Ireland is known for its green landscapes, friendly people and alcoholism. You quickly come to understand their need to share and drink.
Watch out!
If you decide to go to Ireland in the middle of March, even though you live in the South (of France or elsewhere), don't expect to find full sun.
Over a stay of almost 5 days, I only saw the sun for 4 hours. On the other hand, greyness, gusts of wind, drizzle and light rain were my daily routine. I set off in good spirits, but returned home with a cold.
Climatic conditions are harsh, and it's easy to understand the suffering experienced by the many Irish people born on this island.
If the climate is as harsh as the Irish accent, you'll need to be psychologically prepared for the often exorbitant prices. Ireland may have been poor in the past, but that's no longer the case, thanks to low corporate taxes. Google and many other companies have made Ireland their home. You'll need a fairly large budget.
During my 5 days, I could only visit Dublin. If you decide to stay longer, you'll be able to explore the charms of the Irish countryside and coastline. In my humble opinion, 5 days are definitely enough to understand and get to know Dublin. However, if you want to see all the museums and exhibitions, you'll need to stay longer.
1. Two major churches among others
Dublin is, like every major European city, studded with churches and cathedrals. However, there are two that you might consider to be important and essential.
St Patrick's Cathedral, named after Ireland's patron saint, and Christ Church. They are located not far from each other.
St. Patrick's is THE cathedral to see. Even the Queen of England has made the detour!
If you'd like to know a little more about St. Patrick and his cathedral, you can take a free guide when you visit the cathedral, otherwise...
Famous for introducing Christianity and driving out snakes in Ireland in the 5th century, St. Patrick is even said to have used a shamrock to illustrate the concept of the Holy Trinity to the Irish! Dublin's St. Patrick's Cathedral was built on the site where St. Patrick is believed to have performed his first baptisms. Dating back to the 12th century, this Gothic architectural marvel is a must-see when visiting Dublin. Fun fact: did you know that the cathedral was restored thanks to the generosity of the Guinness family, famous for their brewery?
The second important church to see is Christ Church, located not far from St. Patrick's Cathedral. It's also an ancient medieval church known for its stained-glass windows and history.
2. An original Castle
Dublin Castle was built in the 12th century by the Normans, and was Ireland's seat of royal power and administrative center for centuries. It's a blend of different eras, which makes it original.
Visitors can now explore its richly decorated rooms. It boasts two imposing ancient towers.
If you have to pay to visit the Château, don't hesitate to visit the free exhibition in the building in its garden. This is a collection of artifacts and books from the Orient, donated by a wealthy American tycoon and naturalized Irishman.
3. Old grimoires et library
Trinity College, one of Ireland's oldest academic institutions, is home to an ancient and well-stocked library, which also offers the opportunity to view a grimoire estimated to have been completed around the year 800: The Book of Kells!
It's an important part of Irish Catholic culture and history. If you can afford it, it's well worth a visit.
What's more, you'll have the opportunity to admire a collection of historical books that's quite extensive for Europe, as well as busts of figures considered important to Irish literati. This library was created and inaugurated by Elizabeth I.
This tour will take you back to your student days, or to your Harry Potter days, as you stroll the aisles of Trinity College's buildings.
N.B.: the seagulls won't have waited for you.
4. The Irish diaspora
One thing's for sure: the Irish haven't had it easy.
Living on an unwelcoming island, they have often suffered English violence in the past.
This precariousness gave rise to a certain resilience that also motivated them to emigrate. They were to be found in all the colonies of the British Empire, and wherever labor was needed.
One of the greatest waves of Irish migration was triggered by the Great Famine of the 19th century. The Irish who survived often decided to leave the country...
If you want to learn more about all the causes of this diaspora, then you can visit the EPIC Museum (The Irish Immigration Museum). Located on the banks of the river, just a stone's throw from the monument to the victims of the Great Famine and a floating museum dedicated to this emigration.
5. Oh my Goodness, my Guinness!
For many, Dublin is the temple of alcoholism. And even if you're sober, why not learn more about one of the most famous beers, exported all over the world.
N.B.: If you don't like beer, but prefer whisky, the equivalent exists in the same district.
For that, come and visit the Guinness Storehouse. There are a number of booking options available.
Once inside the Guinness Storehouse, look out - it's a factory!
Thousands of tourists jostle to learn more about Guinness.
Personally, I don't like beer and don't drink it. But I wanted to learn more about it, so I chose the Connoisseur tour. Even if it's not cheap, you get to learn more about the history and portfolio of Guinness in a more cosy and personal atmosphere than if I'd taken the classic entrance.
6. Temple Bar
It's THE district that fans of Irish ambiance have visualized in their imagination. It's a tourist hot spot.
It's a few streets that concentrate a maximum number of renowned pubs. Inside these pubs, many host live music concerts.
These include the Temple Bar and the Palace Bar.
Don't hesitate to take a stroll from mid-afternoon onwards, although the peak of activity is usually in the evening.
Bonus...
Despite its small size, Dublin boasts a number of speakeasies. In 2024, nearly 4 of them were highly rated.
If Asian, French and Italian restaurants present a nice alternative to Irish gastronomic "culture", speakeasies present an alternative to pubs.
And as you know, I'm always on the lookout for the latter. During my brief stay, I was able to book two of them:
The Vintage Cocktail Club
The Blind Pig
N.B.: a peculiarity of Irish speakeasies is that they often serve food, leaving you only a two-hour window for your table, which you will have reserved in advance on the Internet.
The Vintage Cocktail Club has a cosy, relaxed atmosphere, with three levels of bars serving cocktails and food. It's my favorite speakeasy. It fills an entire building.
The Blind Pig is located inside an Italian restaurant. Its hidden entrance is original.
Located in a cellar, there's no sense of dampness or even oppression.
Dublin airport
Dublin has just one airport, the International Airport. It comprises two terminals interconnected by a walkway.
So, if you're in the wrong terminal, or if you're a group using several different airlines, you can easily accompany each other.
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