Autumn is an ideal time to visit Dublin as there are great accommodation deals to be had and nature bursts into a tremulous display of shimmering hues.

Enjoy the changing colours against the crisp blue sky as you stroll the city’s parks and multicoloured streets kicking the leaves as you make your way from one world-class attraction and historic landmark to the next.

So, in order to capitalise on this beautiful but all too brief time of year, make like a tree and leave for Dublin this autumn and explore the distinct districts that give this fair city its unique charm and character.

The Liberties

Brimming with hidden churches and historical sites, antique shops, street markets and independent businesses, the Liberties is one of the oldest and most vibrant parts of Dublin.

Soaring steeples pierce the skyline and the aroma of roasted barley perfumes the air, a fragrant reminder that this is the home of Guinness.

Stay: The Hyatt Centric is a modern hotel in the heart of this historic area. Staying here means you are just a short stroll along the cobblestones from the main sights.

Do: Follow the smell of the hops and barley to the Guinness Storehouse, which is not only one of the biggest tourist attractions in Ireland but one of the leading tourist attractions in Europe. Inside, you’ll learn all about the history of the famous Irish stout, sample some Irish food and, of course, sink creamy, cold pints of Guinness. From The Gravity Bar, there are superb 360-degree views of Dublin. It is a great way to get the lay of the land and as well as quench your thirst.

If the Guinness whet your whistle, enjoy a whiskey chaser with a visit to Teeling Whiskey, which, in 2015, became the first new distillery to open in the city in 125 years.

Take a self-guided tour, enjoy a tasting and relax on the outdoor balcony with a drink when you’re done. For a more sobering experience, visit St Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest cathedral in the country.

Built between 1220 and 1260, you can admire the magnificent interior and learn about the history of this Dublin landmark on a self-guided audio tour. Using the art of storytelling, the audio guide is wonderfully informative and interesting. Keep an eye out for ghosts, as rumour has it, this holy place is haunted.

From haunted places to Harry Potter, visit Marsh’s Library, the oldest public library in Ireland, which is just behind St Patrick’s Cathedral. Wander around and admire the elegant dark oak bookcases filled with old books complete with rolling ladders. It’s like something straight out of Hogwarts.

Kilmainham

Kilmainham is a historic Dublin district crammed with National Heritage sites and places of interest, all within walking distance of each other. With plenty of parks and the Grand Canal and the River

Liffey flowing by, this is a beautiful area for a walk and particularly lovely in the autumn when the streets are carpeted with golden-hued leaves.

Stay: Base yourself at the Hilton Dublin Kilmainham and you’ll be within easy walking distance of all the places of interest. Ask for an upper floor room for panoramic views of the city and the adjacent parks.

Do: Visit the Museum of Decorative Arts and History, which is housed in Collins Barracks just 2km from the hotel. Stroll the tranquil grounds before heading inside to view the two diverse collections; the decorative arts collection and the military history collection. There are plenty of excellent engaging exhibits that really grab your imagination.

Across from the Hilton Hotel is the marvellous Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) which is housed in The Royal Hospital Kilmainham building, constructed in 1684. Wander the formal gardens before heading inside to see the latest exhibition, join a talk or workshop or just chill out in the cafe with coffee and cake.

Just across the road is Kilmainham Gaol, where many leaders of Irish rebellions were imprisoned and some were executed. More recently, the gaol has also been used as a location for movies including “In The Name of The Father”. It is now an engrossing museum on the history of Irish nationalism with eye-opening exhibitions as well as guided tours of the outdoor spaces.

The Docklands

If your style is more jailhouse rock, then put on your blue suede shoes and dance down to The Docklands.

This lively and rejuvenated part of the city is overflowing with waterside bars and restaurants and creative spaces and venues where you can catch a show or the latest street art mural.

Stay: The strikingly modern Gibson Hotel has lovely views across Dublin Bay from the balcony of its Hemi Bar. Adorning the walls are artwork and memorabilia with a musical theme, in keeping with its location opposite the 3Arena.

Do: The Docklands dazzles from the water, so a kayaking trip down the Liffey is a great way to see the fascinating mix of contemporary and old architecture that line the docks.

You’ll also get to paddle under the famous O’Connell and Ha’penny bridges.

