Dublin, Ireland is one of the oldest cities in the world but it is also one of the most modern. As such, a visit to Dublin can provide tourists with an even balance of the city's historical roots and its promising future.

No matter what kind of activities you are interested in you will likely be able to find them in Dublin. The city has more than enough to do to keep the average tourist busy indefinitely. If you are not planning to stay in Dublin for the rest of your life, however, here are ten of the top attractions you should include in your itinerary.

The first essential attraction is the Guinness Storehouse. This seven-story facility is where world-famous Guinness beer is made and a tour, while somewhat pricey, includes a free pint glass of Guinness Stout and a beautiful view of Dublin from the Storehouse's top floor beer garden called the Gravity Bar.

Trinity College Dublin is historically known for its Book of Kells but is also known for having inspired some of the set pieces in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.

The Kilmainham Gaol Museum is the consummate representative collection of Irish history while Phoenix Park, at double the size of New York City's Central Park, is Europe's largest enclosed public park and is home to the Dublin Zoo as well as the Presidential residence.

Croke Park is home to the Gaelic Athletic Association and is where national sports like hurling and Gaelic football are played. The Leinster House is the home of the Irish Parliament and while tours are free of charge they must be arranged ahead of time.

The National Gallery of Ireland is one of the most beloved art museums in Europe and features works by some of Ireland's most notable artists. Tours of the museum are free of charge and feature over 12,000 major works of art.

St. Patrick's Cathedral and the Dublin Castle are among the oldest buildings in all of Ireland as is the Christ Church Cathedral. The Cathedral hosts a number of choral performances every year and is famous for having hosted the first performance of Handel's Messiah.

If Ireland is in your travel plans in the near future you can rest asured that your trip will be an eventful one. If it is not in your plans, maybe it should be - and maybe this article can point you in the direction of some of the best that Dublin has to offer its visitors.

Written by Travel Valet

Photo by Travel Valet