Dublin has some truly breathtaking views you won't want to miss out on whether you're searching for the ultimate photo or just want to take in the scenery. Around the city centre, you'll find plenty of historic and picturesque buildings, but you'll also want to check out the bay for stunning views.

A lot of the best viewpoints in the city are attached to fun attractions, so you can take in a plethora of enjoyment when trekking to each spot. You'll find some viewpoints that are a part of bars and others near historical sites. Take a look at some of the best viewpoints in Dublin.

  • 1

    Ticknock

    Venture through the Dublin Mountains

    Ticknock
    • Adventure

    Ticknock offers a hike among the Dublin Mountains on the outskirts of town where you'll be met with scenic views that stretch for miles. Quite a few different routes are available that cater to all sorts of fitness levels. Easy routes are available, though you'll still find alternatives that offer more of a challenge.

    This climb lets you take in views over the city and the Irish Sea that you won't be able to get anywhere else unless you learn to fly. The trails to reach the viewpoints are well-maintained and clearly marked, so you won't lose your way. The hike is located about a half hour south of the city centre by car.

    Location: Ireland

    Map
  • 2

    The Gravity Bar at Guinness Storehouse

    Check out a rooftop bar

    The Gravity Bar at Guinness Storehouse
    • Nightlife

    The Gravity Bar at Guinness Storehouse is a popular destination where you can take in panoramic views of Dublin and its surroundings while enjoying a pint. Located on top of the storehouse where you can learn all about how Guinness is brewed, this bar lets you sit back and enjoy the view with a drink of the good stuff.

    The bar is composed of interconnected circular structures with windows all around letting you enjoy a 360-degree view of Dublin. It's on the building's 7th floor, so the vantage point lets you see out into the distance quite a bit. It's located on the west side of The Liberties.

    Location: Market St S, The Liberties, Dublin, Ireland

    Open: Sunday–Friday from noon to 11.30 pm, Saturday from noon to midnight

    Map
  • 3

    Ha’penny Bridge

    Cross a historic bridge

    Ha’penny Bridge
    • History

    Ha’penny Bridge is an iconic pedestrian bridge in town where you can see excellent views of the city and the River Liffey. The bridge dates back to the early 19th century when it was made using cast iron for the arch and wood for the deck, though the deck was replaced with cement in 2015.

    When you visit the bridge, you'll be able to take in impressive views of the river and the city with quite a few photo opportunities. Consider visiting at night as well to see the lights of the bridge and surroundings reflecting off the water of the river. You'll find this bridge crossing the river east of Temple Bar and west of the O'Connell Bridge.

    Location: Bachelors Walk, North City, Dublin, Ireland

    Map
  • 4

    Montpelier Hill

    Visit the Hell Fire Club

    Montpelier Hill
    • Budget
    • History
    • Photo

    Montpelier Hill is a historic hill known for its ruined building at the summit where you'll be able to take in views of the surrounding area. The ruins at the summit are believed to be one of the earliest lodges of the Freemasons in the country, which is where the Hell Fire Club nickname comes from.

    The highest point on the hill towers 383 metres, granting stellar views of the surrounding area that is just a short distance outside of the city proper. You can see it for yourself a few miles south-west of the city centre.

    Location: Mountpelier, Co. Dublin, Ireland

    Map
  • 5

    Croke Park Skyline

    Take in views from atop a stadium

    Croke Park Skyline
    • Photo

    The Croke Park Skyline tour takes you around the top of Croke Park stadium where you can take in scenic views of the Dublin skyline. This is the highest open-viewing platform in the city, letting you gaze out from the mountains to the sea.

    From this viewing platform, you'll be able to see almost all of the main landmarks of the capital. With the guided tour, you can learn additional information about each spot. Don't forget to take in views of the stadium pitch itself. It's located in west Ballybough north-east of the city centre.

