Cultural Quarter

Arguably one of the most famous places in the city, Temple Bar is renowned for its wonderful music, buzzing atmosphere and a palpable sense of energy. With a history dating back to Viking times, this vibrant neighbourhood lets you embrace the past in a modern setting. Cobbled streets bustle with activity, live music seeps from the many bars, street performers entertain passers-by and the Saturday food market serves up everything from artisan cheese to fresh oysters. Refuel in one of the many little cafés or traditional pubs and then browse to your heart's content in the numerous boutiques and vintage clothing shops dotted around the streets.

Creative Quarter

A centre of innovation and ingenuity in the heart of the city, the Creative Quarter stretches from South William Street to George's Street and from Stephen Street Lower to Exchequer Street. The chilled atmosphere spilling out from the cafés and bars reflects the free-flowing creative culture of this area, which was once home to Dublin's clothing trade, Now, a whole host of creative designers and artists have made it their own and their finely decorated boutique stores and galleries are filled with treasures for curious shoppers. Feeling the need to relax and unwind? You'll find plenty of hairdressers, nail bars and spas here too. Food, shopping, art and pampering – this is the perfect place to let your creative juices flow!

Antique Quarter

It's all about antiques down on Francis Street. Dublin's official Antique Quarter boasts a history of skilled craftsmanship that dates back to the 18th century. Hidden away from the bustle of the city's shopping streets, this area is bursting with character and colour. Its relaxed atmosphere invites you to lose track of time as you explore the eclectic mixture of fine furniture shops, high-end art galleries, craft shops and cafés. Rummage through displays of decorative souvenirs and trinkets, take a break with coffee and a brownie, then dive right in again!

Medieval Quarter

After a morning browsing the Antique Quarter, you can move seamlessly into the oldest part of the city – the Medieval Quarter. This is where the original Dubh Linn settlement was located and it become a centre of Viking power. Head to Dublinia where exciting interactive exhibitions bring the stories of Viking and medieval Dublin to life. Then visit some of the city's most historic buildings: beautiful St Patrick’s Cathedral, where author Jonathan Swift is buried; Christ Church Cathedral, a place of worship for almost 1,000 years; and of course Dublin Castle, the medieval fortress built on a Viking settlement that has been the centre point for many of Ireland's most momentous events.

The Liberties

The Liberties is authentic "Old Dublin" – an area just to the southwest of the inner city that was once renowned for its thriving textiles industry, busy markets traders and whiskey distilleries. Now it's buzzing with a new energy as a hub for digital and technology companies. It's blessed with wonderful attractions, such as the tallest steeple in the city at John’s Lane Church and The Fumbally, a quirky café serving delicious food and freshly brewed coffee. Of course no discussion of the Liberties would be complete without a mention of Guinness. Ireland's iconic stout is brewed right here at St James's Gate. Visit the Guinness Storehouse where you can pull your own perfect pint, discover the history of the famous "black stuff" and relax in the fabulous Gravity Bar where you'll enjoy panoramic views of the city.