Dublin Pictures

The River Liffey divides the city into the north and south side.  David Soanes Photography Getty Images

The Long Room at Trinity College is simply breathtaking, according to past visitors. Rob Durston Photographer

Even if you don't want to shop along Grafton Street, you may still want to visit for the people-watching along, according to reviewers. jamegaw Getty Images

Locals and visitors alike enjoy gathering in the expansive St. Stephen's Green.  Elemaki Wikimedia Commons

Dublin Castle was the fortified seat of British rule in Ireland until 1922. The castle is now a major Irish government complex. german-images Getty Images

Phoenix Park spans 1,700 acres and includes the popular Dublin Zoo.  David Soanes Photography Getty Images

Gogarty's Pub can be found in the Temple Bar district. Barnacles Hostels Flickr

Temple Bar is Dublin's most notorious nightlife district. Stockbyte Getty Images

Howth sits on the coast of the Irish Sea about 10 miles northeast of Dublin. beamillion Flickr

Tour the Old Jameson Distillery to see how the famous whiskey is made.  Rob Durston Photographer

O'Connell Street is Dublin's main thoroughfare and one of the widest streets in Europe. tupungato iStockphoto.com

Ha'penny Bridge is the most famous in Dublin.  guysargent iStockphoto.com

The Guinness Storehouse includes interactive exhibits that teach visitors how to pour the perfect pint.  Dan Mongosa Flickr

Grafton Street is Dublin's premier shopping destination.  Stockbyte Getty Images

The National Gallery of Ireland houses works by world-renowned artists as well as works from Irish masters.  Courtesy NGI

The Chester Beatty Library houses artifacts dating back to 2700 B.C.  Courtesy Chester Beatty Library

Dublin's oldest college contains the "Book of Kells," illustrated manuscripts of the New Testament's four Gospels. Federica Grassic Getty Images

St. Patrick's Cathedral is thought to be the earliest Christian site in Ireland; it's also the island's largest church. Jeremy Voisey Getty Images

The library at Trinity College, which dates back to 1592, is sure to impress any visitor.  suraark Getty Images

For a small price, you can tour Kilmainham Gaol, which held notable prisoners like Michael Collins. Ssviluppo Getty Images

The National Gallery of Ireland features permanent exhibits of Ireland's most famous artists. Courtesy NGI

St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Ireland, is built on the site where St. Patrick is said to have baptized converts some 600 years earlier. Tristan Hutchinson Copyright of Saint Patrick's Cathedral

The Four Courts are home to the Irish Supreme Court and High Court. elward-photography Flickr

While touring St. Patrick's Cathedral, make sure to spend plenty of time admiring the towering vaulted ceilings and the delicate details that accompany the Gothic style. TEOCARAMEL Getty Images

Parts of Dublin Castle were built and torn down through the ages, but the oldest remaining structure, the Record Tower, dates back to the 13th century. ChrisSteer Getty Images

Past visitors recommend a visit to Dublin Castle if you're a lover of history and architecture. Westbury Getty Images

The beautiful St. Stephen's Green offers a relaxing respite from the bustling city. Westend61 Getty Images

St. Stephen's Green is home to 18 monuments dedicated to some of Ireland's most important figures. Bill Heinsohn Getty Images

An architectural detail at the Kilmainham Gaol. by Andrea Pucci Getty Images

The Kilmainham Gaol is a popular attraction in Dublin, despite its dark past. PictureNet Getty Images

State-of-the-art interactive exhibits at the EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum feature touch screens, motion sensor quizzes and audio and video recordings, which bring Irish history to life. Courtesy EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

Trinity College's impressive library is undoubtedly the primary reason travelers visit, but its student-led campus tour is equally interesting, according to reviewers. Brian Morrison Tourism Ireland

Temple Bar is often compared to NOLA's Bourbon Street for its variety of pubs and rollicking atmosphere. Arthur Zogheib Pinatto - Photos Getty Images

Past visitors raved about the Fabulous Food Trails tour, calling it a highlight of their trip. Carolin Voelker Getty Images

At the end of your tour of the Guinness Storehouse, you'll enjoy a free pint and rooftop views of the city. Sebastiaan Kroes Getty Images

If you're strolling through Phoenix Park, keep your eyes peeled for the wild deer that roam its landscape. Shay Murphy Photography Getty Images

Phoenix Park is home to the Wellington Monument, an obelisk built to honor Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington. David Soanes Photography Getty Images

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum details 1,500 years of Irish history, with stories of the 100 million people who left Ireland, how and where they lived, and their impact on the rest of the world.  Courtesy EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

In season, the National Botanic Gardens is lovely to visit. Courtesy National Botanic Gardens

Everything from Irish music and dance to Irish literature to touching letters home reveal the Irish emigrant experience from multiple points of view at this museum. Courtesy EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

O'Connell Street is Dublin's main thoroughfare. David Soanes Photography Getty Images

The Chester Beatty Library is widely known as one of the mote notable museums in Europe. kulicki Getty Images