    Location: Cusack Stand, Croke Park, St Joseph’s Avenue, Drumcondra, Dublin 3, Ireland

    Open: Sunday–Friday from 11.30 am to 2.30 pm, Saturday from 10.30 am to 2.30 pm

    Phone: +353 1 819 2323

    Map

    photo by Rob Hurson (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 6

    Talbot Memorial Bridge

    Visit a scenic memorial bridge

    Talbot Memorial Bridge
    • History
    • Photo

    Talbot Memorial Bridge is a scenic bridge where you can take in stunning views of the city and the river it crosses. Being near the city centre means you'll find yourself immersed in the city when you visit to see iconic views of the essence of Dublin.

    The bridge is a relatively recent addition, having been constructed in the late 1970s as an homage to Matt Talbot, a labourer who has been declared Venerable. It's located on the River Liffey between the Sean O'Casey Bridge and the Butt Bridge.

    Location: Talbot Memorial Bridge, North Dock, Dublin, Ireland

    Map
  • 7

    The Marker Rooftop Bar

    Enjoy cocktails with a view

    The Marker Rooftop Bar
    • Nightlife

    The Marker Rooftop Bar is a stunning viewpoint at the top of the hotel of the same name where you can take in scenic views along with signature cocktails. The skyline is easy to see from this rooftop, as the view lets you see all the way from the sea to the mountains.

    While you're enjoying the sights, don't hesitate to take advantage of the drinks on offer. Signature cocktails here sport combinations you'll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. Experience it for yourself right by the Grand Canal just across the river from North Wall.

    Location: Grand Canal Quay, Dublin Docklands, Dublin, D02 CK38, Ireland

    Phone: +353 1 687 5100

    Map
  • 8

    Killiney Hill

    Relax at an elevated park

    Killiney Hill
    • Adventure
    • Couples
    • Families

    Killiney Hill is a public park offering a scenic viewpoint of the surrounding villages with plenty of space to relax and easy walking trails. Hiking to the summit here is one of the best ways to enjoy the view, as picturesque lookouts are available along the way.

    Once you reach the top, you'll find yourself enjoying views of Killiney and Dalkey along with the larger Dublin area. On a clear day, you can see all the way out to the sea and the mountains of Wales. The park is located near the coast a few miles south-east of the city centre.

    Location: Scalpwilliam, Dublin, Ireland

    Map
  • 9

    Great South Wall

    Enjoy the views from an iconic walk

    Great South Wall
    • Adventure
    • History

    The Great South Wall is a notable destination for travellers looking to take in scenic views with brilliant sight lines and plenty of space to explore. When you visit the historic wall, you'll be able to see the Dublin Mountains as well as the signature Poolbeg Chimneys and the Poolbeg Lighthouse in all its bright-red glory.

    This wall features a walking path that stretches about 5 miles, taking about 80 minutes to traverse the whole thing at a typical walking speed. Along this distance, you can see the hills of Howth and Dun Laoghaire Harbour. Check it out about 15 minutes east of the city centre by car.

    Location: Dublin, Ireland

    Map
  • 10

    Sophie’s Rooftop Restaurant

    Dine at a rooftop restaurant

    Sophie’s Rooftop Restaurant
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    Sophie’s Rooftop Restaurant at The Dean Hotel lets you take in scenic views of the city while enjoying a meal of delicious international and Irish flavours. On the menu here, you'll find wood-fired pizzas and dinners including steak and fish specials all cooked to order using fresh ingredients.

    When you visit this restaurant, make sure to take time to examine the surroundings. You'll be able to take in a panoramic view of Dublin from the massive windows. Additionally, you can make the view even better by trying one of the restaurant's signature cocktails. You'll find it in eastern Portobello.

    Location: 33 Harcourt St, Saint Kevin's, Dublin 2, Ireland

    Open: Monday–Friday from 7 am to 10.30 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 8 am to 10.30 pm

    Phone: +353 1 607 8100

    Map