The insider’s guide to the Dublin Docklands

Media captionStep aboard the Jeanie Johnston and go back in time at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.

On this trip into Irish emigration history, the past is revived through imaginative exhibits at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in the historic vaults of the CHQ Building. Experience crossing into the unknown with interactive displays. Put yourself in the intrepid travellers’ shoes and go back in time listening to 100-year-old recordings. You’ll be transported by this testament to the Irish diaspora’s challenges and triumphs worldwide.

Also in the CHQ Building, you can trace your ancestors at the Irish Family History Centre. If you’ve ever wondered about your past, this is the place to potentially uncover centuries of hidden heritage. To get the most out of your visit, details on dates of birth and marriages will help staff give you a deeper understanding of your family tree.

Just outside on the Liffey, the masts of the Jeanie Johnston stand out amongst the quay's newly-renovated buildings and its contemporary neighbour Samuel Beckett Bridge. Hop aboard the extraordinary famine ship replica and follow in the footsteps of thousands of Irish people who fled the Great Famine and sailed to North America, risking the treacherous journey in the hope of a better life. Though the trip was far from easy, no lives were ever lost at sea on the original ship during its 16 transatlantic crossings. In fact, just a few days into its maiden voyage, the Jeanie Johnston passenger list increased by one when a healthy baby boy was born on the high seas.

Media captionLearn about the Jeanie Johnston's brave voyagers.

If you're a music lover, head to the iconic recording space Windmill Lane Recording Studio, home to some of the most celebrated albums and songs of the past 40 years. Take the tour and learn the history of these world-famous studios and the artists who recorded there, from U2 and Metallica to Lady Gaga. It’s still a working studio too, so if you're lucky you might catch your favourite artist recording the day you visit.

Media captionTest your skills on the water in Grand Canal Dock.

Surfdock Watersports in Grand Canal Dock provides a unique combination of activities including paddle boarding, kayaking and windsurfing. Whether you've never tried a water sport or can't wait to get back to it, the top class instructors are on hand to get you suited up and splashing in no time.

Get ready for a good laugh from the moment you hop aboard Escape Boats, Ireland’s first escape room on the water. With two games to test you, prepare for deep thought and intense concentration as you crack codes and solve mysteries to escape the Zorg Ella boat. Suitable for groups as small as two and as big as 10, you’ll need all the help you can get to break out in under an hour.

Built within a former 1830s harbourmaster’s office, Harbourmaster Pub & Restaurant has undergone a few renovations over the years but has held onto key details that pay tribute to the building's past life, from the refurbished clock tower to the vintage arched windows. Inside, there’s a stylish cocktail bar and lots of cosy nooks and crannies to discover. Famed for its seafood dishes, this lockside eatery has spicy chicken wings that are also a hot ticket.

Back at the CHQ Building, Urban Brewing creates unique beers on site and serves them alongside a vast menu of over 200 international brews. Can’t decide on just one beer? Grab a tasting tray and try out a few local choices or explore their expertly paired ‘Taps and Tapas’ menu if you’re feeling peckish.

Media captionFind your new favourite beer at Urban Brewing or stop for a caffeine fix at one of the area's many cafes.

The Outpost is the Irish base for BrewDog, and a haven for beer lovers. There are two great outdoor areas to choose from, complete with roaring fire pits. If you’re looking to take in views of the water below and kick back with a craft beer and a monster burger, this is the place. For keen students of more brewing knowledge, enroll in Beer School for some tasting and an inside peek into the microbrewery.

If you'd rather a different kind of brew, make your way to 3FE Coffee, one of Dublin’s original and most well-known coffee houses. Famous for their tasty espressos, you’ll be hard pressed to leave without a savoury or sweet treat to complete your order.

Stick to the capital's shoreline and enjoy all the activities, restaurants and more along the Dublin Coastal Trail.