The capital of Ireland, so rife with history and lore, prolific achievements in literature and the arts, has become one of the most sought-after and desirable destinations in Europe and indeed, the world. Dublin, with a metro population of over 1.7 million and fast on the rise, has become a vital global city and financial center.

Tourists who venture to Dublin benefit from the city’s position as the veritable heart and soul of peerless Irish culture. As the political, commercial and economic pulse point of the Emerald Isle, Dublin is awash with pristine parks, beautiful landmarks, phenomenal museums and cultural monuments. Day trips outside the city center yield a plethora of spectacular sights and attractions. All in all, the city amounts to one of the most complete destinations on the continent. With that in mind, here are 10 must-see attractions in Dublin.

10. Grafton and Henry

Home to some of the most upmarket shops and commercial real estate in Europe, Grafton and Henry are two Dublin streets made for pedestrian enjoyment. Tens of millions of people visit the two handsome thoroughfares every year.

9. Dublin Zoo

Since 1830, Dublin Zoo has been one of the premier attractions in Ireland, let alone the city. The zoo has a specific mandate built on conservation, study and education and offers well over 200 species of animals to observe.

8. Croke Park

The pre-eminent sports stadium in Ireland is a superb venue to watch a concert, rugby union match or best of all, Gaelic football contest. With a capacity of 82,300, Croke Park is the fourth largest stadium in Europe.

7. James Joyce Tower and Museum

June 16 is a wonderful time to be in Dublin. Every year on the date, the city celebrates Bloomsday, in honor of Leopold Bloom, notable protagonist of the James Joyce masterpiece, Ulysses. Dubliners relive the events of the classic novel, which famously of course, takes place over a single day. While popular throughout the year, on Bloomsday, the superb James Joyce Tower and Museum in Sandycove, Dublin, becomes a veritable place of pilgrimage.

6. National Gallery of Ireland

A national treasure, the Gallery of Ireland has a significant collection of Irish and European art. From Titian to Rubens, Vermeer to Yeats, the gallery is perhaps the best free attraction in Dublin.

5. The Custom House

Dublin’s Neoclassical 18th century Custom House is one of the most recognizable and indelible landmarks in the city. Home to numerous government departments, the architectural triumph has a lovely perch on the north bank of the River Liffey.

4. Trinity College

One of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world, historic Trinity College and indeed, the University of Dublin, dates back to 1592 and Queen Elizabeth I. The Trinity campus on College Green, opposite the former Parliament House of Ireland, has many fine points of interest.

3. Ardgillan Castle

Built in 1739, Ardgillan Castle is a massive country estate in Balbriggan, County Dublin. A mere 20 km from Dublin, the castle overlooks Barnageera Beach and the Irish Sea.

2. Malahide Castle

Considerably older than Ardgillan Castle, Malahide Castle dates back to the 12th century and Richard Talbot, a knight then in the service of Henry II. Less than 15 km north of Dublin, the castle and ancillary attractions draw scores of visitors from the city throughout the year.

1. Saint Patrick’s Cathedral

Known on a formal basis as The National Cathedral and Collegiate Church of Saint Patrick, Dublin, the largest church in Ireland is a major landmark in the city. Established in 1191, Saint Patrick’s, along with the slightly older Christ Church Cathedral and Dublin Castle, provides the city with fantastic medieval heritage.

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