Holidays in Dublin: combining The Irish Dance Party with other local attractions

Dublin takes its historic culture and blends it seamlessly with modern-day charm. There is no better way to make an unforgettable holiday experience than beginning with The Irish Dance Party. This event will get you steeped not just in traditional Irish dance and music but also perfect you for the myriad of attractions that this city has to offer. Here we propose a detailed itinerary to make the most of your holiday in Dublin, starting from The Irish Dance Party and going on to some of the great local hotspots.

1. Explore Dublin’s centre

Explore the city centre by walking around it. Wander down historic streets, absorbing the genuine local ambience. Visit Grafton Street, Dublin’s premier shopping street filled with vibrant buskers and lined with shops of all varieties. Visit a café for coffee and a pastry to get your energy up for exploration.

Next, visit the Irish Dance Party, held in centrally located venues. It runs for a couple of hours and offers an immersive insight into Irish culture. Here’s what to expect:

• Interactive Dance Lessons: You will be taught the basic steps of some traditional Irish dances—jigs, reels, etc.—by professional Irish dancers. Fear not; everyone will have two left feet, and you just have to have fun and participate.
• Live Music: There is an incredible performance by talented musicians on traditional Irish instruments like the fiddle, bodhran, and tin whistle, among others. The lively tunes will have your feet tapping in no time.
• Storytelling and Songs: The musicians tell the stories of the songs to add a deeper level of understanding to the music of Ireland. This aspect really lifts the experience from just entertainment to education.

2. Historical and cultural exploration

Begin your day in Dublin with a visit to Trinity College Dublin, one of the most famous landmarks in the city. Here you can:

• Explore the Book of Kells, an outstanding example of mediaeval illumination, which is one of Ireland’s greatest cultural treasures. The exhibition brings insight into the lives of the mediaeval monks and the making of this book.
• Also, visit the Long Room Library, a magnificent 65-metre-long hall with 200,000 books of the oldest part of the library. It is a must-see for bookworms and historians.
• Admire the verdure, lakes, and historical monuments. It is a good opportunity to relax and enjoy the green surroundings.
• Lunch: Head to Grafton Street for lunch, where you are provided with plenty of choices from a variety of cafés and restaurants. Alternatively, head toward the Temple Bar area, which exudes a lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere and a wide selection of eccentric eateries. Take a leisurely lunch while enjoying the passing parade in this lively enclave of the city.

3. Dublin’s modern and contemporary attractions

Kilmainham Gaol: Visit Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison now a museum. The guided tour will give a sober account of the Irish struggle for independence, with the stories of the political prisoners held here during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Phoenix Park: You must head to Phoenix Park – one of the largest city parks in Europe. Have a picnic lunch or eat at the park’s café. Amble around the park, taking in its many sights, including the Dublin Zoo, Áras an Uachtaráin – the President of Ireland’s official residence, and various monuments and gardens.

National Museum of Ireland: Spend the afternoon in the National Museum of Ireland on Kildare Street, the branch of Archaeology. 

4. Day trips from Dublin

From Dublin, take a short train ride to the seaside village of Howth. The day will include Howth Market, more local crafts, food, and souvenirs. You can have a really beautiful view of the Irish Sea and Dublin Bay from this cliff walk as well. Howth is widely regarded as an ideal location for seafood, so why not enjoy fresh seafood at one of the restaurants overlooking the harbour, like Aqua Restaurant or The Oar House Fish Restaurant? Also you can walk through the lovely gardens, which pack a serious plant punch.

5. Artistic and cultural immersion

On the next day begin your day at the Dublin Writers Museum, where you can derive a view of the great literary heritage of the city. The museum is dedicated to the life and works of some of Dublin’s most famous writers. Next, head to the Hugh Lane Gallery, home to an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art works. Some of its major highlights include the works by Irish artists and its extensive collection of Impressionist paintings.

Dublin is a magical blend of heritage, culture, and modern lifestyle, all of which come together to make it a perfect holiday destination. Beginning with the Irish Dance Party only sets the tone for a lively and deeply immersive experience with Ireland’s rich traditions. From Trinity College to Kilmainham Gaol, from the Guinness Storehouse to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, there’s something for all interests in Dublin. From history lovers to music enthusiasts, and finally to just having a feel for local culture, Dublin is meant to inspire any traveller for an eternal holiday.