From ancient cathedrals and churches, to recreated Viking life; from world-famous brewhouses and distilleries, to the hustle and bustle of historic market streets – there’s so much to discover and enjoy in the historic heart of Dublin.
The Liberties is Dublin’s ‘must-see’ area: you’ll find many of the city’s top visitor spots here waiting to be explored, and over 800 years of history to uncover as you walk its streets.
Explore the vestiges of Dublin’s medieval city wall and visit the city’s two magnificent cathedrals. Follow The Liberties Distilleries Trail and sample the fare in the brewhouses and craft distilleries that have re-established in what was historically Dublin’s Golden Triangle of whiskey production. Uncover the stories and literary gems in centuries-old libraries. Or explore local galleries and try to resist the temptation of Francis Street’s design shops and art galleries.
Above all, The Liberties is about people – a lively city neighbourhood that serves up an authentic slice of Dublin life.
The Liberties is at the heart of The Dubline – an exciting series of discovery trails through Dublin city centre telling the 1,000-year story of our capital.
We are famously the Home of the Black Stuff, and the iconic Guinness Storehouse at St James’s Gate Brewery welcomes thousands of visitors each year to tell the story of this world-renowned Dublin brew. You can also sample the famous uisce beatha or ‘water of life’ – Irish whiskey – in any of the four craft distilleries that have established at Newmarket and James’s Street, sparking a resurgence of one of the area’s traditional industries.
And there is plenty more to discover, including Dublin’s two magnificent cathedrals – Christ Church and St Patrick’s – a host of beautiful churches, the fascinating Dublinia experience of Viking and medieval Dublin, the atmospheric Marsh’s Library or the city’s oldest guildhall – Tailor’s Hall.
The Liberties boasts a wealth of local history and heritage that you can experience while walking its ancient streets. And if you need some time out, the area has plenty of restful parks and spaces, and you won’t be short of great places to eat or to have a relaxing pint.
Here’s just a flavour of what’s on offer…
Fall in love with the top tourist attractions in and around The Liberties
Experience over 1,000 of history at Christ Church Cathedral, which has been a centre of religious and political life in the city since medieval times.
Located in the heart of the historic St James's Gate Brewery, The Guinness Storehouse is Ireland's No. 1 tourist attraction, celebrating over 250 years of brewing tradition as the Home of the Black Stuff.
Explore Dublin's Viking and early medieval origins with this multimedia exhibition and visitor attraction.
Teeling Whiskey Distillery is one of a new generation of distilleries reviving one of Dublin's most renowned industries.
This urban distillery, in the heart of the Liberties is the home of Roe & Co Irish Whiskey
Explore Ireland's historic National Cathedral for the Church of Ireland which has been a defining feature of Dublin's skyline since the 13th century.
Combine an historic setting with links to the Camino de Santiago with the modern tastes and flavours of Pearse Lyons Distillery at this unique distillery experience.
An imposing early 19thC church featuring fine interiors including stained glass by Earley & Co. and Harry Clarke.
Experience Dublin's oldest surviving medieval parish church and explore the history of the city's guilds in its Visitor Centre.
Sample contemporary whiskies in an historic setting at Dublin's latest whiskey experience.
Experience Dublin's oldest library and its beautiful collections of historic books and manucripts, alongside the iconic Saint Patrick's Cathedral.
Discover Dublin's tallest steeple and the beautiful interior decoration of one of the master church builders of the Victorian era.
Take a self guided trail through the former Power's Distillery, now National College of Art & Design.
Immerse yourself in a priceless collection of books and manuscripts from the sixteenth to nineteenth centuries.
Diageo's experimental brewhouse is open to the public
Dublin's oldest pub dating to 1198
The Tailors' Hall is Dublin's only surviving guildhall. Guilds were professional trades associations which once held huge sway in the commercial life of the city.…
Discover some of the city's premier cultural institutions and attractions nearby
Experience IMMA, the Irish Museum of Modern Art, within the historic confines of the Royal Kilmainham Hospital.
The National Archives collects, manages and preserves the public record of Ireland, ensuring its availability both as a resource and to safeguard citizens’ rights.
Experience the atmospheric surrounds of Goldenbridge Cemetery on our guided tour through Ireland’s first garden cemetery. Founded by Daniel O'Connell, almost two hundred years ago,…
For over 120 years, Kilmainham Gaol was witness to some of the most famous political and military leaders in Irish history such as Robert Emmet,…
These gardens in Islandbridge are one of the most famous memorial gardens in Europe. They are dedicated to the memory of the 49,400 Irish soldiers…
Richmond Barracks is a neighbourhood hub that celebrates the rich stories and experiences of the local community, past and present.
Stillgarden is an independent distillery in the heart of Inchicore, Dublin 8 bringing their spirit of prosocial disruption to the world through science, community &…
Set across 1,750 acres, the Phoenix Park is the largest enclosed public park in any capital city in Europe. It was originally formed as a…
Download The Liberties Map and Visitor Guide and discover the attractions and history of The Liberties for yourself. The guide includes two hour-long walking routes: Industrial Dublin: Past & Present – Learn about the crafts and enterprises that made this area the powerhouse of Victorian Dublin and explore some of Ireland’s best surviving industrial archaeology in the heart of the ‘Golden Triangle’ brewing and distilling district. The Design Trail – Discover some of the area’s treasures and designer delights. From stained glass masterpieces, to moving pietas, to a spark of genius that brings you the perfect pint, its all here in Dublin 8.
Looking to go farther afield? A visit to Kilmainham & Inchicore is highly recommended – they’re among the city’s most historic urban villages. This map and guide will introduce you to Kilmainham Gaol and Richmond Barracks, with their connections to Ireland's national struggle, the elegant Royal Hospital Kilmainham incorporating the Irish Museum of Modern Art, and the beautiful National War Memorial Gardens at Islandbridge, as well as beautiful parks and amenities.
Welcome to Dublin's 'Golden Triangle'. Follow The Liberties Distilleries Trail with this map and guide to uncover the stories from The Liberties’ 19th century heyday of brewing and distilling, and take time to sample the delights of some the area’s more recent arrivals.
Unlock the treasures and stories of Ireland's capital city with the Dublin Discovery Trails, a new series of free self-guided walking trails. Let magical tales of the city’s colourful past weave their spell as you wander from trail to trail, each one accessible when you download the Dublin Discovery Trails App.
From medieval history to modern art, Dublin 8 is home to some of Ireland’s richest cultural and heritage sites, many of which are within walking distance of one another. This map combines the delights of The Liberties with nearby Kilmainham, Inchicore and Islandbridge. It's your 'must-see' destination in Dublin.
