Situated just east of Dublin’s Custom House is one of the city’s most evocative memorials-a stark tribute to a time of suffering etched deep into Ireland’s collective memory. Simply titled “Famine,” this haunting assembly of life-sized bronze figures was unveiled in 1998, produced by Irish sculptor Rowan Gillespie. A piece of art, it stands largely as a testimony.

These gaunt forms, cast in bronze but heavy with human sorrow, commemorate the Great Hunger of 1845 to 1851-one of the darkest chapters in Ireland’s past. Their hollow eyes and emaciated frames speak volumes where words fail, capturing the despair of those who once trudged toward uncertain futures, driven from their homeland by starvation and despair.

Positioned along the River Liffey, the sculptures face east, toward the Irish Sea-and, perhaps with quiet accusation, toward Britain. Behind them rises the modern sheen of the Allied Irish Bank, a cruel contrast to the poverty and neglect these figures recall. The location itself amplifies the memorial’s message, placing the memory of loss directly within the current of present-day commerce and movement.

During the years of famine, over one million people perished. Another million fled, often boarding the so-called “coffin ships” (a common nickname for the overcrowded, unsanitary vessels, with high mortality rates due to disease and poor conditions) bound for distant shores. The population of Ireland was effectively halved-a wound from which the country would never fully recover. In recognition of this far-reaching tragedy, a sister installation was unveiled in Toronto in 2007, at Ireland Park, honouring those who found refuge across the Atlantic.

Together, these sculptures form a silent procession-forever walking, forever remembered...

Dublin's got museums galore, but one particularly steals the limelight with its remarkable collection housed in a building that's practically the Irish version of the Roman Pantheon. This place is a treasure trove spanning every epoch of Irish history, showcasing prehistoric tools, Bronze Age jewelry, early Christian and medieval relics, Viking artifacts, 18th- and 19th-century craftsmanship, and even remarkably preserved bog bodies.

Among its prized possessions, the Tara Brooch, Ardagh Chalice, and Cross of Cong stand as shining examples of Celtic craftsmanship from different periods. Everything of archaeological significance discovered across the country finds its way here, creating a mesmerizing display under glass – including the unsettling bog bodies. Temporary exhibitions, ranging from ancient Egyptian to Roman and Byzantine artifacts, add depth to the already rich tapestry of Irish history.

Why You Should Visit:
While the prehistoric gold and ecclesiastical treasures steal the show, the entire collection weaves a compelling narrative of Irish archaeology and heritage.

Tip:
Don't miss the opportunity to explore the shop offering crafts inspired by the museum's exhibits and grab a bite at the quaint café nestled in the beautiful entrance rotunda.

Finding yourself in Grafton Street, you may feel like the spirit of Dublin is pulling on your sleeve, jingling in your pocket, and occasionally singing you a love song... This iconic pedestrian paradise stretches from the scholarly shadows of Trinity College to the leafy calm of St. Stephen’s Green, and indeed, this isn’t just a path, it’s a performance.

Named after the first Duke of Grafton (who likely never imagined his name would end up on shopping bags and street musician setlists), the street started off as a sleepy lane in the early 1700s. Fast forward a century or three, and it’s become Dublin’s unofficial catwalk for window shoppers, chocolate lovers, and busking hopefuls.

When cars were banned in 1982, Grafton Street didn’t merely sigh in relief - it bloomed. With its redbrick paving and carefree foot traffic, it turned into the city’s beating retail heart. Here, luxury and tradition shake hands daily: Brown Thomas, Dublin’s answer to London's Harrods, anchors the street, with stalwarts like Marks & Spencer, Weir & Sons, and the ever-sparkling Arnotts not far behind.

For a breather, duck into Bewley’s Oriental Café, where stained glass windows and velvet booths are the warm-up act to a killer cappuccino. Or satisfy your sweet side at Butlers Chocolate Café, where the drinks come with bonus truffles and a small dose of serotonin.

