There’s something powerful about seeing a city from above. High above the traffic and noise, you can take in familiar landmarks from new angles and get a feel for the real character of the place. In Dublin, there are plenty of ways to gain that high-up perspective — often with a dose of history, and sometimes with a rush of adrenaline.
Croke Park’s Skyline Tour
At Ireland’s national stadium, there’s more than just Gaelic football and hurling. The Skyline Tour at Croke Park brings you 44 metres up to a rooftop walkway with sweeping views across the city, from the mountains to the sea. Guides keep it lively, pointing out key spots and mixing history with humour. Each of the five viewing platforms offers a multilingual audio guide. The tour wraps with a walk out over the pitch itself — a suspended platform that gives you a real jolt. The ticket also gets you into the GAA Museum, which tracks the evolution of Gaelic games and includes an interactive zone to test your own skills. In winter, opt for the Skyline Dusk Tour and take in the twinkling lights of Dublin with a side of nighttime storytelling.
Skyview Tower at the Jameson Distillery
If you’re up for climbing 259 spiral steps, the Skyview Tower delivers 360-degree views over the rooftops of Dublin. Originally built in 1895 as a chimney for the Jameson Bow Street Distillery, it now gives visitors a panoramic look at landmarks like Trinity College and St Patrick’s Cathedral, plus views stretching to Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains on clear days. Occasionally, abseiling is offered for those seeking extra thrills. However you choose to descend, a glass of Jameson awaits at the bottom.
The Gravity Bar at Guinness Storehouse
No visit to Dublin is complete without a pint at the Gravity Bar. Sitting on top of the Guinness Storehouse, this glass-wrapped space offers a full 360-degree view of the city skyline. Inside, you’ll find street art by Dublin artist Aches, and the perfect pour of Guinness — included with the tour. Time it right and you can watch the sun set over the city as you sip.
The Blue Light Pub: Views with a Backstory
For a more low-key (but equally scenic) view, head to the Blue Light pub in Barnacullia, perched on the edge of the Dublin Mountains. It’s a local spot with sweeping views of the city, live music, and a bit of mischief in its history. In the 1700s, locals used a blue lantern outside the pub to signal to smugglers in the bay when it was safe to land untaxed goods. The lantern still shines today — now a symbol of welcome for visitors looking for a pint with a story.
