Horner School Recommends – THE three best things to do in Dublin Ireland
When people think of Dublin, they often think of the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, and Temple Bar. However, Dublin has way more than these popular tourist attractions. The city has a treasure trove of lesser-known attractions that offer a more intimate glimpse into its rich history and vibrant culture. Here are three of Dublin’s best-kept secrets that are well worth a visit. The best things to do in Dublin Ireland !
Marsh’s Library | A must-visit for book lovers and history enthusiasts
Marsh’s Library is often overlooked for its more popular cousin “The Long Room” in Trinity College. However, Marsh’s Library has much more to be proud of after all it’s Ireland’s oldest public library and it was the inspiration for many Irish writers like Bram Stoker, Jonathan Swift, James Joyce and many more. Established in 1707 and situated right next to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, this library remains largely unchanged, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past with its oak bookcases, rolling ladders, and ancient manuscripts.
The library still features all its original fittings, including the seating and shelving. The bookcases are made of Baltic oak with carved and lettered gables. In some of the bookcases there are bullet holes from the Easter Rising when Jacob’s Biscuit factory next door was occupied. There are three wire alcoves, known as ‘cages’, which came into use in the 1770s in response to thefts in the library.
The atmosphere here is like stepping back in time, making it a must-visit for book lovers and history enthusiasts.
It costs €5 to do a self-guided tour or you can email them to organise a guided tour.
14 Henrietta Street | An award-winning social history museum in Dublin City.
14 Henrietta Street gives you an immersive experience of how people used to live here in Dublin. This Georgian townhouse turned tenement museum tells the story of Dublin living conditions from the 18th to the 20th century, focusing on the lives of the families who lived there. The guided tours are particularly moving, providing personal insights into the harsh realities faced by the city’s working class.
In Dublin, a tenement was typically an 18th or 19th century townhouse which was adapted, often crudely, to house multiple families. Tenement houses existed throughout the north inner city of Dublin; on the southside around the Liberties, and near the south docklands of Dublin.
Houses such as 14 Henrietta Street underwent significant change in use – originally built to be single-family house with specific living areas for the family, servants, and children. Eventually they fell into disrepair and turned into tenement houses, filled with poor families – often one family to a room – the room itself divided up into two or three smaller rooms – a kitchen, a living room, and a bedroom. Entire families crammed into small living spaces and sharing an outside tap and lavatory with dozens of others in the same building.
By 1911 number 14 14 Henrietta Street housed 100 people while over 850 lived on 14 Henrietta Street. We highly recommend this visit. Tours are only available Wednesday to Sunday and it costs €10.
Glasnevin Cemetery and Museum | Irish History Tour & Tower Climb
While it might seem unusual to visit a cemetery, Glasnevin Cemetery is a place of great historical significance and beauty. As the final resting place of many of Ireland’s most notable figures, including Michael Collins and Daniel O’Connell, it offers a glimpse into Ireland’s revolutionary years. The adjacent museum provides fascinating exhibits and interesting guided tours that bring the stories of those buried here to life. The O’Connell Round Tower has recently been reopened and you are able to climb to the top and get great panoramic views of Dublin. A tour by itself costs €14 while a climb to the top of the O’Connell tower costs €10. If you would like to do both you can get a joint ticket for €19. The stories of a nation are held within the walls of Glasnevin Cemetery. It was established in 1832.
Dublin is a city that prides itself on its long history and rich culture, by visiting some of its lesser-known attractions you get a unique and more intimate look into its past and present. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking to do something away from the tourist path, these hidden gems provide a more personal and enriching experience of Dublin. So next time you find yourself in the Fair City, make sure to venture beyond the usual tourist spots and discover the stories that lie beneath the surface. We hope you enjoyed reading our blog Horner School Recommends – THE three best things to do in Dublin Ireland. If you would like to read more from our “Hidden Dublin” series of blogs, we also recommend the following: Museums & Art Galleries of Dublin City and the Dublin Decoded Website which is run by teacher and tour guide Mr. Arran Henderson.