For another nautical attraction, climb aboard the Jeanie Johnston replica famine ship moored at Custom House Quay.

On a tour, you’ll experience a Famine ship firsthand and meet the passengers from the past as knowledgeable guides and skillful storytellers bring history alive.

Ready for another epic journey? Across the road from the Jeanie Johnston, in the listed CHQ Building, is EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum.

Explore what it means to be Irish with the fully interactive and engaging exhibits and discover the far-reaching influence of Irish history in this award-winning multi-media museum.

Northside Georgian Dublin

Some of the best-preserved Georgian streets and buildings are found in the charismatic area around O’Connell Street. There is a particularly beautiful row of preserved houses on North Great George’s Street.

Stay: Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin is a landmark hotel in a historic building on O’Connell Street. You can’t get a better location if you want to be in the heart of Dublin city centre.

Do: Begin your Georgian journey on Henrietta Street where you’ll find the most intact collection of early to mid-18th century houses in the city. Take a guided walking tour with the folk from the award-winning 14 Henrietta Street museum and learn all about the 300-year history of this street and the golden age of Georgian Dublin.

Grafton Street

“Grafton Street's a wonderland. There's magic in the air” - A Dublin Saunter by Leo Maguire

The area around Grafton Street is Dublin’s premier shopping district, home to the city’s most iconic shopping spot, Brown Thomas, and a fantastic selection of designer and high-street shops and independent boutiques. Grafton Street is so magical there is even a song about it.

Stay: For a super chic getaway, stay at the glamorous five-star Fitzwilliam Hotel overlooking St Stephen's Green. Book a room with a balcony to make the most of those beautiful views.

Do: Shop till you drop on Grafton Street where you’ll find an overwhelming choice of places to splash the cash from Alexander McQueen to Zara and everything in between.

When you need a little break, there are loads of cosy cafes, lively pubs and al fresco dining options down the side streets where you can refuel and refresh with delicious food and drink.

Done with the haute couture? It’s time for a little culture. Housed in a gorgeous Georgian townhouse, the Little Museum of Dublin tells the story of the capital through thousands of artefacts in less than 30 minutes. This is the perfect history lesson for those who are short on time or attention span.

Southside Georgian Dublin

The area around Trinity College is home to some elegant Georgian buildings and postcard-perfect streets, for example, Fitzwilliam Square West with tall red-brick townhouses, wrought-iron decorated windows and colourful doors of Dublin just waiting to be photographed. The area is also home to the splendid Merrion Square and St Stephen's Green park which are a riot of colour in the autumn months.

Stay: Buswells Hotel is a charming haven in a historic building that dates from the 1800s. Located across the road from Leinster House, the hotel has fireside armchairs perfect for cosying up on chilly evenings.

Do: National Gallery of Ireland is housed in a stunning building that dates back to the mid-1800s. Before you admire the artwork, take some time to appreciate the intricate ornamentation and the names of ancient Greek architects, sculptors and painters on the façade. Inside, there is a collection of around 14,000 European and Irish artworks including the wonderful Yeats Collection.

Across the road from the National Gallery of Ireland is the atmospheric cobble-stoned campus of Trinity College. Located in the Long Room, one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, is the Book of Kells, one of the world’s greatest medieval treasures. Over half a million people a year come to see this decorate copy of the Gospels, but during the autumn months, the queues are shorter, so it’s a great time to visit this cultural treasure in the capital.

As you can see, there’s a lot to tempt in the city this time of year. Whether you want to enjoy its engaging museums, explore its elegant Georgian streets, navigate its waterways or discover its distilling past and present, Dublin dazzles in the autumn months with lots to see and do and great places to stay.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to plan a colourful, culture-full break to Dublin this autumn.

For great accommodation deals visit Discoverdublindeals.ie and get at least 15% off a 2-night stay at participating hotels.

Capacity restrictions may be in place at visitor attractions, sites and restaurants so you are encouraged to book ahead to avoid disappointment. To access indoor service in bars and restaurants you must follow government guidelines/regulations as laid out on gov.ie. The Leave No Trace principles help us make as little an impact as possible on the incredible Irish landscape as we explore the outdoors this summer and beyond. Keep outdoor areas safe, clean and free from waste/hazards, and help protect the natural environment. Love this place, leave no trace.

In Partnership with DiscoverIreland.ie