tourist places in dublin ireland

23 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Dublin

Written by Andrew Birbeck and Meagan Drillinger Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Famous for its cultural attractions and charming hospitality, Dublin has always been one of the most popular cities in Europe to visit. But nowadays, in addition to its centuries-old traditions and historic roots, Dublin has grown into its own as one of the top cosmopolitan cities of Europe.

The ancient capital of the Emerald Isle, Dublin has been written about for centuries. The River Liffey, which flows into the harbor, has been vital to life and civilization here from the beginning. Today it's one of the city's focal points, slicing Dublin in two and creating one of the busiest commercial hubs in the country.

Dublin's history goes way back. Pre-independence from Britain, Dublin was once the second city of the British Empire. You can find evidence of English influence all over the city, from the Georgian architecture to picturesque parks. You'll also find the relics of the country's violent struggles for independence, and monuments that serve as reminders of how hard the Irish fought for freedom over hundreds of years.

A cultural capital, Dublin has given the world renowned literary figures such as Beckett, Joyce, Shaw, and Wilde. It was dubbed a UNESCO City of Literature in 2010, but Dublin's written traditions stretch back to as early as 800 CE with The Book of Kells, now on permanent exhibition at Trinity College.

Dublin sprawls rather than soars, but the historic city center is very easy to explore on foot Still, a light rail system, buses, and ample taxis allow travelers to get wherever they want to go.

Find the best places to visit with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Dublin, Ireland.

1. Trinity College and College Green

2. shop on grafton street, 3. take a stroll around st. stephens green, 4. the little museum of dublin, 5. explore kildare street museums and houses of parliament, 6. national museum of ireland: archaeology, 7. explore irish art at the national gallery of ireland, 8. visit merrion square, 9. epic the irish emigration museum, 10. gpo witness history museum, 11. learn about ireland's greatest writer at the james joyce centre, 12. national museum of ireland - decorative arts and history (collins barracks), 13. take the kids to phoenix park and dublin zoo, 14. go to jail: kilmainham gaol, 15. christ church cathedral, 16. st. patrick's cathedral, 17. dublin castle and the chester beatty library, 18. visit the irish museum of modern art, 19. the irish rock 'n' roll museum experience, 20. take a side trip to dalkey/killiney, 21. take a day trip to the cliffs of moher, 22. stroll o'connell street, 23. catch a match at croke park, where to stay in dublin for sightseeing, dublin, ireland - climate chart, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to dublin, editor's tips, map of attractions & things to do in dublin.

Trinity College is probably the best spot to kick off your Dublin tour. It's located in the heart of the capital, packed full of incredible history, and it's the oldest university in Ireland having been founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I.

Occupying an enviable 40-acre site, Trinity retains some of its ancient seclusion of cobbled squares, gardens, and parks and is famed throughout the world for its collection of great treasures. These include, on permanent exhibition, the 9th-century illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells , the Books of Durrow and Armagh, and an ancient Irish harp.

The priceless artifacts are displayed in the Treasury and the awe-inspiring 18th-century Long Room, which houses more than 200,000 of Trinity's oldest books and hosts regular literary exhibitions. Book the Early Access Book of Kells Tour to avoid the long lines. It also includes a trip to the exterior of Dublin Castle.

Trinity is a haven in an otherwise bustling area. Alumni over the centuries include such figures as Jonathan Swift (most famously known as the author of Gulliver's Travels ), Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker (author of Dracula), and playwright Samuel Beckett. Entering through a timber-tiled archway, you are instantly brought back in time. The immaculate green lawns, 18th- and 19th-century buildings, and cobbled pathway are reminiscent of a more gentile age and ooze a sense of hushed academia.

It's best to time your visit strategically, as buildings open to the public can become crowded during peak season. As well as taking in the must-see sights, do make time to relax and simply enjoy the atmosphere. Opposite the college on College Green is the old Irish Parliament building now a branch of the Bank of Ireland.

Address: Trinity College, College Green, Dublin 2

Official site: www.tcd.ie/visitors/

A short southerly stroll from Trinity College takes you down towards Dublin's premier shopping location, Grafton Street. A statue of Molly Malone sits at the bottom of the street, so it's impossible to miss.

This eclectic stretch buzzes morning, noon, and night and is a magnet for buskers, from classical quartets to traditional fiddle players and singer-songwriters. Many famed bands and musicians have given impromptu performances here, including Bono of U2.

Aside from buskers, you will find a broad range of boutiques, jewelers, and department stores, including upmarket Brown Thomas . Many would say that the jewel in the crown is Bewley's Oriental Café , a Dublin institution at this location since 1927.

If you're on a shopping spree, it's well worth taking a slight diversion to the arty Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, with its designer shops and trendy places to eat.

Official site: http://graftonstreet.ie/

After eating your fill at Bewley's Oriental Café, an easy stroll to the top of Grafton Street brings you to Fusilier's Arch , the main entrance to St. Stephen's Green (Faiche Stiabhna). Georgian buildings surround "the Green" (as it's known locally), although some sadly fell by the wayside during redevelopment, mainly in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s.

The 22-acre park is a Dublin treasure and an oasis of calm away from the hustle and bustle of downtown city life. When weather permits, you should do as the locals do and stretch out on the grass for some rest and relaxation, or grab a picnic lunch. Immaculate flowerbeds fringe the lawns.

Also in the park is an ornate fountain at its center, a bridge over a duck pond, and a children's playground. Incidentally, the park was the scene of bitter combat during the 1916 Uprising, however it was agreed by both sides that hostilities should cease while the park-keeper fed the ducks.

The Little Museum of Dublin is a hidden gem tucked in a charming space amid all the city's historical sights. A couple of minutes' stroll from Fusilier's Arch, at the top of Dawson Street, it is a must-see for those interested in how Dublin and its people lived their lives and evolved over the past century.

James Joyce once famously said, "in the particular is contained the universal," which neatly sums up the ethos of this treasure trove. In the minutiae of people's belongings, history is indeed writ large.

Opened in 2011 following an appeal for mementos and artifacts, the museum has gone from strength to strength and now hosts an array of temporary exhibitions and events, as well as permanent installations, including a U2 retrospective with exhibits donated by band members. Other treats include the lectern used by John F. Kennedy when he addressed both houses of the Irish Parliament (Oireachtas) in June 1963.

Address: 15 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2

Official site: www.littlemuseum.ie

From the Little Museum of Dublin, a saunter past the legendary hotel The Shelbourne Dublin will take you to the top of Kildare Street, home to the Irish Parliament (Dáil Éireann) on the left hand side.

The parliament building was once known as Kildare House after James Fitzgerald, the Earl of Kildare, who commissioned its construction in 1745 and set out to create a grand Georgian mansion to reflect his lofty social status. When he became Duke of Leinster in 1766, the house was renamed Leinster House .

If you're interested in literature, you should visit the National Library close by, which has a permanent W.B. Yeats exhibition.

Address: Kildare Street, Dublin 2

Located on Kildare Street near the National Library, the National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology is certainly worth spending time exploring. The museum features outstanding permanent exhibitions. Highlights include Ireland's Gold, Prehistoric Ireland, and the impressive Viking Collection.

It's also worth visiting for the Treasury collection, which includes the magnificent Ardagh Chalice . Widely regarded as one of the top things to do in Dublin for free , this world-class museum also offers tours and a rich program of workshops and educational events.

Address: Kildare St, Dublin 2

Official site: www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Archaeology

A right turn at the end of Kildare Street will bring you to the National Gallery of Ireland, with entrances on Clare Street and Merrion Square West. Housing the finest collection of Irish art in the world alongside an outstanding collection of European art from the Middle Ages to the present day, this is a must-see while in the capital.

The gallery opened in 1864 with wings being added in 1903, 1968, and most recently, 2002. Collections include the Yeats Museum, seven rooms devoted to Irish art, Italian Painters, the Shaw Room, and Baroque Room.

The gallery, which is spread over four levels, regularly hosts impressive temporary exhibitions, and there's an excellent café popular with locals and visitors alike.

Address: Clare Street & Merrion Square, Dublin 2

Official site: www.nationalgallery.ie

Exit the National Gallery's main portal, and you're on Merrion Square. Made up of stately private houses and offices, this is arguably Dublin's grandest Georgian square and stars in countless images and postcards of the city. At its center is a pretty park with a vibrant statue of that most colorful writer and renowned Dublin wit, Oscar Wilde .

An amiable stroll around the square is a journey back in time to the Georgian era. You may notice that the top windows in many buildings are smaller than those lower down. This was done in order to create an optical illusion of the houses being taller than they really are. At weekends, local artists line the perimeter of the park and display their paintings on the railings.

Ireland has long been an exporter of people. Scratch the surface of America's East Coast, and you'll find the influence of the Irish everywhere. Dublin's superb EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is aptly situated in the city's docklands area, the scene of many a sad farewell.

Established in 2016, this fascinating museum offers an in-depth – and often moving – account of Irish emigration over the centuries. All told there are more than 20 separate themed galleries to explore, dealing not just with the history of Irish migration, but also the influence this dynamic people have had in the places they settled.

If you've got the time, be sure to visit the Irish Family History Centre for tips and advice – along with resources – to track your family history.

A nearby related attraction is the Jeanie Johnston: An Irish Famine Story . The centerpiece of this excellent museum is an accurate replica of the fabled Jeanie Johnston , a sailing vessel from Canada that was built in 1847 and which transported untold numbers of Irish across the Atlantic.

Address: The Chq Building, Custom House Quay, North Dock, Dublin 1

Official site: https://epicchq.com/

O'Connell Street, Dublin's main thoroughfare, is home to the iconic GPO (General Post Office) built in 1814. The failed 1916 Uprising began here, and bullet holes still dot the Neoclassical portico. Inside, the city's newest attraction, the GPO Witness History Museum, is a must-visit for those wanting to gain a better understanding of this pivotal event in Irish history.

While focusing predominantly on the period leading up to the uprising and the uprising itself, there's plenty of information on hand via interactive displays about other key events, including the Irish War of Independence right up to the Northern Ireland peace process. Guided tours are available, and come highly recommended.

Address: O'Connell Street Lower, North City, Dublin 1

Official site: www.gpowitnesshistory.ie

Around an eight-minute walk from the GPO, in a beautiful Georgian house, is the James Joyce Centre founded by Irish Senator, one-time Presidential Candidate, and renowned Joycean scholar, David Norris.

The museum is dedicated to all things Joycean, and although the writer never lived in the property, he had a connection to it through a real-life character featured in Ulysses , Prof. Denis J. Maginni, who ran a dance academy here. The building was condemned in the 1980s, but was ultimately saved and restored through a campaign spearheaded by David Norris.

If you're in the mood to learn more about Dublin's literary heritage, be sure to pay a visit to the Dublin Writers Museum . Located in an attractive 1700s home in Parnell Square, this interesting museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of a number of great Irish authors, and their most important works. In addition to numerous artifacts and memorabilia, the museum houses a collection of paintings and portraits.

Address: 35 North Great George's Street, Dublin 1

Official site: http://jamesjoyce.ie/

Originally an army barracks, the National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts and History opened in 1997. The collections include silver, ceramics, jewelry, furniture, Irish haute couture fashion, and exhibitions exploring Irish military history.

There are several other permanent exhibitions, including a retrospective of modernist designer Eileen Gray; Irish Silver dating from the 17th to 20th centuries; Asian Art; Irish Country Furniture; and Soldiers and Chiefs, which displays historic military artifacts and uniforms.

Another branch of the National Museum of Ireland worth exploring, the Natural History Museum was established in 1856 and remains little changed since, a fact that has led to its being known as a "museum of a museum" (or, less flatteringly, the "Dead Zoo"). Highlights include exploring the museum's large collections of specimens from countless species, fossils, and dioramas – all for free.

Address: Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7

Official site: www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Decorative-Arts-History

An 18-minute walk from Collins Barracks is Dublin Zoo in Phoenix Park. This is the largest enclosed urban park in Europe, some 1,750 acres, which is surprising given that Dublin is a relatively small capital city. Hundreds of deer roam the parkland, and the President of Ireland's official residence (Áras an Uachtaráin) is here along with Deerfield, a beautiful 18th-century property home to the American Ambassador to Ireland.

There's a visitor center located close to a 17th-century tower house, Ashtown Castle, for those wishing to find out more about the park and its environs. At the far Castleknock Gate end and on some 78 acres stands stately Farmleigh House , dating from the 1800s and purchased by the Irish state from the Guinness family in 1999.

For generations of Dubliners and those coming from abroad, the main draw is Dublin Zoo, which attracts more than one million visitors annually, dates back to 1830, and is the second oldest zoo in Europe. A trip to the zoo is a day out in itself.

Among other rare and exotic animals, there are Asian lions, Asian elephants, a Reptile House, an orangutan enclosure, sea lions, tigers, hippos, bats, and penguins. Facilities include restaurants, kids' play areas, and a family farm.

Official site: www.dublinzoo.ie

The forbidding Kilmainham Gaol (jail), dating from 1789, truly is a notorious site in the history of Irish nationalism. It was here that the leaders of the 1916 rebels were first incarcerated and then executed for what was seen as an act of high treason.

The exhibition in a modern hall gives a taste of what conditions were like and outlines the struggle for Irish independence. There are excellent guided tours throughout the rest of the jail, which cover Irish history from 1796-1924. The Stonebreaker's Yard is sure to send shivers up the spine, as this is the spot where the leaders of the uprising met their grisly fate.

Address: Inchicore Road, Dublin 8

Official site: https://kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie

Restored in the 19th century and dominating the surrounding area, Christ Church Cathedral is built on the site of Dublin's first church, which was founded in 1028 and made of timber.

The Great Nave has magnificent early Gothic arches, and here you can see the 14th-century replica of the tomb of legendary Norman conqueror Strongbow, who is buried elsewhere in the cathedral. The fragment that lies alongside is said to be part of the original tomb and has the nickname, "Strongbow's son." Parts of the vast crypt, which runs the length of the building, date from the 13th century.

Also worth a visit is Dublinia , a first-rate historical recreation of life and scenes from the time of the Vikings to the medieval period that's located in the cathedral's Synod Hall. Highlights include costumed characters demonstrating period traditions and activities, various buildings, and authentic street scenes.

Address: Christchurch Place, Dublin 8

Official site: https://christchurchcathedral.ie

An easy seven-minute walk from Christ Church Cathedral, St. Patrick's Cathedral is the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland. Tradition has it that here, St. Patrick baptized converts to Christianity in AD 450.

Like Christchurch, the original edifice was timber. In 1192, another church was founded and constructed of stone. Just over a century later, another reconstruction took place and its status was raised to that of cathedral.

Over the centuries, much embellishment has occurred, chiefly in the mid 1700s, when the steeple was built, and during the late 1800s, when there were substantial renovations. Gulliver's Travels author and satirist Jonathan Swift (1667-1745), who was Dean of St. Patrick's for 35 years, is interred in a tomb to the right of the entrance beside his long time love "Stella" (Hester Johnson 1681-1728).

Address: St. Patrick's Close, Dublin 8

Official site: www.stpatrickscathedral.ie

Dublin Castle was the site of central administration during 700 years of British rule until 1922. The castle has seen many guises: medieval fortress, vice-regal court, and function of government. In 1534, Irish rebel Silken Thomas (so named for his fine clothes) launched an attack and besieged the castle.

Currently, the castle is mainly used for ceremonial occasions, exhibitions, and even concerts. The ornate state apartments are open to visitors, and there are a number of museums to explore including the Chester Beatty Library and Gallery.

The museum, founded in 1953 by an American living in Dublin, Chester Beatty, features a fine collection of oriental art and several collections of manuscripts, books, and ancient texts. Among the treasures are French Books of Hours of the 14th and 15th century and a prayer book that belonged to Philip II of Spain, works of Far Eastern art, Islamic prints, Sanskrit manuscripts (12th to 13th century), Indian miniatures, and Babylonian clay tablets (2,500 to 2,300 BC).

There are also European medieval and Renaissance manuscripts, Egyptian papyrus texts, and copies of the Qur'an, and the Bible. Buddhist paintings and Turkish and Persian miniatures are also on display, as are woodblock prints from Japan and Chinese dragon robes.

Address: Dame Street, Dublin 2

Official site: www.dublincastle.ie

Since it opened in 1991, the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) has built a reputation as one of the country's top galleries. With a focus on modern and contemporary art, the museum offers frequently changing exhibits and displays of works from its own collections, as well as from across Ireland and the globe.

The building itself is beautiful. Erected in the late 1600s as a hospital, it serves as the perfect backdrop to the modern art that adorns its walls, as well as for the artists' studios located here. Highlights of the museum's permanent collections include some 3,500 works (some Irish, some by overseas artists) from the post-war period. Guided tours are offered, along with fun programs for the kids (there's also a café).

Address: Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Military Rd, Kilmainham, Dublin 8

Official site: https://imma.ie

Music fans won't want to miss the opportunity to visit the Irish Rock 'n' Roll Museum Experience , which focuses on the top musical acts to have come out of Ireland. Highlights of this immersive, one-hour tour experience include the chance to "catch" acts like U2 and Thin Lizzy in various stages of their careers, either in the studio or performing on stage.

Along the way, you'll see a wide variety of artifacts and memorabilia from these and other leading Irish acts, and be exposed to their music and anecdotes about the music-writing and touring process.

Another quirky sightseeing opportunity can be enjoyed at the National Leprechaun Museum (honest!). Opened in 2010 in its location on Jervis Street, this fun museum features fascinating exhibits and displays relating to these mythical beings, Along the way, your tour guide will explain the importance of this folklore in Irish culture, as well as its impact on everything from Disney to Hollywood.

Address: Curved Street, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02

Official site: https://irishrocknrollmuseum.com

A must-see and, surprisingly, just a 25-minute southbound trip on a DART (Dublin's light rail network) from the city center is Dalkey, and one stop farther along, Killiney, although both areas can easily be explored from Dalkey town.

It's recommended to disembark at the earlier stop, as there's an excellent visitor center at Dalkey Castle, which includes information about the area, historic and cultural exhibitions, and best of all, live theater performances as part of a fun guided tour that scales the heights of the castle ramparts.

Dalkey was once the main trading post on Dublin's east coast, and the harbor at Coliemore Road was the place where medieval cargo ships could off-load their wares. Opposite the harbor is breathtaking Dalkey island, and an uphill stroll of around 15 minutes brings you to Vico Road with stunning views out over Killiney Bay.

For more panoramic vistas, continue up to the top of Killiney Hill, a public park that is home to many species of wildlife and birds.

Address: Castle Street, Dalkey, Co. Dublin

Official site: www.dalkeycastle.com

Relax in a luxury coach and see one of Ireland's most breathtaking natural attractions on a guided full-day Cliffs of Moher Day Trip . This excellent value excursion takes you through the stunning countryside of County Clare and also includes an opportunity to explore the charming town of Doolin, with its great traditional music and country inns. It also includes entrance to the Cliffs of Moher and Burren National Park.

In addition to the services of a professional tour guide to share details of the region's unique geology, you'll have ample opportunity to enjoy a leisurely stroll to take some great snapshots of some of the best views in Ireland. A stop at the city of Galway is also included.

One of the most famous bridges in Dublin is the O'Connell Bridge that leads directly onto the broad, beautiful O'Connell Street. Here is where you'll find historic sites like the General Post Office, and more modern monuments like the Spire of Dublin. It's one of the most popular and well-trafficked streets in the city.

The original name of O'Connell Street was Drogheda Street, later renamed Sackville Street. In 1924, it was renamed O'Connell Street for Daniel O'Connell, who was one of the primary nationalist leaders in Ireland in the struggle to gain independence from England.

North of the city center is the largest sports venue in Ireland – Croke Park. Croke Park is the home of Ireland's Gaelic Athletic Association and has capacity for 82,300 spectators. Here is where you'll find everything from rugby and soccer to American football, Gaelic football, and hurling.

In addition to sports, Croke Park is one of the largest venues for music performances and has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment, from U2 to Billy Joel, Elton John, Ed Sheeran, and many others.

Address: Jones' Rd, Drumcondra, Dublin 3, Ireland

If you're visiting Dublin for the first time, the best area to stay is in the city center. Most of the top tourist attractions lie within a short stroll of each other in this compact and easily walkable area, including Trinity College, St. Stephen's Green, and Grafton Street. Here are some highly rated hotels in this convenient and central location:

Luxury Hotels:

• A short stroll from Grafton Street, The Merrion Hotel , with a day spa, swimming pool, and two-star Michelin restaurant, resides in four lovingly-restored Georgian townhouses.
• The Radisson Blu Royal Hotel , just meters from St. Patrick's Cathedral and Dublin Castle, strikes a modern note with its sleek interior design and spacious guest rooms.
• In the heart of the city and across the street from St. Stephens Park is the Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin . Irish hospitality comes alive with the wonderful staff. Understated luxury is found everywhere in the property's decor.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• In Dublin's heart, within walking distance of all the major tourist attractions, The Morrison, a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel overlooks the River Liffey and has a bright, contemporary interior.
• Across the river, in a trendy location near Grafton Street, the boutique Drury Court Hotel offers cozy rooms, and the apartments in an adjacent building are great for families.
• Sleekly furnished and streaming with light, The Gibson Hotel is a little farther out from the city center, but public transport is nearby, and it's a great choice if you're planning to catch a concert at the adjacent 3Arena.

Budget Hotels:

• A short stroll from Grafton Street and St. Stephen's Green, Dublin Citi Hotel offers great-value rooms with comfortable beds near a cluster of lively entertainment venues.
• About a 15-minute walk to the city center, the family-run Dergvale Hotel has small but sparkling clean rooms, and the Celtic Lodge Guesthouse offers compact, clean rooms a short hop from all the city sights.
• Bus Tour: One option is the one- or two-day Dublin: Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour , which gives independent travelers more freedom in their selections.
• Amphibious Tour: Kids of all ages will love the 75-minute Dublin Viking Duck Tour. Travel the city on both land and water in a remodeled amphibious World War II vehicle.
• Blarney Castle and Cork Day Trip : You can visit some of Ireland's other top attractions on the Blarney Castle and Cork Day Trip , which takes you in a luxury coach through the lush countryside and includes an experienced driver and guide, as well as entrance to the Blarney Stone and Rock of Cashel.
• Northern Island Day Trip: On the Northern Ireland Day Trip from Dublin: Belfast Black Taxi Tour and Giant's Causeway , you can learn all about Belfast's tumultuous history and see a World Heritage-listed geological wonder. Professional guides, pickup and drop off from your hotel, and entrance fees to the key attractions are all included.
• Three-Day Tour: For a more in-depth tour of Dublin's surrounding attractions consider the 3-Day Cork, Blarney Castle, Ring of Kerry, and Cliffs of Moher Rail Trip . This great-value package includes a host, entrance fees to the attractions, coach and rail travel with reserved seats, and two nights accommodation with a full Irish breakfast.

Of course there's plenty more to see and things to do in and around Dublin. The Discover Ireland Centre on Suffolk Street (just off Grafton Street) dispenses handy information on the city's tourist attractions. Although it may sound like a cliché, Ireland's capital really is its people. Unexpected conversations and snippets of Irish "banter" are most likely some of the strongest memories you will take away with you.

Dubliners are a sociable, knowledgeable, and, quite often, an opinionated bunch, so don't be afraid to have a chat and ask their advice about where to go and what to see. In particular, taxi drivers love to talk and will often regale anybody who'll listen with views on everything from politics to history and current affairs.

If staying in the capital for a few days, the DART (Dublin's light rail network) is a leisurely way to explore the coastline. The village of Howth, at the far extremity of Dublin's north side is well worth a visit. Here, visitors will find a range of restaurants, many serving fresh seafood, as Howth remains a fishing village, albeit an upmarket one these days. The views from Howth Head are spectacular.

Also on the north side, and on the DART line is Malahide , a quaint village with a beautiful castle open to the public. Day trips from the city should include magical Glendalough , home to a ruined medieval monastery, breathtaking lakes, and forest walks. Spectacular Powerscourt House and gardens , adjacent to the pretty village of Enniskerry is a must-see for those with a little extra time on their hands. There's a terrific restaurant, craft shops, and superb grounds to explore at your leisure.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

More of Ireland: Visitors will find Ireland is a wonderful country for road trips. After exploring Dublin, visit Waterford, roughly halfway between the capital and Cork . Explore the sights surrounding the city with our article on the top day trips from Dublin , including the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, and if you want to cast a fishing line, check out our list of the best fishing destinations in Ireland .

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16 Best Things to Do in Dublin

By Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner

Ireland's capital is a city both haunted and inspired by its rich literary tradition, its green and aquatic surroundings, and its pivotal role in European history. Comparable to Paris for the romantic, walkable River Liffey splitting the center in two; to London for its pub culture; and to Chicago for its notably friendly residents, Dublin melds the best of world cities into fewer than fifty square miles. From more than one whiskey-dedicated museum to a foray into a massive antique library, to visiting the spectacular St. Patrick's Cathedral, these are the best things to do in Dublin, Ireland.

Click the link to read our complete Dublin city guide .

Guinness Storehouse Arrow

The headquarters of Ireland's most famous beer adds a bit of culture and history to your vacation drinking, giving you some depth beyond throwing back a pint in a pub (not that there's anything wrong with that). Three bars, three restaurants (all with bars), classes, and tastings all are on offer here, and although the public can't tour the brewery itself, this is the closest Guinness enthusiasts can get to the makings of the dark beer. The Storehouse's restaurants serve fresh food designed to pair with Guinness. And although you wouldn't come here specifically to eat, once you've downed a pint or two, you'll be glad to have options. Also, advance tickets come with a complimentary pint in the Gravity Bar when you complete your tour.

St. Stephen's Green Arrow

St. Stephen's Green, an exquisitely manicured park in Dublin City Centre , dates back to a time when open space and fresh air were at a premium: Victorian Ireland, 1880. Today, the green lawns and ponds are surrounded by a thick wall of trees, creating a true respite from urban life inside a neat, perfectly ordered rectangular park. It's a fantastic spot to people watch and get a glimpse of daily life for Dublin locals.

Glasnevin Cemetery Arrow

Dublin is a city built on history. Famous activists, politicians, artists, writers , and thinkers all shaped the city as we know it today, and many of them are buried at Glasnevin Cemetery. The mood here isn't light—this is a cemetery, after all—but the fresh air and the moving tribute to influential Irish figures will help enrich your understanding of Dublin. For swift entry into the expansive green space, buy tickets online ahead of time.

Jameson Distillery Bow Street Arrow

Empty Jameson bottle chandeliers hang from wooden rafters and illuminate the large bar of this whiskey emporium. Remodeled just in time for St. Patrick's Day in 2017, this historic distillery–turned-museum is an attraction for all whiskey lovers . The museum stands at the site of Jameson's original distillery, dating back to 1780, though the brand's major production now takes place in Cork. The 40-minute distillery tour includes a comprehensive Jameson history, a comparative tasting, and a drink on the house at JJ's Bar, the downstairs whiskey bar that's seemingly always rowdy. 

