There’s always a reason to visit Dublin, recently voted the friendliest city in Europe. You're in the middle of a vibrant capital city, but only a short distance from the sea, the mountains and beautiful countryside. But if you’re looking for things to do while you’re in the city itself, we’ve rounded up five reasons to visit Dublin.

The Museums

Whether you want to lose yourself among rare, antique books, or gaze upon gold from thousands of years ago, Dublin has the museum for you. Start at the National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology and hunt out the bog bodies – these amazing bodies are perfectly preserved from the Iron Age, complete with hair and eyelashes. For a more modern experience, go to the Little Museum of Dublin to learn everything you need to know about the city in recent years.
How: Prices vary (National Museum free entry)
See: www.museum.ie, www.littlemuseum.ie

Dublin Zoo

If you want to see the city through the eyes of a child, then head to Dublin Zoo, for a day that’s fun for all the family. The zoo is in the heart of the city in the beautiful Phoenix Park, where you’ll also find deer roaming. There are around 400 animals taking up residence, spread among 28 hectares. If you’re in luck, your visit will coincide with a new arrival – a new giraffe calf is the latest member of the family, born earlier in November.
How: Family tickets are €47 for 2 adults and 2 children.
See: www.dublinzoo.ie, see Dublin Zoo packages at The Croke Park here.

Croke Park

It’s one of Dublin’s most iconic sights, and handily just on the doorstep of The Croke Park hotel. If you get a ticket on a match day then you’ll be swept up in the frenzy of excitement. But did you know you can also have a bird’s eye view of the stadium with the Etihad Skyline Tour? There’s also a GAA Museum, open on match days.
How: Ticket prices vary.
See: www.crokepark.ie

Powerscourt Centre

While you’ll find all the high street favourites on Grafton Street (as well as the excellent department store Brown Thomas) it’s worth wandering to the nearby Powerscourt Centre for a taste of independent Irish style. The elegant building is a joy within itself, with a neo-classical covered courtyard. Browse the quirky shops for excellent homewares, Irish designers and vintage. There are fabulous cafés too, where you can kick up your feet for a while.
How: Admission is free.
See: powerscourtcentre.ie

Glasnevin Cemetery

You’d be hard pushed to find guides as passionate and knowledgeable as the ones at Glasnevin Cemetery. Over 1.5 million souls rest within the grounds, from infamous revolutionaries to beloved poets. You’ll discover incredible facts about Dublin and its residents by weaving through the tombstones, including tales of deception, love and rivalry.
How: Combined Museum and Tour Tickets cost €12.
See: www.glasnevintrust.ie