The Irish capital is well-known the world over and is visited by millions. But why? Here are the top ten things Dublin is famous for, ranked.
Dublin is one of the most well-known cities in the world, and for good reason. The city has transformed into a metropolis that, in 2019, was visited by 6.6 million people and is sure to welcome the same amount as normality returns and it is also the coffee capital of Europe.
Hugging the shores of the east Irish coast as it mingles with the Irish sea, the Irish capital has a lot to offer.
It sticks in the memory of many at home and abroad thanks to its history, sport, famous figures, and world-class attractions. Read on to discover our list of the top ten things Dublin is famous for, ranked.
10. Capital of Ireland – worldwide reputationCredit: Flickr.com / Giuseppe Milo
The first on our list of things Dublin is famous for is that it is the Irish capital. Millions of people around the world claim Irish ancestry, putting Ireland on the map. As such, its capital city is sure to garner fame.
Dublin has transformed from a Viking settlement over 1,000 years ago to one of the busiest, wealthiest, and transformative continental cities in Europe.
9. Grafton Street – iconic street in the heart of Dublin
One of Europe’s busiest shopping streets, Grafton Street is another prized possession that puts the city on the map.
Not only is it well-known for shopping, but it has also drawn acclaim for its superb buskers that take to the streets to entertain passers-by. No trip to Dublin is complete without a sight of the kaleidoscope of musicians, artists, poets and shoppers.
8. Phoenix Park – one of the biggest parks in Europe
Next on our list of the things Dublin is famous for is Phoenix Park, one of the largest public parks in a European capital city.
Over a million people packed into the enclaves of the green space when Pope John Paul II visited in 1979. It is a popular spot to visit today and is still home to fallow deer.
7. Trinity College – the beating heart of Dublin’s education
Ireland’s most prestigious university is one of the things Dublin is famous for. It is an elite European institution, ranked 98th globally and is also home to its stunning library and the Book of Kells.
Address: Old Library, College Green, South-East Inner City, Dublin 2, D02 VR66, Ireland
6. Temple Bar – one of the best things Dublin is famous forCredit: Facebook / @TheTempleBarPub
Anyone who has been to Dublin has visited the Temple Bar once. Dublin’s most popular bar is one of the main reasons why Dublin enjoys so much acclaim.
The Temple Bar area as a whole is a hive of electric activity, while the famous red bar itself has an esteemed reputation by those in Ireland and those who travel here.
Kicking off our list of the top five things that Dublin is famous for is the iconic Croke Park stadium found in Drumcondra. It has a capacity of 82,500 people and is the home of the GAA in Ireland.
It is the third-largest stadium in Europe and is truly special on All-Ireland final day, where people come in droves from every county in Ireland to watch the sport’s premier games.
4. History – a storied past stretching a thousand yearsCredit: Failte Ireland
One of the main things Dublin is famous for is the rich history that punctuates the 1,000 years the city has existed. Since its establishment by the Vikings, Dublin has witnessed some of Ireland’s most memorable events.
Walking tours today tell the story of the past, and history dots every street and entry in the city. One of the main harbours of history is Kilmainham Gaol, where the 1916 Easter Rising leaders were executed.
3. Georgian Architecture – the stunning city designCredit: Flickr / William Murphy
One of the main things Dublin is famous for is the beautiful Georgian architecture that defines the city. This unique architecture was born in the 18th century.
Some of the capital’s most notable structures are Georgian; The Custom House, the Four Courts, and Leinster House are just some of the standout examples rich in Dublin character.
2. Guinness – home of the Black StuffCredit: Failte Ireland
You can buy a pint of Guinness virtually anywhere you go in the world. It puts Ireland on the map, and the home of the black stuff can be found in Dublin at St James’ Gate.
Some of the finest pints of Guinness are served in the capital, and this world-renowned drink is one of the top things Dublin is famous for.
Address: St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8, D08 VF8H, Ireland
1. GPO – symbol of the Irish revolution
Topping our list of things that Dublin is famous for is the General Post Office (GPO), which is located in the heart of O’Connell Street.
The GPO was the headquarters of the 1916 Easter Rising, which preceded the Irish War for Independence. It is where Padraig Pearse read aloud the Irish Proclamation, and the powerful pillars still bear the piercing holes of British bullets.
Address: O’Connell Street Lower, North City, Dublin 1, Ireland
Dan O'Muirigh is a keen travel writer from Belfast, County Antrim. He has been a regular writer for Ireland Before You Die, The World Bucket List and Meanwhile in Ireland since 2019, covering topics ranging from the Irish countryside, cities, hidden gems, and other standout features to Irish culture, history, and language.
He has also contributed to more worldwide and good news articles. Dan holds a law degree and has held a keen interest in writing for many years. He has been immersed in Irish culture, playing GAA, writing about the country, and learning its language.
Dan has travelled far and wide across Ireland, with a particular interest in Donegal. He has also travelled around Europe, the Caribbean and South-East Asia.