Jessica Puckett

Alex Erdekian

The Old Library of Trinity College Dublin Arrow

With two levels of floor-to-ceiling wooden shelves packed with books, many only reachable by a sliding ladder, this immense university library , which dates back to the early 18th century, is a book lover's paradise. In the daytime, light pours into the stacks, which look even more dramatic under the coffered ceiling. You're not here to check out just any ol' book; instead, buy advance online tickets to peek at the legendary Book of Kells. Busts of famous thinkers and scholars also adorn the space. If you hate reading plaques and pamphlets, this library is your spirit attraction, for it specifically encourages unadulterated admiration instead of an onslaught of facts and trivia. Just be sure you're phone's charged—after all, the dramatic space is highly Instagrammable.

Dublin Castle Arrow

Dating back to the early 13th century, when Vikings established their headquarters here, this medieval structure stands as a relic of British rule over Ireland. Today the well-preserved estate offers a glimpse into the way previous generations lived and hosts exhibits on art, fashion, and other Irish history artifacts. Tickets for guided tours are recommended, especially if you're eager to see the interior apartments and historic quarters. Whether or not you're headed to the Irish countryside to see Game of Thrones –style castles , the Dublin Castle is a must-see.

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The Winding Stair is Dublin's beloved bookstore with a restaurant upstairs. UK and European editions of contemporary literature, as well as classics like Joyce and Yeats, are easy to find on the shelves. If you're stumped finding your next read, ask the clerk behind the desk to help curate a list of titles for you, preferably something that may help you remember your trip or enrich your time in Ireland. Grab a good book and head above for views of the River Liffey and an upscale, traditional Irish meal like seafood chowder, smoked haddock, or potato dumplings. Don't be shy about asking for wine pairings off the lengthy list.

St. Patrick's Cathedral Arrow

You don't have to be an expert in religious architecture —or even personally religious—to appreciate St. Patrick's, Ireland's largest cathedral and the headquarters of the Church of Ireland. The massive structure is impressively, overwhelming ornate, with intricate tiled floors, vaulted ceilings, grand graystone turrets, and multicolored stained-glass windows. Those visiting for religious reasons can freely walk in and attend a mass or pray independently, but sightseers are asked to donate a small fee. You can also explore the grounds and gardens without stepping foot inside.

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This open-air produce and flower market was long ago eclipsed by grocery stores, but it's still worth wandering through—even if only for nostalgia's sake. Vendors lining both sides of the cobblestone street peddle local produce and meat, as well as imported items like tropical fruits. If you've got access to a kitchen, do as the locals do: stock up on dinner ingredients, which range from Irish products to goods from Asia and Africa. Moore Street Market will help you envision Old Dublin as it once was and begin to understand Ireland's immigrant culture. Those intrigued by farm-to-table—well, everything—will also love seeing the day's stock and conversing with vendors, some of whom have been selling here for decades.

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The Irish Whiskey Museum is exclusively for tourists , whether they're Irish or visiting from abroad. But that's okay—it's all part of the experience. Housed in a historic building near the city center, the museum is comprised of an extensive whiskey bar, historic exhibits, a tasting room, and a well-stocked souvenir shop. Unlike several other booze-themed attractions in Dublin, the Irish Whiskey Museum is totally independent—meaning it's not sponsored by a whiskey brand.

Grafton Street Arrow

One of Dublin's two main pedestrian shopping areas , Grafton Street is a car-free area paved with charming bricks. The thoroughfare, which is broad and not the least bit claustrophobic, is particularly known for its famous—or soon-to-be-famous—buskers, who give wonderful live-music performances. If you don't have time to walk up and down the entire street, navigate to the section near St. Stephen's Green, where you'll have a great shot at people watching.

Temple Bar Book Market Arrow

Every Saturday and Sunday, vendors display new and used novels, art books, rare biographies, and other treasures at this outdoor market. Lovers of independent bookstores will adore spending the morning here for its European charm alone, which is reminiscent of the vendors lining the Seine in Paris (the River Liffey is just a two-minute walk away). Entry is free, though bring some cash if you intend to buy anything.

The George Arrow

Portraits of queer icons lining the walls identify The George Bar, bilevel pub and dance club, for what it is: a gay haven . You're never more than a few feet from a rainbow flag or a few loose sequins—debris from the night before. Leave the mixology at the door—this is a place to drink quickly poured Guinness beer, slid across the dark bar. If you're an obvious tourist, expect to wait a few minutes for your drink and be decisive with your order. Everyone has their own reasons for drinking at The George, whether it's to absorb a bit of queer history, drink alone in a safe space while traveling solo, dance, or play in the legendary Sunday night drag bingo show.

The Irish Dance Party Arrow

If observing Irish culture from afar isn't getting you into the Dublin spirit, this interactive show—really, a giant party—will have you on your feet and moving like an Irish dancer, in no time. Big groups (family reunions, bachelorette parties ) will particularly enjoy the structured event, which features live music and jig performances. Expect to see plenty of folks roll into The Irish Dance Party after throwing back a few rounds at a bar, and if you're planning on mastering the jig, wear comfortable shoes.

George’s Street Arcade Arrow

Located in the Creative Quarter , a hub for shopping and art, George's Street Arcade dates back to the late 19th century, when it was called South City Market. Although it's Ireland's oldest market, it resembles a current-day flea market, with stalls selling everything from wood-fired pizza to New Age jewelry. A respite from traditional boutiques and shopping centers, the covered market packs in vendors and is certainly worth a walkthrough.

Pat Liddy's Walking Tours of Dublin: Docklands - The New Old Dublin Arrow

This walking tour shows a lesser-known part of Dublin and explains why geography—including its location on the water —is so essential to Dublin's identity and infrastructure. Native Dubliner and historian Pat Liddy trains guides to lead small groups to pivotal parts of the city that demonstrate why Dublin is his favorite place in the world. By revealing not-often-seen parts of Dublin, including former shipping docks, a U2 recording studio, and the headquarters of contemporary tech giants like Google, this tour illustrates how the city's past and present are intertwined.

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44 BEST Things to Do in Dublin, Ireland

Looking for the best things to do in Dublin, Ireland and wondering what's worth your time the most? Of course, you have to see the most famous places in Dublin, such as Trinity College, Dublin Castle, Kilmainham Jail, and the Guinness Storehouse! But there's so much more to do in Dublin than that, and the choice of what to visit and what to skip can get overwhelming.

So to help you figure out where to go and what to do when in Dublin, in this guide I share the VERY BEST experiences, TOP sights, and MOST POPULAR tourist attractions in Dublin that you really shouldn't miss. In addition, we also created a map of Dublin attractions that should help you plan your sightseeing itinerary.

Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, stands out as a city steeped in history, culture, and an unmistakable sense of joy. From its ancient streets echoing with stories of yore to its lively pubs where the spirit of the city truly comes alive, Dublin offers an endless array of experiences. Whether you're a history buff, art aficionado, foodie, or simply in search of a good time, Dublin promises an adventure at every turn. In this comprehensive guide, I will explore the 44 best things to do in Dublin, each offering a unique glimpse into the heart and soul of the Irish capital.

The Best Things To Do in Dublin

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Dublin's weather is characterized by its mildness and, like much of Ireland, is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in moderate temperatures year-round. However, the city is known for its unpredictable weather, where you can experience several seasons in a single day. Here's a guide on what to expect weather-wise and the best times to visit Dublin.

Dublin Weather Overview

• Spring (March to May) : Spring sees Dublin gradually warming up, with average temperatures ranging from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F). This season experiences a mix of rain and sunshine, with the city beginning to bloom beautifully. It's a great time to visit if you prefer milder weather and fewer crowds.
• Summer (June to August) : Summers are mild and considered the best time to visit Dublin. Temperatures average between 15°C and 20°C (59°F to 68°F), with the longest days offering up to 18 hours of daylight. However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect more crowds and higher prices.
• Autumn (September to November) : Autumn brings cooler temperatures, ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F), and the city's parks are adorned with beautiful autumn colours. Rain is frequent, so packing a waterproof jacket is advisable. The tourist crowds start to thin out, making it a good time to explore the city more comfortably.
• Winter (December to February) : Winters are cold but rarely freezing, with temperatures hovering around 3°C to 8°C (37°F to 46°F). Days are short, and there's a high chance of rain, though snow is rare. Christmas markets and festive decorations make it a charming time to visit, despite the cold.

Best Time to Visit

• For Good Weather : The best months for weather are May through August when the city enjoys the warmest temperatures and the most prolonged daylight hours. July and August are the warmest months, ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the countryside.
• For Sightseeing : May, June, and September are excellent for sightseeing, offering a pleasant balance of good weather and smaller crowds. Visiting Dublin in these months provides the opportunity to enjoy Dublin's attractions without the peak season's hustle and bustle.
• For Cultural Experiences : If you're interested in experiencing Dublin's vibrant cultural scene and don't mind the cooler weather, consider visiting in March to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the locals. The city comes alive with festivals, parades, and lots of green.

Remember, Dublin's weather can be unpredictable, so whatever time of year you choose to visit, it's wise to prepare for rain and bring layers to adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day.

HOW TO USE THIS MAP : First click on the map and it will open in a new window. Then click the icons on the map to see the names of places I mention in this guide. There are 3 layers to the map one for Must-See Attractions, one for all other attractions and one for off-the-Beaten Track sights.

If you intend to visit many attractions during your stay in Dublin, I recommend that you buy The Go City Dublin Pass . The gives you free entry to many of Dublin's most well-known tourist sites such as the Guinness Storehouse, The Irish Immigration Museum (EPIC), Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and Dublin Castle. You can buy a 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5-day Pass.

The first 10 attractions in the guide are must-see attractions and nearly all of these can be reached on foot if you are staying in the centre of Dublin. To get to Kilmainham Gaol, you will either need to take a bus or a taxi.

1. Visit Trinity College and The Book of Kells

Trinity College Dublin , officially known as the College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth near Dublin, is Ireland's oldest and most prestigious university. Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, the college is nestled in the heart of Dublin's city centre, offering a blend of historic charm and vibrant academic life. Its iconic campus is home to beautiful architecture, lush green spaces, and a lively community of students, faculty, and visitors from around the world.

The university is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, distinguished faculty, and contributions to research, innovation, and scholarship across a wide range of disciplines. Trinity College has educated many of Ireland's most notable figures in areas such as literature, science, politics, and the arts. Among its alumni are esteemed writers like Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, and Jonathan Swift, demonstrating the university's significant impact on Irish and global culture.

One of the most famous attractions on campus is the Old Library, an architectural masterpiece housing the Book of Kells , a 9th-century illuminated manuscript that is considered one of Ireland's greatest cultural treasures. The Long Room in the Old Library, with its vaulted ceilings and rows of ancient books, is often cited as one of the most beautiful library spaces in the world. It holds around 200,000 of the library’s oldest volumes and is adorned with marble busts of philosophers, writers, and Trinity College's own scholars.

Address : College Green, Dublin 2

2. Explore the Guinness Storehouse

The Guinness Storehouse , located in the heart of Dublin at St. James's Gate, is an iconic attraction that celebrates the rich history and enduring legacy of Ireland's most famous beer, Guinness. Housed in a former fermentation plant, the Storehouse has been transformed into a seven-story visitor experience, dedicated to the brewing process, the history of the Guinness family, and the global phenomenon that Guinness has become since its founding by Arthur Guinness in 1759.

As visitors ascend through the levels of the Storehouse, they are taken on a journey through the history of Guinness, from its origins in the 18th century to its growth into a global brand. Interactive exhibits and multimedia displays delve into the craft of brewing, the importance of ingredients, and the science behind the distinctive taste of Guinness. One of the highlights is the Tasting Rooms, where visitors can learn how to discern the different elements that make up the beer's complex flavour profile.

The Storehouse is not just about the past; it also offers insights into the brand's pioneering advertising campaigns, featuring the iconic Guinness harp, toucans, and memorable slogans that have contributed to its worldwide recognition. The Art of Guinness exhibition showcases the creativity and innovation behind these campaigns, highlighting the brand's significant impact on advertising and popular culture.

At the top of the Storehouse is the Gravity Bar, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of Dublin city. Here, visitors can enjoy a complimentary pint of Guinness while taking in the panoramic sights, making it a memorable end to the Guinness experience. The Gravity Bar's unique location and stunning views make it a must-visit spot for anyone coming to Dublin.

Address : St. James's Gate, Dublin 8, D08 VF8H

3. Stroll Through St. Stephen's Green

St. Stephen's Green , a verdant oasis nestled in the heart of Dublin, offers a tranquil retreat from the bustling city streets. Spanning over 22 acres, this historic park, which dates back to 1664, has evolved into one of Dublin's most beloved and picturesque public spaces. The Green was enclosed in 1664 and redesigned in the Victorian era to the layout we see today, with beautifully landscaped lawns, ornate flowerbeds, and a series of winding pathways that invite leisurely strolls.

The park is not only a haven for nature lovers but also a living museum, showcasing statues and memorials of Irish literary figures, historical personalities, and events. Among these are the memorials to W.B. Yeats, James Joyce, and the famine sculpture commemorating the Great Famine of the 19th century. Each monument tells a part of Ireland's rich history and cultural heritage, making a walk through the park an educational journey.

Central to St. Stephen's Green is a picturesque lake, home to ducks and swans, which provides a serene focal point within the park. The Victorian-era bandstand, still used for concerts during the summer months, adds a touch of historical charm and is a popular gathering spot for both locals and tourists.

4. Walk across the infamous Ha’penny Bridge

Walking across the infamous Ha'penny Bridge is a quintessential Dublin experience, connecting the north and south sides of the city over the River Liffey. Officially named the Liffey Bridge, it acquired its nickname due to the half-penny toll initially charged to cross it when it opened in 1816. This cast-iron pedestrian bridge, with its charming white railings and lamp posts, offers picturesque views of the river and the cityscape, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The bridge's unique design and historical significance have made it an iconic symbol of Dublin. Crossing the Ha'penny Bridge is not just about traversing from one side of the city to the other; it's about stepping through a piece of Dublin's rich history and enjoying a moment of connection with the heart of the Irish capital.

5. Discover Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle , with its deep historical roots stretching back to the Viking settlement in the 10th century, stands as a symbol of the complexity and continuity of Irish history. Located in the heart of Dublin, the castle has evolved from a medieval fortress into a major governmental complex, reflecting the changing political landscape of Ireland over the centuries.

Originally built in the early 13th century on the orders of King John of England, the castle served as the seat of English, and later British, administration in Ireland until 1922. Throughout its history, Dublin Castle has been a key site for ceremonial functions, including the inaugurations of the Presidents of Ireland and state receptions. Its architecture is a patchwork of styles, from the medieval Record Tower, the oldest surviving structure, to the neoclassical Chapel Royal, and the Victorian-era State Apartments, showcasing the castle's adaptation and transformation through time.

Today, Dublin Castle is open to the public, offering guided tours that explore its rich history, from the Viking excavations beneath the castle to the opulent State Apartments that hosted kings, queens, and presidents. The castle's rooms, including St. Patrick's Hall, the Throne Room, and the State Drawing Room, are filled with art and furnishings that tell the story of Ireland's political and social evolution.

The castle also hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events, making it a vibrant centre of Irish heritage and contemporary culture. The Chester Beatty Library, located within the castle grounds, is a must-visit for its extensive collection of manuscripts, rare books, and other artefacts from Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe, offering a global perspective on the art of the book.

Dublin Castle's significance goes beyond its historical and architectural value; it's a symbol of Irish sovereignty and independence, especially marked by the handover ceremony in 1922 that marked the end of British rule in most of Ireland. For visitors, the castle offers a journey through Ireland's complex past, showcasing the layers of history that have shaped the nation and its capital. Whether interested in medieval history, political heritage, or simply looking to explore one of Dublin's most iconic landmarks, Dublin Castle provides a unique and enriching experience.

Address : Dame St, Dublin 2

6. Explore the Kilmainham Gaol (Jail)

Kilmainham Gaol , stands as a monumental site in Irish history, encapsulating the turbulent journey towards Irish independence. Opened in 1796 and operational until 1924, this former prison played a pivotal role in the story of Ireland's struggle for freedom, housing many of the most prominent figures in Irish nationalism and republicanism.

The architecture of Kilmainham Gaol is stark and imposing, with its cold, stone walls and cramped cells offering a visceral glimpse into the harsh conditions faced by its inmates. The prison complex includes the older, Georgian section with its small, dark cells and the newer Victorian wing, notable for its panopticon layout designed to maximize surveillance of prisoners.

One of the most significant events associated with Kilmainham Gaol is the execution of leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising. The executions took place in the stonebreaker's yard within the prison grounds, marking a turning point in Irish history that galvanized support for independence. The leaders, including Patrick Pearse, James Connolly, and Joseph Plunkett, are commemorated at the site, and their stories are a central part of the gaol's narrative.

Today, Kilmainham Gaol operates as a museum, managed by the Office of Public Works. It offers guided tours that provide insights into not only the political significance of the site but also the social history of the time, including the conditions of poverty and crime that led many to its doors. The museum displays an extensive collection of memorabilia, letters, and artefacts that tell the personal stories of the men, women, and children who were imprisoned here.

The restoration of Kilmainham Gaol in the 1960s, led by volunteers, transformed the once derelict site into a place of national remembrance and reflection. The museum now serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of Irish freedom and the complex history of the country's path to independence.

Address : Inchicore Rd, Kilmainham, Dublin 8

7. Christ Church Cathedral - Marvel at Medieval Architecture

Founded c.1028, Christ Church Cathedral is one of Dublin's oldest and most significant buildings. With its magnificent nave, crypt, and treasury, the cathedral offers a journey through over 1,000 years of history, art, and architecture. Visitors can explore the medieval crypt, the oldest in Britain and Ireland, and view its treasures, including sacred relics and historical manuscripts. The cathedral's awe-inspiring beauty and historical depth make it a key attraction for those exploring Dublin's past.

Address : Christchurch Pl, Wood Quay, Dublin 8

8. Stop by the General Post Office (GPO)

The General Post Office (GPO) is more than just a functioning mail facility; it embodies Irish nationalism and stands as a crucial historical site. Situated on the lively O'Connell Street, the GPO captivates with its imposing façade, a masterpiece of Greek Revival architecture designed by Francis Johnston and completed in 1818. The structure is distinguished by its grand portico, featuring six fluted Ionic columns and adorned with statues and reliefs, establishing it as one of Dublin’s architectural treasures.

The GPO occupies a revered spot in Irish history due to its central role in the Easter Rising of 1916. It was the command post for the leaders of the uprising, marking the location where Patrick Pearse proclaimed the independence of the Irish Republic from British rule. This act ignited a series of events that would eventually lead to the creation of the Irish Free State. Evidence of the Rising, including bullet marks from the conflict, remains visible on the building’s exterior, serving as a stark reminder of its historical significance.

Beyond its postal duties, the interior of the GPO hosts the GPO Witness History Visitor Centre, an engaging exhibition that vividly recounts the Easter Rising. Through interactive exhibits, original artefacts, and compelling narratives, visitors gain insight into the importance of the uprising and its effect on Ireland’s path to independence. The exhibition offers a poignant look at the individual and collective stories of those involved, set against the backdrop of Ireland’s fight for sovereignty.

Address : O'Connell Street Lower, North City, Dublin 1, D01 F5P2

9. Visit the National Museum of Ireland (Archaeology)

Delve into Ireland's ancient past with a trip to the National Museum (Archaeology). Home to an extensive collection of Irish artefacts, the National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology offers a deep dive into the country's history. From prehistoric gold to Viking artefacts and the exquisite Tara Brooch, the museum's exhibits showcase the richness of Ireland's archaeological heritage, making it an enlightening visit for history buffs and curious travellers alike.

Address : Kildare Street, Dublin 2

10. Admire the Art at the National Gallery of Ireland

The National Gallery of Ireland , located in the heart of Dublin, is a treasure trove of European and Irish art, spanning the early thirteenth century to the present day. Established in 1854, the gallery is home to over 16,300 artworks, offering a comprehensive overview of European art history alongside a significant collection of Irish paintings, making it an essential visit for art lovers and cultural explorers alike.

Housed in an elegant, historically significant building that combines classical and modern architectural elements, the gallery provides a serene and inspiring environment for visitors to immerse themselves in the world of art. The collections encompass masterpieces by renowned artists such as Caravaggio, Vermeer, Monet, Picasso, and Jack B. Yeats, presenting an opportunity to experience the breadth and depth of artistic achievement across centuries and styles.

Address : Merrion Square W, Dublin 2, D02 K303

11. Visit St Patrick’s Cathedral

St Patrick's Cathedral stands as a monumental piece of Ireland's religious and architectural heritage. Founded in 1191, it is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland and the largest cathedral in the country. Built on the site where St. Patrick, Ireland's patron saint, is said to have baptized converts in the 5th century, this stunning Gothic structure is steeped in history and spiritual significance.

The cathedral's spire, rising to over 43 meters, dominates the surrounding skyline, offering a striking landmark in Dublin's historic landscape. Inside, visitors are greeted by an awe-inspiring interior that houses magnificent stained glass windows, intricate stone carvings, and an impressive array of historical flags. The cathedral also contains the tomb of Jonathan Swift, author of "Gulliver's Travels" and Dean of St Patrick's in the 18th century, among other notable figures.

Address : St Patrick's Close, Dublin, D08 H6X3

12. Catch a Live Music Session in Temple Bar

Immerse yourself in Dublin's vibrant music scene. Temple Bar is synonymous with Dublin's lively nightlife and music scene. This bustling area is filled with pubs and venues hosting live music sessions nightly, offering a mix of traditional Irish folk music and contemporary tunes. A night spent in Temple Bar, with its energetic atmosphere and foot-tapping melodies, is an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Dublin's social life, making it a must-visit for music lovers and night owls alike. Many Pubs mentioned in my guide to the best pubs in Dublin hold Live Music sessions.

13. Take a Literary Pub Crawl

Experience Dublin's famed literary tradition in a unique way. This guided tour is a must for literature lovers, combining the joy of Irish pub culture with the city's rich literary heritage. As you visit the favourite haunts of famous writers like James Joyce and Samuel Beckett, actors perform scenes and recite lines from their works, offering a lively and entertaining way to explore Dublin's literary landmarks and enjoy a pint or two along the way.

14. Discover the secrets of Irish whiskey at the Jameson Distillery

A visit to the Jameson Distillery on Bow Street offers an immersive experience of the world of Irish whiskey. Through guided tours , guests learn about the history of Jameson, the whiskey-making process, and even partake in whiskey-tasting sessions. The distillery blends rich historical narrative with interactive experiences, making it a favourite for both whiskey aficionados and curious newcomers eager to explore the spirit of Ireland.

Address : Bow St, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 N9VH

15. The Jeanie Johnston: An Irish Famine Story

The Jeanie Johnston is a replica of a 19th-century famine ship that transported thousands of Irish emigrants to North America. The ship, moored along the River Liffey, offers guided tours that tell the stories of those who fled the Great Famine. Visitors gain insights into the harsh conditions aboard famine ships and the hopes of emigrants seeking a new life. It's a moving tribute to resilience and survival, offering a profound historical perspective.

Address : Custom House Quay, North Dock, Dublin 1, D01 KF84

16. The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)

The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), located in the historic Royal Hospital Kilmainham, is Ireland's leading national institution for the collection and presentation of modern and contemporary art. Renowned for its dynamic and diverse exhibitions, IMMA offers visitors an unparalleled exploration of art from the 20th and 21st centuries, showcasing works by both Irish and international artists.

Housed in a magnificent 17th-century building, which is an architectural masterpiece in its own right, IMMA stands on extensive grounds that include formal gardens and a medieval burial site, providing a serene backdrop to the museum's cutting-edge artistic offerings. The juxtaposition of contemporary art within the classical architecture of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham makes a visit to IMMA a visually stunning experience.

Address : Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Military Rd, Kilmainham, Dublin 8

17. Glasnevin Cemetery

Glasnevin Cemetery , sprawling across Dublin's northside, is far more than a burial ground; it's a profound historical and cultural landmark. Founded in 1832, it encompasses over 1.5 million stories of Ireland's past, including those of political figures, poets, and revolutionaries who shaped the nation's history. Esteemed names like Daniel O’Connell, Michael Collins, and Éamon de Valera were laid to rest here, making it a pilgrimage site for those wishing to connect with Ireland's turbulent yet inspiring history. The cemetery offers guided tours that weave through the intricately carved Celtic crosses and Victorian mausoleums, telling tales of heroism, tragedy, and the quest for independence. Glasnevin is also home to the fascinating National Botanic Gardens, providing a serene escape amidst the historical narratives etched into its landscape. This site is not just about remembrance; it's a celebration of the Irish spirit and resilience.

Address : Finglas Rd, Glasnevin, Dublin, D11 H2TH

18. Dublinia: Experience Viking and Medieval Dublin

Step back in time to explore Dublin's Viking and Medieval past. Dublinia is an interactive museum located at the historic crossroads of the medieval city of Christchurch. It brings to life the era of the Vikings and the Middle Ages in Dublin through engaging exhibitions and recreated historical scenes. Visitors can learn about life in the city during these times, from the Viking raids to the daily grind of medieval Dubliners. It's a fascinating, family-friendly attraction that makes history fun and accessible.

Address : St Michaels Hill Christ Church, Dublin 8

19. The Little Museum of Dublin

The Little Museum of Dublin , situated in a Georgian townhouse on St. Stephen's Green, offers a charming and intimate exploration of Dublin's 20th-century history. This museum, which has quickly become one of the city's most beloved cultural attractions since its opening in 2011, tells the story of the Irish capital through a vast collection of over 5,000 artefacts, all donated by the public. It's a museum that truly belongs to the people of Dublin, reflecting the city's spirit, struggles, and triumphs over the last century.

Each room in the museum is meticulously curated to showcase different aspects of Dublin life, from the rise of U2 to the visit of John F. Kennedy, capturing the essence of the city's social, cultural, and political landscape. The museum's collection includes photographs, letters, postcards, and personal items that bring personal stories and historical events to life in a way that is both engaging and informative.

Address : 15 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, D02 Y066

20. Go Shopping on Grafton Street

Experience Dublin's premier shopping destination with a stroll down Grafton Street. This street is not just a shopping street; it's a vibrant hub of activity, street performers, and historic charm. Lined with a mix of high-end retailers, quaint boutiques, and traditional Irish shops, it offers a diverse shopping experience. As you wander down the pedestrianized street, enjoy the lively atmosphere, street musicians, and the chance to pick up everything from luxury goods to unique Irish crafts, making it a must-visit for shopping enthusiasts.

21. The National Leprechaun Museum

The National Leprechaun Museum takes visitors on a magical journey through the folklore and fairy tales of Ireland. Through captivating storytelling and interactive exhibits, this unique museum explores the origins and stories of the leprechaun and other Irish myths. It's a whimsical and entertaining experience that shines a light on the rich tapestry of Irish culture and its belief in the supernatural, making it a delightful visit for those curious about Ireland's mythical past.

