Dublin is a fascinating city, as rich in heritage as it is saturated in pubs. On a city break in Dublin, there are plenty of intriguing historical attractions to fill your days and a distinctively Irish nightlife to cap them off.

Dublin is situated on the banks of the River Liffey and Dublin Bay. Linking Liffey Street on the north bank to Temple Bar, Dublin’s colourful and trendy cultural quarter on the south bank is the Half Penny Bridge. This bridge has become an attraction in itself and a recognisable symbol of the city, and is a good place to start your Dublin exploration.

Dominating Dublin’s skyline is the impressive Trinity College and Library. A visit to these beautiful buildings is a must and it is here in the library where the famous ‘Book of Kells’ is on display.

Delve into the tumultuous ancient and modern histories of Ireland with a visit to Dublin’s best museums. The National Museum of Archeology and History on Kildare Street takes you on a journey through Ireland’s prehistoric past. The National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks on Benburb Street gives the visitor an insight into Irish military, social, economic and political histories, including the poignant 1916 Easter Rising.

Further your understanding of the historical 1916 rebellion by visiting the scene of the event, the General Post Office on O’Connell Street, Dublin’s main thoroughfare. Out front, you can see a bronze statue of Cuchullain, a memorial to the fallen heroes. You could also visit the popular tourist attraction, Kilmainham Jail, famous as the location where the leaders of the uprising were executed.

For those interested in Irish and European art, the National Gallery on Merrion Square West in the city centre is a must see. Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, the Guinness Storehouse and Phoenix Park are also valuable additions to your Dublin city break itinerary.

Despite being a large city, most tourist attractions are close to the heart of the city and there are plenty of Dublin hotels city centre making it easy for visitors to discover the city on foot.

With over 600 pubs, Dublin boasts a buzzing nightlife and for a real taste of Irish hospitality head to one of the cities many traditional Irish pubs, famous for their impromptu music and dancing and legendary Irish ‘craic’ (conversation).

The Cobblestone on North King Street is Dublin's most famous traditional music, or ‘trad’ pub. Located in the north end of the famous Smithfield Square, they hold nightly music sessions with a lively, mixed crowd. O'Donoghue's on Merrion Row is another great pub, famous for it’s traditional nights where anyone is welcome to join in the jam. This is how and where folk group The Dubliners was formed.

Other worthy traditional Irish pubs in Dublin include The Oval on Abbey Street, with a friendly atmosphere and reputation for serving the best Irish stew in Dublin or The Brazen Head on Bridge Street, Dublin’s oldest pub, open since 1198!

Smarten up your night out by taking part in the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl, an unusual but highly entertaining tour of Irish literature, history, and architecture combined with detours into some great pubs for a pint stop.

A great Dublin city break involves an exploration and appreciation of Ireland’s heritage and discovery of the well-worn city streets, all washed down with a pint of Guinness and a yarn with the locals.

Fiona Roy writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.