But shopping is just the start. Grafton Street is basically a stage where no one auditions - they just show up. Buskers, living statues, folk duos, jazz guitarists, and the occasional flaming juggler transform this strip into the friendliest street theatre around. In fact, singer-songwriters like Glen Hansard and Damien Rice cut their teeth right here, strumming before they were streaming.

And if the crowds get too thick, just take a sidestep. South Anne Street leads you into a more intimate rhythm, and the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre - once an 18th-century mansion, now a boutique arcade - offers elegance, quiet, and espresso-fueled calm.

So, whether you’re here to spend, snack, strum, or stare - Grafton Street is Dublin at its most charmingly alive. Just be warned: you may come for the shops, but you’ll leave humming a tune you didn’t know you knew...

This classic Elverys store on Suffolk Street feels like an institution, serving customers since way back in 1847. Despite its seemingly compact size, it's got a bit of everything you need, whether you're after sweatshirts, the newest football kits from the UK and beyond, or gear for darts and archery. Plus, they've got you covered for some less common sports in Ireland, like cricket and squash. Definitely worth popping in when you're in Dublin, especially for their awesome sale prices.

Heading down Grafton Street-Dublin’s go-to catwalk for shopping, strutting, and strategic people-watching-you’ll be greeted right off the bat by none other than Molly Malone. Cast in bronze and pushing a wheelbarrow brimming with cockles and mussels, she's the city’s most debated street vendor... who may or may not have actually existed.

Immortalised in the catchy 19th-century ballad “In Dublin’s fair city…”, Molly’s story is as slippery as her seafood. Historians squint. Locals shrug. Tourists snap selfies. Was she real? A legend? A Victorian marketing ploy? Nobody really knows, but Dublin embraced her anyway-sculpted her, bronzed her, and gave her a prime spot outside Trinity College during the city's millennium bash in 1988.

Of course, things got spicy. The statue’s low-cut dress and ample assets sparked debates about decency, feminism, and artistic license. Depending on whom you ask, she’s either a celebration of old Dublin charm or a problematic pin-up. Naturally, Dubliners responded in true cheeky form-nicknaming her “The Tart with the Cart,” “The Dish with the Fish,” and, for more poetic flair, “The Trollop with the Scallop.”

As for the eponymous song, its roots are just as fuzzy. Some swear it came from Scotland, others say it was a Victorian music hall hit designed to tug heartstrings and sell tickets. Regardless, “Molly Malone” has wormed its way into the city’s DNA-crooned in pubs, belted at sports games, and now basically functioning as Ireland’s unofficial second anthem.

And if you’re truly smitten, mark your calendar: June 13th is officially Molly Malone Day. Because when Dublin falls in love with a character-even a possibly fictional, fish-slinging one-it goes all in.

Tucked right into Dublin’s beating heart, Trinity College is both a university and a scene-stealing diva of stone and legacy wrapped into one. Founded in 1592 by none other than Queen Elizabeth I (because what’s an empire without a bit of academic propaganda?), it was originally meant to steer Irish students away from those pesky continental Catholic ideas. Over the centuries that followed, this world-renowned institution has churned out everyone from politicians and philosophers to literary legends like Swift, Wilde, and Beckett-talk about a star-studded alumni list...

Planted on College Green like a scholarly fortress, Trinity greets you with serious old-school charm and just enough mystery. Depending on the time of year-or the mood of the security gates-you might not get full access, but the west front gate usually plays nice. Stroll through and you’ll land in Parliament Square, where symmetry reigns supreme. The Chapel and Examination Hall face off across a lawn that occasionally moonlights as a concert venue.

Keep wandering further and you’ll find the Rubrics, the college’s oldest surviving building, all red brick and 18th-century vibes. But let’s be honest-the real showstopper here is the Old Library. Not only does it smell like intellectual dust and old wisdom, it houses the legendary Book of Kells, a 9th-century masterpiece of illuminated manuscript art that’s basically medieval bling.

Also, beyond the Old Library is Fellows' Square, where old meets new. On one side: the modernist Berkeley Library and the Arts Building. On the other: the Douglas Hyde Gallery, serving up contemporary Irish and international art with a side of cool detachment.