Address : 2-3, Mary's Abbey, North City, Dublin, D07 X6R6

22. The EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is an award-winning, state-of-the-art interactive experience located in Dublin's Docklands. It tells the powerful and inspiring story of the 10 million Irish people who have emigrated across the globe. Through 20 themed galleries, visitors explore the profound impact of Irish emigrants on the world, in areas such as arts, science, politics, and sports. It's a modern, engaging way to understand the global dimension of Irish history and culture.

Address : The Chq Building, Custom House Quay, North Dock, Dublin 1

23. Samuel Beckett Bridge

The Samuel Beckett Bridge, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, is a striking feature of Dublin's skyline. Resembling a harp lying on its edge, the bridge symbolizes Ireland's cultural emblem and offers a modern contrast to the city's historic landscape. It's not only a functional pedestrian and vehicle bridge over the River Liffey but also a piece of public art that reflects Dublin's forward-looking spirit. A walk across provides beautiful views of the city and the river, especially at night.

24. The Iveagh Gardens

Tucked away behind the busy streets, the Iveagh Gardens are one of Dublin's best-kept secrets. This tranquil park offers a quiet escape with its cascading waterfalls, maze of pathways, and beautifully maintained lawns and flowerbeds. Originally designed in the 19th century for the Earls of Iveagh, the gardens' unique blend of landscape styles makes it a picturesque retreat in the heart of the city, perfect for a peaceful stroll or a leisurely picnic.

Address : St Stephen's Green, Park, Dublin 2, D02 HX65

25. Teeling Whiskey Distillery

As the first new distillery in Dublin in over 125 years, Teeling Whiskey Distillery marks the revival of the city's storied whiskey tradition. Visitors can take a tour to learn about the distillation process, discover the family's whiskey-making heritage, and sample some of the award-winning spirits. The distillery's modern approach to an ancient craft, combined with its warm, welcoming atmosphere, makes it a standout destination for those interested in the art of whiskey production.

Address : 13-17 Newmarket, The Liberties, Dublin 8, D08 KD91

26. The Spire of Dublin

The Spire of Dublin, officially titled the Monument of Light, is a striking stainless steel monument that pierces the city's skyline. Standing 120 meters tall on O'Connell Street, it's one of the world's tallest sculptures and symbolizes Dublin's place in the 21st century. Visible from various parts of the city, the Spire is a modern landmark that contrasts with the historic architecture surrounding it, offering a unique photo opportunity and a reference point for exploring the city centre.

27. The Royal Canal Way

The Royal Canal Way is a picturesque walking and cycling route that follows the towpath of the Royal Canal through Dublin and into the Irish countryside. Offering a peaceful and green escape from the urban environment, the trail is perfect for leisurely strolls, jogs, or bike rides. Along the way, you'll encounter historic bridges, locks, and restored canal buildings, providing a glimpse into Ireland's industrial heritage while enjoying the canal's serene beauty.

28. Explore Dublin's Docklands

The Docklands area, once a bustling industrial port, has been transformed into a vibrant cultural and business district. With modern architecture, riverside walkways, and an array of cafes, restaurants, and tech company headquarters, it's a testament to Dublin's dynamic evolution. The area also hosts several art installations and the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship, making it a fascinating blend of old and new. The Docklands is perfect for those looking to experience the contemporary pulse of the city.

29. The Irish Rock 'n' Roll Museum Experience

This museum is a must-visit for music enthusiasts, offering an immersive journey through Ireland's rock and roll history. Located in the Temple Bar music complex, it celebrates the achievements of Irish music icons like U2, Thin Lizzy, Van Morrison and Rory Gallagher. Through memorabilia, instruments, and interactive exhibits, visitors can dive deep into the stories of these artists and even record their own music. It's a vibrant tribute to the country's rich musical heritage.

Address : Curved St, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 RD26

30. Merrion Square - Stroll through Georgian Dublin

Merrion Square, surrounded by Georgian townhouses and the former homes of notable figures like Oscar Wilde, is one of Dublin's most elegant parks. Its central location makes it a perfect spot for a leisurely walk, with colourful flower beds, a statue of Wilde, and an array of historical plaques. On weekends, the park hosts an art market where local artists display their work, adding a cultural dimension to this picturesque square.

31. O'Connell Street

O'Connell Street, stretching through the heart of Dublin, is one of the city's most famous and historic thoroughfares. As Dublin's main street, it has played a central role in Ireland's social, political, and cultural history, witnessing many of the nation's key historical moments. Named after Daniel O'Connell, a prominent 19th-century nationalist leader whose statue stands at its lower end near O'Connell Bridge, the street embodies the spirit of Irish independence and resilience.

The street is renowned for its mix of architectural styles, ranging from the Georgian period to the modern day, and is lined with significant monuments and buildings. Among these are the General Post Office (GPO), Spire of Dublin and the statue of James Larkin, a famous Irish trade union leader and social activist, commemorating his contribution to Irish labour history.

The street's wide pavements are bustling with life, hosting a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. It's a place where you can experience the vibrancy of Dublin city life, from street performers to public demonstrations, showcasing the dynamic and evolving nature of the city.

32. Irish Whiskey Museum

The Irish Whiskey Museum offers a captivating journey through the history and resurgence of Ireland's beloved spirit. Uniquely independent from distilleries, the museum provides an unbiased exploration of Irish whiskey's rich heritage, its rise to global prominence, its dramatic fall, and its recent revival as a cornerstone of Irish culture. Situated in the heart of Dublin, just across from the iconic Trinity College, the museum is perfectly located to begin or end a day of exploring the city.

Visitors to the museum are treated to a guided tour that delves into the origins of whiskey-making in Ireland, featuring stories that date back to the 12th century. The museum's expert guides bring the history of Irish whiskey to life, from its earliest days through to its golden age in the 19th century, its near extinction in the 20th century, and its current global renaissance. Along the way, guests can admire the museum's extensive collection of whiskey memorabilia, including vintage bottles, advertising posters, and distilling equipment.

One of the highlights of the Irish Whiskey Museum experience is the tasting session. Depending on the ticket option, visitors can sample several premium Irish whiskeys, learning to appreciate the subtleties of flavour, aroma, and colour that distinguish each variety. For enthusiasts eager to deepen their knowledge, the museum offers a blending experience where participants can create their own unique blend of whiskey to take home.

Address : 119 Grafton Street, Dublin, D02 E620

33. Visit The National Wax Museum Plus

The National Wax Museum offers a unique and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages, blending history, culture, and fun in an interactive setting. Located in the heart of the city, this engaging attraction takes you on a journey through various themed sections, showcasing life-like wax figures of famous personalities from Irish history, entertainment, science, and even fictional characters.

As you wander through the museum, you'll encounter sections dedicated to Ireland's rich literary heritage, featuring celebrated writers like James Joyce and W.B. Yeats, standing side by side with contemporary figures from the worlds of music, cinema, and sport. The museum's historical section provides a tangible connection to Ireland's past, with figures of key individuals who have shaped the nation's story, from ancient Celtic leaders to modern political figures.

One of the highlights is the Chamber of Horrors, offering a spine-tingling experience with its depiction of gruesome figures and scenes from horror stories. For those looking for a more light-hearted adventure, the museum also includes a fantasy section filled with beloved characters from fairy tales and popular culture, making it a hit with younger visitors.

Address : 22-25 Westmoreland St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2

34. Take in a Concert at the 3Olympia Theatre

The Olympia Theatre , nestled in the heart of Dublin on Dame Street, is one of the city's most cherished and iconic performance venues. With a history dating back to 1879, when it opened as the "Star of Erin Music Hall," the theatre has undergone several transformations, evolving into the prestigious venue it is today. Known for its stunning Victorian architecture and intimate atmosphere, the Olympia Theatre provides a unique setting for a wide range of performances, from live music concerts and theatrical productions to comedy shows and pantomimes.

The theatre's interior exudes charm and character, with ornate plasterwork, a grand proscenium arch, and a classic red and gold colour scheme that transports audiences back in time. Despite its historic ambience, the Olympia Theatre has kept pace with modern technology, offering state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems that enhance the viewing experience.

Over the years, the Olympia Theatre has played host to a diverse array of talent, including both international stars and local performers, making it a pivotal platform for the arts in Dublin. Legends such as David Bowie, Adele, and REM have graced its stage, alongside a multitude of Irish artists who regard performing at the Olympia as a milestone in their careers.

Address : 72 Dame St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 K135

35. Museum of Literature Ireland

The Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI), a relatively recent addition to Dublin's cultural landscape, is a celebration of the country's rich literary tradition and its renowned writers. Located in the historic Newman House on St. Stephen's Green, the museum opened its doors in 2019 as a collaboration between University College Dublin and the National Library of Ireland. MoLI is dedicated to exploring the lives and works of Irish writers, with a particular emphasis on James Joyce, one of Ireland's most celebrated literary figures.

MoLI is not just a museum; it's an immersive experience that invites visitors to delve into the world of Irish literature through interactive exhibits, original manuscripts, personal letters, and rare editions. The museum's exhibitions are designed to inspire and educate, offering insights into the social and historical contexts that shaped the works of Ireland's literary giants.

One of the museum's highlights is the original copy of James Joyce's "Ulysses," considered one of the most important works of modernist literature. Alongside this, the museum features a variety of temporary and permanent exhibitions that showcase the breadth of Irish literary talent, from early writers to contemporary voices.

Address : 86 St Stephen's Green, Saint Kevin's, Dublin, D02 XY43

To visit any of these attractions you will either have to use public transport or take a taxi. Although the buses are the most popular mode of public transport in Dublin, the Luas trams are far more reliable but the Luas only covers a very limited area in Dublin.

36. Phoenix Park - Europe's largest enclosed public park

Phoenix Park is a sprawling green oasis in the city, offering visitors a multitude of activities and attractions. Home to the Dublin Zoo, the President of Ireland's residence, and numerous monuments, the park is perfect for cycling, picnicking, and wildlife watching. Its vast open spaces and herds of wild deer create a sense of wilderness in the heart of Dublin, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and recreation.

37. Wander Through the Dublin Zoo

A fun-filled day for families and animal lovers. Located in the expansive Phoenix Park, Dublin Zoo is one of the oldest and most respected zoos in the world. It offers a fantastic opportunity to see a diverse range of animals in habitats designed to replicate their natural environments. From the African Savannah to the Indian Rainforest, visitors can learn about wildlife conservation and enjoy close encounters with species from across the globe, making it an enjoyable and educational experience for all ages.

Address : Saint James, Dublin 8

38. Take a Day Trip to Malahide Castle and Gardens

Malahide Castle and Gardens , located just north of Dublin in the picturesque seaside town of Malahide, is a magnificent historical estate that offers visitors a glimpse into Ireland's rich past alongside the beauty of one of the country's most spectacular botanical collections. The castle, with origins dating back to the 12th century, was the home of the Talbot family for nearly 800 years, making it not only a site of immense historical significance but also a testament to the endurance of Irish heritage through the centuries.

The castle itself is a stunning example of medieval architecture, with additions and renovations reflecting various styles throughout its long history. Inside, visitors are treated to beautifully furnished rooms and an extensive collection of Irish portraiture, providing insights into the lives of the castle's inhabitants over the ages. Guided tours of Malahide Castle reveal fascinating stories of family history, local lore, and the political intrigue that has shaped Ireland.

Surrounding the castle, the gardens are a true horticultural wonderland, spanning over 260 acres of parkland. They feature a remarkable variety of plant species, including several rare specimens, in beautifully designed landscapes such as the Victorian Walled Garden, the Butterfly House, and the extensive greenhouse collections. The gardens are renowned for their seasonal displays, which provide a colourful and ever-changing backdrop to the estate.

Address : Back Rd, Malahide Demesne, Malahide

39. National Botanic Gardens

The National Botanic Gardens , nestled in the suburb of Glasnevin, offers a serene and verdant escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Established in 1795, these gardens serve not only as a tranquil haven for visitors but also as a centre of scientific research and conservation, housing over 15,000 plant species from around the globe in both outdoor and greenhouse settings.

Spanning 19.5 hectares, the gardens are renowned for their exquisite plant collections, including rare and endangered species, meticulously arranged in beautifully landscaped settings. The Victorian-era glasshouses, such as the Turner Curvilinear Range and the Great Palm House, are architectural marvels in their own right, housing exotic plants from the world's tropical and subtropical regions.

Address : Glasnevin, Dublin 9, D09 VY63

40. Aviva Stadium Tour

Sports fans will relish the opportunity to tour the Aviva Stadium , home to Ireland's national rugby and soccer teams. The stadium's cutting-edge design and state-of-the-art facilities are on full display during the tour, which includes access to the players' tunnel, dressing rooms, and VIP areas. Learning about the stadium's architectural marvels and its role in hosting major international sporting events makes this experience a highlight for those interested in the world of sports.

41. Rathfarnham Castle - Discover a hidden historical gem

Rathfarnham Castle , nestled in the suburbs of Dublin, is a beautifully restored 16th-century castle with a fascinating history. Originally built as a defensive fortress, it has been transformed over the centuries into an elegant family home. Today, visitors can explore its ornate interiors, period furniture, and art collections, as well as enjoy the peaceful gardens surrounding the castle. It offers a quieter, off-the-beaten-path experience for those interested in architecture and Irish history.

Address : Rathfarnham Rd, Rathfarnham, Dublin, D14 K3T6

42. Howth Cliff Walk

Just a short train ride on the DART from Dublin, the Howth Cliff Walk offers stunning coastal scenery, wildlife spotting opportunities, and panoramic views of Dublin Bay. This looped walk around the Howth Peninsula is suitable for all fitness levels and provides a tranquil escape from the city. Along the way, you'll encounter lighthouses, golf courses, and perhaps even seals lounging on the rocks below. It's the perfect outdoor activity for nature lovers and those seeking a scenic adventure.

43. Go to a match at Croke Park

Croke Park  is not just an iconic sports stadium; it's a cultural institution and the heart of Gaelic games in Ireland. With a capacity of over 87,500, it ranks among the largest stadiums in Europe, serving as the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). Croke Park hosts the annual All-Ireland finals in Gaelic football and hurling, drawing fans from across the country and beyond, uniting them in their passion for these traditional sports. Beyond its role in sports, Croke Park is steeped in history, notably the tragic events of Bloody Sunday in 1920. The stadium also features the GAA Museum, offering insights into the games' heritage and the stadium's unique place in Irish society.

Address : Jones' Rd, Drumcondra, Dublin 3

44. Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre

Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre , located in the picturesque coastal town of Dalkey, just south of Dublin, is a multi-faceted attraction that offers visitors a unique glimpse into medieval Ireland. This historic site, which dates back to the 14th century, seamlessly combines the rich history of Dalkey with interactive and engaging experiences, making it a must-visit for history buffs, families, and anyone interested in Ireland's past.

The centrepiece of the attraction is Dalkey Castle itself, one of the seven fortified townhouses/castles built along the coast to store goods brought into Dublin by ship. The castle has been excellently preserved and restored, allowing visitors to explore its ancient walls, climb the battlements for stunning views of the sea and surrounding landscape, and even witness live demonstrations of medieval cooking, archery, and weaponry by actors in period costume, bringing the history of the place vividly to life.

The Heritage Centre also delves into the local history and culture with exhibits on the town's importance as a bustling port during the Middle Ages. It features information on the lives of the merchants, the significance of the local quarrying industry, and the literary figures who have called Dalkey home.

Guided tours of Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre are available, led by knowledgeable guides who share fascinating stories and insights into the historical significance of the site and the broader region. These tours are highly recommended, as they offer an in-depth exploration of the castle's architecture, historical uses, and the daily life of its inhabitants during medieval times.

Address : Castle St, Dalkey, Dublin, A96 DE61

Dublin, with its blend of historical depth, cultural richness, and natural beauty, offers something for everyone. Whether you're exploring ancient castles, enjoying the lively streets, or taking in the serene beauty of its parks and gardens, Dublin invites you to discover its many treasures. Each of these 44 best things to do in Dublin provides a unique way to experience the city, ensuring that your visit is full of memorable moments and insights into the vibrant heart of Ireland.

Book Your Accommodation

To book a hostel in Dublin, always use HostelWorld to get the best possible price. Below is a selection of my favourite hostels in Dublin .

• Gardiner House  - located in a historic Georgian building in Dublin's city centre, is close to key attractions like O'Connell Street and Croke Park. Its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere makes it a favourite among travellers seeking comfort and a social environment.
• The Times Hostel - situated in Dublin's lively College Street area, is steps away from Trinity College and Temple Bar. It boasts a friendly, energetic vibe, making it ideal for backpackers eager to explore Dublin's cultural and nightlife scenes.
• Generator Hostel  is nestled in the trendy Smithfield area, is adjacent to the Jameson Distillery and near the Guinness Storehouse. Known for its chic, industrial design and sociable atmosphere, it's a hub for creative and adventurous travellers.

Recommended Tours in Dublin

I recommend  GetYourGuide for Tours. They offer highly unique tours mainly with Local Dublin Guides.

Nearby Hostel Guide Destinations

• Best hostels in London
• Best Hostels in Edinburgh
• Best Hostels in Paris
• Best Hostels in Amsterdam

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Dublin city: top attractions

First time in Dublin? Here are some uniquely Dublin attractions you shouldn’t miss.

Dublin City

First time in Dublin? Here are some uniquely Dublin attractions you shouldn’t miss

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Guinness Storehouse

1. The Guinness Storehouse

It takes a LOT to become iconic, but Guinness has done it. The “Black Stuff” may be famous the world over, but this slow-settling porter started off life in St James’s Gate at the heart of old Dublin. Back in 1759, an enterprising brewer by the name of Arthur Guinness took out a 9,000-year lease on the brewery here for an annual rent of £45. A couple of centuries later, the Storehouse was born. Built in the style of the Chicago School of Architecture 1904, it was originally used as a fermentation house. Today it’s Ireland’s number one visitor attraction – a gleaming, multimedia exhibition on everything from retro advertising to the craft of brewing, topped off with a pint in the 360-degree Gravity Bar. When you get there, don’t forget to raise your glass to Arthur’s wonderful creation!

3 other ways to try Guinness in Dublin

St Patrick's Cathedral

2. St Patrick's and Christ Church Cathedrals

Ancient, dramatic and intriguing, Dublin’s two cathedrals make a striking pair. Built beside a well where Ireland’s patron saint baptized converts, St Patrick’s dates back to 1220 and is filled with monuments, 19 th -century stained glass and a beautiful Lady Chapel. 

Just a 10-minute walk away, Christ Church has attracted pilgrims for almost 1,000 years, and today one of its biggest attractions is its medieval crypt. There are plenty of other reasons to visit, but some may be fascinated by the Chapel of St Laurence O’Toole… a heart-shaped shrine contains the saint’s embalmed heart.

3 other churches to explore

The Long Room Library, Trinity College Dublin

3. The Book of Kells and Trinity College

With a backstory that includes monks, Vikings and remote Scottish islands, the Book of Kells will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. This glorious Early Christian illuminated manuscript is quite simply a masterpiece. Located within Trinity College’s Treasury, the tour here includes a visit to the Long Room Library , one of Europe’s most magnificent libraries housing over 200,000 of Trinity’s oldest books. 

Afterwards, wander around the charming campus of Trinity, which dates back to 1592 and boasts an impressive list of alumni including Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde and Jonathan Swift. The Front Square and Campanile are a delight, while the college also houses the modern Science Gallery , and the Douglas Hyde Gallery , with changing contemporary art exhibitions. 

3 more gems to discover

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

4. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

Located in the historic vaults of the CHQ Building at Custom House Quay, you'll find the two-time winner of Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum . The museum delves into the past of Ireland's diaspora in brilliant interactive detail, and the state-of-the-art visitor experience explores the inspiring journeys of over 10 million people who left Ireland's shores throughout history. Fancy learning more about your Irish ancestry? The Irish Family History Centre is also located here, where you can access valuable records, speak with a genealogy expert and join the online community of people on a quest to learn about their Irish roots.

If you're looking for another location laden in lineage,  Glasnevin Cemetery is a treasure trove of records accounting for 1.5million burials – in fact, you could say a visit here will give you an intriguing look into the birth of the nation.

Don't miss...

The Courtyard, Dublin Castle

5. Dublin Castle

Perched on the site of a Danish Viking fortress from 930AD, and with its first stone cast by King John of England in 1230, Dublin Castle’s historical significance did not stop there. Under British rule from that point until 1921 (it was a key target during the 1916 Easter Rising), it has been a court, a fortress, even a site of execution in its time, and its architecture has evolved and grown with each metamorphasis. 

In truth, it feels more like a rambling campus than an actual castle – not many turrets in sight – but it’s the setting for every big state event, including presidential inaugurations. Wander the grounds, or take a guided tour to the state apartments, medieval undercroft and the Chapel Royal.

Did you know?

Kilmainham Gaol

6. Kilmainham Gaol

There’s a real “wow” moment that comes with walking into the East Wing of Kilmainham Gaol . Eerie, vast and deserted, the jail is the largest unoccupied prison in Europe and holds countless tales within its thick, cold walls. 

By the time it had closed in 1924, many of Ireland’s foremost political figures had passed through its cells, including Robert Emmet, Charles Stewart Parnell, President Eamon de Valera, and the leaders of the 1916 Rising (14 of whom were executed in the stonecutter’s yard). The tour here gives a dramatic insight into the history of this forbidding prison, with its overcrowding, hardship and brutal conditions. A definite don’t miss. 

History comes to life

The National Gallery of Ireland

7. Dublin's Free Museums

Gaze at one of the largest and most spellbinding gold collections in Europe; come “face to face” with the incredible preserved bodies of Iron Age people; and look in wonder at a 4,500-year-old log boat from County Galway. The National Museum of Ireland  is just one of the city’s must-visit museums, housed within a lovely Palladian building from 1890. 

And it doesn’t stop there. The National Gallery of Ireland includes wonderful European and Irish fine art, with an acclaimed collection of works by Irish painter Jack B Yeats. Soak up the past and see Irish design through the ages at the National Museum of Decorative Arts and History in Collins Barracks, and head to the Hugh Lane Gallery to see the world-renowned Francis Bacon Studio. And the really good news? Admission is free!   

3 more to explore for free

St Stephen's Green

8. City Parks

Whether you want to spend the evening watching a retro film in a leafy Georgian square or potter around a lunchtime farmers' market, Dublin’s parks will fit the bill. Cherished and adored, the city’s green spaces include the hidden oasis of Iveagh Gardens (perfect for afternoon picnics) and the city center gem of St Stephen’s Green , which was used for public executions until the 1770s.

Make like a local by spending an afternoon cycling through the Phoenix Park , one of Europe’s largest enclosed city parks – with a large herd of fallow deer for company; seek out the statue of Oscar Wilde in Merrion Square ; or take time out at Dubh Linn Gardens , tucked just behind Dublin Castle. Urban bliss.

Little Museum of Dublin

9. Little Museum of Dublin

Tucked away on St Stephen’s Green is the Little Museum of Dublin , an eccentric collection of fascinating items donated by Dubliners themselves. Intricately curated and thoughtfully displayed, the museum is a delightful place to spend an unhurried afternoon, uncovering a more intimate history of Dublin in the 20 th century through photography, letters, advertising and art. Music fans will particularly enjoy the second-floor exhibition – U2 Made in Dublin, which charts the story of the city’s most famous rock band from 1976 to the present day. Afterwards, head downstairs to the basement kitchen of Hatch & Sons for a hearty lunch of traditional Irish smoked fish. 

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40 most iconic things to do in dublin (in 2024).

As the capital of the Republic of Ireland, the city of Dublin is a must-see on your next visit. This vibrant city is full of history, beauty, and life! Discover the most iconic things to do in Dublin.

We love Ireland so much! We had the opportunity to live there several years ago and it holds a special place in our hearts. Since we were living on the eastern side of the island, we had many opportunities to visit Dublin. I wanted to share some of my favorite secret spots but also the most iconic places in Dublin that you should see.

Famous for its welcoming locals, rich literary heritage, and thriving nightlife, Dublin is one of the most popular European cities to visit. It doesn’t hurt that it has a busy international airport and is in a convenient location between the edge of Europe and the North Atlantic Ocean, too!

Ireland’s capital sits on the east coast of the country straddling the River Liffey. Once a port city but now a cultural hotspot, there are plenty of amazing things to do in Dublin, Ireland for everyone.

No Dublin itinerary is complete without strolling through one of the city’s spacious city parks, learning about Irish history at the museums, and sampling the local cuisine. And that also includes Ireland’s liquid cuisine!

This is a full list of all the best things to do Dublin, Ireland so you can choose what appeals to you. No matter what you end up doing when you visit Dublin, you’re sure to have an exciting and memorable vacation in the capital of the Emerald Isle.

Before You Go

Before visiting Dublin, you may want to consider purchasing a Go City Dublin Pass . This pass will cover many of the ticketed things to do in Dublin and will save you some money. You can check out all the activities offered on the Go City Dublin Pass here.

1. Temple Bar

Once upon a time, The Temple Bar was literally the name of just one bar on the southern banks of the river in Dublin city center. Cut to almost 200 years later, Temple Bar is a bustling neighborhood full of narrow, cobbled streets lined with pub after pub after pub.

Yes, Temple Bar is the go-to place for nightlife if you’re looking for cool Dublin things to do. Pubs are crowded with bachelor and bachelorette parties and big groups of friends all hoping to have a wild night out.

Most pubs in Temple Bar will hire DJs to entertain the troops with live music in the wee hours. But earlier in the evening, you can find fiddlers and guitar players playing traditional Irish music.

Oliver St John Gogarty is a great pub that hosts Irish music performers every night, and the original letterbox-red The Temple Bar is always a winner. If you’re seeking a quieter corner of the neighborhood to enjoy your pint without fear of spilling it as you wrestle through the crowds, head to The Auld Dubliner instead.

2. St Patrick’s Cathedral

St Patrick’s Cathedral isn’t just Ireland’s national cathedral, but it’s also Ireland’s largest church. It dates back to 1220 and has an early English Gothic architectural style. While slightly south of Dublin city center, St Patrick’s Cathedral is close to lots of other top attractions like Dublin Castle and St Stephens Green.

Ireland’s largest cathedral measures almost 300 ft/91 meters long and the nave is 56 ft/17 meters high. This massive cathedral is well worth visiting at any time as you’ll also be able to stroll around St Patrick’s Park next-door too. Look up their event schedule ahead of time as there might be a music recital or special performance you can attend.

3. Learn the History of Dublin

Dublin is full of history, both ancient and modern. What’s so fascinating is that the Republic of Ireland is actually a relatively new country. Just around 100 years old. Learning about the revolution and the creation of the Republic is fascinating. Take this amazing History Tour of Dublin and learn about the 1916 Easter Rising and more.

4. Taste the Best Food in Dublin

One of the best ways to experience the culture of Dublin is by trying all the amazing food. Ireland is never listed as one of the top countries for amazing food, but after living in Ireland, I promise you can find good food and I’m not just talking about pub food or fish and chips (although I’m not complaining about either of those). I recommend booking a food tour in Dublin to have a local help you discover some of the best eats in the city.

5. Guinness Storehouse

Without a doubt, the Guinness Storehouse is the number one attraction in Dublin and what many people would say is the best thing to do in Dublin, Ireland, period. It’s a must on any Dublin itinerary! Book your tickets online so you can avoid the long lines outside.

