Discover Dublin
From our central location you can take the city as it comes, wandering through its historic streets as you explore iconic Dublin and its rich culture. To help you out, we’ve gathered together this list of what to see in Dublin During your stay – but please feel free to ask at reception if there is something particular you’ve been longing to see.
Iconic Attractions
Founded over four centuries ago as a seat of higher learning, Trinity College offers a rich tapestry liberal education and research studies. Take a guided tour of the library that includes the historic Book of Kells, attend a live performance at the Burke Theatre or enjoy a bite at one of the many fine eateries on campus.
Nearby Grafton Street is home to a vibrant mix of shops as well as the famous Bewley’s cafe and its surrounding streets feature some of Dublin’s most famous pubs where you can enjoy a leisurely drink in between browsing the shops, savouring local Irish cuisine and having a chat with the local flower sellers.
Winner of Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards in 2019, 2020 and 2021, EPIC is a must see on any trip to Dublin. Through 20 interactive galleries you’ll discover the impact of Irish culture on the field of literature and science and learn the stories of Irish emigrants who helped shape history worldwide.
As well as being the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland, St. Patrick’s has the honour of being Ireland’ tallest Church. Visitors are welcome for both self-guided and guided tours where you can learn about its rich history, beautiful architecture and ornate artworks. It also regularly runs education workshops, concerts and events.
Designed by Thomas Newman Deane and located just around the corner from The Shelbourne Hotel, the National Library of Ireland is home to an extensive collection of books, newspapers, maps, photographs and prints. It’s open to the public and also offers the opportunity for you to uncover your own Irish heritage.
Set at the heart of Dublin’s beautiful Georgian quarter, this historic gallery houses a large collection of art dating from the 14th to the 21st century. Permanent and rotating exhibitions depict both the history of European art and contemporary art trends. On your visit you can also explore conservation projects and browse the art library.
Founded in 1030, and also known as the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, Christ Church Cathedral is Ireland’s oldest building. As well as being open to the public outside of worship hours for tours of the mediaeval crypt, you can experience the Evensong choir presentations and many other special events at Christmastime and throughout the year.
In 1780 John Jameson threw open the doors of his distillery on Bow St.. Over 240 years later, the doors are still open – to friends old and new. With plenty of unique experiences available, join us for a fully guided tour and tasting or learn how to blend your own whiskey, master the craft of cocktail making or draw whiskey straight from a cask in Dublin’s only live maturation warehouse and see why it’s the winner of the World’s leading distillery for a record five years in a row. Shelbourne Hotel guests receive a 10% discount on all experiences at The Jameson Distillery.
Voted the world’s leading tourist attraction in 2023, The Guinness Storehouse offers the opportunity to tour the original Guinness brewery and get a behind the scenes look at how the perfect pint of the famous ‘black stuff’ is made. All followed by a pint in the spectacular Gravity Bar, offering the best view available over Dublin city.
Built in the early 13th century on the site of a Viking settlement Dublin Castle was the seat of English, and later British administration in Ireland from 1204 until 2022. and the residence of the British monarch’s Irish representative. In 1922 it was handed over to the new Irish government following Ireland’s independence.
No visit to Dublin would be complete without a stroll through Temple Bar. With cobblestone streets bussing with shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Visit the irish Rock’n’Roll experience, take in a film at the Irish Film Institute or just drink in the atmosphere that typifies the city’s vibrant social scene.
Free to the public, the National Museum of Ireland comprises three distinct buildings across Dublin two of which – The Museum of Archaeology and the Museum of Natural History are just a stone’s throw from The Shelbourne Hotel. Luckily the Museum of Decorative Arts is accessible by LUAS, and the Museum of Country Life is an excellent reason to visit Co. Mayo.