Guinness Storehouse
From its origins in 1759 as a brewery with a 9,000-year lease, the Guinness Storehouse has become one of the city's most famous sights. It hosts a fantastic exhibition on everything from old advertising to the craft of brewing. The tour finishes with a pint in the 360-degree Gravity Bar. You can prebook tickets for a discount, tours are self-guided and take about 1.5 hours, but relax and take your time. It’s open seven days a week 9.30am-7pm, longer in July and August, and there are some great places to eat inside the Storehouse, offering light snacks to full-on brasserie meals.
St Stephen’s Green and the Little Museum of Dublin
Step into the leafy park of St Stephen's Green, which was once a common for grazing sheep and cattle. Have a wander round the water and admire the sculptures of literary figures including Oscar Wilde, James Joyce and WB Yeats. It’s open all year round, from morning to dusk. Just beside the green is the Little Museum of Dublin, which tells the story of the city in around 5,000 artefacts, from royal visits down to the humble lives of locals. Take a guided tour but be warned, tickets sell out fast so book early. When you’re finished, head down to Hatch & Sons restaurant in the basement.
The National Gallery of Ireland and Merrion Square
Opened in 1864, the National Gallery of Ireland houses more than 15,000 works including pieces by Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh and Jack B Yeats. It’s open seven days a week, late on Thursdays and entry is free. There are free tours of the permanent collection at 12.30pm Saturday (specially geared towards children), and 3pm on Sunday. Drift through the tranquil space – all high ceilings and wonderful light – before finishing up in the lovely Gallery Tea Room for tea and scones. The gallery is very busy from April to September; all groups, guided or unguided, should book their visit in advance.
Dalkey
Breathe in some sea air in Dalkey, a beautiful little town 13km southeast of Dublin. Parking can be tricky but the town is easy to reach by Dart or by bus. Its little shops should inspire some gift ideas, and you’ll find cafés and restaurants all over. Dalkey is a medieval town but became a resort in the 19th century and still has a quaint feel. Check out Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre to find out more, or drop into Biddy’s Cottage for Irish stories with tea and cakes. The town overlooks Coliemore Harbour, a hub for kayaking, fishing and boat trips out to nearby Dalkey Island.
Hellfire Club walk
Head into the Dublin Mountains for some fresh air – and strange legends. The Hell Fire Forest loop is a moderate walk of 5.5km lasting 1.5 hours, and the Montpelier loop is 4km and takes 1 hour, ideal for children. There are lots of paths, which lead either to the road or to the top of the mountain, where a ruined hunting lodge looks out over Dublin Bay. The Hell Fire Club refers to some 18th century "wild young gentlemen" who liked this remote spot for parties. Be careful with parking – it’s free but the car park closes at 5pm in winter (9pm in summer).