Dublin
Last updated: 11 May 2026
written by Daria Trinkhaus, photography by Nico Trinkhaus
What to see in Dublin? A guide to attractions and the best places to take photos
Dublin is like an onion. When you look for information about this city, you will definitely read about pub culture, the Guinness Museum, typical monuments such as Trinity College, Dublin Castle and the like. However, after a few sips of Irish coffee and hearing The Cranberries’ song ‘Zombie’, you start to wonder about the next layer of this city – the historical layer of the Irish capital.
The good news is that you can explore Dublin even in a long weekend. If you approach it strategically, you can uncover several cultural layers of this city simultaneously.
During our stay in Dublin, we were able to see the most important monuments with a private guide. We also managed to dive into the history of Ireland, discover unusual historical places through Nico’s photographic lens and feel shivers down our spines when we realised how close contemporary history is to everyday life in Ireland.
In this guide, we would like to introduce you to the most important monuments of Dublin, inspire you to discover Irish culture and show it in photos. Ready?
Table of Contents
Travel Writer
Daria Trinkhaus is a writer, who loves to discover the hidden stories behind each and every place she visits.
pub culture in dublin (temple bar)
This is probably the first thing you heard about Dublin. Or maybe you even actively searched for information about Irish pubs. And no wonder. These typical bars can be found in probably every civilised country.
Our three-day visit to Dublin began in an Irish pub. Although it was too early for a typical pint, Irish coffee proved to be a guaranteed pick-me-up.
Life in Ireland largely revolves around meeting in pubs. As the weather can be really ‘nasty’ at any time of the year, pubs are a place where families, friends or future friends gather. In the evenings, they fill to the brim, and some even offer live music. If you are in Dublin, visiting a pub is a must on your list for the culture, cuisine and, above all, fun.
One of the most famous pubs in Dublin is undoubtedly Temple Bar. The entire district is also dotted with popular bars. Just remember that once you sit down at the bar with your well-deserved pint, tomorrow is another day and you will probably want to photograph Temple Bar at sunrise.
A good day to capture Temple Bar at sunrise is Sunday. Nico got this tip from a photographer living in Dublin. This is because on Saturdays, bars close earlier than in Germany, for example. This means there is a better chance that the streets will be empty. The upside of the unpredictable Irish weather (mind you – the photo above was taken in August) is that you have the chance to capture dramatic clouds as part of your composition.
christ church cathedral in dublin
Christ Church Cathedral sits at a busy crossing, right next to Dublinia (the Viking museum), with traffic lights, signs, and constant cars. A straight-on shot never felt quite right. Something was always distracting from the cathedral’s majestic stone architecture and the graceful archway bridging the street.
Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin is at the top of the list of monuments in this article because you will probably pass it many times. It is also a monument of great importance to Ireland.
The first records of the cathedral on this site indicate that it was originally a Viking church. It was founded by Dúnán, the first Archbishop of Dublin, and Sitriuc (Sigtrygg Silkenbeard), the Viking King of Dublin. In 1152, the cathedral came under the jurisdiction of the Irish Church. Soon, the Viking buildings were replaced by Romanesque and later Gothic architecture.
However, the current architectural style of Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin has strong Victorian influences. This is due to the fact that the church underwent a thorough renovation in the 19th century.
The façade of Dublin Cathedral is undoubtedly photogenic. The problem, however, is how to capture it. The building is located at a busy intersection with traffic lights, road signs and constant traffic. This means that all these elements distract attention from the architectural craftsmanship of the cathedral.
However, when you stop fighting against unfavourable circumstances, you may find that they have the potential to enrich what you intended to do. And that was the case with this photograph. Nico decided to use the busy street to connect the medieval building with modernity. He used a long exposure to capture the streaks of light from passing vehicles.
You can find more information about this technique in the original article accompanying the photo of Dublin Cathedral: https://sumfinity.com/photos/ireland/dublin/christ-church-cathedral/
trinity college in dublin
The 16th century in Europe was a time of university building. The first universities were intended to provide the state with trained personnel who could perform civil functions. Before 1590, England already had two universities. However, in order to strengthen British influence in Ireland, in 1592 Queen Elizabeth I of England founded Trinity College in Dublin. The university was intended to be an alternative to Catholic universities in Europe, where Irish students had previously studied.
This college in Dublin has a rich history, and its students include Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, Bram Stoker and Jonathan Swift.
The university complex consists of the 17th-century Rubrics building, the 19th-century Campanile tower and, of course, the iconic Old Library. It houses the Long Room and the Book of Kells – a manuscript of the four Gospels of the New Testament, created around 800 AD.
Trinity College Dublin in photographs: it is not without reason that Nico has no photos of the university’s exterior architecture. During the day, students and tourists spend time around the campus, but at sunrise the complex is closed.
However, the library and the Long Room are photogenic. To enter, you need to purchase a ticket. It should also be noted that photography of some monuments (such as the Book of Kells) is prohibited. Apart from that, however, this place is magical, and the symmetry of the wooden structure is perfect for taking photos.