And just when you think Trinity’s done impressing, you stumble into New Square and meet the School of Engineering. Its home is the Museum Building-an absolute fever dream of Venetian Gothic architecture, decked out with stone-carved animals, twisting leaves, and enough floral motifs to make a Victorian jealous.

In short, Trinity College campus is a storybook that you can walk through, with a little drama, a lot of history, and just the right amount of academic swagger...

Ask any Dubliner to name their favourite landmark, and odds are the Ha’penny Bridge will trot out at the top like a local celebrity on a victory lap. As you meander through the heart of the city, there’s a good chance you’ll end up crossing this charming cast-iron icon - Dublin’s oldest and most lovingly overphotographed pedestrian bridge, gracefully linking the north and south sides like a Victorian-era handshake.

It first opened in 1816 as the Wellington Bridge, but truth be told - nobody calls it that. The nickname "Ha’penny" stuck faster than a pub story, thanks to the halfpenny toll it once charged, which matched the fee for the seven ferries it put out of business. For a time, inflation did its thing, and the toll rose to a penny and a half, prompting locals to cheekily dub it the "Penny Ha’penny Bridge." Now, try saying that three times fast after a dram or two...

These days, crossing it is free - financially, at least. Emotionally? Well, that’s another story. Leaning against the railing under the old lanterns, taking in the ripple of the Liffey and watching Dublin unfold on either bank, you might find yourself wishing you could pay a toll just to stand here a little longer. But beware: stand still too long and you’ll find yourself getting nudged by folks who are just trying to get to work, rather than star in a romantic travel montage...

So keep it moving, take a mental snapshot, and know that for one glorious moment, you crossed a bridge that’s as much a part of Dublin’s soul as the Guinness in its veins.

Wedged between the River Liffey and Dame Street, Temple Bar is Dublin’s flamboyant comeback kid - once rundown, now a nightlife legend and cultural hotspot, buzzing with tourists, buskers, and the occasional lost Viking spirit. Its cobbled lanes - yes, those charming, ankle-twisting 18th-century originals - are narrow, partly pedestrianized, and soaked in both Guinness and history.

You can wander in from Dame Street, or better yet, glide through the Merchants Arch - a photogenic stone portal opposite the Ha’penny Bridge - and step into the thumping heart of Temple Bar Square. Around here, between the arch and the fortress-like Central Bank, you’ll find a vibrant mess of art centres, souvenir-heavy shops, pubs on a mission, and eateries slinging everything from Irish stew to vegan tacos.

Keep walking and you’ll hit Eustace Street and Meeting House Square, where Dublin’s brainier side comes out to play. The Irish Film Institute screens arthouse flicks, foreign gems, and the occasional cinematic head-scratcher - all served up with excellent coffee, a bar, and a gift shop full of film theory and stylish posters. A few cobbles away, Photo Museum Ireland captures Dublin in frames past and present, while the National Photographic Archive next door lets you deep-dive into Ireland’s collective memory - or just browse a moody exhibition and pretend you're curating it.

Art fans, head to the Project Arts Centre on East Essex Street. It’s got edgy exhibitions, a theatre upstairs, and just enough blue lighting to make you feel like you’re in a European indie film. Around the corner, the Button Factory pumps out live music and late-night basslines, while Jam Art Factory lets you bring home some top-tier Irish creativity - minus the hangover...

And just when you think Temple Bar has given you all its goods, look south to Dame Street. There stands the Olympia Theatre, a Victorian dazzler complete with stained-glass canopy and more red velvet than your granny’s sitting room. Across the way, City Hall shows off with its Corinthian columns, and just a stone’s throw west, Dublin Castle reminds you that even in this city of pints and performance, the past still holds court.

Welcome to Temple Bar: come for the chaos, stay for the culture!

Standing tall and slightly smug on a ridge above the River Liffey, Dublin Castle is like that one friend who’s seen it all and still dresses sharp. This place packs over 800 years of drama - Vikings, royals, revolts, and a whole lot of renovations - into one surprisingly elegant complex.

