If you’ve ever wanted to visit Ireland but not sure where to start, why not head over to Dublin? The main tourist attractions are open all year but generally will be far less crowded than they are during the summer. No matter what type of sightseeing piques your interest, there’s so much to see and do in and around Dublin that you’ll likely to be too mesmerized by its breathtaking beauty to even notice the cooler weather.

1. Inexpensive flights and accommodation.

You can find seat sales from the US to Dublin for under $400 in February. Most accommodations and car rental companies offer discounted rates between October and April, with the exception of Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

2. Pubs, breweries and distilleries.

Ireland is well known for its pub culture, which makes sense given that Dublin alone boasts over 1000 spots for a drink and a “craic.”After a day touring around, you could always slip into the 12th century Brazen Head for some live music, or pop into the famous Temple Bar for a Guinness. Beer fans should head to the town centre and hit up the Guinness Storehouse for a tour and tasting. And whiskey lovers will surely want to dip into one of the local distilleries.

3. Nature.

Choose a day when it’s not as likely to rain (though always pack an umbrella) for planning some outdoor activities. The Botanic Garden is a stunning choice at any time of year. Take a stroll through the grounds of Trinity College or check out the sculptures at St Stephen’s Green. If you want to really escape the hustle and bustle, head a few blocks west of downtown into Phoenix Park, also known as “Dublin’s playground,” for a lush green stroll and a look at the zoo.

4. Museums

Whether you’re looking for historical significance, an educational tour or something a little more quirky, museums abound throughout the city. There’s the Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, the sweetest Little Museum of Dublin, the Tall Ship and Famine Museum, the National Leprechaun Museum, a Rock & Roll and many other fascinating gems just ready to be discovered.

5. Beyond Dublin

With its dramatic cliffs and green rolling hills, don’t miss your chance to check out the Irish countryside which boasts some of the most famous landscapes in the world. If you have time to extend your tour further out be sure to include the spectacular Cliffs of Moher or The Giant’s Causeway. Each of these places are about a three hour drive from Dublin, so are best planned as overnight trips.
A little closer to Dublin, you’ll find Bru na Boinne, a Unesco World Heritage site of three prehistoric tombs, one of which dates back to before the Pyramids. You could head to Glendalough valley in the Wicklow Mountains for breathtaking scenery. If it’s the weekend, check out the market and castle in the Harbour village of Howth, only 20 minutes Northeast by train.