Attractions & Points of Interest
Things to do in Dublin
Staying with us in Smithfield means having easy access to the best Dublin can offer! Don’t spend your days inside with us, we want you to get to love our city the way we do!
Guinness Storehouse
The hood’s local pubs would be nothing without Dublin’s favourite treat and our world famous stout. Guinness remains an undeniably important part of our history and culture. The Guinness Storehouse is a must see for newcomers to Dublin. It provides visitors with an immersive experience of discovering and tasting; you’ll even learn to pull a proper pint. Located not far from The Hendrick, make sure it’s on your to do list and get a feel for a brand name that’s over 250 years old.
Jameson Distillery
Allowing Dublin to consistently quench your thirst, Jameson Distillery is a quick stroll down from us. You’d be mad not to pop down! From guided tours, to whiskey tastings to cocktail master classes the distillery creates an interactive experience. Touch, smell and taste Jameson as it grows into our much loved spirit.
Temple Bar
We know how lucky we are to be located in such close proximity to Temple Bar! With a 15 minute stroll you’ll find yourself in one of the oldest areas in Dublin. Its cobblestoned streets remain a favourite for tourists visiting the city. Here you can chill for an evening with a large selection of restaurants, bars and clubs to choose from. No better way to be in Dublin, pint in hand and surrounded by the heart of our city’s culture.
Phoenix Park and Dublin Zoo
Hang with the deer, check out the visitor centre or grab a bite in the tea rooms! There seems to be endless ways you could spend your day in Phoenix Park. Take a look at Ashtown Castle, a medieval tower house with walled gardens which are also open for people to walk through. On the second Saturday of each month the gardeners give a talk, so you might be in luck to catch it! The park is also home to Dublin Zoo, for a family day to remember. Its hassle free fun, particularly as it’s so close by The Hendrick!
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum unravels why 10 million people left Ireland and what this meant for the rest of the world. This museum experience is jam packed with immersive technologies designed to keep you wrapped up all day. From video galleries, to sensor quizzes, audio recordings and much more, EPIC will make it hard to want to fill your day with anything else. Hop on the Luas Red line to Georges Dock stop! We don’t think we’ll see you return for quite a while.
Kilmainham Gaol
For visitors wanting to learn more about Dublin and our Irish History, don’t miss Kilmainham Gaol. Only 20 minutes by Luas from The Hendrick, Kilmainham Gaol will give you realistic insight into the disturbing reality of Ireland’s history. By taking the guided tour you’ll be able to see what it was like to be confined in the gaol as well as find out about our most famous political leaders who were confined there. An absolute must!
Glasnevin Cemetery Museum
To continue your dive through our history, Glasnevin provides daily walking tours of the cemetery giving insight into some of Ireland’s greatest heroes laid to rest. The walking tour tells of the good stories and the bad and visits the graves of Daniel O’Connell, Michael Collins, Roger Casement, Charles Stewart Parnell and Countess Markievicz. If you get the chance, see the views from The O’Connell Tower setting the scene for some of the stories you heard along the way.
Book of Kells Exhibition
For a chance to explore the grounds of Trinity College Dublin as well as marvel at Ireland’s greatest treasure, The Book of Kells Exhibition is well worth a look. The Book of Kells is a richly decorated text of the four gospels. On display at Trinity College is usually a page of beautiful illustrations and another of written text. A major motivator to get yourself into the thick of things in the city centre itself!
Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle, where the old meets the new! This iconic building sits on the grounds of the Black Pool whereby Dublin got its name ‘Dubh Linn.’ Reaped in history the castle has a lot to offer visitors. From Viking chambers below the castle, to gothic architecture in the Chapel Royale to the workings of modern Ireland in the State Apartments, Dublin Castle is a phenomenal way to see the many sides of Dublin.
Croke Park Stadium Tour
For all sports lovers out there we couldn’t forget to mention our momentous stadium and the third largest in Europe. Enjoy the chance to revel at the huge capacity of Croke Park, hear the low down on how it always looks its best and gain real insight into the defining moments in Irish history that took place there. There’s also the option of taking the Ericsson Skyline Tour which includes five breath taking viewing platforms at the top of the stadium.