying Joyce who immediately fled. The tower provides the scene for the opening pages of Joyce's novel Ulysses. Biographical information and interesting photographs of Joyce form part of the display here. There is also a black panther, for good measure. Staff are friendly and helpful. There is no admission fee, but donations can be made at the discretion of visitors.
3. National Gallery of Ireland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,086 reviews
The National Gallery of Ireland holds the national collection of European and Irish fine art. Admission is free to the permanent collections. The historic wings have recently been refurbished and reopened to the public. Entrance to the gallery is via Merrion Sq and Clare Street entrances.
Reviewed By ElizaMo55 - Warsaw, Poland
I was very lucky to visit a breath taking exhibition of Spanish impressionist, Sorolla when visiting NGI in October. National Gallery of Ireland hosts a number of temporary art exhibitions which are definitely worth visiting, beside permanent collection of Irish art.
4. St Stephens Green
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16,623 reviews
Beautiful urban park immortalized in James Joyce's "Ulysses."
Reviewed By MaggieMay82 - Dublin, Ireland
This little piece of heaven just at the top of Grafton street has to be on your list to cost. Whether as a couple for a romantic walk throu all the little nooks and crannies designed into the park or going with kids to feed the ducks or swans or go to the playground and bring a picnic for after. And it won't cost you a penny
5. Phoenix Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,753 reviews
Beautiful urban park lined with running trails.
Reviewed By browncondo2102 - Kitchener, Canada
There are 8 miles of walls around this magnificent park and at 1750 acres is the largest park in the world. There are many things encompassed in this park. Dublin Zoo which was home to the MGM Lion at one time, Magazine Fort, President's House and the US Embassy. The USA was the first country to recognize Ireland so they got the pick of the litter as to where their embassy would be located in 1927. Inside the park is a Cross Monument where in 1979, Pope John Paul 2 preached to 1.2 million people. There are many large gardens of planted flowers throughout the park and many deer and other animals still run wild on its grounds.
6. St. Anne's Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 247 reviews
Beautiful park with spectacular views of the coast.
Reviewed By Derm0tJ - Dublin, Ireland
A Fantastic park on the north side of the city, it has a lovely rose garden and plenty of walks for everyone. There is a cafe on site at the Red Stables that serves delicious sandwiches, cakes tea and coffee. It’s well worth a visit .
7. Chester Beatty
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,024 reviews
FREE Admission. Described by Lonely Planet as ‘not just the best museum in Ireland but one of the best in Europe’ - and the only Irish museum to ever win European Museum of the Year - the Chester Beatty’s extraordinary collections from countries across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe span centuries, continents and cultures and offer visitors a fascinating view of global artistic heritage. Donated to the Irish nation, American mining magnate and philanthropist Sir Alfred Chester Beatty's bequest is considered one of Ireland's greatest gifts. Open late on Wednesdays until 8pm. Download the Chester Beatty app, for audio tours in 6 languages, virtual walk-throughs, online collections and more!
Reviewed By Pathfinder801848 - Batavia, United States
Incredible treasures housed at the library - illuminated editions of religious texts, a lovely roof-top garden (great way to take a picture of the Dublin Castle garden), and other artifacts from East and West.
8. Portmarnock Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 281 reviews
Reviewed By Claire546 - Ballymena, United Kingdom
I had the pleasure of walking this busy beach during a recent stay here. I found it very clean which was surprising given how many people, dogs and horses were also enjoying it. The perfect place for a stroll along the beach to blow the cobwebs away.
9. Killiney Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 325 reviews
Reviewed By JoanneMcGrath - Dublin, Ireland
Walkers, dog lovers and fresh air enthusiasts - will love the many captivating views of sea, Wicklow Mountains, City, harbour and Dublin Mountains that are all on the one great walk in a handy loop. Every day offers a different view. Also has super coffee shop in Victoria Hill with delicious treats.
10. Howth Head
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,717 reviews
Reviewed By sarahblandry - Manchester, United States
If you are visiting Dublin do yourself a favor and take one day to leave the city by DART train and see quaint Howth. Amazing walking trails, ocean views, delicious seafood restaurants everywhere, local crafts and food at the Howth market. Only a 30 minute train ride - well worth it!
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