The Guinness Storehouse is the birthplace of Guinness, the world-renowned stout beer. Its history dates back to 1759 when Arthur Guinness leased the property in St James’s Gate at a rate of £45 per year for 9,000 years. This was back when Ireland was ruled by Britain and used the British pound as currency and people were very optimistic about business ventures!

Today, it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions for visitors of all ages. There is absolutely no age restriction so you can take your kids and there’s a good chance they’ll enjoy it too!

The Guinness Storehouse isn’t a guided tour, it’s an interactive experience. You’ll walk through the history, the brewing method, and even old Guinness advertisements. You have the opportunity to learn how to pour your own pint (it’s a lot trickier than you might think!) or have the experts pour one with a shamrock design on top. Kids get a soft drink included in their ticket.

The Gravity Bar at the end of the tour offers panoramic views across Dublin where you can sit and relax with your pint. During festive seasons like St Patrick’s Day, the Guinness Storehouse hires traditional Irish music performers and river dancers which is a unique cultural experience.

6. St Stephen’s Green

Downtown Dublin has lots of small block parks where you can sit on a bench and take a load off for a while. One of the best parks in Dublin has to be St Stephen’s Green.

It’s a square park surrounded by beautiful Georgian townhouses with brightly-colored doors. Perfect for Instagram! In St Stephen’s Green, there’s a small lake and children’s playground with lots of statues and dedications to Irish historical figures.

There’s a memorial to Irish poet W. B. Yeats, Republican Leader Robert Emmet, political figure Wolfe Tone, and Constance Markievicz who was the first elected member of parliament in Europe! St Stephen’s Green is a must-visit on a beautiful summer’s day in Dublin.

7. Dublin Castle

No European capital city is complete without a grand, historic castle. Luckily, Dublin Castle isn’t perched on the edge of the city in an inconvenient location but right in the center. Visiting the castle is one of the top things to do in Dublin, Ireland.

Dublin Castle dates back to 1204 when King John of England built it as a fortress, court of law, prison, and treasury. It was the heart of the British administration in Ireland for over 700 years until Irish independence in the 1920s.

Today, Dublin Castle has two museums, many well-appointed staterooms, a library, a chapel, a café, and beautifully manicured lawns. If you’re a fan of manor houses and stately homes then you’ll love visiting Dublin Castle too!

8. Trinity College Dublin and The Book of Kells

You might know about Dublin’s literary greats like Jonathan Swift, James Joyce, and Oscar Wilde. But did you know that Dublin is also a UNESCO City of Literature and there’s an old library there with one of the most valuable and important books in the world?

Trinity College Dublin is Ireland’s oldest university and a must-do in Dublin city center. It dates back to 1592. One of the university’s most historic buildings is Trinity College Library . No amount of description will do this library justice except that the rows of dusty books and dark wooden shelves resemble something out of Harry Potter.

Known as Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure, Trinity College Library owns a book called The Book of Kells. It’s a religious manuscript created by Celtic monks containing four gospels from the New Testament of the Bible. It dates back to around 800 making it one of the top eight oldest books in existence.

It provides quite the history lesson and the rest of the Trinity College campus is very picturesque too.

9. Irish Whiskey Museum

Guinness isn’t the only alcoholic beverage created in Ireland. Irish whiskey deserves a mention too! And where better to taste a dram or two and learn about the history and distillery process than the Irish Whiskey Museum? It’s one of the most fun things to do in Dublin, Ireland for couples.

At the Irish Whiskey Museum, you will have a tour guide who will take you through the interactive exhibits before trying no less than three whiskeys at the end. Afterward, you’ll be able to understand the differences between Irish, Scotch, and other types of whiskey and the factors that affect the tasting profile.

It’s good to note that the museum stays open until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays just in case you didn’t feel like drinking strong alcoholic beverages during the day!

10. Christ Church Cathedral

Dublin has not one but two cathedrals and visiting them both is one of the best things to do in Dublin. Christ Church Cathedral dates back to 1030 when Viking King Sitric Silkenbeard built the first structure. It was rebuilt in grey stone in the 12th century under Norman rule.

This medieval building has a lot of fun quirks that you won’t find in most churches. For example, Christ Church Cathedral has a mummified rat and cat on display after they both got stuck in a pipe organ. You can also explore the spooky underground crypts at Christ Church Cathedral and see the ‘Homeless Jesus’ statue outside on a bench.

11. Grafton Street

Grafton Street is the soul of city life in Dublin city center. At first glance, it looks like any other high street lined with clothing stores that you can find in any Irish or British city. Spend a little more time strolling along the cobbled street and you’ll realize that Ireland’s musical heritage bleeds out of the dark pubs and onto this lane.

Grafton Street has a long tradition of hosting buskers (musicians who play on the street for tips) and many have signed record deals from playing here. Performance venues like The Gaiety Theatre, Bewleys Cafe Theatre, and LoSt LaNe are all located in and around Grafton Street. You’ll also find a statue of Phil Lynott, an Irish member of the band Thin Lizzy, on Harry Street which is just off Grafton Street.

Listening to amazing acoustic music on Grafton Street is one of the top free things to do in Dublin! It’s almost guaranteed that this street will be on any walking tour of Dublin.

12. National Museum of Ireland

Visiting one of the national museums of Ireland is one of the best things to do in Dublin. There are three in total: the National Museum of Archaeology, the National Museum of Natural History, and the National Museum of Decorative Arts & History.

They’re all free museums (as are most museums in Ireland!) all concentrating on a specific part of Irish history. You probably won’t want to visit them all unless you’re staying in Dublin for a long time. Choose whichever appeals to your interests more.

The Archaeology and Natural History museums are right next to each other on Merrion Square Park. The Decorative Arts & History museum is to the west of the city center just north of the River Liffey if that helps you decide.

13. Dublin Zoo

If you’re looking for things to do in Dublin with kids, Dublin Zoo should be at the top of your list. This zoo is the largest in Ireland and it’s home to animals from all over the world including the African Plain, the Arctic, and Asian Forests. In fact, Dublin Zoo is a larger site than London Zoo and boasts more animals.

Dublin Zoo takes its conservation efforts and breeding program seriously. Though it’s one of the oldest zoos in the world (dating back to 1830), it’s an ultra-modern facility providing all animals from elephants to penguins with the best care.

14. Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Gaol is one of the top favorite places in Dublin for people who love dark tourism and delving into the less glamorous side of a city’s past. Dating back to 1796, this jail (gaol is the Irish word for jail and they are both pronounced the same) has housed most of Ireland’s political prisoners. Many were also tortured and executed here too.

It closed in 1924 shortly after Ireland’s independence and has been a national monument since the 1960s. You can join a guided tour around the jail’s facilities and learn more about its gruesome past in person.

This is a top tip you won’t want to forget: buy your tickets online in advance! Kilmainham Gaol is an extremely popular attraction and they only sell a limited amount of tickets for each day.

There’s no lining up at the gates for the jail because they simply won’t let anyone in without a ticket. It’s also a bus journey outside of Dublin city centre so you don’t want to travel there only to turn back around. They release tickets around one month in advance.

15. River Liffey & Bridges

When wondering what to do in Dublin, you cannot miss the River Liffey. No, really, you literally cannot miss it because it flows right through the center of Dublin. If you book a walking tour of Dublin then you will no doubt see this bridge many times.

This river is the reason why Dublin is the city it is. Dublin Docklands was built the same year as Kilmainham Gaol and it was an important port for decades. Many unique and interesting bridges cross the Liffey including the cast iron Ha’penny Bridge which was the first pedestrian bridge in Dublin.

Cross the O’Connell bridge and you’ll find a plaque commemorating the life of Father Pat Noise who died by drowning in the river. Except, the plaque is a hoax and no one by that name has ever existed in Dublin. Everyone thought the plaque was amusing when it first appeared overnight in 2004. Even Dublin’s city council! So, it remains.

16. Molly Malone Statue

There must be dozens, if not hundreds of statues and busts around Dublin. The Molly Malone Statue is the only one that makes the list of the best things to do in Dublin.

Her statue is in a prime location close to Temple Bar and Ireland’s oldest university, Trinity College. This statue depicts a female fishmonger pushing a cart of her catch. She’s wearing a 17th-century outfit and revealing her cleavage to support the long-held belief that fishmongering wasn’t all Molly did to make ends meet.

Unfortunately, she’s not an important figure in Irish history. She is the main character in a popular Irish folk song and you should stop by to take a photo with the famous fictional Irish woman.

17. Phoenix Park

Based to the west of central Dublin, Phoenix Park is a sprawling public park that should make your list of Dublin, Ireland things to do. It’s the largest enclosed park of any European capital city measuring over 700 hectares.

Phoenix Park was founded in the 1660s as a Royal deer hunting park but it’s now home to the Dublin Zoo and the Irish National War Memorial Gardens including soldiers who fought in World War I and II as well as for independence. Interestingly, Phoenix Park is also where you’ll find Áras an Uachtaráin – the home of Ireland’s president!

18. Chester Beatty Library & Irish History Museum

Just behind Dublin Castle is one of the quirkier Dublin attractions, the Chester Beatty Library and Museum. Sir Alfred Chester Beatty found huge success in the mining industry at the turn of the 20th century. As with many wealthy people who aren’t sure what to do with their great fortune, he collected books and other artifacts of both religious and artistic value.

His collection is now on display for anyone to see in this museum. It’s fascinating but it’s not a very large exhibit so you’ll be able to squeeze it into your Dublin itinerary alongside your trip to Dublin Castle. Plus, admission is free!

19. Dublin Bay

Being an island country, Ireland has tons of beautiful untouched beaches. While strolling along the sandy shores (with a jacket on, of course) might be one of the top things to do in Ireland, Dublin isn’t the best place for a beach day.

But Dublin does have one! Dublin Bay is a very small, c-shaped inlet which means it’s somewhat hidden in the coastline and avoids the worst of the windy weather.

It is a biosphere reserve and the natural habitat for lots of rare and important bird species such as puffins, gulls, gannets, razorbills, cormorants, and the extremely rare roseate terns.

There’s also a children’s playground and a park next to the bay. It’s only an easy 30-minute bus ride so if this is your only opportunity to see the Irish coastline then you should take it!

20. The Little Museum of Dublin

The Little Museum is not only one of the best things to do in Dublin, but it’s also adorable and one of the most fun ways to learn more about the city’s history and Irish history in general.

Located in a Georgian townhouse just off St Stephen’s Green, the Little Museum resembles a well-organized hoarder’s home. There are photographs, artwork, furniture, memorabilia, and lots of other nick-nacks telling the story of local Dubliners. The Little Museum even has one room entirely decked out in comic book strip-style artwork explaining the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin!

21. Jameson Distillery Bow Street

If you’re a fan of Irish whiskey then just hitting up the Irish Whiskey Museum during your trip to Dublin isn’t going to cut it. You should also visit the Jameson Distillery on Bow Street for an organised tour and tasting!

Before 1780, this distillery was called the Steins Family Bow Street Distillery. John Jameson was a Scotsman who took over the business and changed the face of Irish whiskey forever.

Jameson distilled whiskey here until 1971. Now, Jameson Distillery is a fun tourist attraction with casks and bottles stacked against every wall and an outside courtyard.

22. Glasnevin Cemetery Museum

Visiting an average cemetery might not be your idea of fun, but Glasnevin Cemetery is something different! This Victorian burial ground is in a beautiful location in north Dublin right next to the National Botanic Gardens and there’s even a gift shop and café.

It’s called Glasnevin Cemetery Museum because it really is like an open-air museum. You can take a guided Glasnevin Cemetery tour and learn about the lives of the weird and wonderful characters buried here.

23. Merrion Square Park

Merrion Square Park is one of the more well-to-do locations of what to see in Dublin. Surrounding this small city park, you’ll find embassies, important historical archives, and small educational institutions.

The park itself is also beautiful. Like St Stephen’s Green, there are statues and memorials to famous Irish faces. You’ll find both the writer Oscar Wilde and revolutionary Michael Collins (Liam Neeson plays him in the movie!). Your kids will love the Giant’s Garden playground here.

24. Viking Splash Tours

Walking tours, food tours, historical tours… There is no shortage of tours you can do in Dublin! But if you’re looking for things to do in Dublin with kids, you should check out Viking Splash Tours .

These bus tours depart from St Stephen’s Green in amphibious boat buses that can travel both on land and sea. You’ll spend part of this informative tour driving around the streets of Dublin before floating on the Grand Basin and seeing the city from a new perspective.

This bus tour is so much fun, and they even give you your own Viking helmet so you can get into the spirit of the experience!

25. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

Do you have any Irish heritage? If you’re from the US, there’s every chance that you do.

EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum , is a relatively new institution located on the northern banks of the Liffey. It’s a must-do for anyone wondering what to do in Dublin who wants to trace and learn more about their Irish ancestors.

Not only are there historical displays detailing when, why, and how Irish people emigrated around the world, but all of the exhibits are interactive. It’s a great place to take kids! Plus, they have archives and facilities to help you locate ancestry too.

26. Croke Park Stadium Tour

Watching a sports game on vacation is such a great way to have an authentic local experience while having fun. And one of the top fun things to do in Dublin, Ireland has to be watching a Gaelic football (that’s soccer!) game.

Croke Park is Ireland’s biggest football stadium and hosts Gaelic sports games from April to September. If you don’t want to catch a game or you’re visiting out of season, you can still take a stadium tour and learn about Ireland’s favorite sports.

27. Learn to Play Some Irish Sports

After touring the stadium, if you want to immerse yourself in the world of Irish sports even more, you can book a Gaelic Games Experience and learn how to play the games and spend some time outside with the locals.

28. The Hungry Tree

One of the most unique things to do in Dublin is this cool photo opportunity. The ‘Hungry Tree’ is literally a majestic, 100-year-old tree that grew so wide and tall that it swallowed up part of the cast iron bench that stands in front of it.

You’ll find it in King’s Inns Park (yet another of Dublin’s city parks) which is a nice spot for family photos.

29. Viking Ruins at Wood Quay

There are lots of museums, memorials, and archives dedicated to Ireland’s history from the early 20th century onwards, but few focus on Ireland and Dublin’s early history. Dublin was founded in the 9th century by Vikings. They were the ones that dubbed it Dubh Linn (no pun intended!) which means Black Pool.

One of the top things to see in Dublin, Ireland is the Viking settlement at Wood Quay. It’s next to Christ Church Cathedral on the banks of the River Liffey. The ruins are out in the open and totally free to visit.

30. Shopping on O’Connell Street

Dublin isn’t short of shopping centers, malls, vintage stores, and tourist souvenir shops. No matter what you want to shop for, you’ll find it on or around O’Connell Street.

O’Connell Street is a huge, pedestrianized road named after a former Mayor of Dublin. He campaigned to give Irish Catholics to right to be Members of Parliament around the turn of the 19th century. There’s a monument to him at the bottom of O’Connell street so even while you’re shopping, you’ll be getting a history lesson!

31. National Gallery of Ireland

As well as the national museums, if you’re an art lover and you’re wondering what to do in Dublin, Ireland then you have to check out the National Gallery of Ireland . It’s next door to the national museums of archaeology and natural history so it’s super convenient for culture vultures.

The National Gallery of Ireland boasts a huge collection of European art from the 14th century to the 21st century. And it also has free admission!

32. Garden of Remembrance

When Queen Elizabeth became the first British Monarch to visit Ireland in over 100 years back in 2011, the first place she visited was the Garden of Rememberance to lay a wreath. It’s a small but important formal garden dedicated to people who gave their lives for Irish freedom.

There are lots of statues in the garden as well as quintessential Irish symbols like the Celtic harp and Celtic crosses.

33. Dublin’s Street Art

Dublin has some amazing street art offering lots of opportunities for Instagrammable photographs. Some of the best spots include the Tivoli Theatre parking lot, 36 Molesworth St, and 41 Aungier St.

You’ll find street art all over the Temple Bar neighborhood too. Love Lane is a highlight!

34. Delahunt Traditional Irish Restaurant

If Delahunt Restaurant is good enough to dine at for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their last visit to Dublin then it’s good enough for you! This restaurant is one of the best places in Dublin to eat delicious and traditional Irish cuisine.

This restored tavern is close to St Stephens Green and serves dishes like suckling pig, monkfish, and other locally-sourced dishes. Their tasting menu is currently €80 which isn’t bad for five courses.

35. The Cobblestone Live Music Pub

Whereas people living in Dublin probably wouldn’t be caught dead tapping along to a band in the Temple Bar neighborhood, pubs like The Cobblestone welcome both tourists and locals alike.

If you want to listen to folk music in a more low-key place, this is the place for you! It’s in the trendy Smithfield neighborhood surrounded by flea markets and food fairs on the weekend.

36. Murphys Ice Cream

Ice cream? In Dublin?! Yes, if you’re a fan of Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil then you’ll have seen his Ireland episode where he visits Murphys Ice Cream and samples their crazy flavors like Irish Brown Bread (my favorite).

They have more kid-friendly flavors too and it’s a delicious, well-loved, Ireland-born company with ice cream made right in Dingle. If you’re visiting in the summer (or even winter), you have to try a scoop of Murphys! There are locations all over Ireland as well, if you happen to miss it in Dublin.

37. Eat an Irish Breakfast

You’ve heard of the full English breakfast or ‘fry up’ but Ireland has their own spin on it. Instead of baked beans, you’ll find fried tomatoes and often fried potatoes too. And instead of black pudding (Google it – it’s not a dessert!), you’ll find white pudding.

One of the best places to order the full Irish breakfast is a quintessential greasy spoon like Lovinspoon . It’s close to the Garden of Remembrance and O’Connell Street.

If a meat heavy breakfast isn’t your thing, you should definitely head to Queen of Tarts, one of my favorite eats in Dublin. They have delicious breakfasts, and amazing cakes. Possibly the best Victoria Sponge I’ve ever had!

38. Eat at a Restored Church

Have you ever dreamed of eating dinner in an old church? No? Well, it’s a pretty cool experience that should definitely be on your bucket list. Eating at The Church one of the coolest things to do in Dublin if you want a unique dining experience.

39. Eat at Avoca Cafe & Wool Shop

Avoca Cafe and Wool was founded in 1723 as a woolen mill and has since expanded to include a cafe and gift shop.

The woolen mill still operates at the same location and produces a range of high-quality Irish wool products, including blankets, throws, scarves, and hats. You can watch the weaving process in action and purchase unique, handmade items.

The cafe at Avoca serves a range of fresh, locally-sourced dishes in a bright and welcoming atmosphere. The menu includes breakfast items, sandwiches, soups, salads, and more, with many vegetarian and gluten-free options available. In addition to the cafe, there is also a food market selling a range of artisanal products, including baked goods, cheese, and chocolate.

Avoca Cafe and Wool is a great destination for anyone looking to experience traditional Irish crafts and cuisine in a modern setting.

40. Take pictures with all the cute Dublin Doors

Dublin is known for its colorful doors. As you’re exploring the city, keep an eye out for all the cute doors and get a picture in front of at least one!

Bonus: Day Trip from Dublin

There are so many great day trips from Dublin. If you’re planning on basing yourself in Dublin for several days, I highly recommend exploring one of these day trip options. Here is just one of my favorites, and probably the easiest day trip to do.

Day trip from Dublin to Howth

If you want to get out of the city for a bit, take a quick day trip to Howth. Howth is a charming coastal village located just a short distance from Dublin, making it an ideal day trip from Dublin. One of the highlights of a visit to Howth is the stunning natural scenery. The village is situated on a peninsula that offers breathtaking views of the Irish Sea and the surrounding coastline. Visitors can take a leisurely walk along the picturesque cliff path, which stretches for several miles and offers panoramic views of the sea and the rugged coastline.

In addition to its natural beauty, Howth is also known for its fresh seafood. The village is home to several excellent seafood restaurants and cafes, where you can sample delicious dishes made with locally caught fish and shellfish. One of the best ways to experience the local seafood is to visit the fish market at Howth Harbour, where you can watch the fishermen bring in their catches and choose from a wide selection of fresh seafood to take home or enjoy on the spot.

Things To Do in Dublin FAQs

What county is dublin in in ireland.

What county is Dublin, Ireland in is a super easy question to answer because it has the same name! County Dublin is one of Ireland’s 32 traditional counties of Ireland.

County Dublin has four local government areas, one of which is Dublin City. The other three are Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown, Fingal, and South Dublin.

Is Dublin a walkable city?

Dublin is a very walkable city. Most popular tourist attractions are concentrated around the River Liffey in Dublin City Center. It’s also a very flat city with almost no hills.

As long as you don’t have any accessibility needs, you’ll be able to get around on foot! Some of the attractions like Kilmainham Gaol or Phoenix Park are a taxi or bus ride away, but these are two of the only exceptions.

What is the best time to go to Dublin?

One of the great things about visiting Dublin is that it’s a big capital city. There’s always plenty to do and see whether you visit in January or June.

Dublin has an oceanic climate which means the winters are long, cold, windy, and wet and the summers are mild-warm. If you want to visit Dublin when it’s warm, book your trip for June – August. Bear in mind that prices will be higher, the city will be busy, and the weather could still be bad!

Visit during the shoulder months of May and September for lower prices and moderately warm weather. March 17th is St Patrick’s Day and it’s a huge event in Ireland, so if you love nightlife and are happy to pay the inflated prices then it’s a lot of fun!

Discover the Best Things To Do in Dublin, Ireland When You Visit

On the surface, it might seem like all the best things to do in Dublin revolve around drinking whiskey, drinking Guinness, and more drinking! But when you visit Dublin, you’ll uncover a rich literary history housed in beautiful Georgian buildings and friendly locals.

Whether you’re visiting as a couple, a solo traveler, or as a family, Dublin will greet you with open arms and tons of fun things to do!

Wanderlust Crew

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• 12 Popular Places To Visit In Dublin For A Perfect Irish Vacation

23 Mar 2023

They say you must be riding high on the Luck of the Irish to find yourself in the historic city of Dublin. The capital of one of the most charming island nation in the Norwegian Sea is where you find every other building a true depiction of modern architectures, colorful alleys, booze bars, and a lot of things to explore. The best part about these places to visit in Dublin is that they encompass years, uncountable stories, and magnificent work from different times.

Dublin adorns the east coast of Ireland and the locals here acknowledge your presence with a big welcoming smile. Mountain excursion, city day trip, and coastal attractions are the perfect food for the wanderer in you. If Ireland is on your mind, save dates for Dublin right away and tag these places to visit in Dublin on your checklist. For the kind of place that Ireland is, an extensive city tour would leave you enchanted!

Best places to visit in Dublin exhibiting Ireland’s architectural prowess

1. irish museum of modern art – exhibiting the best from different eras.

Image Source

Nothing depicts Ireland’s grandeur as beautifully as the Irish Museum of Modern Art! Also known as world’s leading institution for collection and exhibition of modern arts, the IMMA is a place worth your visit. The grand museum is a former royal hospital.

The most noticeable feature of the museum is the extended corridors running along a series of connected rooms. The museum hosts plenty of programs and exhibitions year round. It also encompasses artist’s studios as well.

Popular attractions of Irish Museum of Modern Art: Maze and formal garden, collection by Lucien Freud

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2. St. Patrick’s Cathedral – The most sought-after attraction in Dublin

One of the most scenic spots to visit also happens to be a highly rated monument in Dublin. The stained colorful glass is the first and the most notable thing at the cathedral that would have your attention. As you prepare to get inside the cathedral you will have to buy a ticket to see the place around.

You can escape the queue by just taking a walk around the periphery and attending the mass that goes on throughout the week. The fact that St. Patrick’s is the tallest and the largest church in Ireland puts it atop the list of must-visit places in Ireland .

Popular attractions of St. Patrick’s Cathedral: Burial site of Jonathan Swift – the literary great and one of the deans of the cathedral in the early 18th century

3. Trinity College – One of the world’s largest libraries

Ireland’s most popular university is also the place from where renowned alumni like Oscar Wilde, Katie Mcgrath, and Jonathan Swift . Trinity College is more popular for its remarkable library, a place where bibliophiles find their ultimate retreat. And someplace where a book lover would want to find themselves at.

Ireland’s largest library also occurs to be the home to Book of Kells – the 1000-year-old illuminated manuscript that has the four Gospels of the New Testament. The main library is restricted for tourists but Old Library is well within the quarters and open to the public.

Popular attractions of Trinity College: The Long Room – resembles the Jedi Archives in Star Wars, Book of Kells

4. Dublin Castle – Once a seat of Irish administration

Once the popular seat of United Kingdom’s administration in Ireland, the Dublin Castle stands as a prominent figure today. The majestic building is certainly the place you would love to visit on a day tour in the glorious city. Quite interestingly the castle had a Black Pool, from where Dublin derives its name as ‘Dubh Linn’. It is now on the site of the present Castle garden.

Popular attractions at Dublin Castle: The State Apartments, Medieval Undercroft and Chapel Royal, and Dubhlinn Tearooms, situated in the State Apartments are open for visitors all days

Note: State Apartments might be closed on special occasions Timings: 9:45 am to 4:45 pm (Monday to Saturday), 12 pm to 4:45 pm (on Sundays)

5. Ha’penny Bridge – Perfect enchantress in the heart of the city

The beautiful pedestrian bridge over River Liffey in Dublin happens to be a top tourist attraction and a famous place to visit. The bridge was built in 1816, since then it has been grabbing eyeballs of tourists from around the world, especially when it’s the night time and the bridge is lit in the myriad of colors! The bridge also connects Temple Bar with the North of The Liffey. Ha’penny Bridge is a true charmer for the kind of enchanting picture background that it creates.

Popular things to do at Ha’penny Bridge: Carry the love locks and put it at the bridge dedicating it to your beloved, don’t forget to stop by popular Irish Pubs nearby, they play amazing Jazz songs

6. Kilmainham Gaol – Dark and glorious

Image Source One of the most interesting places to visit in Dublin from the historical point of view, the Kilmainham Gaol prison is famed for its state significance when the political prisoners were held here as captives during the times of the uprising, revolution, and civil war.

The multi-storied design of the prison is worth a mention. Dating back to the 1700s, the prison was a remarkable place during Ireland’s independence and has seen a lot of Ireland’s freedom fighters. A tour of the prison could be an incredible experience which will take you back to the eventful past.

Timings: 9:30 am to 6 pm

Suggested Read: Ireland Honeymoon Guide: All You Need To Know For Celebrating Your Special Vacation The Irish Way

Best places to visit in Dublin exhibit the best of nature & surroundings

7. national botanic gardens – a day amidst the tulips of dublin.

Image Source The lush green National Botanic Garden located on the banks of Tolka Lake spans 19.5 hectares and is a must-visit attraction in the capital city of Ireland. on the banks of Tolka River. While taking a stroll in the garden area one can spot extensive herbaceous borders along with a multicolored display of flowers. The annual display of decorative plants which also includes the rare Victorian carpet bedding is a popular attraction here.

