The Irish capital has long been a destination packed with fascinating experiences. Among the best places to visit in Dublin are iconic and engrossing sights such as the legendary Temple Bar, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Old Library, and the Dublin Castle. Any keen observer visiting the city will be quick to note that tourist attractions in Dublin offer a hearty mix of historical, cultural, and eccentric options for all age groups.
Consequently, Dublin continues to be a favorite city-break in Europe. Travelers come here not just from the mainland but from around the world. While many tourists fly into the city, others arrive via ferries booked through Ferryscanner from Holyhead in Wales.
Dublin promises excursions unlike anywhere else on the continent for first-timers and returning visitors. The more popular ones are usually a part of city tours. So, when planning that ultimate itinerary, factor in a few quirky places to visit in Dublin along with its famous sites.
Guinness Storehouse
The seven-story high Guinness Storehouse is a building full of information, showcasing the heritage and history of the most popular beer in the world. A part of the iconic St James Gate Brewery, this particular section was previously a fermentation plant.
The Storehouse experience is quite the treat for beer aficionados. Inside, visitors are privy to the world’s largest pint glass. They also learn more about the production process behind creating that perfect pour of Guinness.
The excursion at Guinness Storehouse doesn’t just end with a guided tour. Visitors can afterward indulge in a tasting session at Dublin’s highest bar, Gravity, located on the rooftop. Additionally, they can even have their selfie printed on the foam of a pint for that classic social media photo.
George’s Street Arcade
George’s Street Arcade is one of the quirkiest and culturally diverse places to visit in Dublin for retail therapy. The 19th-century “purpose-built shopping center” is among the oldest markets in Ireland. As a result, it is as much a heritage site as it is a place to buy arguably everything under the sun.
A family-owned establishment, the arcade has no two shops that sell the same thing. Therefore, within its Victorian interiors, you’ll find an assortment of collectibles, music, books, souvenirs, jewelry, clothes, curios, and even a tarot card reader.
A covered market with 50 odd shops, George’s Street Arcade is an excellent spot to spend time shopping and eating local delicacies on a Dublin rainy day.
Sweny’s Pharmacy
A chemist shop till 2009, Sweny’s Pharmacy is now a mecca for literary heads visiting the city. Immortalized in Ulysses by James Joyce, this Victorian-era shop with original features doubles as a volunteer-run second-hand bookshop and heritage center.
While at the shop, which dates back to 1847, you can pick a copy of the Ulysses and Finnegans Wake. Or else, purchase the famous lemon soap that Leopold Bloom buys in the book from this exact location.
A much-loved literary destination in Dublin, Sweny’s Pharmacy also plays host to several on-site and online book readings.
The Little Museum of Dublin
The Little Museum of Dublin is the culmination of a novel concept that turned out to be both educational and entertaining. What started as a call for heirlooms from the public ended up as a museum displaying over 5000 artifacts. Since 2011, the museum has represented the city’s heritage through unique items from people who call Dublin their home.
The award-winning museum is spread over three floors and is among the best places to visit in Dublin with the family. Exhibits include postcards, a first edition of Ulysses, household knick-knacks, and an entire room packed with U2 memorabilia.
The Little Museum of Dublin holds regular civic classes and treasure hunts for children. At the same time, all visitors can get a better insight into the city, its people, and their lifestyle over decades through guided tours of the museum.
Mary’s Bar and Hardware Shop
Any list featuring the best places to visit in Dublin should have at least one bar on it by default. For many first-time visitors, Temple Bar is the obvious choice. However, those searching for a tad less touristy and more colorful option should give Mary’s Bar and Hardware Shop a go.
Located centrally, near Trinity College, Mary’s is a local institution. The site of the bar, previously the Wicklow Hotel, was a favorite hangout spot of Michael Collins and his friends. Today, Mary’s offers an extensive collection of whiskeys, beers, ales, and ciders, along with comforting toasties to munch on.
Open till late at night, Mary’s Bar hosts live music events on certain days of the week. They also have a WOWBURGER outlet on the ground floor. As for their hardware store. You simply have to visit the bar to know more about this quirky side of the establishment.