Grand Canal Dock, Dublin guide

From jam sessions in pubs to high-wattage concert venues, music is an important part of Dublin culture. Catch big-name artists, operas and Broadway musicals at the state-of-the-art Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. Walk in the footsteps of U2, Van Morrison and more music legends on a tour of Windmill Lane Recording Studios. And make sure to replicate the dockside album cover of U2’s ‘October’.

For a dose of history, check out Bolands Mills. The 19th-century limestone warehouses and silos were once home to a famous bakery. Nearby, the futuristic-looking Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and glass-fronted offices overlook the striking urban landscape of Grand Canal Square. A stroll over the harp-like Samuel Beckett Bridge is a must for river views.

Life on Ireland’s canals, lakes and rivers is celebrated at the Waterways Ireland Visitor Centre. Known as ‘the Box in the Dock’, its nautical design evokes the sensation of cruising tranquil waters. An iconic riverfront monument, the Diving Bell was used to build Dublin’s port quay walls from the Victorian era until 1958. Inside, interactive displays highlight its role in the city’s maritime history.

Find your sea legs with paddleboarding, windsurfing and wing surfing lessons in the heart of the city. Surfdock is your go-to for water sports activities around the docklands. Take an unforgettable city tour onboard an amphibious truck too. Viking Splash Tours start at St Stephen’s Green, but the highlight is plunging into the water at Grand Canal Dock.

Music lovers can get a feel for life as a recording artist at Windmill Lane Recording Studios. Tours offer a peek insight into how songs are recorded, and give you the chance to mix your own track. To see the stars in action, book tickets for a show at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre — it’s also a venue for ballet, opera and stand-up comedy.

From authentic Italian pizza to Mexican burritos and modern Irish cuisine, you’ll find something for all tastes here. Grand Canal Quay and Hanover Quay are prime spots to combine the best restaurants in Grand Canal Dock with people-watching. Or park yourself on a bench along the riverfront with grab-and-go options from local bakeries and cafes.

Whether you want an old-school tavern or modern taproom, the beer flows freely at the area’s lively drinking venues. With its darkwood decor and dim lighting, The Ferryman Pub retains a nostalgic atmosphere that dates back to the 1780s. Take things up a notch with cocktails at hotel rooftop bars and upscale lounges.

If shopping is on the agenda, The Design Tower is a treasure trove of unique jewellery and local artwork. Once a sugary refinery, this landmark stone tower now houses the studios and workshops of 17 craftspeople and designers. It’s the kind of place that invites you to meet the artists in person before choosing your next take-home statement piece.

Catch free outdoor performances as part of May’s Dublin Dance Festival. With paddles at the ready, hundreds of teams battle it out to be crowned the champion of August’s vibrant Dragons at the Docks boat races. Pass by Grand Canal Square on a summertime weekend, and you might cha-cha-cha into a free, communal dance class.