Originally whipped up by the Anglo-Normans in the 1200s, it was built over a Viking settlement and served as the control center of English (and later British) rule in Ireland for seven centuries. A fire in 1684 charred most of the medieval bits, so the castle reinvented itself in the 18th century with Georgian flair. Think less fortress, more fancy manor - though if you join a guided tour, you can still find some medieval bones beneath the beauty.

The Upper Yard keeps the old castle layout alive, while the Cork Hill entrance, topped with a statue of Justice, offers a not-so-subtle historical joke - Lady Justice turns her back to the city. Not shady at all...

Inside, you’ll find the plush State Apartments, where British viceroys once threw parties and where Irish presidents now make things official. Expect glittering chandeliers, dramatic tapestries, and a strong "please don't touch" vibe. The nearby Chapel Royal, all Gothic charm and carved woodwork, is open for a peek - though the only thing being preached nowadays is great design.

Go underground and time-travel even further back: you’ll spot the remains of a Viking wall and the famed Dubh Linn (or “Black Pool”) that gave Dublin its name. Above ground, in that very spot, the Dubhlinn Gardens now bloom in Celtic patterns - ideal for pretending you’re in a historical drama, minus the beheadings...

And don’t skip the Chester Beatty Library set behind the castle walls. This under-the-radar gem is packed with ancient manuscripts and rare books from all over the world - basically, the Louvre of library nerds.

Dublin Castle isn’t just a relic of power; it’s a mash-up of past and present, stateliness and surprises. No matter if you're here for the politics, the Vikings, or the velvet furniture, it’s the kind of place that makes history feel less like homework and more like a plot twist.

Tucked behind Dublin Castle like a literary treasure chest hiding in plain sight, the Chester Beatty Library is more than just a "nice little museum" - it’s a full-on cultural blockbuster in compact form. Housed in the old Clock Tower and curated by none other than American mining magnate and book-collecting legend Alfred Chester Beatty, this place is the best small museum in Ireland, but also one of Europe’s finest, full stop.

Step inside and you’re greeted by “Arts of the Book” on the ground floor - a glittering showcase of manuscripts and artwork from across Western, Islamic, and East Asian traditions. We’re talking jade books from China so fine you’d think they were crafted by mythical beings, and illuminated manuscripts so detailed they could outshine the Book of Kells at a medieval disco. Need more? There are audiovisuals that walk you through the old-school magic of bookbinding, paper-making, and printing - like Masterclass, but make it ancient and exquisite.

Climb the stairs to the second floor, and it’s time for “Sacred Traditions.” This section takes you on a world tour of religious art and writing - no passport needed. It features over 270 Qur’ans from the 9th to 19th centuries, arguably the finest illuminated collection on Earth. Add to that ancient Egyptian love poems from the 12th century BC (yes, ancient people had feelings too), gospels from as early as 200 AD, and scrolls from China, Japan, and Tibet so intricate they might just reboot your spiritual settings.

So, if you're into rare books, world religions, or just want to impress your friends with something that isn’t Guinness-related - this one is for you.

Pro tip:
When your eyes need a break from all that visual poetry, pop over to the Silk Road Café in the back - it’s a quiet culinary journey that pairs perfectly with the global exhibits. Or take a breather in the rooftop meditation garden, where the only sound is your own awe. Bonus points if you check out the front gardens for sweeping views of the Castle and a quick reality check that yes, you're still in Dublin...

Adjacent to Saint Patrick's Cathedral, this park is steeped in history, believed to be the very spot where Saint Patrick himself baptized the first Irish Christians, using water from the River Poddle, which now flows underground. Established in 1897 by Lord Iveagh, the park's layout was designed by Arthur Dudgeon in 1901, and it was officially opened to the public in 1904. Lord Iveagh, then the richest man in Ireland, oversaw the park's upkeep for several years until Dublin Corporation assumed full responsibility in the 1920s.

Offering ample space for relaxation and picnics, the park features winding pathways, colorful flower beds, majestic trees, and inviting benches, providing a picturesque backdrop to the adjacent cathedral and serving as a serene retreat. In 1988, several enhancements were made, including the addition of the whimsical Literary Parade on the east side, honoring luminaries such as Swift, Mangan, Wilde, Shaw, Yeats, Synge, O'Casey, Joyce, Behan, Beckett, Clarke, and Dillon, alongside the striking Liberty Bell Sculpture.