Unfortunately, when we were there, the library was undergoing renovation, so it is worth checking the university’s website for up-to-date information before planning your visit.
dublin castle
Dublin Castle dates back to the 13th century. It was built on the site of a Viking stronghold. Today, the only surviving part from that period is the Record Tower.
For centuries, Dublin Castle was the seat of British power. After 1922, when Ireland regained its independence, the building passed into the hands of the new government.
Today, it is part of the Irish government complex. Some parts of the castle, such as the State Apartments, the Royal Chapel and the Viking excavations, are open to tourists.
It is difficult to capture Dublin Castle in photographs from the outside, mainly due to the perspective – the streets around the castle were really narrow. In addition, the large number of tourists poses a photographic challenge. However, this place could be a great exercise for shooting details or aristocratic interiors.
dublin city hall
Dublin City Hall lies a testament to 18th-century architecture. Originally known as the Royal Exchange, built between 1769 and 1779 and designed by the celebrated architect, Thomas Cooley, this majestic building stands out not just for its historical significance but its architectural prowess.
Dublin City Hall is located literally in the heart of the city. This 18th-century building was originally known as the Royal Exchange. It was formerly used by merchants as a centre for trade and discussion. Interestingly, it is located opposite a part of Dublin Castle, which was the seat of the British administration in Ireland until 1922. Nearby, yet opposite…
The façade of Dublin City Hall is made of white Portland stone from Dorset. This neoclassical building also includes a central hall and rotunda.
Nico captured this photo of the main part of City Hall at sunrise. At that time, the square in front of the building is empty, and the white stone takes on a golden glow.
guinness house
Guinness House is one of those places on the list of must-see attractions that we will urge you to visit. It’s not just about the pint itself, but also about the history of this place, intertwined with the history of Dublin, and the view from the Gravity Bar at the top of the building.
Arthur Guinness, the founder of the brewery, signed a lease for the building in 1759 for the famous 9,000 years. At that time, the rent was £45 per year. Guinness initially brewed ale, but after expanding the business, he began brewing a new type of beer called porter.
The Guinness House museum describes the history of brewing at this factory and how the Guinness pint became a global phenomenon. At the end of the visit, you have access to the Gravity Bar with a spectacular view of the historic industrial part of Dublin with its rusty-sand-coloured building facades.
So don’t forget to take some photos before you get lost in the number of pints you’ve drunk! Fortunately, the bar also offers ‘Guinness clear’. That is… water.
stephen's green shopping centre in dublin
The top floor, particularly the glass rooftop, stood out from the crowded shopping area below, bathed in light and ornamented with symmetry. Captivated by the aesthetic, Nico couldn’t resist photographing the site, but it took a few attempts and some post-processing expertise to reach the intended effect of the empty mall.
The Potato Famine Museum, fits well into the Stephen’s Green Shopping Center. It stands as a monument to Dublin’s historical richness, elegantly mixing modernity and heritage.
Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre was reportedly nicknamed ‘the wedding cake’ by some Dublin residents. We can only speculate as to why. The use of glass and iron ornaments creates an extraordinary visual effect. For this reason, this Dublin shopping centre has been compared not only to a cake, but also to the steamboat ‘Green’ on the Mississippi.
Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre was completed in 1988, with a total construction budget of £50 million. Although this was the official opening date, the history of shopping centre in this part of Dublin dates back to the 1960s. In the 1970s and 1980s, the venue hosted the ‘Dandelion Market’ with alternative shops. An interesting fact is that this is where U2 played their first gigs.
Today, part of the Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre houses the Irish Potato Famine Museum. The Great Famine (Irish: An Gorta Mór) is one of the most tragic events in the country’s history. It lasted from 1845 to 1852 and completely changed the demographics, politics and identity of Ireland.
The museum explains what the potato blight was and how devastating its effects were on the Irish, who were dependent on a single product – the potato. It also shows how British policy further exacerbated the crisis. Approximately 1 million people died of starvation and about 1-2 million emigrated, mainly to the United States and Canada.
It was probably not intentional, but placing this museum in a bustling shopping centre adds historical perspective to the experience and encourages reflection. So, if you find yourself near Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, be sure to set aside an hour to visit the Great Famine Museum.
ha'penny Bridge, dublin
The Ha’penny Bridge, with its rich history spanning over two centuries, has always been an iconic landmark of Dublin, a pedestrian pathway above the River Liffey, inviting visitors to experience both its architectural beauty and the tales it holds. But during my recent visit to Dublin, it became more than just a historical marvel; it became a canvas of colors, an embodiment of the Irish Flag itself.
Ha’penny Bridge has over 200 years of history. This small cast-iron bridge over the River Liffey is located in the heart of Dublin. The official name of the bridge is Liffey Bridge, but due to the former half-penny toll, its colloquial name has dominated the language. And don’t worry – this toll was discontinued in 1919.
