Things to do around Dublin

Dublin is a city brimming with stunning Georgian buildings, Guinness-serving pubs and friendly faces - not to mention the history, culture and Irish traditions that run through. But what else is there around Dublin, and out of the city center? The answer is; a lot! Outside the centre of Dublin there are plenty more top attractions waiting to be discovered. We decided to make it even easier for you by including them all for free in the Dublin Pass, so that you really can make the most of what this historic place has to offer. From 12th century-old castles, to flour mills and a pitch and put, there are plenty of different kinds of sites and attractions worth visiting. Airfield Farm This is a great place for the kids and anyone who is interesting in organic food and natural produce. The Overend’s farm, Airfield, is a city farm dating back to 1894 located in Dundrum just south of Dublin. It’s a breath of fresh air from city life, with woodlands, farmland, a vineyard and cow milking! Explore the 38 acres of farm and stop in for a homemade tea and scone before you leave. Skerries Mills Visit these beautiful old flour mills set on the hill in the town of Skerries, just north of Malahide. These mills have been reconstructed and restored to their 16th century models and any tour around these historic monuments will take your breath away as you walk along the ridge and admire the coastal view. Kilmainham Gaol Kilmainham Gaol is one of the most popular historic attractions in Dublin, a short bus ride away it’s tours are full to the brim as people are eager to learn about this part of Dublin’s past. Once the most notorious jail in Dublin, with some horror stories of its own, it’s hosted some of Dublin’s most recognisable names in political rebellion. Glasnevin Cemetery Museum Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, which used to be Prospect Cemetery, is a fascinating insight into Dublin’s history from the stories of graverobbers, to the early Irish Catholic traditions. A visit to this museum includes galleries which explore how burial rites have changed over time, including the different faiths of the 1.5 million people buried there. Dalkey Castle Dalkey town is a beautiful town south of Dublin city centre. An old medieval port its home to a 10th century, battlement fields and Dalkey Castle, one of seven fortified buildings in the town. It’s a proper Irish seaside town and a visit to Dalkey will make you forget you’re over to visit Dublin! Take part in the guided tours and walks and keep your eyes peeled for the colony of seals! Castletown House Built in the 1720s, Castletown House is Ireland’s first Palladian house, designed by an Italian and an Irish architect for William Connolly. This impressive building features a Renaissance style façade, Palladian style wings and stunning 18th century rooms. You’ll definitely be able to feel the airs and graces when you walk through the door! Casino Marino This little Neo-classical house on the Marino estate may be small, but it’s important as it is considered the most important neo-classical building in Ireland. It’s also an optical illusion, as it only appears to be a one-room building from the outside, but within it opens up into a maze of 16 chambers over three floors! Malahide Castle Malahide is one of the most picturesque areas near Dublin and if you ask anyone they’ll second that it’s well worth the short trip north of Dublin. Home to the stunning 12th Century Castle, Malahide Castle, it also comes with a beautiful 4 acre walled garden and stories dating back to the Battle of the Boyne! Rainforest Adventure Golf It doesn’t all have to be history and heritage out of Dublin. Another great one for the kids, a short ride from Dublin, is Rainforest Adventure Golf. Challenge your kids to a round and see who’s got the best pitch and put. Go through the Aztec trail and make your way round the course to the Jaguar Temple Challenge!