Every year, millions of tourists visit Ireland to see the famous landmarks in Dublin. The capital city of Ireland is home to a lot of historical and modern-day monuments and landmarks.
The country and city are associated with one of the oldest monuments in the world: The Newgrange (which predates the Pyramid of Giza). The city offers various options that keep visitors entertained and enlightened. Combine the attractions with the city’s energy, and you might feel overwhelmed.
Here are some of the famous landmarks in Dublin you should consider checking out to learn more about the city’s rich culture and history.
Most Famous Landmark In Dublin
Guinness Storehouse
Ireland is known as “The Drinker’s Paradise” and for good reason too. It inhabits one of the most popular stouts in the world. The Guinness Storehouse is undoubtedly one of the most famous landmarks in Dublin.
A visit to this iconic building is one of the most popular things to do in Dublin. Both drinkers and non-drinkers can have fun on the tour. You’ll discover the story of Guinness, enjoy good Irish food, and perhaps, do some product tasting. All these and an impressive 360-degree view of Dublin await you at the Guinness Storehouse.
The storehouse has received over 20 million visitors since its opening in 2000. Also, worth noting, the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip made an official visit to the Storehouse, back in 2011 when in Ireland.
> Check Tickets To Guinness Storehouse
Natural Landmarks Around Dublin
Cliffs Of Moher
The 14-kilometer cliffs are steeped in Irish legends, myths, and history. It is arguably the most famous attraction and landmark in Ireland.
Stories of witches, corpse-eating eels, mystical cities, mermaids, and the sorts, surround the narrative of the cliffs. These myths have added to the overall mystique of the serene cliffs overlooking the sea.
The Cliff’s fame eventually shot through the roofs when famous movies like Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, The Princess Bride, The Yank, Into the West, The Mackintosh man, and many more, featured the Cliffs of Moher.
The exposure has helped in attracting more people to the already famous Cliffs. It came as no surprise to people residing close to the stunning cliffs who are well aware of its beauty.
Giant’s Causeway
Truly a marvel to behold, the Giant’s Causeway is proof that goodness and beauty can come from an undesirable event.
The Causeway is an area of land by the sea covered by at least 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. These columns as intricately designed and patterned without human hands. They are the result of an underwater volcanic eruption that settled volcanic sediments by the sea bank.
Being one of the natural tourist sites, the Giant’s Causeway was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987. Most of the landmarks in Dublin are steeped in legend, and so is the Giant Causeway.
According to the legend surrounding the Causeway; The great Irish and Scottish giants Fion MacCumhaill and Benandonorr were to battle. Fion built the Causeway so they could meet and duel. From here on, the legend breaks into two versions. With one saying Fion won the contest and the other saying Benandonorr fled back to Scotland under the assumption his opponent was a giant among giants.
Dark Hedges
The Dark Hedges features an array of beech trees along the Bregagh road and is a well-known landmark in Dublin. Famous for obvious reasons, the Dark Hedge is an intimidating mystique blend of nature and wonder.
The Dark Hedge shares similar popularity to the Cliffs of Moher. It has been featured in popular movies, including the famous Game of Thrones due to its eerily look. This boost in exposure resulted in higher tourism to Ireland with a focus on the Dark Hedges.
Originally built in the late 18th century in 1775 by James Stuart. 150 beech trees were planted along the entrance to this estate to create an imposing approach.
The Dark Hedges is one of many famous Dublin landmarks. Although, it is one of the few that is still appreciated, even after 200years old.
River Liffey (Irish Sea)
This river powers dams for three ESB hydroelectric power stations located along the river. For generations, the river has been a medium for trade.
From the era of the Vikings till the modern day, River Liffey has helped Ireland and her people tremendously. A whopping 60% of the river’s flow is extracted, treated, and sold for drinking and industrial supply.
The River Liffey is one of the most essential and useful landmarks in Dublin. Not only does it act as a tourist attraction center, but it is also responsible for supplying water to Dublin. Previously, it was an active channel for trade between countries. Being 132km in length, it flows through Wicklow, Kildare, and Dublin.
The name Liffey was originally given to the plain of the river. However, Liffey was eventually associated with the river. Since its century-old flow, River Liffey has witnessed the transition of many notable noblemen.
