Sitting midway down the east coast of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin is a buzzing port city bisected by the River Liffey. You can cross the chilly waters via more than 20 bridges, from the ultramodern Samuel Beckett Bridge in the east to the wide stone arches of O’Connell Bridge right in the heart of the capital. The city is a lively blend of cutting-edge tech companies, offbeat small businesses, and centuries-old pubs where you’ll find traditional fiddle playing and pints of ink-black stout.

Temple Bar is a maze of pubs and bars that gets especially lively during the city’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in mid-March, while the narrow streets around the main shopping thoroughfare of Grafton Street are home to vegan cafes, delis piled high with locally made treats, and studios showcasing new twists on heritage crafts.

Pockets of green space are framed by grand Georgian townhouses, from Mountjoy Square north of the river to Fitzwilliam Square near St. Stephen’s Green. The National Museum of Ireland tells the story of Dublin through Viking artifacts, minerals, and ceramics at sites across the city, and you can learn about hurling — Ireland’s ancient pastime and the fastest sport on grass — at the GAA Museum before trying it for yourself in over 1,500 acres of Phoenix Park to the west of the city.

Dublin has four mild seasons, and you can expect rain any time of year. Winter can get chilly, spring and autumn are comfortable, and summer is pleasantly warm. The closer to the coast you get, the windier it will also be. If you’re visiting in spring, take a trip outside the city and look for the purple and yellow wildflowers at the iconic Cliffs of Moher. Make your way through one of Dublin’s green spaces, like Phoenix Park, as trees shed their leaves in the fall months. During the summer, experience one of Dublin’s 12 castles and relax in their lush gardens. And in the cold winter months, you can warm up at a whiskey distillery by day and visit Dublin’s holiday market stalls at night. While planning your trip, consider what kind of vacation rentals Dublin offers and what you might like best.

Little Museum of Dublin

Learn about Dublin’s compelling history and culture at the Little Museum of Dublin, where exhibits including a US presidential lectern and a whole floor dedicated to one of the capital’s most famous musical exports tell the city’s story from this 17th-century, narrow townhouse. You can also sign up for a brief, guided tour or explore the museum at your own pace. St. Stephen’s Green park is a perfect spot for a post-museum rest just two minutes down the street.

Howth

Take Dublin’s high-speed train less than an hour to the coastal village Howth. Start at the Howth Head lookout point. Admire the dramatic, grass-covered cliffs overlooking the Dublin Bay, and come prepared with a rain jacket. From here, you can follow the marked path up to the Howth Summit for more sweeping views. Howth’s castle dates back more than 800 years and features over 200 species of rhododendron in its gardens.

Trinity College

Peruse rows of staggering bookshelves at the Library of Trinity College in Dublin. Head to the library’s long room for the most impressive view. This dome-shaped building is full of floor-to-ceiling books, and it’s more than 300 years old. After the library, you can relax and people-watch at the pristine Trinity College Botanical Gardens.