There’s so much to love about Dublin! This small city, just a hop, skip and a jump away from the UK, is the perfect destination for groups looking for a short getaway. Young or old, first-timer or seasoned tourer, choir, band or other type of music ensemble – a few days in and around Dublin will be a few days your music group will never forget.
I’ve visited Dublin before and I have to say that I always feel right at home from the moment I arrive. From the cathedrals and museums to the cafes and bars, there’s always a friendly and welcoming face to tell you something you didn’t know about this amazing city.
I could talk to you for hours about all there is to see and do in and around Dublin, but assuming that you’ve probably not got hours to spare, I’ll start by simply giving you my top 5 Irish gems:
1. Christ Church Cathedral
If you’re a choir looking for the perfect concert venue, then there really is no need to look further than Christ Church Cathedral. The congregation invites choirs to give lunchtime recitals as part of the church’s regular concert series or a more formal evening performance.
As Dublin’s oldest building, it’s also a leading visitor attraction that’s renowned for its beauty, architecture and exquisite floor tiles and home to the famous 12th century crypt. And a guided tour is a must! You’ll see everything from mummified cats and rats to the magnificent church bells – and if you’re as lucky as I was they may even let you ring the bells!
2. National Leprechaun Museum
There are museums galore in this wonderful city, but one of the weirdest and most wonderful I came across has to be the National Leprechaun Museum. Yes, a museum dedicated entirely to leprechauns and other mythical creatures! Guided by a captivating storyteller, you’ll be transported to another world – one which I don’t want to spoil for you… you have to experience it for yourself!
3. Guinness Storehouse
Ah, the Guinness Storehouse, where it all begins for Ireland’s finest export! Start your experience on the ground floor and wind yourself through 7 floors of interactive exhibits to the top floor where you’ll find the world-famous Gravity Bar. Over 18s are rewarded with a pint of the ‘Black Stuff’ whilst minors can admire the spectacular views of the city!
4. St Stephen’s Green
St Stephen’s Green is one of Dublin’s most famous parks and its central bandstand provides an amazing outdoor venue for concerts, particularly in the summer. The park provides an oasis of green calm in the middle of a bustling city, where locals and tourists flock here in their hoards (meaning drumming up an audience won’t be a problem!).
5. Dublinia
Once you’ve explored the city either on foot or by open-top bus, why not take a look back at Medieval Dublin with a visit to Dublinia? Try on Viking clothes, visit a Viking house, enjoy a trip to a medieval fair and take a stroll along a bustling medieval street. I found the ‘Death and Disease’ exhibit particularly interesting, learning all about the most common diseases and all the strange cures and remedies people had for them.
There’s something for everyone in Dublin and there are a host of venues to suit any type of music ensemble. In a nutshell, if you’re looking for a close-to-home destination for a short duration trip, you really can’t go wrong with Dublin!
Have you been to Dublin before?
Why not share your top tips with us and others in the comments below.
Lidija, Tour Coordinator