March 12, 2025, 9:39 am | Read time: 3 minutes
TRAVELBOOK author Anna Wengel (Chiodo) visited the Irish capital, Dublin, a few years ago. Here, she presents six of her favorite places in the small city.
It’s been a few years since I visited Dublin, and to be honest, thanks to the short time I was there, I mainly confined myself to the more touristy, inner-city part both times. This is easy to walk around, by the way, as the city on the River Liffey is not particularly large despite its capital city status. The whole of Dublin measures 115 square kilometers. By comparison, Berlin is almost eight times as big (891 square kilometers). Here are six of my favorite places in Dublin.
Overview
1. Library of Trinity College
Trinity College is a tranquil, picturesque place in Ireland’s capital. It quickly transports you to the English university towns of Cambridge and Oxford, on which Trinity College was modeled. A very special place here is the wonderful Old Library, which contains the world-famous Book of Kells from the 8th or 9th century.
2. Merrion Square Park
Ireland’s capital also has several lovely parks where you can relax and take a stroll. One of my favorite places in Dublin is the beautiful Merrion Square Park, where a larger-than-life Oscar Wilde permanently leans against a stone. The parks of St. Stephen’s Green and Iveagh Gardens are also worth a visit.
3. Temple Bar
Every tourist who visits Dublin will sooner or later end up in the Temple Bar district. This is where the famous pub of the same name is located, as well as a number of other pubs that are usually well-frequented. I particularly liked the quaint alleyways and cobbled streets with their typical Irish storefronts in Temple Bar. In addition to pubs, there are various restaurants, boutiques, and other stores here.
4. Grafton Street
Very centrally located, you will also inevitably end up on Grafton Street, the main shopping street in the Irish capital. I have fond memories of this pretty and charming shopping street with all kinds of stores and regular background music from various street musicians.
5. George’s Street Arcade
At least as nice and not far from Grafton Street is George’s Street Arcade. The hustle and bustle of this indoor shopping paradise is not only worthwhile when it’s raining; there are plenty of things to discover here, from vintage to food.
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6. Ha’penny and O’Connell Bridge
When exploring cities, I like to stand on bridges or walk along riverbanks and watch the hustle and bustle, especially in Dublin in the evening. A pretty bridge with a beautiful view and less hustle and bustle is the 200-year-old Ha’penny Bridge, which is also a Dublin landmark. The O’Connell Bridge, which also crosses the Liffey and connects Dublin’s Northside and Southside, is much busier.