Popular attractions of National Botanic Gardens: Arboretum, sensory garden, rock garden, and a large pond Timings: 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays, and 10 am to 6 pm on weekends

8. Phoenix Park – More of wildlife and greenery enclosed in the city center

Located at a walking distance from the city center(3 km), the Phoenix Park is Europe’s largest enclosed park and a wonderful nature retreat that must be visited when you are in Dublin. The urban park located to the north of river Liffey is another notable attraction and one of the popular places to visit in Dublin, as you plan to spend quality time with nature and wildlife. The park also has venturing space for wildlife and people can see them thriving in their natural habitat.

Popular attractions of Phoenix Park: Dublin Zoo, Ashtown Castle, Wellington Monument, President’s House, and Farmleigh House Dublin Zoo timings: 9:30 am to 6 pm

9. Killiney – Coastal delight in Dublin

For the sake of scenic and tranquilizing nature and outdoors, Killiney is the place worth a visit. The seaside resort area is just perfect for a day trip and one can look forward to spending more time here. Easily reachable by a dart train from the city center, Killiney flourishes in the Dublin Bay, accounting for memorable times on your Dublin vacation. Killiney is a pretty looking coastal town with plenty of attractions and wonderful atmosphere.

Popular attractions of Killiney: Memorable walk from Dalkey to Killiney, Coliemore Harbour, and Killiney Hill Park, Dalkey island – ferry to the island is available year round

Your list of Dublin attractions isn’t complete without exploring these places…

10. the temple bar – the most happening place in dublin.

Dublin’s most iconic place is located in the vicinity of Ha’Penny Bridge. The bridge is stationed in the midst of the happening riverside town making for a wonderful place to stroll around at night. The clobbered street, lights, and river flowing by makes for an ideal time to visit the Temple Bar.

Also, there are plenty of bars and multicuisine restaurants serving authentic Irish foods. If you stick around here for a while, you will get to experience plenty of live music in the energetic neighborhood. This place is again a must-visit!

Popular attractions at The Temple Bar: Live entertainment and pint of Guinness

11. The Science Gallery – Some learning experience in the backyard of Trinity College

Image Source Located in the backyard of Trinity College, the Science Gallery could be a quick getaway for people interested in science and technology developments. The fact that entry to the science gallery is free makes it even more exciting. This place could also be a wonderful learning experience for kids.

Timings: 12 pm to 8 pm (weekdays), 12 pm to 6 pm (weekends)

12. Grafton Street – For shopping & spending an eventful day in Dublin

This is where Irish diaspora heads to when they have to go shopping. If you are still confused about what to do with your free day, then Grafton Street is the perfect filler between the lazy moments. From high-end stores to lots of pubs and brewery, this place has got the right vibes to keep you engrossed all day long. Should you wish to explore the remarkable market streets of Dublin’s one of the most happening localities, this is the place to be!

Popular attractions at Grafton Street: Street performers, Disney Store, and Brown Thomas store

                   Further Read: World’s 20 Best Honeymoon Destinations In September To Revive Your Romance!

A lot said and described, Ireland is an explorer’s delight that swirls amidst those imposing structures from centuries ago. Dublin is a city awaiting you in its true glory.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Dublin

What can I do in Dublin for a day?

For a perfect day in Dublin, make sure to visit the following places: 1. Grafton Street – Shopping streets 2. Little Museum of Dublin – Informative 3. St. Stephen’s Green – Stroll through the park 4. Guinness Storehouse – Tour the most visited attraction 5. Temple Bar – Enjoy Irish Nightlife

Which are the popular places to enjoy the nightlife in Dublin?

The popular nightclubs to enjoy Dublin nightlife are: 1. Fitzwilliam Card Club 2. Cafe En Seine 3. The Long Hall 4. The Grand Social

Is Dublin expensive for tourists?

Dublin is a fairly small city but quite expensive especially its food and alcohol. However, if you are here for a few days, and plan your expenses well, it won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

Why is the Temple Bar so famous?

Temple Bar is one of the famous pubs in Dublin because of its location and also because it offers Ireland’s largest collection of different kind of whiskies.

When is the best time to visit Dublin?

March to May is an ideal time to visit Dublin as the weather is pleasant during this time and the famous attractions are less crowded.

What are the best things to do in Dublin?

Some of the famous things to do in Dublin are: 1. Experience Dublin nightlife at the Temple Bar 2. Visit the Guinness Storehouse 3. Tour of the Old Jameson Distillery 4. Enjoy Picnic in Phoenix Park

Does Dublin have downtown?

A trip to Dublin will be incomplete without experiencing the city’s downtown. It offers everything from historic architecture to entertainment and shopping activities.

Which are the best places to stay in Dublin?

If you are a party animal, the best area to stay is the Temple Bar. For first-timers in Dublin, the City Centre is the best place to stay. If you are travelling on a budget, stay in Trinity neighbourhood.

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Home » Europe » Ireland » Dublin

19 BEST Places to Visit in Dublin (2024)

People travel to Dublin for amazing scenery, friendly people, and history and the city doesn’t disappoint. No matter what you enjoy seeing or doing, there are numerous amazing places to visit in Dublin, and once you get a taste of this city you won’t want to leave!

It has everything from castles to green spaces and a vibrant, friendly nightlife that’s famous around the world. From St. Stephen’s Green to Temple Bar, abandoned prisons haunted with the ghosts of Irish Independence to a bloody good night out on the black gold. You’ll never be short of things to do here!

Finding the right places to go in Dublin can be an issue for some people. It’s easy to get lost in the winding streets or end up in completely the wrong area. If you struggle a little to identify and find all the best places to eat, sightsee, and experience in Dublin, we’ve created this guide to help you.

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Dublin:

These are the best places to visit in dublin, faq on the best places to visit in dublin.

Find yourself a place to rest your weary legs before you start your journey into this magical metropolis by checking out where to stay in Dublin first. Then, scroll on down to enjoy the “craic” below!

If you’re on a budget you’ll be pleased to know there are some great hostels in Dublin , though, don’t expect Southeast Asia prices! Otherwise, if you’re feeling a bit fancy then the Dublin Airbnb offerings are pretty epic.

City Centre

Dublin’s city centre is bursting with an exciting mix of history and culture. Walk along its twisting and turning cobblestone streets and you’ll be met with stories and legends around every corner.

• Shop around the Henry Street area, one of the oldest and most famous shopping districts in the city.
• View the 120 meters high Spire of Dublin, one of the world’s tallest sculptures.
• Walk across Ha’penny Bridge, a 19th-century bridge that is one of the symbols of the city.

So, here we go! Strap in because there are heaps of epic things to do in Dublin , so you better pack some comfy shoes and get ready for an Irish adventure!

There’s much more to exploring Ireland than drinking, though, let’s be honest, it’s still a pretty important part of the experience… all in the name of culture obviously! Visiting Ireland is a wild ride of intense history, friendly people and beautiful landscapes.

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#1 – Kilmainham Goal – A fascinating educational place to visit in Dublin

• A slightly creepy but educational look at the recent past.
• It’s important that you understand this side of Irish history if you’re going to understand the country.

Why it’s so awesome: Kilmainham Gaol is a former prison that once held rebel leaders and Irish Republicans and it played a powerful role in Dublin’s history and Irish independence. This is one of the most important points of interest in Dublin that should be on every backpacking Ireland travel guide because it’s so closely linked to the present day and the politics and structure of Irish society.

What to do there: This goal is located just outside of the city, so it’s easy enough to get there. Take a tour if you want to hear all the stories about the goal and afterwards you can head up to the Irish Museum of Modern Art, which is nearby. There are also some good food places nearby as well including Union 8 and Storyboard.

With a Dublin City Pass , you can experience the best of Dublin at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

#2 – Temple Bar – For The Ultimate Night Out

• Temple Bar is the home of nightlife in Ireland’s capital
• Temple Bar is filled with bars playing live music into the wee hours.

Why it’s so awesome: When you travel to Ireland, you definitely need to indulge in the famous Dublin nightlife. The Temple Bar area of the city is well known as one of the best places not only in Dublin but the world, for a night out. Revel in live Irish music, sample some of the best drinks this country has and engage in a bit of friendly craic! It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city no matter what time of day you find yourself here!

What to do there: You can’t visit Dublin without exploring the pubs of Temple Bar. The whole area is home to some great bars and you can’t go wrong stumbling out on the cobblestones from one to another all night. Just follow the trail of live folk music and lose yourself in the atmosphere. You could, and should, of course, visit The Temple Bar whilst there!

#3 – Iveagh Gardens – A nice non-touristy place to visit in Dublin

• The best place to visit in Dublin if you want some peace and quiet in nature.
• Take a book and your lunch and just relax in this hidden oasis close to St. Stephen’s Green.

Why it’s so awesome: This park is located close to St Stephen’s Green and it’s a hidden park that only the locals know about. It often plays host to concerts and festivals, but mostly it’s a green space where you can sit and relax without lots of people snapping selfies all around you. It’s a real oasis in the middle of Dublin city centre.

What to do there: If you get tired of the city while you’re wandering around then grab a packed lunch and something to read and stake out a piece of grass. You’ll find plenty of other locals enjoying the peace and quiet, so take a page from their book and recharge in this lovely natural space. It’s also much quieter than the nearby St. Stephen’s Green.

#4 – The Dublin Mountains – A perfect place to visit in Dublin if you are on a budget!

• You can join a range of hikes in this area from family friendly walks to intense hiking experiences.
• This is the perfect weekend activity.
• The Dublin Mountains Partnership offers free guided walks so it’s a cheap activity as well as one that will get you fit!

Why it’s so awesome: If you’re interested in exploring the trails around the Dublin Mountains Way, then a free walking hike is an awesome way to do it. This hike explores a range of trails including Tibradden Wood, known to the locals as the pine forest. You’ll see some amazing scenery with a local guide and get a chance to explore nature and get away from the rush of the city for a while.

What to do there: Contact the Dublin Mountains Partnership for information on their free guided walks. This is the perfect activity for solo travellers as well as families as they have a range of walks to suit almost any ability. Make sure you ask plenty of questions too because the guides love to share their knowledge of the mountains and of their city in general as well.

#5 – St. Patrick’s Cathedral – Possibly one of the most important places to visit in Dublin

• St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the largest church in all of Ireland.
• One of the most popular hotspots in Dublin for tourists.

Why it’s so awesome: St. Patrick’s Cathedral is over 800 years old and has been witness to changes in Irish culture, politics, and religion over the ages. It’s also an architectural wonder on its own, with a beauty that will remind you why you wanted to visit Dublin in the first place. This Dublin must-see is the final resting place of one of Dublin’s favourite sons, Jonathan Swift, who wrote Gulliver’s Travels.

What to do there: Take your camera and spend some time exploring this popular Dublin landmark. Make sure you pay attention to the inside of St. Patrick’s Cathedral as well as the outside, as there are a number of historical and beautiful features that deserve attention and will look great in photos!

#6 – The Church

• A quirky place that isn’t quite what it seems!
• If you want a drink in beautiful surroundings, this is one of the best places to visit in Dublin.

Why it’s so awesome: This is one of the most popular hotspots in Dublin, and once you go there, you’ll understand why. The venue was a church that closed in 1964 and since then has been meticulously restored and turned into a bar and nightclub. Many of the church’s original features have been preserved, however, which is what makes it such an amazing place to enjoy a drink.

What to do there: This venue holds a range of activities, so make sure you check out what’s on while you’re in the city. There are booths, tables and barstools as well as a small stage, so you can enjoy traditional Irish music on certain nights of the week in comfort. There’s also a nightclub on the lower level with a resident DJ who plays all the latest music that will make you want to dance.

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#7 – Guinness Storehouse Factory

• One of the most popular points of interest in Dublin for tourists.
• You can’t spend time in Ireland without learning about its iconic drink, so buy a ticket and learn about the history of Guinness.

Why it’s so awesome: The interior of this building is designed to look like a pint of Guinness and is often called the largest pint in the world. The rest of the building is seven floors of Irish brewing history which will prove to you just how popular this drink is in Ireland.

What to do there: Buy a ticket for one of the best brewery tours in the world to learn all about the Guinness family and the history of the drink. The history is more interesting than you might think, and afterwards, you’ll end up at the Gravity Bar. This is located on the 7th floor and offers 360 views of the Dublin skyline as well as a chance to enjoy a pint!

#8 – Old Jameson Distillery

• One of Dublin’s most popular historical gems.
• A great place to learn more about this iconic drink and have a tasting too.

Why it’s so awesome: This distillery was the original site where Jameson whiskey was manufactured and distilled until it was closed in the 1970s. That’s why you’ll learn a lot about this iconic drink when you tour this site. It’s also a good way to learn about a different side of Dublin’s culture. When you’re done, you’ll get an exclusive Whiskey Taster Certificate to take home with you to commemorate your knowledge about traditional Irish whiskey. It’s one of the most fun Dublin attractions for sure!

What to do there: You can take a tour through the distillery to learn about its history and about the process that creates Jameson whiskey. The tour also includes a comparative whiskey tasting experience, so make sure you have something in your stomach before the tour or you might need a nap before you go on with the rest of your day.

#9 – The Spire of Dublin

• The most recognisable and photogenic places in Dublin.
• Make sure you  take your camera  with you when you head to this area, as the pictures you’ll get will be amazing.

Why it’s so awesome: You can see this monument for miles as it stands in the centre of O’Connell Street and is around 120 meters tall. It’s constructed entirely of stainless steel and is about 3 meters in diameter at the base and 15 centimetres at the top. The spire was commissioned in 1999 as part of efforts to improve O’Connell Street, which had declined because of the proliferation of fast food cops and the destruction of Nelson’s Pillar in 1966 at the hands of IRA members.

The spire demanded the removal of a lot of trees and the Anna Livia monument and so was quite controversial at the time. Now it sits proudly at the heart of Dublin city centre.

What to do there: This spire looks amazing in photographs, so make sure you take plenty while you’re at the site. It looks particularly good on sunny days when the exterior lights up under the sun’s rays. At night, a light at the top acts as a beacon in the night sky, which looks just as good in photos too. It’s one of the newest Dublin attractions but it’s already iconic!

#10 – Ha’penny Bridge – Cross the River Liffey in style!

• The perfect place to get an iconic picture of Dublin.
• If you’ve seen images of this city in books or on postcards, then you’ll probably recognise this bridge!

Why it’s so awesome: This bridge is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Dublin and you’ve probably seen it in books, on TV, and on postcards. The bridge was the first pedestrian bridge over the River Liffey and its name reflects the price that pedestrians had to pay to cross the bridge back in 1816 when it was built.

What to do there: It’s a wonderful feeling to walk in places that contain hundreds of years of history and you’ll feel that when you walk across this bridge. Today, it’s a bright and pretty-looking white picket structure across the River Liffey, so enjoy the short stroll. Then afterwards, find a place on the bank where you can get a good photograph of it stretching over the water below.

#11 – Christ Church Cathedral – A great place to see in Dublin if you love architecture

• Christ Church Cathedral is another of the city’s architectural marvels.
• There is an admission fee to go inside Christ Church Cathedral, but it’s worth paying!

Why it’s so awesome: This church is the second medieval cathedral in Dublin and it’s stunningly beautiful. It’s fully operational and is more formally known as The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. The building is stunning inside and out, with medieval features and Romanesque decorations.

What to do there: Take pictures of this building from the outside, but definitely pay the entrance fee to explore the inside of the Christ Church Cathedral as well. Just try to avoid going on Sundays or other days when there are services, as you don’t want to explore while the congregation stares at you. This is one of the most famous places to visit in Dublin , so take your time to explore and enjoy the artistic design and decorations.

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#12 – Dublin Castle

• One of the best places in Dublin to visit if you want to experience the ancient past.
• Dublin Castle has seen some of the most important events in Irish history.
• It also contains a number of displays and buildings that you need to while you’re visiting Dublin.

Why it’s so awesome: Dublin Castle is absolutely iconic and is a must-see. The historical scenes that this building has witnessed were absolutely pivotal to the development of the city that exists today and it’s also a visually striking building that will give you daydreams about medieval times and knights on horses.

What to do there: Dublin Castle has self-guided tours of the 11-acre grounds as well as guided tours. It’s a big place, with a lot of rooms that you should see, so take the guided tour if you want to get a deeper look into its secrets. Make sure that you check out the Chapel Royal, the Garda Museum, and the Chester Beatty Library as well as the stately gardens that surround the area. If you’re a history buff, you’ll froth Dublin Castle!

#13 – Trinity College Library – A great place to visit in Dublin if you love architecture & history

• Trinity College hosts the largest library in Ireland and home to some of the most famous books in Irish history.
• The main library is only open to staff and students, but you can check out the old library.

Why it’s so awesome: The Trinity College Library is an architectural wonder on its own and it also holds an incredibly varied collection of books. This is what makes it the perfect place to visit in Dublin if you want some quiet time, or if you love books , and is a reason to visit the famous Trinity College all on its own.

What to do there: You can’t visit the main library unless you’re a student, but make sure you check out the old library, located within the main library quarters of Trinity College. Explore the stacks, find a table and read a book, or just take in the age and history all around you in quiet serenity. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions for a reason!

#14 – The Cliffs of Moher – A must do day trip from Dublin

• An easy and spectacular day trip from Dublin.
• This is a Dublin must see, so don’t miss out.

Why it’s so awesome: If you have time in your Dublin itinerary for a proper day trip, then this is the one. The Cliffs of Moher are located just out of the city and have been made famous in movies like Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and the Princess Bride. And they’re just as good in person too, with an absolutely spectacular view over the ocean. This is the Ireland that you really came to see and one of the best places to visit in Dublin for incredible scenery!

What to do there: It’s easy enough to find a day tour provider that takes tours out to the cliffs on a regular basis. Don’t forget your camera either, because the views really are as good as they seem on television and in movies. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions not only in Dublin but in the whole of Ireland too, the sheer beauty of the landscape here will leave you awestruck.

#15 – St. Michan

• A creepy look at the history of the church.
• A chance for you to shake hands with a real mummy!

Why it’s so awesome: The Michan church was built in 1095 to serve the ostracized Vikings who remained after the rest were expelled by the Irish forces in 1014. But it’s the crypt that’s of interest these days because it contains a number of corpses that have remained in good condition over the years. No one is quite sure why they’ve been so well preserved, but whatever causes it has also caused the caskets to pop open. And once they’re open, according to the church’s rules, they can be viewed by anyone. And up until recently, you were even allowed to touch the hand of one of the mummies, known as ‘the crusader’.

What to do there: There are only a few coffins that are open for public viewing, and even fewer after a break in 2019 which saw some pieces of the mummies stolen. Because of this and other incidents, you can still head down there to see the mummies, though you can no longer touch any of them.

Wonder how to spend a weekend in Dublin? Head over to our  insider’s Weekend in Dublin guide !

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#16 – Phoenix Park – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in Dublin

• Phoenix Park is one of Europe’s largest city parks.
• Once held over a million Irish people who had come to hear a sermon by Pope John Paul II.
• Phoenix Park is now home to a herd of deer and popular with people who want a natural place to exercise in.

Why it’s so awesome: This is a fairly busy park, so it’s probably not the kind of place where you want to sit and relax. Instead, Phoenix Park encourages activity. So, it’s the perfect place to soak up some nature while you work off some of the heavy foods you’ll eat while in Dublin. It’s also the perfect place to see some animals right in the heart of the city.

What to do there: Green areas in the middle of big cities are essential for the health of everyone, so make sure you put Phoenix Park on your Dublin itinerary. Go for a run if that’s your preferred form of exercise, this park is popular amongst runners and holds the city’s annual marathon. If you don’t like to run, make sure you head in to see if you can catch a glimpse of the herd of deer who call the park home. There’s nothing quite like seeing wild animals in the middle of a city.

#17 – Dublin’s Garden of Remembrance – One of the most underrated places to see in Dublin

• A quiet garden that remembers all those who died in the pursuit of Irish freedom.
• This landmark is a symbol of some of the most important moments in Irish history, and it’s essential if you want to understand Ireland’s culture.

Why it’s so awesome: Over the years, Ireland has known a lot of strife and unrest, and this garden remembers all of those battles from 1798 to the present day. It was designed by Daithi Hanly and contains a pool in the shape of a non-denominational cross that’s designed to encompass all religions, colours and creeds. The floor of the cross is lined with mosaics picturing shattered swords symbolizing the end of the conflict.

What to do there: This is a lovely and symbolic place to spend some time and contemplate all the lives lost in war. It was built where the Irish Volunteers were founded in 1913 and unveiled fifty years after the successful Easter Rising of 1916. That’s what makes it such an important place in Irish Nationalist history because it’s a symbol of all the strife and determination and it’s also why it deserves some attention and respect.

#18 – The National Gallery of Ireland

• This gallery contains the best collection of Irish art in the world.
• There are also some amazing examples of European art from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Why it’s so awesome: Ireland has a strong artistic tradition, and this is probably the best place in the world to explore that long history. Located at the end of Kildare Street, it opened in 1864 and was added to over the years. It has an impressive permanent exhibit of Irish and European art and also periodically houses temporary exhibits.

What to do there: There are a number of amazing exhibitions in this gallery that must be on your Dublin itinerary. The Yeats Museum, Italian Painters and the Baroque Room are especially popular and contain some incredible artwork. And if you have time, check out the Irish art rooms and the Shaw room. When you’re done at the museum, there’s also a great café attached that serves food that’s popular amongst tourists and locals alike.

#19 – Grafton Street – A great place in Dublin if you love to shop!

• Grafton Street is an eclectic stretch of shops and cafes that could keep you entertained for days!
• One of the best places to visit in Dublin if you want to spend some money.

Why it’s so awesome: Grafton Street is the centre of culture and activity in modern Dublin and it’s always filled with great things to see and do. You’ll find buskers singing U2, playing traditional fiddles, and singer-songwriters as well as a wide range of boutiques and department stores all the way along the street. And, of course, there are also some great cafes and restaurants where you can rest your feet and give your credit card a break too.

What to do there: You’ll need to put aside most of a day to explore the Grafton Street area. Go shopping for souvenirs, enjoy the friendly atmosphere, and listen to some great free music. When you’re ready for some food, stop by Bewley’s Oriental Café, one of the most popular points of interest in Dublin and an institution since 1927.

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Dublin

What is the most visited place in Dublin?

The Guinness Storehouse is the most visited place in Dublin.

What is Dublin known for?

Dublin is known for being the capital of Ireland and the birthplace of Guinness.

What is the best place to visit in Dublin as a couple?

For couples, a getaway to The Cliffs of Moher would make any vacation a little more romantic.

Are there any places to avoid in Dublin?

Most of the criminal activity in Dublin happens in residential areas, such as Tallaght, Pearse Street and Blanchardstown.

So, there ya have it! You should have no trouble packing out an action packed trip jam packed with history, architecture and of course… booze! I mean, it’s not a trip to Ireland unless you get absolutely trollied and end up singing Irish Rover at the top of your lungs in Temple Bar! You’ve been warned, pack some hangover supplies to go with your recovery irish breakfast!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Sophie Steinebach

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Home » Travel Guides » Ireland » 25 Best Things to Do in Dublin (Ireland)

25 Best Things to Do in Dublin (Ireland)

If the ‘luck of the Irish’ is on your side and you find yourself in the infamous city of Dublin, there will be countless things for you to do and see while you’re there. Not only is Dublin deeply rooted in their incredible history, culture and – well, booze – the people of Dublin are all such characters, as well.

Whether they are sharing long-winded stories, singing local songs or telling the odd joke here and there to make you laugh, the locals never fail to put a smile on your face. And, because the city is located right on the east coast, day trips and excursions to the mountains or cliff sides are just a bus ride away, where you can witness some of the most vast and beautiful sceneries in all of Ireland .

Here’s a list we compiled of the top 25 things to do in Dublin :

1. Party like the Irish at The Temple Bar

The Temple Bar is quite possibly one of the most iconic bars in all of Dublin, with tourists flocking from all over the world to have a drink inside its famous walls.

Although the history of the bar dates back to the early 1300s, it still remains popular to this day due to its famous red exterior, its great location in the heart of the city, as well as being a huge part of Dublin’s central nightlife scene.

At present, The Temple Bar is the most popular bar frequented by young tourists – and even some locals alike – looking to have a glass (or two, or three) of strong Irish whiskey and enjoy a hell of a night.

2. Drink Inside a Restorxed Cathedral at The Church

One of the most unique and beautiful bars in the city, The Church is not what its name may make it seem. In fact, The Church used to originally be called St. Mary’s church; however, it closed in 1964 and was eventually restored and converted into a popular bar and nightclub in 2007.

On the main floor, you can find a magnificent island bar that almost spans the length of the church, complete with booths, tables and bar stools for guests and a small stage that plays live traditional Irish music from 7pm – 9pm on Sunday – Wednesday. Downstairs, you can find the nightclub – open every Friday & Saturday night from 10pm until 3am – with a resident DJ that plays all the latest popular music and Rn’B tracks.

3. Visit the Guinness Storehouse Factory

Located in the heart of St. James’ Gate Brewery, the Guinness Storehouse is one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Ireland. In fact, the interior is designed to look exactly like a pint of Guinness itself and is known to be the largest pint in the world.

A ticket to the Guinness factory will take you on a tour through seven floors of Irish brewing history, where you will learn all about the Guinness family, as well as how the beloved stout beer is meticulously crafted to perfection. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at the Gravity Bar on the 7th floor, where you can enjoy a refreshing pint of Guinness with a 360 degree view of the Dublin skyline.

Book online : Guinness Storehouse: Entrance Ticket

4. Take a Tour of the Old Jameson Distillery

Another historical gem is the Old Jameson Distillery, located just off Smithfield Square. This location previously used to be the original site where Jameson whiskey was manufactured and distilled until it stopped production in the early 1970s.

A tour of the old distillery will take you through the history and process of creating the refined whiskey, along with the unique opportunity to take part in a comparative whiskey-tasting experience.

At the end of the tour, you will be given an exclusive Whiskey Taster Certificate to officially certify your knowledge in traditional Irish whiskey that you will be able to show off to your family and friends back home.

Book online : Jameson Whiskey Distillery Tour with Tastings

5. Take a photo with The Spire of Dublin

One of the easiest monuments to spot from afar, The Spire stands proudly in the center of O’Connell street towering approximately 120 meters above ground. This completely stainless-steel structure is about 3 meters in diameter at the base and 15 centimeters at its apex.

On sunny days, you can notice its exterior being gently illuminated by the sun – lighting up the monument for all to see. The tip of the structure is also lit up by an external light source at nighttime in order to act as a beacon in the night sky.

6. Marvel at the Beauty of St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Known as the largest church in all of Ireland, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is actually one of two cathedrals that were built on Dublin soil.

However, St. Patcrick’s Cathedral still remains the most popular of the two when it comes to tourists.

The cathedral was originally founded in 1191 and is rife with over 800 years of Irish history and culture.

A brilliant architectural wonder, its beauty can be noticed both inside and out. It is also the final resting place of Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s travels and Dean of the Cathedral.

7. Go Back in Time to Dublin Castle

Take a trip back to prehistoric Dublin by visiting the famous Dublin Castle.

