Dublin

The birthplace of some of the greatest names in literature, music and design, Dublin has inspired generations of artists. A true literary capital — recognised as such by UNESCO — Dublin can proudly claim four Nobel Prize winners in Literature: George Bernard Shaw, William Butler Yeats, Samuel Beckett and Seamus Heaney.

If you enjoy painting, don't miss the National Gallery or the Dublin City Gallery, which notably houses the authentic studio of Francis Bacon, transferred from London in 2001. But music also runs through Dublin's veins: this is where enormous stars such as U2, Sinead O'Connor and Thin Lizzy got their start, not to mention the more traditional sounds of The Dubliners and The Chieftains.

For the full Irish pub experience, head to the Temple Bar district. Located in the heart of Dublin, this neighbourhood pulses with remarkable energy, day and night. It is a must-visit for discovering the warm atmosphere of the pubs — wonderful social hubs where the Irish come to meet and mingle: a true social institution of the Emerald Isle! To the west of the old town, on the south bank, the Liberties Quarter offers a different side of Dublin — more working-class, but also more authentic. This is where the entertaining Guinness Storehouse lets you discover the secrets behind the famous stout — and sample it too, in moderation, of course…

For a truly authentic Dublin experience, don't miss the greyhound races either, held at venues including Shelbourne Park and Harold's Cross: a one-of-a-kind spectacle that Dubliners attend in the evenings after work, to bet on the fastest dogs.

Must-sees in Dublin

• IMMA (Irish Museum of Modern Art): Free admission to this museum housed in the elegant 17th-century Royal Hospital Kilmainham. Collections of Irish and international contemporary art in an exceptional architectural setting surrounded by gardens.
• Dublin Writers Museum: A tribute to Ireland's great writers (Joyce, Wilde, Beckett, Yeats) set in an elegant Georgian townhouse. Rare manuscripts, first editions and personal mementos trace Ireland's extraordinary literary tradition.
• Hugh Lane Gallery: Free admission to this municipal art gallery housing a remarkable collection of Impressionist and modern Irish art. Don't miss the reconstruction of Francis Bacon's Paris studio.
• Little Museum of Dublin: A small, intimate and captivating museum telling the story of 20th-century Dublin through everyday objects and mementos donated by Dubliners. Anecdote-filled guided tours in a Georgian townhouse.
• Irish Whiskey Museum: An interactive journey through the history of Irish whiskey, from its monastic origins to its current revival. Comparative tastings of different styles and an exploration of distillation techniques.
• Dublinia Museum: A fun and interactive dive into Viking and medieval Dublin. Life-size reconstructions, authentic archaeological finds and a panoramic view over the historic city from St Michael's Tower.
• Chester Beatty Library: Free admission to this exceptional collection of manuscripts, rare books and art objects from around the world. Illuminated treasures, Egyptian papyri and Islamic manuscripts, beautifully displayed in a modern setting within Dublin Castle.
• Powerscourt House: A magnificent 18th-century Palladian mansion located 20 km south of Dublin. Spectacular gardens ranked among the finest in Europe, featuring waterfalls, Italian terraces and views over the Wicklow Mountains.

Unique experiences in Dublin

• Kilmainham Gaol: A former prison steeped in Irish history, where the leaders of the 1916 Rising were held. A moving tour of the austere cells and execution yard — a powerful testament to the struggle for independence.
• Drinks in a church: The faithful worship a different god at The Church! Arthur Guinness was married here in 1761, and his bust presides over the end of the bar — yes, a bar, because this former church now welcomes guests for a pint or a taste of Irish cuisine. What an atmosphere!
• Become a leprechaun at the Leprechaun Museum: You know that little red-bearded fellow in the tall green hat? Well, he has his very own museum in the Irish capital — and quite an unusual one at that! From the moment you step inside, you are shrunk to the size of this legendary sprite and immersed in an environment of oversized furniture. A visit that delights adults and children alike!

Dublin and Irish specialities

• Irish breakfast: The traditional full Irish features sausages, bacon, baked beans, fried tomatoes and eggs cooked to your liking. Variations may include mushrooms, hash browns, white or black pudding, smoked salmon or haddock, all served with toast and sometimes a slice of soda bread.
• Irish Stew (national dish): A hearty stew made with mutton, lamb or beef.
• Coddle (or Dublin coddle): Sausages, salt pork, potatoes and onions slow-cooked together.
• Corned beef and cabbage: Corned beef paired with wedges of boiled green cabbage seasoned with herbs (thyme and parsley), typically served with potatoes.
• Smithwick's: A red ale with a light caramel flavour.
• Irish coffee: A cocktail of hot coffee, Irish whiskey and sugar, topped with a dash of cream.