An Honest Guide to the Things to Do in Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is a vibrant and beautiful city. But some of its major attractions leave something to be desired. Perhaps the best way to visit is to enjoy the laid back atmosphere and temper your expectations about some the popular things to do in Dublin. Here is an honest guide to Dublin attractions.

The Trinity College Library and the Book of Kells exhibition is not to be missed, particularly if you love books and libraries. You’ll have to book tickets in advance for a specific time of day. I was under the impression that this would mean the number of people in the exhibit would be controlled, but I was sorely mistaken. The Book of Kells exhibition was impossibly crowded. If you don’t have an audio tour, you can barely read any of the information over other people’s heads. The exhibit explains the process of book-making at the time the Book of Kells was created, which is extensive and interesting. But I’m not going to lie, the ancient Gospel text itself was disappointing. After seeing multiple blown-up pages from it, the actual thing is like the Mona Lisa of books… small and surrounded by a mob of people.

That being said, the Long Room of the Old Library at Trinity College is absolutely worth the visit. The room is flanked by busts of important writers and thinkers. And for being the most beautiful part of the visit, it felt less crowded because it’s so big. In the Long Room, you’ll also see one of the oldest surviving Gaelic harps and the Proclamation of the Irish Republic, so it’s historically significant as well as visually impressive. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).