Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Dublin

"There are few buildings that reflect the changing and often turbulent political history of Ireland better than Dublin Castle. A castle has stood here for nearly 900 years, with most of the current building dating from the 18th century, and until the Anglo-Irish treaty of 1921, it was the seat of the English and British governments in Ireland (the building itself witnessed several major events in the struggle for independence). Since then, it has hosted the inaugurations of Irish presidents, and also welcomed thousands of visitors as one of Ireland’s best tourist attractions."

"Dublin Castle is right in the heart of the city - and it’s a great location if you’re a Dublin Music Photographer too. It’s right opposite the Olympia, so any bands that might need a quick portrait for tomorrow’s papers with a scenic backdrop are in luck. Again, you probably shouldn’t be tearing around the place with all your gear if you don’t want to get thrown out, but this is another ideal spot for a prime lens and reflector set-up."

"It would be almost blasphemous for me to make a “Best Castles in Dublin” list without including Dublin Castle. Right in the heart of the city, the castle was originally built in 1204 as a residence for the British monarch’s Irish representative. From then on until 1922, Dublin Castle has served as the seat of British rule in Ireland."

"The largest urban park of any European capital, Phoenix Park stretches over a staggering seven square kilometres (2.7 square miles). Within that space is the acclaimed Dublin Zoo. Established in 1831, it’s one of the oldest zoos in the world."

"Phoenix Park is a great place and it belongs to the Instagrammable places in Dublin. Furthermore, it is a great place for relaxation!. It is a very large park in the city of Dublin."

"Trinity's greatest treasures are found within the Old Library, built by Thomas Burgh between 1712 and 1732. The star of the show is the Book of Kells, a breathtaking, illuminated manuscript of the four Gospels of the New Testament, created around AD 800 by monks on the Scottish island of Iona, but more stunning still is the 65m Long Room, the library's main chamber, which houses around 200,000 of the library's oldest volumes."

"With Christ Church being one of the most historical parts of Dublin, it's no surprise that the area has a market that is just filled with little gems to be discovered. If you visit the market, you're likely to pick up some delicious international street food as well as antiques and vintage bits. It takes place every Saturday from 11am to 5pm."

"The Christ Church Cathedral is a lovely sacred place that stands as a monument in itself. Not only the Christians are welcome here but also those who take interest in Irish culture. The Christ Church Cathedral is the oldest building in the city of Dublin."

"Another photogenic place in Dublin is the St Patrick's Cathedral. The cathedral is very old, as it's from 1191. Taking photos of the cathedral is definitely a great idea, as the building is very photogenic."

"Named for the patron saint of Ireland, construction started on the county’s largest Cathedral in 1220. Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels was once dean and is buried there."

"Whether you want to take a picture of the cathedral’s exterior from the beautiful St. Patrick’s Park, or the stunning interior, you won’t be disappointed!"

"Along the southern part of the Dart trainline, Blackrock Park is a small but perfectly formed park boasting striking views of the Irish Sea. The star of the show is the pond with its Peace Fountain, created to mark the International Year of Peace in 1986. You may well spot swans and ducks in the area, too."

"Built at the beginning of the eighteenth century, St. Ann’s Church has become one of Dublin’s most popular parishes by virtue of its generosity."

"With fun sculptures, fairy houses and lots of hidden secrets along the way, the Fairy Trail at Malahide Gardens is perfect outdoor fun for little visitors. Immerse yourself in a world of magic, fairies, butterflies and natural beauty in one of Dublin's favourite family attractions. Visit the butterfly house, fairy trail and walled garden with the kids for a super day out."

"If you're looking for fresh, locally sourced produce, then look no further than Malahide Farmer's Market. With over 20 stalls, visitors will find freshly baked goods, fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese and other produce from local farmers. It's open from 1.30pm until 6pm every Saturday, and during summer, it also opens on the first Sunday of every month."

"Malahide Castle, set on 250 acres of park land in the pretty seaside town of Malahide. Malahide Castle is one of the oldest and most historic castles in Ireland. From 1185 until 1975, it was the home of the Talbot family."

"Often described as a wonderful place to escape for a great day out, Killruddery is conveniently located on the outskirts of the capital where Dublin meets Wicklow.There’s so much to see and explore. Nature has never been more relaxing with leisurely walks in one of Ireland’s most renowned gardens, filled with beautiful planting and wooded areas, water features and distinctive outdoor rooms."

"St. Anne’s is the second-largest park in Dublin, sitting at 240 acres, and was formerly an estate owned by the Guinness family. On top of walking paths, rose gardens and ponds, the park boasts some great sporting facilities in the form of tennis courts and football pitches."

"Saint Anne’s Park is located on the Northside of Dublin and is one of the most beautiful parks in the county. The park is home to old ruins, Chinese Suzhou Gardens, Rose Gardens and some magical artwork. On the outskirts of the park lies Ireland’s very own tree of life."

"Located on Dublins busy O’Connell Street, Gelato Di Natura Dublin is another superb traditional Italian ice-cream parlour. Formerly known as SUSO, with stores all over the world, you are sure to get top quality ice cream at Gelato Di Natura Dublin. With an impressive 28 flavours to choose from you will be spoilt for choice."

"Gelato Di Natura is located on the bustling O’Connell Street, and you can choose if you want to enjoy your ice cream inside or outside. Cookies, vanilla and chocolate are popular but also unusual flavours like walnuts and figs can be found in their selection of flavours. View this post on Instagram"

"Again, you will have done your homework and booked something in advance, we hope (though there always is a chance to get late tickets even for the Abbey Theatre, with a bit of luck). If you are set on enjoying an Irish night out, a large number of pubs offer their services and many also provide entertainment (free or for a small fee in most cases). Just follow the crowds, which will, more than likely, bring you to the Temple Bar area."

"This Arts Centre in Dundrum has a range of events and programmes, but in particular they have a great programme for children. In July they also run performance summer camps."

"Located in Temple Bar, the Project Arts Centre has become a leader in contemporary artistic practice in Dublin and in Ireland. It also hosts local and international festivals like the Dublin Writers Festival, the Dublin Theatre Festival or the Dublin Fringe Festival."

"Tucked away in the historic cobbled streets of Temple Bar is Project Arts Centre, Dublin's best kept secret, a venue packed full of surprises."