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral – Dublin’s oldest and tallest church, and possibly the only place where getting baptized by a saint, attending university, and stabling your horse all happened under the same roof...

Legend has it that Saint Patrick himself once dunked a few converts right here – a Celtic cross in the nave marks the alleged holy splash zone, dating things back to around 450 AD. Outside, there’s a peaceful park and a marker showing where the Holy Well once was – a perfect spot for pondering ancient blessings or just enjoying your sandwich...

Inside, the cathedral stretches an impressive 90 meters long, making it the longest church in Ireland – and tall too, with a 45-meter tower that houses the country’s largest peal of bells. Keep your ears ready and your neck limber. Above the choir stalls, look up to see carved helmets and swords – because sometimes "divine inspiration" can arrive amid medieval battle accessories.

Most of what you see today isn’t from the original 1191 structure, though. A fire in the 14th century did a number on it, and later restorations – especially in the Victorian era – gave it the grandeur we see now, minus the medieval draft...

This place has worn many hats over the centuries. In 1320, it was home to Ireland’s first university. Later, under Cromwell, it became an impromptu barracks – complete with equestrian parking in the aisles. But one of its most famous residents was Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels, who served as dean from 1713 to 1745. Known for his razor-sharp wit and concern for Dublin’s poor, Swift is buried here alongside Esther Johnson (otherwise known as "Stella," an Englishwoman and a close friend of Swift's). His pulpit and self-penned epitaph are still on display here, just in case you’d like to hear from the man himself, posthumously...

And then there's the door. Not just any door – but the door. A medieval peace treaty carved in wood. During a 1492 siege, Lord Kildare literally "chanced his arm" by cutting a hole in a door and reaching through to shake hands with his enemy. A bold move, and the source of a phrase still alive and kicking today.

Quick tip:
Check the cathedral’s website for upcoming concerts or events – because if you’re going to soak in history, you might as well do it with a choir echoing around you.

Step into the Christ Church Cathedral - here, medieval majesty meets a touch of mystery, and not everything is quite what it seems. While the cathedral's story begins back in the 12th and 13th centuries, time wasn’t always kind to the original structure. By the 1870s, it was crumbling faster than a biscuit in tea. Luckily, Henry Roe, a 19th-century whiskey magnate and unlikely architectural hero, bankrolled its full-scale reconstruction. The result was a faithful revival of Romanesque and Early English Gothic splendour, with a pinch of Victorian flourish.

Wander the grounds and you’ll stumble across ghostly echoes of the past: a ruined 13th-century chapter house in the courtyard, and inside the southern aisle, a knight’s tomb - the monument's nose suspiciously missing. Local legend suggests that it’s Strongbow’s (the nobleman in charge of the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland) final resting place, though historians claim otherwise that his original tomb was lost in a 1562 collapse of the south wall. Still, it makes for a dramatic photo op.

Don't miss the Peace Chapel, where the heart of Archbishop Laurence O’Toole - Dublin’s patron saint and 12th-century peacemaker - sits encased in a reliquary, beating metaphorically with centuries of reverence.

And now for something truly bizarre: behold “Tom and Jerry,” a mummified cat-and-rat duo frozen mid-chase inside a church organ. Yep, you heard that right. Add in some oddly tilted arches on the north aisle, and you’ve got yourself a guided tour through ecclesiastical eccentricity.

Venture down into the cathedral’s crypt - the oldest surviving structure in Dublin - and prepare to be both amazed and mildly unsettled. Among ancient tombs and treasures, you’ll find regal statues of Charles I and II looking a bit smug, and sparkling silverware gifted by William of Orange after he thrashed his rival in 1690 at the Battle of the Boyne.

Open daily, the cathedral also hosts spellbinding Evensong services, with music that dates back to the Reformation - ideal if you like your choir with a side of history. And if you're feeling brave (or simply bell-curious), guided tours up to the belfry let you ring a bell and enjoy panoramic views over the city.