With over 800 years of Irish memories encapsulated within its walls, this incredible structure has borne witness to some of the most pivotal events in all of the country’s history.

Spanning an area of over 11 acres, the Castle stands proudly on the highest ridge in the locality and offers self-guided and guided tours of the grounds, including the Castle’s many rooms, gardens and museums such as the Chapel Royal, the Chester Beatty Library, the Garda Museum and the Revenue Museum.

Recommended tour : Fast-Track Access Book of Kells and Dublin Castle Tour

8. Take a Walk over Ha’penny Bridge

A strikingly unique white-picketed beauty, the Ha’penny Bridge is famously known as the first pedestrian bridge to span over the river Liffey.

Its name was derived from the price pedestrians had to pay (a “halfpenny”) to cross the bridge back when it was built in 1816.

Today, it has become one of the main “monuments” or structures that identify Dublin – appearing on postcards, tourism brochures, books and memorabilia.

9. Visit Christ Church Cathedral

The second of Dublin’s medieval cathedrals, Christ Church Cathedral, is yet another of Dublin’s architectural wonders.

More formally known as The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, this fully-operational church is the cathedral of the United Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough.

Although it is open to tourists who wish to marvel at its Romanesque interiors, the staff of the cathedral do charge admission and ticketing fees, as the building receives no support from the state.

However, the fee is definitely worth the visit and will help contribute to maintaining this beautiful piece of Irish history.

Tickets are available here : Christ Church Cathedral Entrance Ticket & Self-Guided Tour

10. Have a Picnic in Phoenix Park

A humongous walled park (about 1,700 acres) that lies just about 2 miles from downtown Dublin, Phoenix Park is more than just your ordinary park.

In fact, aside from the long stretches of green and multitude of incredible trees and plants, it is also home to the Dublin Zoo, a sports field, the Wellington Monument, and both the Presidential and US Ambassador’s Residences.

With so much to do and see, you can easily spend the entire day relaxing, sightseeing or simply roaming the grounds.

11. Read a Book at Trinity College Library

An incredible architectural wonder, and a room most bibliophiles would only dream of finding themselves in, the Trinity College Library is the largest library in all of Ireland.

It is also home to the famous Book of Kells – an ornate, beautifully-illuminated manuscript containing all of the four Gospels of the New Testament that’s over 1000 years old.

Its most famous section, known as The Long Room, has been known to resemble the Jedi Archives in Star Wars.

Unfortunately, the main library is only open to staff, graduates and students of the university, but that doesn’t stop tourists from taking a gander at the Old Library that’s open to visitors and located within its quarters.

12. Go for Lunch at Avoca Wool Shop & Café

Aside from the stout beer and whiskey, one of the finest (and most famous) goods that come out of Ireland is their wool and mohair products made from the local sheep scattered around the hills and valleys of Ireland.

Although the actual wool mill is located just outside of Dublin in the small town of Avoca, the company also sells their wool at various Avoca shops around Dublin.

For those who can’t get out of the city, stop by the shop near the Dublin City Center to purchase some original handwoven luxurious scarves, sweaters or blankets made out of local Irish mohair. Make sure you go upstairs to visit their café, where you can enjoy a light lunch, tea or dessert of local Irish cuisine.

13. Learn about the Abandoned Prison of Kilmainham Gaol

An absolute must-see destination for all history lovers, Kilmainham Gaol is an abandoned prison that offers guided tours of its restored quarters.

With a cheap ticket fee of €4 per person, each tour includes a 45-50 minute tour of the facilities where your knowledgeable guide will take you through the history of the jail, detailing the extremely poor treatment of inmates during that time, along with countless other interesting facts about the politics and restoration of the prison.

You will leave this tour with a much broader understanding of this devastating time in Irish history.

14. Go on a Trip to Wicklow Mountains

One of the best day trips out of the city – and a must-see during your trip to Dublin – is a tour of Wicklow Mountains.

Famously known for the filming location of the popular romance film, P.S. I Love You, this unbelievably beautiful landscape looks even more magnificent in person than it does on-screen.

Recommended tour : Day Tour of Wicklow Mountains National Park

15. Visit the Dublin Zoo

Located within Phoenix Park, the Dublin Zoo is an excellent addition to your day.

With a huge variety of animals to see and a very well laid-out map, this excursion is great for individuals or groups of all ages. Not only are the animals at the zoo incredibly cared-for, but they all have spacious habitats for them to roam and play, making each encounter as close to the real thing as possible.

Be sure to visit the Meerkat Café, where you can look at the meerkats up close while you are enjoying a drink or bite to eat.

Included in : The Dublin Pass with Entry to Over 35 Attractions

16. Take a Day Trip to The Cliffs of Moher

Another spectacular trip that awaits you just beyond the city is a tour of the marvelous Cliffs of Moher.

These natural wonders have also been used for various film shoots, such as Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince and The Princess Bride, and are an absolute breathtaking experience to view in person.

You can visit any tourism center in Dublin to arrange a day tour to the Cliffs of Moher, which will cost anywhere between €15 to €40. A must-see.

17. Discover the Unique Doors of Dublin

Since most of the housing complexes are built to look the same (and each individual house has little room in between each other), most home owners will paint their door an original color in order to set them apart from their neighbor’s house.

Although it was previously used to identify the home, it has now become a significant characteristic of Dublin itself. Photos of these colorful, unique-looking doors can be found on postcards and calendars in souvenir shops around the city.

Related tour: Walking Tour of Dublin

18. Wander through the Graveyards at Glasnevin Cemetery Museum

Rated #1 on TripAdvisor’s list for Top Things to Do in Dublin, the Glasnevin Cemetery Museum is an atypical, but thoroughly interesting way to take in some Irish history.

During your tour, you’ll get to wander through some of the various graveyards of famous Irish political figures, poets, writers and other people of interest, along with hearing some very informative commentary about each person, and the political history of Ireland.

Tickets range from €6 to €25, depending on the type of package.

19. Learn to Play the Irish Way at Experience Gaelic Games

Another incredibly unique and fun way to experience the true Irish culture and heritage is to take part in Experience Gaelic Games’ traditional Irish recreational sports lessons.

Located just 10 minutes away from Dublin City Center, Experience Gaelic Games gives you the opportunity to learn some of Ireland’s most famous sporting games – such as the world-famous stick and ball field sport, “hurling” or Gaelic Football (a combination of soccer, rugby, basketball all rolled into one), and many more.

Great for groups, this experience is incredibly team-building and is a skill you can take home with you for life.

Book online : Gaelic Games Experience

20. Relax at St. Stephen’s Green

Another popular Dublin park to relax in is St. Stephen’s Green, filled with lush green grass, a variety of plants and flowers and some marvelous bodies of water.

If that’s not enough, there are even some monuments scattered around for you to see and many paths for you to walk, bike or jog.

Bring a book, a packed lunch, or stop at a café before heading to St. Stephen’s Green to enjoy a brisk, beautiful day at the park.

Book the tour : St Stephen’s Green Park Walking Tour

21. Stop to Smell the Roses at Dublin’s National Botanic Gardens

The National Botanic Gardens is such great place to visit – both with families or as a solo traveler.

With so many plants, flowers and other special things to see, you can easily spend an entire day getting lost roaming throughout these lush gardens.

Make sure to bring your camera, as some of the most beautiful parts of your visit includes a sculpture garden, a vegetable garden designed to look like an old castle or the glass houses.

Entry is completely free to visitors, but a guided tour is €5.

22. Visit the Little Museum of Dublin

The Little Museum of Dublin is the perfect way to get a little bit of all types of history mashed up into one excellent and informative tour.

As most of the artifacts and ephemera are donated by people in Dublin, every object in the museum has its own unique story.

Admission to the museum costs €7, with exhibitions ranging from films to music to politics, history and culture.

Although the museum may be ‘little’, it is definitely packed with enough knowledge and history to stand up to one of the bigger museums in the city.

Skip the line :  Skip-the-Line Little Museum of Dublin Ticket

23. Have a History Lesson at the National Museum of Ireland

One of the best free museums in all of Dublin is definitely the National Museum of Ireland.

Some of the most notable exhibits in the museum include the Viking exhibit, the exquisite gold artifact display or the remarkable collection of “bog men” – bodies found and recovered from bogs all over Ireland.

Each body comes with a story that will give you spectacular insight into the lives of these men who once lived in the country and have now become a permanent part of Irish history.

Recommended tour : Irish History & Treasures Tour with National Museum

24. Drink in the Knowledge at the Irish Whiskey Museum

A great combination of Ireland’s best traits – history and booze – the Irish Whiskey Museum has everything you could possibly want in one great place.

Located in the popular Grafton street area, the museum tour gives you a detailed history of all types of whiskey (not just Jameson).

At the end of the tour, you get to taste three unique types of whiskey as celebration.

Plus, if you purchase the VIP package, you get an exclusive 4th whiskey and a unique shot class to take home with you.

25 Best Things to Do in Dublin (Ireland):

• Party like the Irish at The Temple Bar
• Drink Inside a Restorxed Cathedral at The Church
• Visit the Guinness Storehouse Factory
• Take a Tour of the Old Jameson Distillery
• Take a photo with The Spire of Dublin
• Marvel at the Beauty of St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• Go Back in Time to Dublin Castle
• Take a Walk over Ha’penny Bridge
• Visit Christ Church Cathedral
• Have a Picnic in Phoenix Park
• Read a Book at Trinity College Library
• Go for Lunch at Avoca Wool Shop & Café
• Learn about the Abandoned Prison of Kilmainham Gaol
• Go on a Trip to Wicklow Mountains
• Visit the Dublin Zoo
• Take a Day Trip to The Cliffs of Moher
• Discover the Unique Doors of Dublin
• Wander through the Graveyards at Glasnevin Cemetery Museum
• Learn to Play the Irish Way at Experience Gaelic Games
• Relax at St. Stephen’s Green
• Stop to Smell the Roses at Dublin’s National Botanic Gardens
• Visit the Little Museum of Dublin
• Have a History Lesson at the National Museum of Ireland
• Drink in the Knowledge at the Irish Whiskey Museum

13 useful things to know before you visit Dublin

Apr 15, 2024 • 10 min read

These local tips on packing, transport and etiquette can help you plan the perfect visit to Dublin © maydays / Getty Images

As a born and bred Dubliner, I’ve spent most of my life trying to make sense of my hometown.

In one way it’s a cinch to figure out: you’ll get your bearings pretty quickly and realize that you can explore most of it on foot. But it’s not just its size that makes it such a great walking city. It’s the nature of life here that makes it the ideal flaneur destination, where you amble and devote yourself to the art of observing life around you.

Spend a few days in Dublin and you’ll soon appreciate that there is much going on in this busy little town, and that to really understand the place you’ll have to move here and spend the rest of your days figuring out its wonderful idiosyncrasies and multilayered sense of humour.

In the meantime, though, here are a few local tips that will smooth your introduction to a city that has the power to grab your imagination and not let it go.

1. Plan on having at least three days in Dublin

Dublin might be a small capital city, but it’ll demand as much time from you as you’re willing to give. You’ll need at least three days to even make a dent in the place: one day to explore even just a couple of the main sights, such as  Trinity College and the  Guinness Storehouse . You’ll need another day to visit some of the city’s other brilliant attractions, like the  Little Museum of Dublin , the  Chester Beatty and just one branch of the  National Museum of Ireland . And a third day to sample some  whiskey and visit either of the city’s iconic  cathedrals .

A couple of days more will give you a chance to stretch your legs and explore more of the city – such as the historic  General Post Office and  14 Henrietta St on the northside. But you’ll have to build in some leisure time – after all there are 800 pubs in the city , a fine selection of music venues and a handful of great theatres. And what about going further afield, on a day trip to  Howth , for instance, or beyond?

Planning on some beers while you're in Dublin? Here's our guide to the locals' favorite traditional pubs  

2. Dublin is a casual kind of place so pack accordingly

You can wear pretty much whatever you want in Dublin, and smart casual is the most you’ll need for fancy dinners, the theater or the concert hall. Even most work places like to keep it casual as there’s a general perception in the city that dressing up is only for that special occasion, which work rarely is.

Irish summers are warm but rarely hot, so you'll want an extra layer for when the temperatures cool, especially in the evening when the disappearing sun can make that day’s warmth feel like a distant memory.

Ultimately, the ever-changeable weather will determine your outfits, but a light waterproof jacket (preferably with a hood, unless you’re carrying an umbrella) and waterproof shoes should never be beyond reach, for the almost inevitable rain.

Plan your packing with our seasonal guide to Dublin through the year

3. Take advantage of discount cards

There is a range of discount cards that will save you money on attractions and transport. The  GoCity All-Inclusive Pass (1–5 days, €79–164) gives you free entry to a bunch of top attractions, including the Guinness Storehouse, EPIC The Heritage Museum, the Jameson Distillery Bow Street, and the Big Bus Hop On, Hop Off tour. For 25% off six of those attractions, there’s the  DoDublin Days Out Card (€55).

As well as the Leap Card (see below), there are good discounts to be had with the  DoDublin Freedom Ticket (€48), a 72-hour travel pass that covers all public transport as well as a hop on, hop off tour.

4. Get a Leap card for use on public transport

If you’re planning on using public transport in Dublin, be sure to get a  Leap Card first, as it’s cheaper and more convenient than paying for fares directly. This green plastic card is available from most newsagents and can be used on all forms of transport in the city, including buses, DART, the Luas light rail system and commuter trains throughout the county. The Leap Visitor Card (1/3/7 days, €8/€16/€32) provides unlimited travel on public transport. It can be purchased in the city and at Dublin Airport, or ordered online and delivered to your home in advance of your trip.

To use the card, just tap your card on the machine as you get on: for Luas, rail and DART services you will also need to tap off when you get off (but not for buses).

You top up the card with any amount you want (there’s a minimum of €5) at newsagents, any Luas, DART and commuter rail machines, or by downloading the  Leap Top-Up App onto any NFC-enabled iPhone or Android phone: hold the card to the back of the phone and you can top up, collect pre-paid tickets and check your balance.  

If you’re using a regular Leap card, rather than the Visitor Card, the TFI 90 Minute Fare applies to journeys made by Dublin Bus, Luas and most Dart trains. Any journey less than 90 minutes (including transfer times) costs €2.

Here's more useful transportation information for Dublin

5. Uber is not the best taxi option in Dublin

There are plenty of taxis in Dublin, but they can be tough to find late at night, especially at weekends when thousands of Dubliners are looking to head home to the suburbs after a night out in the city. Uber does exist in Dublin, but it’s oddly expensive; by far the most popular taxi hailing app is Freenow , which most of the city’s taxis are connected to. There are taxi ranks in the city center, but hailing them through the app is the preferred (and most convenient) option for most.

6. Get to grips with Dublin’s dining habits

Dubliners rarely eat breakfast out, so you might struggle to find a decent spot for breakfast that opens before 9am or 9:30am. The good news is that a decent cup of coffee is a non-negotiable, so there are plenty of places open by 8am to cater for caffeinated employees.

Discounted lunch specials are common, especially in the busy city center. Book tables at popular restaurants at least a few days in advance if you want to avoid disappointment or dodge the 5:30pm seating nobody else wants. For the really fancy spots including those with Michelin stars, you’ll have to plan well in advance. Some (like  Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud ) will accommodate reservations no more than a month in advance, but a place like  Chapter One opens its reservations list three months in advance, and then only for blocks of two months. Most tables are nabbed up pretty quickly, but if you miss out you can join the online waitlist.

7. Many of the city’s museums are free to visit

Most of the city’s larger cultural institutions are free to visit, including the three  branches of the National Museum of Ireland, the  National Gallery , the Chester Beatty and the  Dublin City Gallery-the Hugh Lane – although there is a charge for some of the exhibitions. There are free tickets for the tours of  Áras an Uachtharáin , the official residence of the Irish president in Phoenix Park and there is no charge to visit the  Irish Museum of Modern Art in Kilmainham.

Smaller, privately owned museums charge a fee, but it’s rarely more than €10, and you won’t need to book your ticket in advance.

Traveling to Dublin on a budget? Here are some other free experiences to consider  

8. Bottled water is a needless extravagance

In most restaurants in Dublin you’ll be offered the choice of water – still or sparkling. Unless you have a particular fondness for a specific brand of bottled water, you should always opt for tap as the city’s supply is perfectly safe, free and generally excellent. Some restaurants operate their own in-house filtration system, so for a minimal cost (usually €1–2) you have your choice of still or sparkling tap water. Same goes for filling your water bottle: tap water is fine and you don’t need to buy pricey and environmentally unfriendly plastic bottles to replenish your supply.

9. In the pub, it’s all about the rounds system

Dubliners, like the rest of the Irish, put great store in conviviality and a generous spirit. And both of these qualities are embodied in the rounds system, whereby if someone buys you a drink, you are obliged to buy them one in return. Getting sucked into the rounds system is a great way of getting to know Dubliners: strike up a conversation and, at the appropriate moment (ie when they’re just about to finish their drink), ask what they’re "having" – and before you know it you’re multiple drinks and conversations deep into a blossoming friendship.

Needless to say, you don’t have to take part in buying rounds, but if you want to understand the social glue that binds people together in Dublin, there aren't many better ways than having a few drinks with them.

10. Dublin's nightlife is expensive

Dubliners love a good night out, but the city is a pretty expensive place to party in. The capital is notorious for the price of the pint of beer, which is higher than anywhere else in Ireland. As a result, many Dubliners will do pre-drinks at home before heading out, usually between 9 and 10pm.

Happy hour promotions are illegal in Ireland; expect to pay anything from €7–10 for a pint in the city center, but keep an eye out on pubs that sneakily raise the price of a pint later in the night, presumably when punters are too drunk to notice. It’s illegal to charge a price other than what is indicated; if it happens, your best reaction is to complain and leave.

Licensing laws are stricter in Dublin than almost any other European capital. Pubs can serve alcohol until 11:30pm Monday to Thursday, to 12:30am Friday and Saturday, and to 11pm on Sunday. Many premises apply for special exemption orders, which allows them to serve until 2:30am – usually from Thursday to Saturday nights. Nightclubs usually go until 3am, but in a lot of venues there’s barely a distinction between a huge pub that turns up the music really loudly and a dedicated club for dancing.

11. Learn to take a "slagging" among friends

Dubliners are, for the most part, an informal and easy-going lot who don't stand on excessive ceremony and generally prefer not to make too much fuss. That doesn't mean that they don't abide by certain rules, or that there isn't a preferred way of doing things in the city, though. But the transgressions of the unknowing are both forgiven and often enjoyed – the accidental faux pas is a great source of entertainment in a city that has made "slagging", or teasing, a veritable art form.

Indeed, slagging is a far more reliable indicator of the strength of friendship than virtually any kind of compliment: a fast, self-deprecating wit and an ability to take a joke in good spirits will win you plenty of friends. Mind you, even slagging has its hidden codes, and is only acceptable among friends: it wouldn't do at all to follow an introduction to someone by making fun of them!

12. LGBTIQ+ travelers are welcome in Dublin

Dublin has a pretty vibrant LGBTIQ+ scene, with some well-established bars and club nights as well as activities including hiking and sea swimming. The best-known gay bar in town is  the George on South Great George’s St, followed by  Pantibar , which is owned by renowned activist and drag queen Rory O’Neill, aka Panti Bliss. June’s  Pride Festival is the second-biggest celebration in the city after St Patrick’s Day, a raucous festival of color and fun that runs over five days. August sees  GAZE International LGBTQIA Film Festival , Ireland’s only dedicated film festival, while the  International Gay Theatre Festival usually takes place in May.

13. Dublin is generally a safe city with good health care

Health and safety should not be an issue during a visit to Dublin. Pharmacies selling basic medication are easy to come by, and crime is not a major concern. Taking normal precautions (eg keeping an eye on belongings in crowds) should be sufficient. O'Connell St and the streets immediately around it can get a little shady after dark, so keep your wits about you.

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Visiting Dublin: a travel guide for first time visitors

Travel guide for visiting Dublin, Ireland. expert travel tips to make the most of your time in Dublin Fair City

Dublin, the beautiful capital of Ireland, is a lovely destination: whether you come to Dublin for a city break, a work meeting or use the city as a jump-off point for visiting Ireland , Dublin has something to offer.

Looking for history? Dublin has museums and a castle for you! In need for a fun night out? Dublin has lovely pubs, music venues and great restaurants 9did you know? Yes, really, it does!). Looking for family activities: Dublin has those too!

I have been calling Dublin home for the last 15 years and, over this time, I have faced all the questions of the visitors and found all the answers as a local!

This is my travel guide to Dublin for first-time visitors.

This post contains affiliate links. Should you make a purchase through them, we might make a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

How many days in Dublin?

Dublin is a dynamic European capital with many museums and things to do, however, most of its must-see attractions can be seen and enjoyed in about 3 days

This is not to say that 3 days will be enough to see everything or that you will get bored if you stay any longer.

Rather, it is the amount of time that I believe is ideal for a visitor to get a sense of the city, see some of its main sights and feel they have actually seen the place.

With three days in Dublin, you can have a nice stroll in the city center, enjoy Dublin’s pubs and restaurants, relax in a park, see some museums and even the Guinness storehouse, one of Dublin’s biggest attractions.

Where to stay in Dublin?

Dublin is a surprisingly large city with a compact city center and large residential areas sprawling towards the surrounding counties.

The best area to stay in Dublin for sightseeing is the city center and in particular, the areas around Trinity College, Merrion Square and Christchurch.

These areas are all on the Southside of the river and put you in close proximity to most of Dublin’s main sites and attractions. These are also areas that will allow you to discover most if not all of the city on foot.

The Trinity and Merrion Square areas are a little more expensive while around Christchurch you have more mixed prices.

Another good address I always recommend is the Hilton Garen Inn on the river. Unlike the other areas above, this is a stretch of Dublin on the Northside of the river and while it is not the most atmospheric, it will well connected to the city center and pleasant (it is also where the Epic Ireland exhibition is). This is a good mid-budget option.

Hotels I recommend in Dublin city center are:

• Merrion Hotel (5 stars) – stunning and right in the city center
• Hilton Garden Inn Custom House (3 stars) – on the river, close to the center
• Radisson Blue Royal hotel city center (4 stars) – very well located for sightseeing
• Clayton hotel Chaerlemont (4 star hotel) – new hotel in an excellent central location

How to budget for a trip to Dublin

Dublin is an expensive city, surprisingly so. How much or how little you spend is always down to own decisions however, to give you an idea, consider that:

• A good room in a mid-range hotel costs easily between 100 and 200 Euro, closer to the 200 Euro mark
• A cup of coffee is about 3.60 Euro
• A beer is about 5.50 euro depending on size/brand
• A nice dinner for two in a mid-range establishment is around 60 euro
• Single hop bus ticket is 1.15 to 3.80 euro (depending on your exact journey and if you are paying cash/with leap card) – you can find more info on how to get around Dublin here

The best things to see in Dublin: Dublin must-see attractions

Dublin has many beautiful interesting attractions, most of them in the city center.

Trinity College and the Book of Kells

Trinity College and the Book of Kells, the unique medieval manuscript in its old library, is one of the most if not the most famous attractions in the whole of Dublin.

The College is right in the city center and therefore really easy to reach from almost anywhere in the city: I usually recommend it as the first stop for any Dublin trip both for location, interest and visual impact.

Worth seeing here are both the college grounds, the Library and the Book itself. Crowds can be intense so I do recommend you book tickets in advance.

A good offer is this one , which combines fast track entry to see the book and entry to Dublin castles, down the road from Trinity College and the next attraction on this list.

How to get there: any bus serving College Green, Luas Green Line Colleg Green, walking distance from O’Connell Bridge and Grafton Street.

Dublin Castle

Dublin castle is right in the center of Dublin and while not the most impressive castle you will see in Ireland, it is so significant in Irish history it rightly appears as a must-see place in Dublin.

The inside is also very beautiful and it is still now used for official State functions.

Dublin Castle is a short walk from Trinity College and you can visit both the college and the castle on the same day with this combined ticket here.

If you prefer to visit it separately, you can buy tickets on the official site or get hold of the Dublin Pass, which gives discounted and easy access to many city attractions.

How to get there: bus, walking distance from Trinity College and Christchurch cathedral

The Guinness Storehouse

Another heavyweight among Dublin attractions is the Guinness Storehouse, a place to famous and quintessentially Dublin to make a visit to the city without a stop here almost unthinkable.

The Storehouse is very touristy but also a lot of fun. The space itself is fun (it also has lovely spaces for drinks and events), the tour is fun and the view from the Gravity Bar at the end, where you can taste Guinness with a 360-degree view over the city is special.

Good to know: you don’t need to be a drinker to enjoy the tour. While you can taste a pint at the end, if you do not drink alcohol for any reason (whether you are an adult or a child) you will be offered a soda / juice instead. the tours is fun and informative anyway.

The Guinness Storehouse is very popular: I recommend you book skip the line tickets in advance here .

Jameson Distillery Visit

If you are more into whiskey than beer, then you may like to visit the Jameson Distillery in the area of Smithfield. This is a very fun visit that even I, a non-whiskey drinker really enjoyed.

The distillery itself is lovely and the tour fun (you also learn what makes Irish whiskey different from Scotch): definitely one I recommend! You can find cost and tickets here

St Patrick’s Cathedral

St Patrick’s Cathedral is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland and a wonderful place to see when in Dublin. Dating back to the 13th Century, the cathedral is said to be on a well allegedly used by St Patrick’s himself and is beautiful to visit inside and out.

Admissions to the cathedral is ticketed and you can pay the small entry fee on arrival. Tours of the church are available: you can find official info and how to pre-book here

Good to know: beside St Patrick’s Cathedral lies the Marshs’ Library, which is an old library said to be inhabited by a ghost! Make sure you add a stop here when visiting St Patrick’s, it is just around the corner from the main entrance.

Temple Bar is maybe the most famous street in Dublin, a pedestrianized road full of pubs, bars and restaurants. Temple Bar is nice during the day and can be fun at night but you need to know what you are in for, should you decided to go.

During the day and early evenings, you have a buzzy, dynamic atmosphere with lots of places to eat and drink and you have a huge variety of styles and people. later ar night, it becomes party central and you mostly have hen and stag parties.

Good to know both if you want to join them or avoid them!

Ha’Penny Bridge

Close to Temple Bar lies cute Ha’Penny Bridge, one of the most iconic bridges in Dublin. While not as impressive as the newer Calatrava ones farther down the river, the Ha’Penny Bridge is so quintessentially Dublin you simply have to see it and take a photo of its peculiar iron frame!

St Stephen’s Green Park

If you are in Dublin on a sunny day (and yes, you have many!), you may want to have a break in lovely St Stephen’s Green, the large city center park at the top of Grafton Street.

laid out with nice paths, a duck pond and kids playgrounds, this is a lovely place for a romantic stroll or just getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city and hang out with the locals.

EPIC Ireland

A newer and wonderful attraction in Dublin is the EPIC exhibition , the permanent exhibition about Irish Immigration. Hosted in a beautiful dedicated space along the Liffey, this is a place to learn about Irish emigration and find your Irish roots visiting the Irish Family History Centre located right at the exit of the museum

Fun things to do in Dublin

As well as Dublin attractions, there are many fun things to do in Dublin for all types of visitors.

