8 things to do in Dublin

Originally built as a defensive fortification in 1204, this historic building is now a major government complex and popular tourist attraction.

Dublin Castle's historic Medieval Tower

It's completely free to wander the grounds of Dublin Castle, although you can expect to pay a nominal fee to join a guided tour inside, where you can see the State Apartments and the gothic Chapel Royal.

The castle's distinctive Medieval Tower is one of the oldest parts of Dublin still standing. Constructed during the reign of King Henry III, its purpose has changed over the years. It earned the nickname 'Wardrobe Tower' due to its early use holding armour, clothes and the king's treasure.

Ireland's most prestigious university, a trip to Dublin wouldn't be complete without seeing the 16th-century architecture of Trinity College up-close.

Trinity College library

The campus grounds are open to the public so feel free to wander the main squares, but you'll need to book tickets to the Book of Kells Experience in the library. The 1,200 year old illuminated manuscript is on display in the Old Library, along with an immersive light and video experience that brings the ancient text to life with modern technology. Also worth seeing in the library is the Long Room Reimagined, which ues 3D mapped projections to look into the past and future of the famous library's main chamber.

Find out what it means to be Irish at EPIC, the award-winning museum in the Docklands. The museum focuses on the Irish emigration to other countries, and has regularly been voted as Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards.

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

This immersive digital museum experience looks at the lives of over 300 Irish emigrants and explores the impact they've had on the world, including politics, the arts and science.

While the city's two main cathedrals charge an admission fee, it's free to look around many of Dublin's smaller churches. Whitefriar Street Church, said to be home to the bones of St Valentine, is particularly special.

Ha'Penny Bridge

Operating on a strictly tips only basis, Sandeman's New Dublin walking tours are run by native Dubliners who know all of the best things to see in town. You can pre-book online or simply show up at the designated meeting point in Dublin's city centre 15 minutes before the tour is due to start.

Be sure to take a walk along the famous Ha'Penny Bridge, Dublin's oldest pedestrian crossing over the River Liffey.

St Patrick's Park

If you like parks, Dublin is the city for you. In fact, it's said to have more green spaces per square mile than any other European city, with 30 public parks dotted around the city to be enjoyed, whatever the season. Among them is Phoenix Park - the largest enclosed park in Europe at 1,750 acres and home to walled gardens, monuments and herds of fallow deer. Other parks around the city include St Patrick's Park, perfect for a picnic with stunning views of the cathedral, and the ornamental St Stephen's Green.

Even if you don't want to make a purchase (however tempting it may be!) the indoor Loft Market is a wonderful way to spend a few hours, especially if you are a fan of all things vintage.

Similarly, Temple Bar Food Market is also a great place to while away a Saturday morning. You can even sample some of the free gastronomic delights on offer from local producers.

Howth, a quiet fishing community that is now a seaside suburb of Dublin, is a beautiful place, and one best discovered on foot. There's an excellent walking trail available, taking you past a lighthouse, a castle and spectacularly-rugged cliffs.

Discover Dublin and the best Ireland has to offer with a Saga holiday to Ireland.