Dublin is the most important city of the “Emerald Isle,” and it is very atmospheric and colorful. In Dublin, as well as outside of it, there are secret locations to visit. And they are only an hour away from the city. This city is full of attractions, history, and fun. Dublin is buying visitors with its great spirit and original architecture. Streets are full of a freedom vibe and locals are always friendly and ready to help you with any issue you can meet.
If you are flying to Dublin for the first time and want to enjoy its features, beauty, and sights, you should hire a car at the hire car Dublin airport with the help of rental24.co.uk website. This way, you can travel outside the city at any time to see the unique sites of the region. It will save you time and you shouldn’t struggle with public transport issues. Moreover, on the website, you will find out a huge variety of cars that will suit your taste, category, and wallet.
5 secret locations must visit
1. Glendalough
Glendalough is one of Ireland’s most impressive sights.
This place is worth visiting for its scenic views. It features the stunning “valley of two lakes” and the monastery built by St. Kevin, Glendalough, in County Wicklow. You can travel here with family and friends. You can also take your children; they will be happy to visit such a breathtaking place.
Travel time is about 55 minutes from O’Connell Street.
2. Newgrange
Newgrange is an ancient Stone Age temple in Boyne Valley, County Meath.
This mound was found by accident. It was erected long before Stonehenge, over 5,000 years ago. It is believed that the Irish are afraid of this place. It is built of earth, clay, stone, and wood. It is a 45-minute drive from Dublin. You wouldn’t get there without car. There are some special buses with its schedule from Dublin. But no public transport is reaching that location
3. Mount Usher Gardens
Mount Usher Gardens in Ashford, County Wicklow, is 50 minutes away from Dublin.
Mount Usher Manor has been known since the 18th century. It takes a very long time to get around, as there are over 5,000 species of plants and shrubs. There was a park here in the Worthree River valley through which the route of travelers visiting Ireland in the early 19th century passed.
There is a welcoming cafe and shop in the garden, so you can take your children there.
4. Phoenix Park
This is the biggest park in the world, which fascinates wildlife: ancient buildings. There is also a zoo you can walk through with your children because 20 minutes from the city is such a fantastic place of natural power. This might be an unforgettable day for your family with many children emotions.
5. Tara Hill
Tara Hill on the Boyne River, between Navan and Dunshaughlin in Meath County. According to legend, there is a spot of several ancient landmarks: the residence of Ard Ri Na Heireann, the High King of Ireland. It is located 45 minutes from Dublin.
Car hire Dublin companies can offer you an option for a car to travel around the city and its surroundings. And yet there are exciting places to see in the city itself. So if you are a budget tourist, take cheap cars for hire.
Sights in Dublin
If you are in Dublin, you can visit some places that might interest you.
1. House Number 29
Do you want to find out how an average Dublin family lived at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries? Then go to House Number 29, a museum of everyday life in the city from 1790-1820.
It’s set in a very ordinary Georgian house – hundreds of families lived there. It’s the story of one of them that brings you into the life and mores of old Dublin.
Number 29 was built in 1794 by the widow of a Dublin merchant. In the basement was a kitchen, somewhat reminiscent of a ship’s galley. Kettles and pots are smoking; meat is smoking over the stove. The heart of the kitchen, of course, is the hearth.
2. Leprechaun Museum
In every country, there is a fairy tale character who scares children but is also fond of them. In our country, it is a woodsman; in Ireland, it is a leprechaun.
The Leprechaun is a dwarf in green clothes, one shoe, and a pot of gold. He makes shoes for fairies and keeps ancient Viking treasures. Leprechauns are awesome cheats: no matter how hard the Irish try to catch one to share his wealth, nothing works.
The National Leprechaun Museum. It’s located on the corner of Jervis Street and Middle Abbey. The museum only opened in 2010, but it has accumulated a lot of exciting things in its three years of operation.
3. The James Joyce Bridge
Dublin stands on the banks of the River Liffey, which flows into Dublin Bay. The river flows through the city’s center, probably why Dublin is called the City of Bridges.
James Joyce is the “Irish Pushkin.” He is one of the most widely read English-language novelists. Dubliners love him very much. They erected a monument to him in the city center, and when it became necessary to make a crossing near Blackhall, they named a bridge after him as well. All because one of Joyce’s characters lived near this spot in one of the stories.
The bridge was built in 2003 by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The length of the crossing is only 41 m.
4. U2’s first studio
Dublin is the birthplace of the legendary rock band U2. Many locations in the city are connected in one way or another with Bono, Edge, Adam, and their work. U2’s most iconic location in Dublin is their first studio.
Windmill Lane Studios was opened in 1978 by Brian Masterson. At first, only Irish folk music was recorded at the studio, and rockers preferred to go to England.