Go to the pub

Dublin has a huge number of pubs and they are so varied in size, style and clientele you are sure to find one to your liking!

Some pubs offer a more traditional experience (no food, slightly older clientele, lots of chatter), some offer cooked dinners and even cater to families, some are more local, some have beer gardens and so on: whatever pub experience you are after, Dublin has one for you! Head to the streets behind Grafton street for the widest selection and just pick any you like

Go on a literary pub crawl

Dublin has a fantastic literary tradition and a wonderful way to learn about it while having a good time is to join a literary pub crawl. This will bring you to some cool establishments and will make you familiarize with Irish writers and writing thanks to the aid of skilled readers and actors. This is a great activity and something pretty special you can do in the city.

Take a hop on hop off bus tour

A hop on hop off bus tour is a touristy activity but a fun one in Dublin. While most attractions in the city center are walking distance from each other, other cool Dublin attractions such as the Guinness storehouse, the zoo and the botanical gardens are not. A hot on hof off tour is a great way to add something a little more off the beaten track to your visit.

You can see exact stops and book your ticket here

See Irish dancing

Another really fun thing to do in Dublin is to go and see Irish dancing, a show that is incredibly energetic, fun and addictive! You can see Irish dancing at the Arlington Hotel , the (wonderful) Johnny Fox’s pub on the Dublin mountains and on selected nights at O’Sullivan’s on 2 Westmoreland St, Temple Bar.

Useful Dublin Travel resources: how to get around Dublin

Dublin has a decent public transport network made of:

• Tram (the Luas)
• Light urban railway (the DART)

Bus tickets can be bough on the bus itself and must be paid with coins (no cards accepted): the fair depends on the number of stops you need to reach your destination and has a maximum fare of 3 euro.

If you are staying in the center, you are likely to only need the bus occasionally however, if you are planning on staying in Dublin longer or your hotel is not in the city center, it can be convenient to buy a prepaid visitors card that allows you good saving on individual tickets.

You can find all you need to know about getting around Dublin and how to use Dublin’s public transport here .

Visiting Dublin with kids

Dublin is wonderful to visit with kids. Most main sightseeing attractions are easy to visit with children in tow and, if you need some entertainment that is just for them, Dublin delivers with both indoor and outdoor family activities!

To give you an idea, Dublin offers:

• Imaginoslity Children Museum
• Indoor play centers (Jumpzone for trampolining, Climbing walls, Pottery painting studios etc)
• Many parks and playgrounds
• Dublinia (the interactive museum of Dublin’s Viking history)
• Dublin splash tour

You can find my full guide to visiting Dublin with kids here and the best indoor activities for kids in Dublin on our sister site learning escapes here.

What to pack for Dublin

Dublin is a relaxed city and you can be as dressy or as casual as you fancy and be pretty sure you will fit in! The variety of styles in the city is one of my favorite things about it.

However, you always have to deal with the weather and since what you get changes every few minutes, some attires are better than others! I recommend you pack for Dublin your Ireland travel essentials plus:

• Good walking shoes
• Short-sleeve tops for the summer / long sleeve tops for the winter
• LIght sweater for summer /warm woolen sweater for winter
• Light jacket for summer evenings / warm waterproof coat for winter
• Scarf, gloves and hat for winter
• A nicer dress/shirt and shoes for going out
• Sunglasses for the summer
• Power bank for phone and all your tech
• Travel adapter for Ireland (we use a 3 pin sock, like the UK)

You can find Here >>> my full packing list for Ireland, month by month .

What to eat in Dublin

In the last few years, Dublin has grown to become a real foodie destination with excellent restaurants catering to most types of palate. The most traditional food you find here is spring lamb and salmon, but ethnic restaurants now abound too.

While not as popular as you may expect in a city on the sea, seafood can be great in Dublin too. I personally love it in Howth, the coastal area of North Dublin with the fishing port.

I hope you enjoyed this essential guide to visiting Dublin: safe travels!

Mama Loves Ireland

Céad míle fáilte! A thousand times welcome! I am a travel-loving Italian Mama lucky enough to call Ireland her home. Let my articles help you plan your trip to Ireland and get ready to fall in love with the Emerald Isle, just like I did. With love. M x

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• 20 Must Visit Attractions In...

Must-Visit Attractions in Dublin, Ireland

As one of the most varied cities to visit in Europe, Dublin packs enough art, culture and character to fill a month-long itinerary and still leave you wanting more. Despite this diversity, the capital of Ireland retains a small-town feel that never fails to charm. Although there are thousands of nooks and crannies to explore in the city, these are the ones you can’t miss.

Did you know – culture trip now does bookable, small-group trips pick from authentic, immersive epic trips, compact and action-packed mini trips and sparkling, expansive sailing trips., jameson distillery bow st.

Founded in 1780, Jameson makes the best-selling Irish whiskey on the planet. Although distilling no longer takes place at this Bow Street building, a slick and interactive tour more than compensates for the lack of working stills. There are videos on the founder, John Jameson, and lab benches showing the progress from barley to bottle. The tour also includes a tasting where you will finally understand the difference between bourbon, scotch and Irish whiskey. Head to the classy downstairs bar for a post-tour cocktail. Whiskey-blending and cocktail-making classes are also available.

Dublin Castle

Built in 1204, Dublin Castle was the seat of power for British rule for more than 700 years. In April 1684, a fire ripped through the castle, destroying much of the structure. A stunning Georgian palace was built in its place. Since 1938, all the presidents of Ireland have been inaugurated in St Patrick’s Hall. The manicured castle gardens are a highlight; a guided tour will explain their history. The tour also includes an excursion to the oldest pub in Dublin, The Brazen Head. The castle regularly hosts special exhibitions and events, which it advertises on its website.

Christ Church Cathedral

This magnificent cathedral was founded in 1030 as a wooden Viking church. While Romanesque and gothic elements were added over the next few centuries, Christ Church Cathedral underwent a major renovation during the Victorian era. A standard ticket covers a self-guided tour of the cathedral, crypt (among the largest in the British Isles) and the Treasures of Christ Church exhibition. The Choir of Christ Church Cathedral has been enchanting visitors since 1493.

Guinness Storehouse

The most popular tourist attraction in Dublin is an interactive, seven-storey structure that showcases the history and process behind Ireland’s most famous export. To explore the venue, book the Signature Package Tour, which allows you to skip the queue. The tour also includes a memento gift box containing a Guinness Dublin glass and a fridge magnet showing an iconic Guinness advert. At the end of the tour, you get to enjoy a perfectly pulled pint at the Gravity Bar, which has panoramic views over Dublin.

Ha’penny Bridge

When William Walsh’s passenger ferries began to deteriorate, he saw the opportunity to commission the first pedestrian bridge in Dublin. The Wellington Bridge opened in 1816, with officials extracting a half-penny toll from anyone wishing to cross. This toll was dropped in 1919, but the “ha’penny” moniker stuck. Constructed by the Coalbrookdale Foundry in Shropshire, England, the bridge retains around 85 percent of its original decorative ironwork. A great way to see the Ha’penny Bridge – and the other sights along the Liffey – is from a boat tour.

The Book of Kells

Possibly Ireland’s most important artefact, this remarkable ninth-century manuscript details the four gospels of the life of Jesus Christ in astounding calligraphy. The book’s 340 folios are made from prepared calfskin (vellum). Artists used mineral pigments such as red lead, lapis lazuli and copper to create symbols representing the Four Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. A guided tour leads you into the Old Library at Trinity College Dublin to see the manuscript before everyone else arrives. Afterwards, your guide will take you to tour the grounds of Dublin Castle.

The Teelings Distillery

Irish whiskey was once the most popular spirit in the world – more popular than scotch, even in Scotland. This changed when the Scots adopted the Coffey-still method of manufacturing, increasing production exponentially. Prohibition in the United States, the Anglo-Irish Trade War and the Great Depression followed, and the industry collapsed. However, renewed interest in Irish whiskey began in the 1990s, and Teelings Distillery opened in 2015 as the first new distillery in Dublin in more than 125 years. Guided tours include a tasting of three whiskeys or a handcrafted whiskey cocktail.

Kilmainham Gaol

A visit to Kilmainham Gaol is essential to understand Ireland’s long road to independence. Leading figures in Irish history have been interned here, including Henry Joy McCracken (a founder of the United Irishmen), Easter Rising revolutionary Patrick Pearse, and Éamon de Valera, who later became the President of Ireland. The torture and execution of rebels also occurred on the prison grounds. Closing in 1924, the gaol underwent restoration in 1960, becoming a monument of Irish nationalism. Entrance is by guided tour only, which includes a visit to the Irish National War Memorial Gardens.

The Silicon Docks

An amalgamation of Georgian and modern architecture, Dublin Docklands is also known as Silicon Docks due to the vast number of tech firms making their home here. Regardless, it’s still full of character and interesting sights, including EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum, and the contemporary Waterways Ireland Visitor Centre, affectionately known as the Box in the Docks.

For a taste of fresh sea air, head northeast to Howth, a popular day-trip destination from Dublin. This ancient fishing village is brimming with quality seafood restaurants, and there are plenty of handicraft and vintage wares to peruse at Howth Market. Hikers and nature-lovers are in luck as seals, eagles and guillemots are visible from the many coastal trails of the region.

Named after Archbishop Croke, one of the first patrons, Croke Park is the third-largest stadium in Europe and the centre for Gaelic sport in Ireland. Tours are available, which will give you the chance to try hurling and Gaelic football in the interactive museum. You can also visit the team dressing rooms, VIP area and the stadium itself. For the particularly brave, there is a Ericsson Skyline tour that takes you up 17 storeys to a platform suspended over the stadium, for views of the city beyond.

St Patrick’s Cathedral

Legend has it that a well once stood on this site, where Saint Patrick baptised people into Christianity. Today, baptisms still take place in St Patrick’s Cathedral, constructed between 1220 and 1260. Archbishop Luke, the building’s architect, was blind by the time of its completion, so he tragically never saw his idea come to fruition. Famous deans of the cathedral include Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels . His grave is here, as well as a collection of his early works. Visits to the cathedral are self-guided.

Abbey Theatre

The cutting-edge shows of the Abbey often tackle controversial subjects, which is unusual for a national state theatre. WB Yeats and dramatist Lady Gregory opened the theatre in 1904, with a manifesto “to bring upon the stage the deeper emotions of Ireland”. It certainly did that – Abbey productions triggered riots in 1907 and 1926. In the second instance, Yeats leapt onto the stage to scold the audience. Things have calmed down these days, but you can still enjoy top-class Irish theatre or a backstage tour.

National Gallery of Ireland

The National Gallery opened in 1864 and is now home to more than 16,000 works of art, representing all the major European schools. Monet, Rembrandt, Turner and Picasso can all be admired here. Hibernophiles (fans of Irish culture) will love the works of Jack Butler Yeats, one of Ireland’s most important 19th-century painters. Yeats was known for his romantic portrayals of Irish urban and rural life. One artistic highlight of his that hangs in the gallery is The Liffey Swim , a lively expressionist depiction of Dublin’s annual sporting event. The Yeats Archive contains his sketchbooks and journals, plus writings and artworks by other members of his gifted family.

National Museum of Ireland

The National Museum of Ireland comprises four museums, one of which is in County Mayo. The three Dublin buildings are the Museum of Archaeology, the Museum of Decorative Arts & History and the Museum of Natural History (also known as the Dead Zoo for its vast range of taxidermied animals). All are free to enter and contain a wealth of historical artefacts, costumes, zoological models and more. One thing you can’t miss is the collection of exquisite Irish metalwork in The Treasury permanent exhibit at the archaeology museum.

Chester Beatty

American mining engineer Sir Alfred Chester Beatty was a man of great wealth and taste, using his fortune to collect rare objets d’art from around the world. He left his collection to the Irish state upon his death, and it’s now housed in the Chester Beatty Library. You can expect to see Japanese paintings, Islamic manuscripts, Chinese snuff bottles and many more extraordinary artefacts. What’s more, entrance is free, though donations are always welcome. The centre runs art-oriented workshops for kids, teens and adults.

St Stephen’s Green

This delightful urban park was once a marshy patch of land. After its conversion to a public park in 1663, St Stephen’s Green became a fashionable place for high society to meet, take a stroll and indulge in gossip. The park was returned to private landowners in 1814, a widely unpopular move, but in 1877, Sir Arthur Guinness (the politician, not the brewer) bought the land and returned it to the people. His statue now stands in the park, which retains many of its original Victorian features. Take a picnic and enjoy one of the lunchtime concerts held during the summer.

Irish Whiskey Museum

The one-hour tours of this Grafton Street museum are an enjoyable, interactive romp through the history of Irish whiskey. Engaging guides illuminate the Irish people’s deadly first attempts at distilling and explain the rise and fall of the whiskey industry in a faithfully recreated Irish bar. Tours finish with a tasting that will educate novices and experts alike. Tongue-in-cheek jokes are a hallmark, and Scottish guests can expect to be good-naturedly teased about their “inferior” product. If you want to take your experience to the next level, pair your tour with a whiskey-blending class.

Phoenix Park

Phoenix Park stretches over 7sqkm (3sqmi), making it the largest park in any European capital. Inside is the acclaimed Dublin Zoo (established in 1831, it’s one of the oldest zoos in the world) and the home of the President of Ireland. Free guided tours of his home, Áras an Uachtaráin, are available on Saturdays on a first-come, first-served basis. A great way to navigate the park is by hiring a bicycle from the stand at Heuston Station (register with Dublinbikes first). If you’re lucky, you may even get to see the native deer.

National Concert Hall

Despite the impressive facade, this concert hall offers possibly the best-value tickets in town. It’s the performing home for the state-funded RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra and Concert Orchestra, who delight audiences several times per week with crowd-pleasers such as Ravel’s Boléro and the film scores of John Williams. Since 1865, the building has been many things, including an exhibition venue and a university. The current hall opened in 1981, dedicated solely to music for the first time. And what a hall – with acoustics this good, it doesn’t matter where you sit.

Where to stay

Dylan hotel, for a cosy spot by st stephen’s green.

Dylan Hotel is down Baggot Street only a short walk from the lovely St Stephen’s Green and a few minutes from the city centre. Bedrooms are light, airy and homely with Victorian-style decor combined with modern amenities. Get cosy in the outside Nursery Terrace with a cup of frothy coffee or head to Ruby Room for an Irish-themed cocktail served by a waistcoated bartender.

The Westbury Hotel, for an arty retreat near Grafton Street

Just a stone’s throw from the lively Grafton Street, The Westbury Hotel is an ideal base for exploring the main attractions in Dublin. Keep your eyes peeled for pieces by local artists on the walls and furniture created by the renowned furniture designer George Smith. Hungry? Traditional Irish recipes and carefully chosen dishes from around the world are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the hotel restaurant, Wilde.

Start planning your adventure in Ireland today. This article is an updated version of a story created by James Hendicott .

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Dublin location ranked one of the world’s best ‘hidden gems’ by travelers

According to a new study, ireland is one of the top three countries in the world with the most highly acclaimed but lesser known tourist destinations..

Drimnagh Castle has been revealed as Dublin's top ‘hidden gem’ location according to a new study.

Research conducted by Tour Operator Software Provider Bókun (part of the Tripadvisor family)  has uncovered local ‘hidden gem’ locations around the world, according to tourists.

Bókun examined over 1,000 local destinations using Tripadvisor reviews containing the phrase "hidden gem." Their analysis revealed the best places to travel worldwide, according to real consumers. 

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Ireland was one of the top three countries with the world's most "hidden gems." The Emerald Isle ranked the third most likely place to spot a "hidden gem" location worldwide, claiming 6% of the total wonders. Taking first place was England with 33% of total wonders, closely followed by the United States of America in second place with 31%.

Dublin, Ireland's capital, made a remarkable impression on tourists, with a total of nine destinations appearing on the global list of "hidden gem" spots. From the nine that made it to the list, Drimnagh Castle emerged as the front-runner. Claiming the top spot in both Dublin and Ireland overall, 19% of all reviews called the historical site a ‘hidden gem’ location. 

Among the nine acknowledged spots in Dublin were Casino Marino, Marsh’s Library , Dublin City Gallery , and Richmond Barracks. This recognition shines a spotlight on Dublin as a city with huge cultural significance, placing it amongst some very esteemed wonders worldwide.

And following behind Drimnagh Castle in second place in Ireland overall was Kilfane Waterfall and Glen in Co. Kilkenny , with 19% of reviews overall mentioning its noteworthiness. Ireland's third-best hidden gem was the National Botanic Gardens in Kilmacurragh (14%).

Read below for the top hidden gems in both Dublin and Ireland overall.

Hidden Gems in Dublin:

• Drimnagh Castle
• Casino Marino
• Marsh's Library
• Richmond Barracks
• St. Audoen's Church
• Chester Beatty
• Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane
• 14 Henrietta Street
• The Little Museum of Dublin

Top 10 Hidden Gems in Ireland

• Kilfane Waterfall and Glen
• National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh
• Dooks Golf Club
• Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre
• Victor's Way
• Old Irish Ways
• Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens

For more information on Bókun's study of "hidden gems" worldwide, click here .

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Best places to visit in ireland.

Ireland's rich culture, enchanting green landscapes and friendly locals are just a few reasons why so many travelers make the journey to this island country. But with so many cities, charming small towns and countryside wonders to choose from, it may be hard to decide exactly what should be on your Emerald Isle itinerary. U.S. News took into account sights, adventure, food and culture, plus expert opinions and traveler sentiment, to determine the best places to visit in Ireland. If you want to have a say in next year's list, be sure to vote below.

Dingle Peninsula

Cliffs of moher, iveragh peninsula, glenveagh national park, inishowen peninsula, connemara national park, aran islands.

With a stoic castle, wild coastline and great "craic" (fun, entertainment and good company), Donegal checks off many items on an Ireland vacation bucket list. Donegal visitors can see the 15th-century Donegal Castle, grab a pint of Guinness in a traditional Irish bar dating back to the 1700s or revel in one of the town's high-spirited festivals. Meanwhile, Donegal's northwest coast location makes it ideal for driving along the scenic Donegal Bay to the Slieve League cliffs – which are nearly three times as tall as the Cliffs of Moher – or hopping to islands known for their exceptional preservation of the Gaelic language and culture.

Though Dublin is Ireland's hub for politics, culture and music, its approachable and relaxed culture sets it apart from most European capitals. Before making a beeline for the Guinness Storehouse, consider a walking tour to take in popular attractions like Trinity College (and its swoon-worthy library), the 13th-century Dublin Castle and the always exuberant Temple Bar district. Save time to take in the arts, too: Dublin is home to the national theater of Ireland and plenty of festivals and museums dedicated to Irish literary greats. Plus, Dublin offers easy access  to alluring destinations like the fishing village of Howth and Wicklow Mountains National Park.

Located along the country's famous Wild Atlantic Way, the Dingle Peninsula consistently stuns with its otherworldly scenery (think: evergreen cliffs, craggy coastlines and vibrant blue waters). Begin your journey by driving along Slea Head Drive, a scenic route known for its photo-worthy vistas. If you'd rather see the peninsula on foot, head down the Dingle Way, a network of trails that spans the entire peninsula. Or, take a ferry to the Blasket Islands to explore jaw-dropping cliffs, look for wildlife like sheep and dolphins, and visit pristine beaches without rubbing elbows with other tourists.

For the quintessential Irish countryside experience, travel to Killarney. The town is surrounded by evergreen hills and valley on all sides, affording plenty of opportunities to become one with nature. Visitors gravitate toward Killarney National Park, which features Ireland's highest mountain range, MacGillycuddy's Reeks. If you aren't much of a hiker, you can still enjoy the scenic lakes or visit one of Killarney's centuries-old churches or castles.

The Cliffs of Moher are Ireland's most popular tourist attraction, welcoming more than 1 million visitors each year. In fact, the cliffs are so popular that cities situated more than 100 miles away often offer full-day bus tours to the attraction. Once you lay eyes on this sight, you'll understand why so many people travel hours to gaze at it. Measuring more than 8 miles long and 700 feet tall, the cliffs provide breathtaking views of Galway Bay, parts of Connemara National Park and the Aran Islands on a clear day.

This peninsula in County Kerry is best known for featuring the world-famous Ring of Kerry, a 111-mile scenic drive that circles around the entire peninsula. Along the way, visitors will enjoy truly spectacular scenery both on the coast and inland. Can't-miss stops include Ladies View, Rossbeigh Strand, Derrynane beach and the Gap of Dunloe. Travelers should also save time for visiting some of the peninsula's picturesque small towns and castles, which are both developed and abandoned. Be sure to stay at least one night here for a glimpse of the stars in Ireland's first dark sky reserve.

Surrounded by a looming mountain, sandy beaches and charming countryside (dubbed "Yeats Country" after the county's famed poet), Sligo offers something for everyone. If you're up for an adventure, hike the loop around the iconic Benbulben mountain, take a surf lesson in Strandhill or watch the big-wave pros at Mullaghmore Head. Meanwhile, more leisurely travelers can visit Sligo town's popular sites like The Model art center and Sligo Abbey, or take a coastal drive to fine estates like the Lissadell House and Gardens (open seasonally). Just make time for a few stops along the Sligo Food Trail on your way.

After Dublin, Cork is Ireland's largest city. Located at the southern end of the country, this city of more than 200,000 residents is famous for being home to Blarney Castle and its Blarney Stone. According to local legend, the stone will grant you the gift of eloquence, if you dare kiss it. Cork is also where you'll find 18th- and 19th-century churches, the Cork City Gaol (a former prison converted into a museum) and lush Fitzgerald Park, among other noteworthy attractions. When hunger strikes, explore Cork's English Market, where you'll find everything from meat and fish counters to cafes and bakeries.

Located just 17 miles south of Cork, this enclave on Ireland's southern coast charms visitors with rainbow-hued buildings and a "riviera" vibe. Sailing is central to Kinsale, which hosts several regattas throughout the summer, but other water activities like kayaking and surfing hold equal appeal. Those who prefer to stay on land can visit nearby attractions like the scenic Nohoval Cove and historic Charles Fort. What's more, as one of Ireland's top culinary destinations, Kinsale entices foodies with more than 50 delectable eateries and food-centric celebrations like the Kinsale Gourmet Festival and Kinsale Street Feast.

Galway offers the best of both worlds for travelers. City slickers can revel in Galway's relatively light but palpable bustle, while outdoor lovers can venture outside the city to see many natural attractions, including the Salthill Promenade, Wild Atlantic Way and, farther afield, Burren National Park. If you prefer to stay local, stroll through the lively Latin Quarter, then check out historical attractions like the Spanish Arch and St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church.

Situated in the heart of County Donegal, Glenveagh National Park sets a picturesque scene, complete with a lakeside castle and lush mountains. Here, active sightseers can bask in the unspoiled natural beauty of the Emerald Isle, with nearly 40,000 acres that are completely free to access for hiking, biking, fishing and camping. Highlights include the Derryveagh Mountains, the sweeping valleys of the Poisoned Glen and the rugged shores of Lough Inshagh and Lough Veagh. For a small fee, visitors can also take a tour of the Glenveagh Castle, a stately granite structure representing the idyllic highland retreat, and explore its varied gardens and tearooms.  

Situated just northwest of Ireland's border with Northern Ireland, the Inishowen Peninsula is the country's largest peninsula. Its remote location 170 miles northwest of Dublin plus its otherworldly scenery and thatched cottages create a peaceful setting you won't find in Ireland's more tourist-heavy peninsulas. Must-see natural wonders here include Malin Head, Trawbreaga Bay and the Gap of Mamore. If you've always dreamed of seeing the northern lights , be sure to visit in winter when the aurora borealis' beautiful hues are typically visible throughout the peninsula.

Expect awe-inspiring scenery everywhere you turn when you visit this 5,000-acre national park during the warmer months. Connemara National Park is home to the Twelve Bens mountain range, plus woodlands, grasslands, heaths (wild, undeveloped flatlands) and bogs (wetlands) that you can explore via one of several trails. To get a good overview of the park's diverse scenery, hike the Diamond Hill paths and walk the Green Road along Killary Harbour. The latter is where you'll find one of Ireland's few glacial fjords.

Travelers keen on getting a taste of what old Ireland looked and felt like should consider visiting the Aran Islands. Accessible by plane from Connemara or by ferry from Rossaveal, Galway and Doolin on Ireland's western coast, the Aran Islands feature important historical sites, Celtic churches and lots of untouched landscapes (think: the "Banshees of Inisherin," some of which was filmed here). Plus, Gaelic is widely spoken, providing an authentic cultural experience. Though all three islands offer noteworthy sights, plan on spending the bulk of your time on Inis Mór (or Inishmore), where the prehistoric fort of Dún Aonghasa is located.

Kilkenny offers a hearty amount of historical attractions for travelers to explore. This is largely thanks to the town's prior distinction of being the medieval capital of Ireland, a heritage that remains evident today  in the Medieval Mile, Kilkenny's top attraction. Within the Medieval Mile you'll find several interesting sights, such as Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice's Cathedral and the Medieval Mile Museum. This historic part of town is also home to the Smithwick's Experience, where you can learn more about how one of Ireland's most popular ales is brewed.

Head to this small seaport on Ireland's southeastern coast to catch a glimpse of the country's oldest city. Waterford is full of history, and its attractions reflect that. History buffs can learn more about the city's Viking roots at Waterford Treasures' Medieval Museum, Reginald's Tower and Bishop's Palace facilities. Or, they can take a tour of the 18th-century House of Waterford factory to see how the city's world-renowned crystal is made. For travelers who need a break from Waterford's rich history, there's the Waterford Greenway, a nearly 30-mile-long walking and bike path.

Those who plan on visiting Cork should save time for a daytrip to Cobh. This charming small town, which sits on an island in Cork Harbor, is known for its past as both a major departure point for Irish emigrating to the U.S. and as the last port of call for the Titanic. Travelers who want to learn more about these key roles in Cobh's history can visit the Cobh Heritage Centre and Titanic Experience Cobh. Before leaving, take a stroll around town to admire Cobh's striking Victorian-era architecture and brightly colored storefronts and homes.

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Where To Stay In Dublin (The Best Areas And Neighborhoods)

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: March 21, 2024

Wondering where to stay in Dublin, Ireland?! You’ll find everything you need to know below ( I’ve lived here for 35 years – I promise you’ll find this useful!).

If you’re spending 2 days in Dublin or even just 1 day in Dublin , you need a good, central base in/near the city .

While there is no one best area to stay in Dublin, there are plenty of very nice neighborhoods in Dublin to stay in during your visit.

Below, you’ll find a number of different Dublin areas worth considering – I know each area well so you can rest assured that I’m confident you’ll love any of the places recommended below.

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows about where to stay in Dublin

Click to enlarge map

Before looking at where to stay in Dublin, take 20 seconds to scan the points below as they’ll save you time and hassle in the long run:

1. If you pick a central base, Dublin is walkable

Many guides on the best places to stay in Dublin talk about the city like it’s NYC or London – they’re generally doing this because they have limited knowledge of the area. Our city is small – once you pick one of the central Dublin areas, you can walk to most places .