Let’s just say: it’s not your average Sunday visit.

Originally built by those seafaring Vikings in 1095 to honor a Danish bishop, Saint Michan's Church received a substantial facelift around six centuries later. Adjacent to the church organ, which rumor has it was once tickled by the fingers of Handel himself, sits the unique Penitents' Pew, where repentant souls once knelt, facing the music, quite literally, to confess their misdeeds. But hold onto your hats, because the real showstopper here is underground!

Guided tours lead down an almost vertical staircase to explore tiny crypts filled with about a dozen mummified bodies, some dating back over 700 years. These bodies were preserved through a combination of factors: the limestone walls of the vaults soaking up natural moisture from the air, and methane produced by decaying vegetation beneath the floor. Among the mummies, one is believed to be a Crusader, another a nun, and even one poor soul missing a hand, possibly a repentant thief. Additionally, the crypt houses John and Henry Sheares, executed for their involvement in the 1798 Rebellion, along with the death mask of rebel leader Wolfe Tone. Oliver Bond and the Reverend William Jackson, two other rebels, rest in the church's graveyard, while some speculate that an unmarked grave in the rear holds the remains of Robert Emmet, leader of the 1803 uprising. Welcome to Saint Michan's-where even the dead can't escape the spotlight!

Arguably Dublin's most popular tourist destination, the Guinness Storehouse is a multimedia celebration of all things Guinness, housed within a converted grain storehouse nestled within the 26-hectare brewery grounds. Across its seven floors, visitors are treated to a comprehensive exploration of Guinness and the brewery's storied history, complete with interactive exhibits and insights into the art of mastering the famous two-part pour.

Any doubts or reservations you may harbor about the modern-day marketing and hype surrounding Guinness are swiftly laid to rest upon reaching the pinnacle of the building – the circular Gravity Bar. Here, you're rewarded with a complimentary glass of Guinness, served with breathtaking panoramic views of the city. And let's not beat around the bush – the Guinness itself? Let's just say it's as close to beer perfection as you can get.

For the true aficionados, there's the Connoisseur Experience, where you'll have the opportunity to sample four distinct varieties of Guinness – Draught, Original, Foreign Extra Stout, and Black Lager – all while soaking in their fascinating backstories from your designated bartender.

As if that wasn't enough, there are additional add-ons like the STOUTie – think latte art, but with stout – where a surprisingly accurate likeness of yourself is skillfully drawn in the creamy head of your pint. It's strictly for the 'gram, of course, but hey, who doesn't love a good photo op?

Tip:
Save time and money by booking your ticket online in advance.

Next to the spooky-sounding Bully’s Acre cemetery (one of Dublin’s oldest) sits Kilmainham Gaol, a place that’s more than just bricks and bars – it’s steeped in Irish history and drama. Built back in 1796, this fortress of doom quickly became the go-to spot for locking up Irish rebels, including the big names from the 1916 Easter Rising who also faced executed right here.

Even after Ireland got its independence, this place kept churning out inmate after inmate until it finally closed its ominous doors in 1924, setting free its last guest, Éamon de Valera – who later became a big shot in Irish politics.

Take a tour if you dare, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to experience life in the slammer. The cells are so tiny, they practically force you into a one-on-one with yourself, and thanks to the limestone construction, you’ll be shivering in no time.

Before you get spooked out on the tour, swing by the exhibition halls for a taste of what’s to come. Downstairs, you’ll find a fake cell and an old-school mug-shot camera, while upstairs, it’s all about the fight for independence, complete with mementos, old-timey movie clips of Michael Collins, and even a letter ordering someone’s release.

Why You Should Visit:
Well, aside from the fact that you’ll get an earful of history from the tour guides and a chance to splurge on some reasonably-priced books at the gift shop, you’ll also get to warm up with a coffee and homemade cake in the cafeteria upstairs.

Tip:
Book your tour online ahead of time, because these spooky expeditions fill up faster than a cell on Saint Patrick’s Day. And remember, it’s cold in there, no matter the weather outside – so dress accordingly.