A day in Dublin

The best way to start a trip to the Irish capital is by purchasing Dublin Cards, which offer great value for money. The perks include free entry to over 30 of the city’s biggest attractions, plus loads of food, drink and shopping offers too.

Our first two stops were the Jameson Distillery and the Guinness Storehouse, both of which are must-sees when in Dublin. At both, you are able to see how the drink is brewed and how this process has developed over time.

At the Jameson Distillery, you’re given the tour by a local, which really gives you a feel for the city; whereas at the Guinness Storehouse you take yourself on a more detailed walkthrough, with many interactive areas. And of course there’s plenty of alcohol available in both!

The top floor of the Guinness Storehouse boasts the Gravity Bar, with spectacular views of the city.

After a relaxing spell there, it’s just a short walk to Dublinia: a museum with exhibitions on Viking and Medieval times in Dublin, as well as an archaeological history exhibition.

It may be listed as one of Dublin’s top visitor attractions, but this museum is probably aimed primarily at children. Even so, it makes for a great time.

Making our way back into the city centre, we stopped off at Christ Church Cathedral – one of the city’s oldest surviving structures – Dublin City Hall and Dublin Castle; all of which demonstrate the fantastic architecture of the city.

We finally came to Bewley’s Café and Restaurant, the oldest and largest café in Dublin. This lovely eatery is located right in the city centre, overlooking its busy shopping streets. Here our Dublin Passes came to good use, providing us with a free drink and cake as we watched the world go by.

Next stop was National Wax Museum Plus. Spread over four floors, the museum is not aimed to contend with Madam Tussauds, but has a fantastic range of works nonetheless. These range from the Simpsons to Irish political characters, with audio descriptions of the events they are portraying, to terrifying horror rooms like scenes from Hannibal!

There is no better way to top off an eventful day in Dublin than by making your way to a quaint traditional bar. Come nightfall, Temple Bar is the best part of the city to be in, as there are countless bars to be found, each hosting a live band playing charming Irish folk music.

Sit back with a beverage, and simply take in the world-famous aspects of Irish culture, before you head back home.

And, on the way, make sure you walk down the River Liffey, to see the fantastic views of the city at night.