By far the best way to explore Dublin is to put on a pair of comfortable shoes and just set out with a good city map. The Dublin city-centre is of a comfortably modest size, meaning that the majority of the city’s highlights are within walking distance from one another. This is just as well since while driving in Dublin can be tedious and frustrating, taking a long walk in Ireland’s capital can be a very soothing and relaxing experience.
If you want to get the most out of your walking tour, you’ll be pleased to know that most touring agencies in Dublin would offer a range of very informative walking tours. However, if you’re of an adventurous disposition, then you’d be better off just striking out on your own. That way you’ll have complete control over such matters as where to go, how far to venture and more importantly, when to stop off for a quick pint.
A tour of the Old City will see you exploring such sights as Trinity College, the Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, the Dublinia exhibition, followed by a refreshing stop at the Brazen Head which is reputed to be the city’s oldest pub. Then you can walk through Francis Street and view the fine antiques that would be displayed in the antique shops before going on to visit St Patrick’s Cathedral, Marsh’s Library and the Dublin Civic Museum and ending up in St Stephen’s Green.
Another city walk you can take would be to explore Georgian Dublin. By starting out at the Grand Canal, you can cross via Baggot Street Bridge and make your way to Fitzwilliam Square. From there you could go to St Stephen’s Church and onwards to Merrion Square, which houses the former residencies of many of Dublin’s leading citizens. There you’ll also find the National Gallery of Ireland, the House of the Irish Parliament, and the Irish Natural History Museum. For those who wish to venture even further afield, one could also take a wander through the nearby villages of Howth and Dalkey.