Ha’penny Bridge connects the Temple Bar district with the northern residential centre of Dublin. It has always been busy. It is not a monumental structure, but a symbol of everyday life in the city. Therefore, it is worth being patient when crossing it among the crowds of locals and tourists.
There are several ways to capture Ha’penny in photos – centrally, from the middle of the bridge, or from one side of the riverbank. However, this is difficult during the day due to the large number of passers-by. That is why Nico took the featured photo after sunset.
Once again, reality was different from expectations – one of the lights on the bridge was broken, which ruined the possibility of achieving perfect symmetry in the shot. At one point, however, Nico noticed a green lamp shining under the bridge. On the opposite side, the orange lights of the Temple Bar District created a contrast. The centre of the bridge was decorated with a glowing lamp, like the North Star.
Problematic? Perhaps. Until you look at this spectacle with a different eye. All these lights were reflected in the River Liffey, painting… the Irish flag. And suddenly, the ‘imperfection’ becomes a unique visual narrative. The colour green is a nod to the Gaelic, Catholic and Republican movement. Orange is a nod to Anglicans, Protestants and Unionists. And white signifies the hope for peace between them.
the four courts
The Four Courts stood grandly on the River Liffey’s banks, more than just a building – it’s a symbol of Ireland’s rich legal history. Nico captured its essence from a unique angle, offering a new perspective that followed the river’s curve and showcased the building’s splendor.
The Four Courts are not a typical item on the list of things to see in Dublin. Nico captured them in a photo not only because courts are his favourite subject (as a photographer, he spends a lot of time on the issue of artists’ copyright). However, this place is of great importance for contemporary politics and Ireland’s independence.
The Four Courts building houses the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the Circuit Court in Dublin. The building itself dates back to the late 18th century. Since then, the courts have ‘witnessed’ Ireland’s turbulent political changes, including the Easter Rising and the civil war in 1922.
This photo of the Four Courts was taken in the summer, when nature along the River Liffey was in full bloom. I imagine that this place can be magical at any time of the year with the right light. So don’t forget to take a walk along the River Liffey — you may find other architectural treasures there as well.
a visit to dublin
It is impossible to accurately describe the atmosphere of Dublin in any guidebook. The beautiful streets of Ireland’s capital, pub culture, architecture ranging from Viking times to the present day, and the incredible hospitality of the Irish are just a few reasons why we would encourage you to visit Dublin (Ryanair has its hub there, so flights are frequent and cheap – just saying).
However, if you decide to visit Dublin, even if only for a weekend, don’t forget to slow down during your visit and think about the complexity of this place, its history and Irish culture. This way, you will not only have photos to remember your trip by, but also profound memories.
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frequently asked questions about Dublin
Dublin can be explored even during a long weekend. In three days, it is worth seeing Temple Bar and experiencing the pub culture, Christ Church Cathedral, Trinity College with the Long Room and Book of Kells, Dublin Castle, City Hall, Guinness Storehouse, Ha’penny Bridge, and taking a walk along the River Liffey to the Four Courts.
Yes — Temple Bar is a symbol of pub culture in Ireland. In the evenings, the place is bustling with life and live music. If you want to take good photos, it’s best to go there at sunrise (especially on Sunday) when the streets are almost empty.
Definitely yes. Trinity College is a 16th-century university founded by Elizabeth I. Its Old Library houses the Long Room and the famous Book of Kells. It is one of the most photogenic places in Dublin, although it should be noted that some exhibits (e.g. the Book of Kells) are not allowed to be photographed.
The Guinness Storehouse is not just a beer museum. It is a place where you can learn about the history of Arthur Guinness and the brewery that became a global phenomenon. An interesting attraction is the Gravity Bar with a panoramic view of the historic industrial part of Dublin.
The key monuments include:
- Christ Church Cathedral (with Viking roots),
- Dublin Castle (former seat of British power),
- Trinity College,
- Dublin City Hall,
- Ha’Penny Bridge
Each of these places shows a different layer of Irish history – from the Viking era to independence in 1922.
The most photogenic places are:
- Temple Bar at sunrise,
- Long Room at Trinity College,
- Christ Church Cathedral with a long exposure shot on a busy street,
- Ha’penny Bridge after dark,
- Gravity Bar at the Guinness Storehouse,
- The Four Courts on the River Liffey.
Dublin rewards photographers who can use light, weather and the city’s ‘imperfections’ as part of their narrative.
Ha’penny Bridge (officially Liffey Bridge) is a 200-year-old cast-iron bridge connecting Temple Bar with the northern city centre. The name comes from the former half-penny toll for crossing. Today, it is a symbol of everyday life in Dublin and one of the most iconic places on the River Liffey.
Yes. The Great Famine Museum (An Gorta Mór) is located in the Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre. It recounts the tragedy of 1845-1852, when around one million people died of starvation and 1-2 million emigrated. It is an important part of understanding modern Ireland.