A Non-drinker’s/ Family Friendly Guide to Dublin

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When you think of Ireland, you think about leprechauns, St Patrick’s Day, pubs and beers! Now being a non-drinker myself, I did wonder what I could do to Dublin, especially because I was bringing my parents who were also non-drinkers!

So here is a guide for my fellow non-drinkers to Dublin. This is could also be useful for families with children wishing to visit Dublin.

If you want to save some money, you can also get the Dublin Pass like we did that allows you free admission to most of the attractions in Dublin.

1. Dublin Castle

I personally can’t tell you much about the Dublin Castle from experience because it was closed to the public when we were there 🙁 But I would definitely try and visit next time!

Price: €7.00

Price with Dublin Pass: FREE

Website:  http://www.dublincastle.ie/

Opening time: Everyday 09.45 – 17.45

2. Day trip to Giant’s Causeway from Dublin

We took an amazing day trip up north with Paddy Waggon Tours. The aim was to visit the Giant’s Causeway but the day trip also includes a visit to the Dark Hedges (made famous by Games or Throne), Carrick-A-rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle and a stop in Belfast as well. We really recommend doing this if you are in Dublin as it gives you a different scene and a taste of nature. It was a really great way to spend a day and well worth the price!

Book your tour HERE!

Price: €60

Website: https://www.paddywagontours.com/

3. Trinity College/ Book of Kells

Trinity College is a world famous university that is opened to the public. It houses one of Ireland’s most precious treasures- The Book of Kells. The Book of Kells is a medieval manuscript dated back to the 9th century. The highlight for us was the long library room at the end!

Other things to do at Trinity College include The Zoology Museum and the Science Gallery.

Price: €10 – 13

Website: https://www.tcd.ie/visitors/book-of-kells/

Opening time:

  • Mon – Sat (May – Sept) 08:30 – 17:00
  • Sun (May – Sept) 09:30 – 17:00
  • Mon – Sat (Oct – April) 09:30 – 17:00
  • Sun (Oct – April) 12:00 – 16:30

 

4. Dublinia

Dublinia is a historical recreation museum focusing on the Viking and Medieval time in Dublin. This place would be great for kids as it is so interactive and fun but still suitable for adults. There are opportunities to dress up like Vikings and also a pretend Medieval funfair!

Price: €8.50

Price with Dublin Pass: FREE

Website: http://www.dublinia.ie/

Opening time: Everyday 10.00 – 18.30

5. Guinness Storehouse

I know, I know, this is meant to be a NON-drinkers guide! But as non-drinkers, we enjoyed the Guinness Storehouse more than we thought we would! It was very interactive and educational.

The ticket includes a free Guinness at the end of your visit, but like us, you can swap it for a soft drink instead. Your Guinness journey ends in the Gravity Bar where you can enjoy a 360 panoramic view of the city.

Price: €20.00

Website: https://www.guinness.com

Opening time: Everyday 09.30 – 17.00

Price with Dublin Pass: FREE (and queue jump)

We spent 3 days in Ireland and this is what our itinerary looked like:

DAY 1

  • Dunlin Castle (but it was closed..)
  • Dublinia
  • Guinness Storehouse
  • Hop-on-hop-off bus to tour around the city (free with Dublin Pass)
  • National Wax Museum Plus

DAY 2

  • Day trip with Paddy Waggon Tours to Giant’s Causeway

Day 3

  • Trinity College- The Book of Kells and Science Gallery
  • National Gallery
  • Flight home

 

We hope this guide is useful for you whether you are a drinker or non-drinker!

What do you think about when you hear the word Ireland?

 

** Special thanks to Des from Tourism Ireland for organising us with complementary Dublin Passes. All photos and opinions are our own**

 

See our other city guides:

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Paris

Barcelona

Cofu

Venice

Bergen

Hong Kong