No visit to Dublin is complete without a sightseeing tour to take in some of the city’s most famous buildings including Trinity College, home of the famous Book of Kells; Christ Church Cathedral; and Dublin Castle. If you are looking for more light-hearted attractions, head to the Guinness Storehouse to sample some of Ireland’s favourite drink, or to the Temple Bar district which is one of the liveliest zones in which to enjoy a creamy pint.

Christ Church Cathedral
As the oldest building in Dublin, the 11th century Christ Church Cathedral is worth a visit for its historical and religious significance alone. Situated at Christ Church Place, the church is now in excellent condition after undergoing an extensive restoration programme in the 19th century. The crypt below the cathedral is older than the cathedral itself and provides a spooky yet intriguing visit, while visitors can also take in the Dublinia exhibition, which explores Dublin in the Middle Ages and is housed next door. Phone: +353 1 677 8099.

Dublin Castle
In its time, the fully restored Dublin Castle has been used for many different purposes including being used as a prison, a weapons store and as the centre of British administration during British rule. Built by King John of England in 1204, in defence against Vikings and Danes, the castle is now a popular visitor attraction. Tours are available, which take visitors through the State Apartments and the Chapel Royal, while visitors are also given the chance to view a throne given to the castle by King William of Orange and banners of the Knights of St Patrick.

Guinness Storehouse
Not to be missed by Guinness lovers, this attraction gives fascinating insight into the ingredients and production of Guinness. Having once been the site of 250,000 casks of the alcoholic beverage, the storehouse became one of Dublin’s wonders. The museum also covers Guinness advertisement over the years and the brew’s relationship to Irish culture. Visitors are also provided with the opportunity to learn how to pour a pint. Another pressing reason to visit the Guinness Storehouse is to visit the Gravity Bar, a glass, circular shaped bar offering panoramic views of Dublin and a great atmosphere in which to sample Ireland’s favourite drink.

James Joyce Centre
As one of Ireland’s most celebrated authors, it is no surprise that the city has dedicated a centre to the great writer. Most well known for his book of short stories, Dubliners, Joyce was born in the capital and captured life in the city during this era in his literature with great perceptiveness. The centre organises many literary events, screens films, hosts lectures and also offers walking tours of places mentioned in Joyce’s works, many of them being in the city centre.

The Book of Kells
Housed at the Long Library at Trinity College, this ornately decorated manuscript is world famous as being the world most beautiful religious book. Dating from 800 AD, the manuscript draws thousands of visitors each year. Written by monks, the highly illustrated works contain four of the bible’s gospels. Visitors can expect to see the book displayed in a case, with one page of illustrations and one page of Latin script normally on display.

The National Gallery
This is the place to come to familiarise yourself with Irish art, although there are also many pieces by Dutch, British, Flemish, French, German and Spanish masters. The gallery has been adapted with modern technology and now features a multimedia area with touch-screen information about all of the exhibits housed within the museum. If you need a break in between viewings, head to the gallery’s café, while the bookstore is great for postcards and books on art.

Trinity College
Part of the University of Dublin, this is the oldest university in Ireland, dating back to 1592. Situated at the heart of Dublin, visitors can explore the grounds at their leisure and wind their ways through the cobbled squares, green expanses and historical buildings. The college is also the site of the Book of Kells and The Dublin Experience, two of the city’s major attractions.

Catch a match of Gaelic football or hurling at Croke Park, the city’s 82,500-capacity sports stadium. Home to the Gaelic Athletic Association, regular football matches can also be watched here.

Head to Shelbourne Park for an evening of greyhound racing, or alternatively to Leopardstown for some horse racing. Both tracks provide action packed fun and the chance to make a winning.

See the city from a different perspective on a Viking Splash Tour, which takes visitors on a sightseeing adventure around the city and along the River Liffey in re-conditioned WWII amphibious military vehicles.

Learn more about the dark side of Dublin on a ghost tour of the city. The Zozimus Experience is a theatrical ghost tour that takes you on a walk through some of the city’s most haunted areas while sharing some of the city’s most spine chilling tales (phone: +353 1 661 8646). If ghosts aren’t your thing, or you are easily scared, the city also offers historical walking tours and tours of Joycean haunts.

Whiskey lovers should head to the Jameson Distillery, where samples are given after the tour, which gives insight into the whiskey’s production.