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Dublin: 6 Irish experiences you will not forget again

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Despite Dublin's small size, there are plenty of experiences on the program in our guide to the green island capital.
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Dublin: 6 Irish experiences you will not forget again is written by Albert Munch Ekstrand.

Travel to Dublin - the small city with the great experiences

Where the River Liffey flows into the Irish Sea lies Ireland's buzzing capital Dublin. Do not be fooled by the size of the city, because even though the city is small, it has great experiences. There is something for the historically interested, the beer enthusiast, the music lover and the sports enthusiast.

Are you dreaming of your next city break or a tour of Ireland, then it is our clear recommendation that you also travel to Dublin. We guide you to an eventful city break in the Irish capital.

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Traditional Dublin

As you wander through the old streets of Dublin, you clearly feel the more than 1000 years of history that the city hides. Historic buildings stand side by side with hip cafes and bustling shops. Then the eyes must be stimulated with breathtaking architecture, you have come to the right place.

It is obvious to start your city exploration at the university Trinity College, which is located in the heart of the city and contains incredible stories. It was built in 1592 and therefore occupies the place as Ireland's oldest university.

This is also where you can see the medieval manuscript Book of Kells and the lavish Long Room Library. A sight that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up - an absolute must see.

Afterwards, take a walk in the park and the green areas that surround the charming campus. If you are ready for a touch of Danish history, you can take a stroll past Dublin Castle, which is ten minutes away on foot.

The castle draws threads back to Denmark. Before the first bricks were laid, there was a Danish Viking fortress on the site. Dublin Castle has had many functions over time – court of law, medieval fortress and place of execution. But today the place breathes much more peace, and you can visit the museum, explore crypts under the castle, and if you're lucky, you can also experience concerts within the old medieval walls.

Finally, we would recommend you to take a walk over the Ha'penny Bridge. On your Dublin trip, you're guaranteed to cross the River Liffey several times. So why not stroll over the city's first footbridge?

The bridge's significant name derives from that toll – a halfpenny - you have to pay to use the bridge. Today you can cross the bridge freely while enjoying the view of the river and the city.

An epic museum experience

If you want a museum experience out of the ordinary, you must visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. The museum has twice been voted Europe's leading tourist attraction, and for good reason.

Through phenomenal interactive exhibits you can explore the inspiring and often traumatic journeys that 10 million Irish people have embarked on over time to countries in particular such as USA, Canada og Australia.

In addition to a journey through Irish migration history, you will also gain a deeper understanding of the impact these dynamic people have had on the places they have settled. The museum is very conveniently located down to Dublin's harbor area, where many have waved goodbye before landmark departures.

If you think Irish blood is running in your veins, do not deceive yourself for a visit to the Irish Family History Center. Here you can get help and guidance to trace your Irish origins.

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Dublin's dark history

Are you into true crime, horror and horror, do not miss a visit to the prison museum. Behind the walls of Kilmainham Gaol Prison you will find tales of Dublin's gloomy past. Stories of Irish nationalism, torture and insurgency describe the Irish struggle for independence.

When you stand in the very same surroundings where criminals were hanged and the leaders of the Easter Uprising in 1916, when Ireland was part of Great Britain, was imprisoned and executed, it's almost like being there yourself.

Take a guided tour of the Kilmainham Gaol Museum and get a shot of excitement, and afterwards you will know everything you need to know about Ireland's recent history.

Guinness

A mouthful of Dublin

If you need to push the horror a bit at a distance and get your heart rate down, then it's time to experience the Irish craic. Craic is Ireland's answer to coziness and includes food and beer in liters - preferably served in a pub. And what's more Irish than enjoying a generous Guinness at a dark pub in Dublin in good company?

In fact, meeting the locals is an experience in itself - it is not for nothing that they are called the friendliest people in the world. And a pub is not a bad place to have a chat with the locals.

If you can't get enough of beer, you can pay a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Here they can tell you everything there is to know about the tar black beer. Right from brewing and taste to distribution and marketing. Sláinte!

Read a lot more about restaurants and bars in Dublin here

Irish music and rock 'n roll

Music plays an extremely important role in Irish culture, and this is no more evident than in the capital. You only need to take a walk through any street and you will be seduced by the tunes pouring out from the many pubs.

Musicians are a regular part of the establishment in Irish pubs, and you haven't experienced Dublin until you've sung along to the ear hangers.

If you're a real music nerd, visit the Irish Rock 'n' Roll Museum. Here you will find an exhibition of the most spectacular and memorable musical performances in the history of Ireland. Explore the large collection of instruments and other objects that have participated in unforgettable concerts.

Hurling - Ireland, Dublin - Sports

Homemade Irish sport at Dublin's giant stadium

Ireland is also a sports nation. They are very happy with - and good at - rugby, and it is a great experience to watch a national match at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. This is also where they play national football matches, and for the big matches, all 50.000 seats will be filled with festive green fans.

In fact, it is neither rugby nor football that attracts the most people at the stadium and attracts the most attention among the Irish. Ireland has its very own sports, which are also national sports: hurling and Gaelic football.

Gaelic football is similar to our own version, but you also have to use your hands and there are extra tall goalposts. Hurling is a bit like hockey on a football pitch and is related to Gaelic football.

It can be difficult to explain, so the best tip is to buy a ticket and watch a match yourself; the locals will probably help with what is going on. It doesn't get more Irish than this.

If you're in Dublin when there's a fight at the huge Croke Park Stadium with room for 82.000 spectators, see if you can find a ticket. Croke Park is only used for hurling and Gaelic football - and for big concerts with, for example, the city children from the rock band U2. You will also find a sports museum at the stadium if you want to know more about the exciting history of Irish sport.

When the Irish go up in something, they do it with life and soul. This is very much the case for sports - and especially their own sports. Experiences like these can only be found in Ireland.

See a lot more about traveling throughout Ireland here

Have a good trip when you travel to Dublin - and good craic!

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What to see in Dublin? Sights and attractions

  • Long Room Library
  • Dublin Castle
  • Ha'penny Bridge
  • EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
  • Irish Family History Center
  • Kilmainham Gaol Museum
  • Guinness Storehouse
  • Rock'n'Roll Museum

About the author

Albert Munch Ekstrand

Alberte has particularly experienced the world from the water side - including a year's long-distance sailing across the Atlantic to the Caribbean in the family's home-built boat.

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