Dublin Major Sights & Our Favorite Day Trips

1. Trinity College and The Book of Kells: Ireland's oldest university, known for its historic campus and the Book of Kells, a beautifully illuminated manuscript housed in the Old Library.

2. Guinness Storehouse: The home of Guinness beer, offering a tour that ends in the Gravity Bar with panoramic views of Dublin and a complimentary pint.

3. Kilmainham Gaol: A former prison turned museum that played a significant role in Irish history, especially during the Irish struggle for independence.

4. Dublin Castle: Dating back to the 13th century, the castle has been a key site in Irish history and now serves as a government complex and a tourist attraction.

5. St. Patrick's Cathedral: Ireland's largest cathedral and one of Dublin's most popular tourist attractions, associated with Saint Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint.

6. Phoenix Park: One of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital city, home to the Dublin Zoo and the official residence of the President of Ireland.

7. National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: Housing artifacts dating from 7000 BC to the 20th century, including prehistoric gold, Viking artifacts, and medieval treasures.

8. The Little Museum of Dublin: Tells the story of Dublin in the 20th century through an eclectic collection of over 5,000 artifacts donated by the public.

9. Howth Head: A beautiful peninsula just outside Dublin, offering scenic walks with stunning views of Dublin Bay and the Irish Sea.

Day Trips from Dublin:

1. Glendalough and Wicklow Mountains National Park: Known for its stunning scenery, early medieval monastic settlement, and abundant walking trails.

2. Cliffs of Moher and Burren National Park: Offering breathtaking sea cliffs and unique limestone landscapes. The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most visited natural attractions.

3. Galway City: A vibrant city known for its artsy vibe, live music, and proximity to the Connemara region.

4. Kilkenny: A medieval town known for its well-preserved castles, churches, and winding streets.

5. Newgrange and Hill of Tara: Visit the ancient passage tomb of Newgrange, older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian Pyramids, and the historic site of the Hill of Tara.

6. Bray and Greystones: Coastal towns south of Dublin, known for their scenic beauty and the cliff walk from Bray to Greystones.

7. Belfast: The capital of Northern Ireland, offering attractions like the Titanic Belfast museum and the political murals.

8. Cork: Ireland's second-largest city, known for its culinary scene, the English Market, and nearby Blarney Castle.