Howth Coastal
Much like the Newgrange, the Howth has settled since prehistoric times and is featured deeply in Irish mythology and culture. What was once a small trading village in the 14th century, has grown to be an important Dublin center.
The Howth has also been used as a setting in famous movies like; The last of the High Kings, Boy Eats Girl, Love, Rosie, and Sing street.
Known for its natural quiet atmosphere, the Howth is an escape option if you want respite from the hustle and bustle of Dublin. Promising true Irish hospitality, the Howth maintains its aura of calm and serenity.
Historic Landmarks In Dublin
Glasnevin Cemetery
Not everyone perceives a cemetery as a prominent spot. Regardless, the Glasnevin cemetery is a famous landmark in Dublin.
In addition to being the resting grounds of legendary Liberator, Daniel O’Connell, the history of the cemetery is well worth its weight.
Irish Catholics had no place to bury their dead before the opening of this cemetery. The Penal laws of the 18th century also forbade the performance of catholic burial rites. After an outcry from Catholics and protestant Irish folk, Daniel O’Connell fought for a place where all Irish could lay their dead.
Finally, in the revocation of the Penal Law, the Glasnevin Cemetery was constructed. The tower at the center of the cemetery stands above the final resting place of Irish hero and Liberator Daniel O’Connell.
City Hall
Built between 1769 and 1779, the Dublin City Hall first served as a financial centre. Originally called the Royal Exchange, City Hall was a great meeting place for business owners and investors. In 1851, it was finally bought by Dublin corporation and renamed City Hall.
Not many buildings in Dublin stand tall and proud like the City Hall. As a beautiful display of Georgian Architecture, the city hall holds historic value in Dublin. Despite being over 100years in age, the Dublin landmark is still functional and hosts the monthly meeting of the Dublin City Council, on the first Monday of every month.
Newgrange
Among all landmarks in Dublin, the Newgrange is one of the oldest monuments in the world. Dublin monuments are known for their background stories, but this takes the crust of the cake.
The Newgrange is not one of many famous statues in Dublin. Rather, it is a 5,200-year-old stone age structure built-in Neolithic times. Ancient stone age farmers (who lived in present day Dublin, Ireland) were the pioneers of this landmark.
This monument is surrounded in a 279ft diameter by large stones called kerbstones. Most of these stones have megalithic art and images inscribed on them by these stone age farmers.
The Newgrange predates world-famous monuments like the Great Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge. Located in the Boyne valley in Ireland’s ancient east, the Newgrange is open to visitors.
More than just another Monument in Dublin, the Newgrange is a national treasure of Ireland.
> Check Day Tours To Newgrange
Titanic Belfast
There is no shortage of dark history in gory details for your education and amazement. An epitome of such scenarios is the history of the Titanic.
One of three ships to be built by Harland and Wolff in Belfast Ireland. This Dublin landmark doesn’t just narrate but attempts to replicate the Titanic experience in detail from the first-hand report of survivors. If you are a fan of the classic movie, this should be a must-visit on your itinerary.
Loughcrew Cairns
Another Neolithic landmark like the Newgrange, the Loughcrew Cairn was built sometime around the 4th millennium BC. It was decorated with megalithic art by people of the stone age era.
Designed for ceremonial and ritualistic purposes, burying the dead, and official meetings, the Cairn was a sacred ground. With a history of over 3000 BC, the Cairn is one of the oldest landmarks in Ireland.
Hell Fire Club
Montpelier Hill is a 383 meters hill in Dublin. There lies a ruined building, one of the first of its kind to be built by freemasons in Ireland. The building, nicknamed Hell Fire club was constructed around 1725 by William Conolly.
The building was built using Neolithic stones found in a Cairn close to the summit of the hill. A fire that destroyed most of the building, coupled with wild behavior and strange occurrences in the vicinity led to its name; The Hell Fire Club.
Montpelier Hill is a popular area for locals and visitors to immerse in nature within the city and go for some short hikes.
Famous Dublin Landmarks (Squares and Avenues)
Merrion Square
Merrion Square park was initially a garden laid out in 1752 by Viscount Fitzwilliam. Home to the Oscar Wilde Monument, the Merrion Park is innately maintained as a dual monumental landmark. The park itself is a beautiful Georgian garden, designed and kept in the Georgian style of its era. It is one of the aesthetic landmarks in Dublin.
