For The Best Introduction To Dublin, Ireland, Rick Steves Says To Do This Activity First

For a small, rain-soaked island near the powerhouse of Great Britain, Ireland has certainly made a long-lasting impact on the world. These days, the Emerald Isle is primarily known for its friendly people, lush landscapes, and beguiling culture. In a land famous for its scenery, Dublin, Ireland's capital, holds its own as a tourist destination. It's also a favorite of Rick Steves, travel connoisseur and Europe expert, whose ideal Ireland itinerary to hit the must-visit destinations begins in Dublin. 

As Dublin has well over 1,000 years of history and culture, Steves recommends starting with a guided, historical walking tour of the city (or several!). There are plenty of options to choose from, and most will provide an overview of Dublin's start as a Viking colony, allowing you to see some of its most important sights while gaining valuable insight from a local expert. Whichever tour you choose, you'll get an enticing look into Dublin, which Steves calls, "an urban playground where people really consider strangers just 'friends who've yet to meet.'" Then, after you get your bearings, you can prioritize what else you want to see in this jam-packed city, and perhaps do another specialized walking tour, whether you're there for the pubs or to follow the footsteps of literary favorites.  

A historical walking tour of Dublin will help bring this city's long history to life. As Rick Steves says on his website, "A walk through the heart of north Dublin recalls Ireland's long fight for independence, and makes a fine introduction to the city's rich history." Dublin's past seems to walk hand-in-hand with its present and future, with colorful pubs next to ancient churches in the shadow of modern skyscrapers. 

With your guide, you'll follow the Vikings' footsteps at Wood Quay, where they first settled in 841. Explore the opulent State Apartments (still used as government offices) and a 13th-century medieval tower at Dublin Castle, which was the seat of English/British rule from 1204 until 1922, when the Republic of Ireland gained independence from Great Britain. See bullet holes from the War of Independence and the 1916 Rising in the facades of gorgeous old homes in the historic center. 

The walking tour won't just cover ancient history and wars. You'll visit the famous Temple Bar district to glimpse Dublin's eclectic music traditions, particularly at the Wall of Fame. This mural pays tribute to Irish greats like U2, the Cranberries, and Sinead O'Connor. Contrast this with a visit to the nearly 1,000-year-old Christ Church Cathedral, one of the world's most awe-inspiring places of worship, which showcases how the city's long religious traditions (including the incorporation of classical music) are still very much at play in modern Dublin.

Dublin pulses with a young energy despite its ancient history, and nowhere is this more evident than in its pubs. You'll likely spot many pubs on your tour, including some of Dublin's oldest. After the tour, have a drink in the Brazen Head, which, dating back to 1198, claims to be Ireland's oldest pub. To fully experience Irish pub culture, Rick Steves recommends you join a musical pub crawl, led by local musicians, because, as he writes, "No visit to Dublin is complete without some good traditional Irish music." This will help you fully embrace the Irish spirit of "craic" (a good time) and discover why tourists call Ireland the most friendly European destination.

If your walking tour doesn't take you to Trinity College Dublin, it's a must-visit. This historic university is home to the famous Book of Kells, a more than 1,200-year-old manuscript considered the most important work of medieval art. After you wait in line at the Old Library to see the book stored carefully in a climate-controlled case, head upstairs to the awe-inspiring Long Room, with soaring ceilings and ancient texts. From here, the entirety of Dublin unfolds before you, with past and present intertwined. Continue your poetic theme with a literary pub crawl, head out to one of Dublin's contemporary Irish restaurants, or visit one of the city's many museums, highlighting everything from Guinness to the Irish diaspora.