2. There is no one great area for nightlife or restaurants

Many travel guides lead you to believe that Dublin has ‘main’ restaurant or bar areas. Yes, some places have more pubs and places to eat than others but, as the city is compact, you’re never (and I mean never) far from places to eat and drink .

3. The pros and cons of staying outside of the city

Many of the best neighborhoods in Dublin lay outside of the city centre. Places like Dalkey, Howth and Malahide are a train ride away. While you won’t be at the heart of the hustle and bustle, you’ll see a very different side to Dublin than those who stay in the city.

4. The pros and cons of staying in the city

Arguably the best places to stay in Dublin are the areas at the heart of the hustle and bustle; you’ll be a short walk from most major attractions and you won’t need to take public transport . The main disadvantage of staying in the city is that hotels in Dublin charge an arm and a leg!

The best places to stay in Dublin City Centre

Photos via Shutterstock

OK, so, the first section of our guide is packed with the best area to stay in Dublin if you want to 1, be at the heart of the action and 2, be within walking distance of many of Dublin’s top attractions .

Note: if you book a stay through one of the links below we may make a tiny commission that helps us keep this site going. You won’t pay extra, but we really do appreciate it.

1. Stephen’s Green / Grafton Street

St Stephen’s Green sits at the top of Grafton Street and both areas are home to plenty of shops, pubs and restaurants.

These are two of the more high-end Dublin areas and you’ll find many of the top 5-star hotels in Dublin located in their surrounds.

Temple Bar, Trinity College and Dublin Castle are all no more than a 15-minute walk from Stephen’s Green and there’s also a handy LUAS tram stop on the Green’s west side.

It’s for good reason that we reply to most ‘where to stay in Dublin City Centre’ emails advising people to stay in and around The Green. The location here is hard to beat.

The pros and cons to staying here

• The pros:  Close to the likes of Trinity, Dublin Castle and all major attractions
• The cons:  As it’s very central, expect hotel prices to be at their highest here

Recommended hotels

• Budget:  None
• Mid-range:  The Green and The Marlin  
• High-end:  The Shelbourne and Stauntons on the Green 

2. Merrion Square

Dublin’s Merrion Square , the former home of Oscar Wilde, is a historic oasis of calm right in the heart of the city.

Another of the best neighborhoods to stay in Dublin if you’ve a lofty budget, here you’ll discover Georgian architecture hidden in plain sight along with some of Dublin’s most colourful doors! 

Although it’s feet from the hustle and bustle, its location makes you feel like you left the city behind you.

Within a 10-minute walk you have everywhere from the National Gallery of Ireland and the Book of Kells to Grafton Street and more.

• The pros:  Very central yet it’ll feel like you’re outside of the city centre
• The cons:  Expensive. Very expensive
• Mid-range:  The Mont
• High-end: The Merrion and The Alex

3. The Liberties

Photos via Ireland’s Content Pool

One of the best neighborhoods in Dublin for visitors looking to sample Irish beers and Irish whiskey is The Liberties.

Those that stay here will immerse themselves in Dublin’s past and present in an area that’s steeped in history.

Once the heart of Dublin’s industry, it’s now a cultural hotspot that’s home to the likes of the Roe & Co Distillery and the Guinness Storehouse .

You also have the likes of Marsh’s Library and St. Patrick’s Cathedral a short ramble away. Few Dublin areas are as up-and-coming as The Liberties tourism-wise.

• The pros:  Central, lots of accommodation options and plenty to see and do
• The cons:  None
• Budget: Garden Lane Backpackers 
• Mid-range: Aloft
• High-end: Hyatt Centric

4. Smithfield

Smithfield is another of the best places to stay in Dublin when it comes to proximity to the city centre and the cost for a room for a night.

Located a 15-minute stroll from the Storehouse and 20 minutes from O’Connell Street, Smithfield is very central without being smack bang in the middle of the city.

The beauty of this is that you get a much better bang-for-your-buck when it comes to accommodation.

• The pros:  Short walk from most main attractions. Good value on accommodation
• The cons:  If you have mobility issues the walk might be laboursome
• Mid-range:  McGettigan’s Townhouse and The Maldron
• High-end:  None

5. Temple Bar

Many guides on where to stay in Dublin list  the Temple Bar district at the top spot thanks to its nightlife.

Now, don’t be fooled into thinking it’s here that you’ll find the city’s finest bars – the best pubs in Dublin are  most definitely not in Temple Bar.

With that being said, there are some great pubs in Temple Bar, especially if you’re after live music. Temple Bar is also  very central  so if you stay here you won’t have to walk far to reach the main attractions.

Temple Bar is arguably the best area to stay in Dublin if you’re looking for a  very  lively base to explore the city from.

• The pros:  Very central
• The cons:  Very pricey for hotels and pints
• Budget:  The Apache Hostel 
• Mid-range:  Temple Bar Inn and The Fleet 
• High-endish:  The Clarence and The Morgan

6. O’Connell St.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Dublin for the first time, O’Connell Street is a good option. Located on the north side of the city, it’s a short walk from all major attractions.

Now, my one major gripe with recommending O’Connell Street as a base is that it’s dodgy here at times (see our guide to ‘ Is Dublin Safe? ‘).

I’ve lived in Dublin my entire life and have spent a lot of time in the city in recent years – one of the Dublin areas I’d dodge, especially late in the evenings, is O’Connell Street.

With that being said, many tourists stay here due to how central it is and most have no negative encounters.

• The pros:  Extremely central. Hotels generally well-priced
• The cons:  It can be rough here in the evenings so you need to be vigilant
• Budget:  Abbey Court Hostel
• Mid-range: Arlington Hotel
• High-end:  The Gresham

7. The Docklands

Photos left and top right: Gareth McCormack. Other: Chris Hill (via Failte Ireland)

Another of the best areas to stay in Dublin if you’re looking to keep costs down is the Docklands down near Grand Canal Dock .

This area has undergone a complete transformation over the last 10-15 years thanks to the arrival of the likes of Google and Facebook.

The result is a surge in the number of hotels, bars and restaurants. It’s a short stroll from the city centre and it’s one of the best areas to stay in Dublin price wise.

• The pros:  Relatively short walk into city and sometimes  better price-wise for hotels
• The cons:  Very quiet at weekends due to the area being full of offices. It’s also outside the centre of the city
• Mid-range: Clayton Cardiff Lane and Grand Canal Hotel
• High-end:  The Marker

The best areas to stay in Dublin outside of the city

The final section of our guide on where to stay in Dublin contains places to stay outside of the city centre that are worth considering.

Now,  getting around Dublin is pretty easy, so you could stay in one of these Dublin areas and get a bus or train into the city, if you fancy!

1. Ballsbridge

One of the best places to stay in Dublin right next to the city centre is the  very  affluent Ballsbridge .

Now, although it’s outside of the city centre, you’d still walk into the likes of Trinity College in under 35 minutes, so it’s not too far out.

Home to countless embassies, pubs and high-end restaurants, I’d argue that Ballsbridge is one of the safer Dublin areas and it makes an excellent base to explore from.

• The pros:  Nice, safe area a stone’s throw from the city
• Mid-range:  Pembroke Hall and Mespil Hotel
• High-end: InterContinental

2. Drumcondra

I’d argue that Drumcondra is the best area to stay in Dublin if you want to be very close to the city and the airport and you don’t have a huge budget.

This is a leafy little neighborhood that’s home to plenty of expensive housing estates, Dublin’s Croke Park Stadium and lots of pubs and restaurants.

It’s one of the lesser-known places to stay in Dublin amongst visiting tourists, but it’s one we recommend over and over again.

• The pros:  Very close to city centre and plenty of hotels
• Budget:  Double bedroom studios
• Mid-range:  Dublin Skylon Hotel and The Croke Park Hotel

3. Malahide

Full of colour and offering pleasant coastal scenes that are a world away from the action of Dublin City Centre, Malahide is a great spot to spend a few days.

With a totally different speed of life to the city yet still boasting a ton of things to do (especially the 800-year-old Malahide Castle ) and some good pubs and restaurants, Malahide has a lot going for it. 

It’s also well connected with non-stop rail services taking you to Dublin in less than 20 minutes while the slightly slower DART gets you there in under 30 minutes. 

Malahide is arguably the best area to stay in Dublin if you’d like to experience a gorgeous Irish village that’s home to plenty of history and lots of good pubs, food and public transport.

• The pros:  Lovely village with great bars and restaurants
• The cons:  Limited accommodation
• Mid-range:  The Grand Hotel

Situated on the Howth Peninsula, Howth is a scenic little town with lovely views and a ton of great pubs, beaches and superb seafood restaurants.

With Howth Castle and the famous Howth Cliff Walk nearby, there’s plenty to keep you occupied here.

The transport links back to the bright lights of Dublin aren’t bad either, and the DART will get you to Connolly station in around 30-35 minutes. 

If you’re wondering where to stay in Dublin that’ll make you feel like you’re a million miles away from the city, Howth is worth considering.

• The pros:  Gorgeous village, lots of pubs and restaurants and plenty to see and do
• Mid-range:  King Sitric

5. Dalkey and Dún Laoghaire

And last but by no means least in out guide to the best neighborhoods to stay in Dublin are Dalkey and Dún Laoghaire .

These are two  very  affluent coastal towns a short train/bus ride from the city centre that make very scenic bases to explore from.

Both are packed to the rafters with cracking cafes, pubs and restaurants and, if you’re using either as a base for a 2-day+ stay, you can take a number of day trips from Dublin with ease (especially nearby Wicklow).

• The pros:  Beautiful, safe areas
• The cons:  Outside the city so you’ll need to take the bus/train
• Mid-range:  Royal Marine Hotel and Rochestown Lodge Hotel

Frequently asked questions

Our guide to the best neighborhoods to stay in Dublin has been written based on the experience of living in the capital for 32 years. 

However, we’re sure that there are other Dublin areas that pack a punch, too. If you have a place that you’d like to recommend, let us know below.

What is the best area to stay in Dublin for first timers?

If you’re looking for central places to stay in Dublin, Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street are worth a look. Outside the city, Drumcondra and Ballsbridge are good options.

What is the best neighborhoods to stay in Dublin price wise?

If you’re wondering where to stay in Dublin on a budget, I’d recommend looking at Drumcondra, around Grand Canal and (surprisingly) Ballsbridge.

I’m wondering where to stay in Dublin on a 1-day layover?

If you only have 24 hours and you’re wondering where to stay in Dublin during your visit, stay in the city (or near the airport, if you’re flying off the next day).

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Barbara Batt

Friday 2nd of June 2023

My friend I am traveling with is considering Fitzpatrick Castle, any advice?

Keith O'Hara

Sunday 4th of June 2023

Hey - I've stayed there previously and liked it. If you have a car, it's fine. If you don't it's up a hill, so it might be a tough walk depending on fitness levels.

The best places to visit around Ireland on a daytrip

If you’re planning to go daytripping, where should you venture fionn davenport offers some suggestions.

Glendalough is one of the country’s most significant and beautifully located monastic sites. Photograph: Chris Hill

Whatever you think of the name, the concept of “daycations” is pretty straightforward: take a day to explore the region around where you live and then return to sleep in your own bed at night. It’s the chance to break up a regular routine, plus it’s a great way of engaging in a little tourism without spending a fortune on accommodation, usually the heftiest expense of any holiday.

And in Ireland, where tourist accommodation is squeezed by seasonality and availability – in the last couple of years, up to a third of all hotel beds have been tied up in public contracts – that can mean significant savings.

The idea is simple: be a tourist in your own area. Take a visit to a nearby attraction, or maybe explore some ruins. Go for a hike in the mountains, or kayak on a nearby lake. Everyone’s version of the ideal day out is different and can change depending on the season and the weather.

Here are some ideas on where to explore from the base of a number of Ireland’s largest populated areas – Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway.

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Have you ever visited Marsh’s Library in Dublin?

Of course, you could devote plenty of days to exploring without leaving the city centre: when was the last time you went to the Natural History Museum, for example? Have you ever visited Marsh’s Library or the Casino at Marino? And while we all know it’s there, have you ever actually been to the Guinness Storehouse? But there’s a lot to explore within a couple of hours’ drive of O’Connell Street – including some genuine surprises.

Brú na Bóinne, just west of Drogheda, is one of the most known neolithic sites in the world, a Unesco world Heritage attraction that draws hundreds of thousands of yearly visitors. If you have never been, you should go.

But if you like your neolithic sites without the crowds, there’s the cairns at Loughcrew , 50km to the west, near Oldcastle along the R154. Of the 32 tombs here, Cairn T is the most accessible, a 15-minute walk up the hill from the car park. Although it mightn’t seem as impressive as Newgrange, the passageway is illuminated during the spring and autumn equinoxes, and the passageway is visible when Heritage Ireland guides are present; otherwise, the key to the gate is available from the cafe at Loughcrew Gardens.

If you like your neolithic sites without the crowds, there’s the cairns at Loughcrew

Glendalough is one of the country’s most significant and beautifully located monastic sites, but it does get busy. A far less visited alternative is the Fore Valley in Co Westmeath, about 5km east of Castlepollard near the shores of Lough Lene. There’s nary a visitor here, but the setting for the ruins of St Féchín’s 7th century monastic village is stunning: a cluster of ruins huddled at the base of a beautiful valley, that is looped by a 3km walking trail. If you do visit, be sure to pick up a guide map at the Fore Abbey Coffee Shop, which will also explain the “seven wonders” of the valley – the monastery in the bog, the water that flows uphill, the tree that won’t burn, the water that won’t boil, the anchorite in a stone, the mill without a race, and the lintel raised by the prayers of St Fechin. And even if you don’t believe, it’s a beautiful place to linger.

The particularly arresting artwork in Spike Island by inmates is on display upstairs in the punishment block

Corkonians are spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do beyond the city limits. The train ride to Fota Island, for instance, is one of the most scenic in the country, as you chug past marshy Harper’s Island and over the bridges on Lough Mahon and the Slatty Water.

Fota has plenty to keep you entertained for the day with the wildlife park and, just by the tiger enclosure, Fota House , which can be visited by guided tour. Even if you don’t step inside, take time to walk around the gorgeous arboretum.

While it may lack the high-tech razzmatazz of its sister museum in Belfast, the visit to the old White Star Line building is a stirring one

Although most Corkonians are well familiar with Cobh, how many have set foot inside the excellent Titanic Experience ? While it may lack the high-tech razzmatazz of its sister museum in Belfast, the visit to the old White Star Line building (the last port of call before setting out into the North Atlantic) is a stirring one: when you enter you’re given a ticket with a real passenger’s name on it; you then go through the exhibits and find out at the end if they survived or not. Further along the seafront is the dock for Spike Island , whose 1300-year history is told in compelling detail; particularly arresting is the artwork by inmates upstairs in the punishment block.

Cork has no shortage of terrific hikes, including the wonderful cliff walk that starts at Knockadoon Pier, 45km east of the city on a headland looking out over Capel Island. The 7km-long looped cliff walk is stunning, taking you along the coastline past the old signal tower (which dates from 1803) and back to the pier, which is a popular spot for a swim. About 500 metres offshore, Capel Island is an uninhabited bird sanctuary; you’d need permission from Birdwatch Ireland to visit.

King John’s Castle has stood on the banks of the Shannon for 800 years, but when was the last time you went inside? Photograph: Eye Ubiquitous/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

There’s a lot to see in Limerick these days, from the relatively new to the very old. The wonderful International Rugby Experience opened in 2023 and tells the story of the sport as well as providing a chance to test your kicking skills. King John’s Castle has stood on the banks of the Shannon for 800 years, but when was the last time you went inside? If it’s been a while, you might enjoy the primer on Irish history (there’s a lot of gore) and the chance to try some medieval games in the courtyard, like a proper game of hopscotch.

What about experiencing Limerick from the water? Nev Sail has kayaking tours that start just behind the Hunt Museum and take you up and down the river, under the bridges and up close to the sturdy walls of the castle.

If you’re looking for more watery adventures outside the city, head north to Killaloe, where Cillian O’Mara and Keith Drayton’s My Next Adventure has a range of kayaking tours: the Brian Ború Experience is a two-hour trip through 1000 years of history (and 13 of Killaloe’s stone bridges) as far up as Lough Derg. The Full Moon Kayaking takes you right out into the middle of Lough Derg at sunset before returning to Killaloe.

For an even more active day out, the Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails are, at 98km, the largest of its kind in Ireland, weaving in and out of thick forest and gorgeous mountain views – and they’re only a 45km drive south of the city, just beyond Kilmallock. There are five loops of varying length and difficulty, from gentle, family-friendly slopes to rugged speed tracks designed to challenge the most intrepid riders (you might even catch world champion rider and local lad Oisin O’Callaghan going for a spin). If you don’t have a bike, you can rent everything – including helmets and protective pads – from the Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Centre at the base of the mountain. If you prefer to do your wandering on two feet, the waymarked Ballyhoura Way wends its way through 90km of forest trail, field paths, moorland and tarmac road.

Outside of Galway city, a journey around Lough Corrib is a fantastic day trip option

With Connemara, the Aran Islands and the Burren on its doorstep, Galwegians have no shortage of day trip options from the City of the Tribes. But even within the city there are some interesting ways to discover, not least with a tour that takes full advantage of Galway’s reputation as a capital of fine food.

Galway Food Tours is a local outfit that operates a range of food tours where you get to sample lots of different local produce, from sushi to chocolate. Day tours start outside McCambridge’s on Shop Street include six food and drink stops and you finish in the Soul Garden at the back of Massimo’s in the West End (where you bid farewell with a goody bag). They also offer whiskey and craft beer tours as well as a food and cycling tour that uses e-bikes.

Outside of the city, a journey around Lough Corrib is a fantastic day trip option. Just before you get to Oughterard, Aughnanure Castle was once home to the “fighting O’Flaherty’s”; these days the six-storey tower house on a rocky outcrop overlooking the lake is open to visitors. If you fancy getting out on to the lake, Corrib Cruises has twice-weekly summer sailings from Oughterard that take you out to explore the monastic ruins of Inchagoill, the largest island on the lake.

The bridge at Maam, Connemara, Co Galway, used in the 1952 film The Quiet Man. Photograph: iStock

Just beyond Oughterard is the Quiet Man bridge, the idea of which has raised collective eyebrows since the 1950s film starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara became part of the Irish-American cultural lexicon, but there’s no denying that it’s an absolutely gorgeous spot. In Cong, there’s the Quiet Man Museum (strictly for the hard-core fans) but far more interesting is the 3km forest loop walk that brings you to Leonard’s Tower, aka the Guinness Tower, on the grounds of Ashford Castle. Climb the 85 steps to the top for views and a decent leg workout. One final stop, on the eastern side of the lake, are at the ruins of Ross Errilly Friary, just beyond Glencorrib, the most complete Franciscan monastic ruins in the country. From here, it’s 27km back to Galway City along the N84.

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14 Things To Do in Dublin, Ireland On a Long Layover With AerLingus

Utilizing a long layover is one of the best traveler hacks out there. With AerLingus offering most flights with a stopover in Dublin, if you're going to stop there anyway, you might as well leave the airport and get some exploring in. Dublin is a relatively small city, and with even just one day, you can tick a few things off of your Irish bucket list. Here are 10 recommended things to do on a long layover in Dublin with AerLingus.

UPDATE: 2023/05/12 13:37 EST BY KHYATI DAND

More Things To Do in Dublin, Ireland On a Long Layover With AerLingus

It can be very hard to kill time on long layovers but that's not something travelers flying to Dublin have to worry about. With the entire city at one's disposal, long layovers in Dublin are an excellent way to explore the Irish capital. This list was updated to include more things that travelers can do on stopovers in Dublin when flying with AerLingus.

RELATED: 10 Places Perfect For Exploring While On a Long Layover

See The Book Of Kells At The Trinity College Library

The Library of Trinity College in Dublin is one of the oldest libraries in Ireland and nothing will make time fly by quicker than the dark aisles of its 16th-century reading halls. The library has over 7,000,000 volumes of books on its shelves but if there's one thing that visitors must see, it's the Book of Kells -- the four Latin Gospel manuscripts dating back to the 9th century. No matter the time of the year, the library always has at least one volume on display for the public to see.

Catch A Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Flights can get pretty darn tiring. Oftentimes, there's very little energy left for anything exciting on a layover, let alone exploring an entirely new city . In that case, hop-on hop-off bus tours offer visitors an excellent means through which to see Dublin without much physical exertion on their part. Simply catch an open-top double-decker bus, grab a seat in a corner, and watch Dublin's top attractions pass by as you listen to audio guides for context.

Get A Taste Of Irish Food

What better way to spend a layover in Dublin than to eat your way through the Irish capital? Food blogger Ketty Quigley's Delicious Dublin Tours take visitors on a three-hour walking trip around the city with stops at plenty of famous eateries in between. As local experts tell tales of Dublin's food history, visitors will not only taste the best of local Irish food, but they will also learn of its past and present. These tours operate regardless of the weather in the notoriously temperamental capital.

Hop Onto A Viking Splash Tour

Long layovers in Dublin are one thing if you're alone or in the company of a fellow adult, but finding entertainment can be a far more tedious task when traveling with kids. A Viking Splash Tour is an excellent adrenaline-filled activity -- and an incredibly unique one at that -- for both adults and kids to take part in when in Dublin. The tours take place on a restored World War II amphibious vehicle that functions much like a bus on the roads but transforms into a boat as it mightily glides into the Grand Canal Dock, splashing passengers on board with the cold waters of the canal.

Drink At Temple Bar

What visit to Ireland is complete without a proper pint of Guinness? Head to the place that does it best, and arguably the most famous bar in not only Dublin but all of Ireland: Temple Bar Pub. Not to be confused with the neighborhood that is called Temple Bar, Temple Bar Pub is an infamous landmark pub with the traditional bright red exterior, welcoming you in to have a pint or two.

Related: 10 Pubs You Need To Grab A Brew At While Visiting Dublin

Dublin Castle

Despite popular belief, there's a lot more to do in Dublin than just drinking. Ireland is home to several castles, and Dublin Castle is one of the finest . Having been built in the thirteen century, Dublin Castle has since served as home to English and British administration. In 1922, Dublin Castle was given to the Irish government, where it now serves as a popular tourist hotspot. For an entry fee of about 8 euros, you can head inside and see the collection of art, as well as take in the majestic red velour and gold-plated interior.

Related: 9 Things To Do In Dublin: Complete Guide Beyond The Pubs To This Irish Capital

Chester Beatty

Within the confines of Dublin Castle is what Lonely Planet has described as one of the best museums in Europe: Chester Beatty. Also known as Chester Beatty Library, this museum is home to the collections of Sir Chester Alfred Beatty, a philanthropist and mining magnate who was given the title "King of Copper" due to his fortune. The collections at Chester Beatty include but are not limited to Arabic treatises on religion, Western manuscripts, pieces from Persian poets, and even Japanese art.

Shop At George's Street Arcade

Looking to get a little shopping in on your long layover in Dublin? George's Street Arcade is one of the best places in the city of Dublin to do so. Centrally located close to other major tourist spots, George's Street Arcade has shops ranging from Brazilian-made fashion at Carnaval to Mystic Ireland Crystals. There are also plenty of eateries on site, like the top-rated vegan burgers at Flip Burgers and proper wine and cheese at Loose Canon.

Take A Guinness Brewery Tour

Back to booze because, hey, it is Ireland, after all. Aside from Irish whiskey, the most popular alcoholic beverage in Ireland is Guinness. The Irish take their Guinness seriously. There's a craft behind pouring each one which amplifies the overall taste. If you're curious to know the art behind this extremely popular beer, head to the Guinness Brewery for a tour.

Related: You Need 90 Minutes To See The Guinness Storehouse, And Here's What The Ultimate Self-Guided Tour Looks Like

Visit Jameson Distillery

If you're more into whiskey, or better yet, if you want to add a second boozy adventure to your layover in Dublin, the Jameson Distillery is a great addition to your activities. Learn the history behind one of the most popular Irish whiskeys in the world. Created in 1780 by John Jameson, the long-standing tradition behind making Jameson can now be experienced as a tourist. The tour options range from a simple visit to cocktail classes.

See Local Music At Whelan's

Who doesn't love a good Irish folk band? While you are bound to find live music at pretty much any pub in the city, Whelan's is one of the best. You can check out their calendar on their website to see who's playing, and it's recommended to book a table in advance since this place quickly fills up. Enjoy a beverage while listening to some classical local Irish music.

Drink High Tea On A Vintage Bus

Are you less interested in whiskey and stouts and more interested in feeling posh with a cup of tea in hand? There are many tours to book in Ireland , but one of the more unique experiences in Dublin offered on GetYourGuide is a high-tea tour while riding on a vintage bus . Priced at about $50 per person, a high-tea tour in Dublin is a fun way to experience the city from a double-decker bus that's been refurbished to be its fanciest self. The tour comes with food options, including those that are vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free friendly.

Cross Ha'Penny Bridge

The Ha'Penny Bridge is a pedestrian bridge located in central Dublin. It was built in May 1816 over the River Liffey and remains a popular tourist attraction to this date. Its central location is close to the popular Temple Bar neighborhood, and the best part about ticking Ha'Penny Bridge off of your bucket list during a short layover is that it's only going to take a few minutes to see it.

Free Walking Tour

One of the best ways to quickly explore any city while learning a bit about its history is by taking a free walking tour . Explore Dublin by foot, see plenty of major tourist hot spots, and learn the history through a local tour guide, all for zero cost. The tour is offered several times a day, meaning it's likely you can fit it into your Dublin layover regardless of what time you land.

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Travel from airport to city, then train to Belfast - Ireland Forum

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Travel from airport to city, then train to Belfast

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5 replies to this topic

https://www.dublinairport.com/to-from-the-airport/by-bus

Trains to Belfast (the train that runs between Dublin and Belfast is also known as the Enterprise ) depart from Connolly Station in Dublin's north city centre. There are no left luggage/storage facilities at Connolly. Your best option might be to use one of the luggage storage finder/booking services to locate the most convenient option for you. We can't recommend any personally but the official Dublin Tourism site recommends this one:

https://www.visitdublin.com/stasher-luggage-storage-in-dublin

You can turn up at Connolly Station and just buy a ticket to Belfast but the cheapest fares are available online. Trains at peak travel times early in the morning and late afternoon/early evening are likely to be busier. Trains don't 'sell out' but busier services might have fewer available seats or you might find it more difficult finding seats together for a group of people.

https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/rail-fares-and-tickets/fares-info/dublin-belfast

Tapl, thank you for this very helpful information. We’ll hang onto the baggage storage site. I’ve just made a train reservation, as I see that for only a bit more cost I can change or cancel up until 60 minutes before the departure. That gives us plenty of wiggle room.

The train journey to Belfast is a pleasant one. Sit on the right hand side of the train on the way to Belfast for the best views. Enjoy your trip!

Thanks for this suggestion. I just double checked, and the seats I chose (without knowing there was a best side) are on the right!

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