Ha’Penny Bridge
Also known as the Penny Ha’Penny bridge, and finally the Liffey Bridge. This bridge is another famous landmark in Dublin. It is a pedestrian-only bridge across the river Liffey, built in the 19th century by John Windsor. Made entirely of Cast Iron, wood, and cement, the bridge has lasted the better part of two centuries and still functions well today.
O’Connell Bridge
Built in honor of Irish hero, Daniel O’Connell The Liberator, this 50m bridge cuts across the River Liffey and joins O’Connell street to D’Olier Street, Westmoreland Street, and the south quays.
To signify the strength and solidarity of what The Liberator did for the Irish in his time, James Gandon, a site designer, made use of only stone, Granite and Portland stones to be precise.
Temple Bar
Whiskies! The Temple Bar is one attraction lovers of whisky would not want to miss. Since its establishment in 1840, this bar has offered over 450 different and quite rare whiskies to all who ventured in.
Temple Bar typically also refers to the whole district on the south bank of the River Liffey. It is filled with restaurants, pubs, and clubs, making it the main drinking district of the city. Many Dublin foodie tours also visit the area.
This district and other similar attractions, such as the Guinness storehouse and whiskey distilleries are why Ireland is often seen as the drinker’s paradise.
If you are into nightlife or any sort of alcohol tasting, make sure you visit this exciting landmark in Dublin before leaving the city. Of course, you can also just come to enjoy the pulse of the city without drinking.
Daniel O’Connell Street
O’Connell Street in Dublin was named in honor of Daniel O’Connell. Daniel O’Connell was born on August 1775 and died on May 15th, 1847.
Hailed as The Liberator, he is not immortalized as a statue nor, does he have an obelisk in his honor. Rather, a street and bridge were named in honor of him. He was a world-acknowledged political leader and a force to reckon with.
O’Connell served as the Lord Mayor of Dublin from 1841-1842, and then Member of Parliament for Cork Country from 15th July 1841 – 1847 until he died at 71 years. During his stay in power, he helped secure catholic emancipation in 1829 for even the poorest in Ireland.
This feat as well as his many liberal and reform pursuits gave him the name, “The Liberato”. Of all Dublin Landmarks, O’Connell street is one etched in the daily lives of Individuals walking on its roads.
Famous Landmarks of Dublin – Museums
Dublinia
The Dublinia museum is also known as the Living History of Vikings and Medieval Dublin. The Museum is well organized with medieval artifacts and texts, from the entrance. The experience is breathtaking, as tourists are introduced to medieval fashion, sounds, tastes, smells, and weapons.
This culmination of history in such detail creates a sense of belonging to medieval Dublin. Hence, the museum is termed a living history. Located at the center of the city, this important Dublin landmark is home to several items, artifacts and human remains all dating back to the 18th century.
GAA Museum
One of a kind in its value, the GAA museum is a sports museum. Ireland’s athletic records are proudly displayed here. Athletic feats of Irish citizens are recorded and brought to life in this state-of-the-art, modern-day museum.
Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship
Sadly the original Jeanie Johnston ship is no longer fit to sail. The ship on display is a replica of the original Jeanie Johnston. You can take a 50-minutes guided tour of a 177-year-old wood-style ship, and listen to one of Ireland’s dark histories of a period of death and disease.
The Great Famine is an unforgettable part of Ireland’s history where the population was halved by hunger, death, and disease. Many Irish people fled to a foreign land with their little belongings and their starving children. Aboard the Jeanie Johnston, they dreamed of greener pastures and a better life.
Discovering Famous Landmarks In Dublin
There are myriads of famous landmarks littering the streets of Dublin. The city is replete with a rich history and culture, which makes it the ideal destination for tourists and history buffs alike.
With so many places to see and things to do, it can be quite overwhelming trying to decide where to start. These are just some of the famous landmarks in Dublin to consider visiting on your trip.
Ireland and her people (The Irish) are known to have succeeded in keeping and preserving their culture. With most of the world’s history lost, the city of Dublin is also home to several monuments that draw a large amout of tourists each year.
