Where to Find the Best Views in Dublin

Floating along Dublin’s waterways is one of the best ways to soak up the sights. The River Liffey flows through the city center, where landmarks—from the Custom House to the Famine Sculpture—dot its banks. Sightseeing and dinner cruises allow you to see the skyline at a relaxed pace, while kayaking tours offer a little more exhilaration.

Killiney Hill, set at the south end of Dublin Bay, peaks at 502 feet (153 meters) and is frequented by walkers and sightseers. The summit offers views of the city, the Wicklow Mountains, the Irish Sea, and—on a clear day—the coast of Wales. 

Dublin’s 82,300-capacity stadium is the home of Gaelic games and the largest sports venue in Ireland. Take the Ericsson Skyline tour at Croke Park to view Dublin from the stadium’s 17th-floor observation platform.

Take in the ultimate view of Dublin from the Gravity Bar at the Guinness Storehouse, which towers over the low-rise city center. Major landmarks, including Trinity College and St. Patrick’s Cathedral can be seen through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows that wrap around the circular bar space.

Grab a seat on the top deck of a hop-on hop-off tour bus for front-row views of Dublin. Bus tours cruise by the city’s must-see sights, offering commentary as they go and unobstructed views of the street scenes below.

Situated northeast of Dublin city center, this peninsula—named after the seaside town in which it’s located—juts out into the bay. Trek to its highest point at 561 feet (171 meters), known as Howth Summit, for stunning views of the coast.