In Dublin, there are certain activities that are off the main path that are interesting to try out and might be fun. For instance, if you take a stroll through Merrion Square, you’ll come across a monument of Oscar Wilde that’s about as tall as a human. These Georgian-style structures are a sight to behold. You may also go to Kilmainham Gaol, which has displays of preserved bodies that will make you gasp as you read about the Irish famine.
The Tree That Was Hungry
Dublin’s most famous attractions, like the Guinness Storehouse and Trinity College, are a must-see for any visitor to Ireland’s capital, but the city has a lot more to offer than meets the eye. Here are 10 amazing Dublin spots that most people don’t even know about!
On the grounds of the 19th-century King’s Inns, which has trained Irish barristers and lawyers for generations, there is a London plane tree that looks like it is slowly eating a park bench. Locals and tourists like to take pictures of the “hungry tree,” which is also called “the Bencher’s Tree.”
Dublin has a long history of musical geniuses, from Luke Kelly and the Dubliners’ traditional folk music to Thin Lizzy and Van Morrison’s famous rock anthems. Windmill Lane Studios is a place where you can honor this history.
St. Valentine’s Shrine
There are lots of interesting and odd things to see in Dublin, like park benches that have been taken over by trees and a shrine to the patron saint of love. But many tourists have no idea about one of the city’s best-kept secrets.
In the 1800s, Irish preacher Father John Spratt was well-known for helping the poor in the city and for his preaching. He was asked to talk in Rome once, and his sermons were so well-liked that Pope Gregory gave him the heart of St. Valentine as a gift.
Today, the relic is kept in a box inside St. Patrick’s Church on Whitefriar Street. Couples go there at all times of the year. But the biggest day is February 14.
The doddering rhino
The Dodder River flows through the Southside neighborhood of Dublin, where there are a lot of interesting secret gems. One of these is the mysterious Dodder Rhino, a metal sculpture of a rhinoceros the size of a person that stands in the middle of the river. Nobody knows how or why this strange sight showed up overnight in 2002. Since then, the Dodder Rhino has become a local icon, showing up on T-shirts and in bars.
Windmill Lane Studios is a great place to go if you like Irish music. When it first opened in 1978, the studio focused on Irish Trad music. However, bands like U2, Sinead O’Connor, and Thin Lizzy quickly made it their home. The place has a great atmosphere and is a must for people who love music. After that, you can try some Irish craft beer at Rascals.
Dalkey Castle
There are some amazing things to see and do here, and they are only a stone’s throw away from the famous Dublin sites you might expect. On this guided historical walk, you’ll learn how the Vikings got to Ireland and why big ships stopped here. You’ll also find out where Oscar Wilde is buried and how the church’s relics gave Bram Stoker ideas for Dracula.
This historical center is in a tower house from the 1500s. Every day, Living History tours bring the Middle Ages to life. Climb the battlements to get a great view from the top of the tower. There is also a display at the center about Irish writers. James Joyce, U2, and Sinead O’Connor are among those featured. Find out more about why Irish people left Ireland at the museum next door. This immersive experience shows how Irish leaders, artists, scientists, musicians, and others have changed the world.
Sweny’s Drug Store
Sweny’s Pharmacy is off the beaten road, but fans of James Joyce’s Ulysses go there because it was in the book. The man who used to be a chemist now sells used books, crafts, and soap with a lemon smell that made him famous in literature.
The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. On the shelves, brown paper-wrapped prescriptions look like they are still waiting to be picked up. Old photos of the pharmacy’s previous owners hang next to more current photos of volunteers.
A cool piece of street art in the shape of a small pyramid is hidden. It is a tribute to the people who serve in Ireland’s Defense Forces. Look for it as you walk around the new Dublin Docklands and enjoy how its structure looks like an upside-down harp.
Dubrovnik beach vacation? Our article, “Get Tips on Where to Find the Best Beaches in Dubrovnik,” provides an insider’s guide to the city’s magnificent shorelines. We offer peaceful privacy or lively beachside ambiance. Let’s explore Dublin now. In “5 Off the Beaten Track Things to Do in Dublin,” we explore unusual activities in the Irish metropolis. Discover Dublin’s hidden history and unique culture to make your vacation special.