Best Things to Do in Dublin
Located on Ireland’s east coast, Dublin is a city full of medieval history, literary heritage, and modern culture. It was originally founded by Vikings, and today, Dublin is known for its walkable streets, historic landmarks, friendly pubs, and welcoming atmosphere.
Best Places to Visit in Dublin, Ireland
Trinity College & The Book of Kells: This is Ireland’s oldest university, home to the famous Book of Kells: a beautifully preserved manuscript dating back to the 9th century. Don’t forget to stop by the spectacular Long Room Library while you’re there.
Guinness Storehouse: Enjoy a Guinness Storehouse tour and learn the story behind Ireland’s most famous stout, enjoying views across Dublin from the Gravity Bar.
Kilmainham Gaol: As one of Ireland’s most important historical sites, Kilmainham Gaol offers a fascinating insight into Irish history and the country’s journey toward independence.
Temple Bar: This well-known cultural quarter is known for its traditional Irish pubs, live music, restaurants, galleries, and cobblestone streets.
O’Connell Street: As you walk through Dublin’s main thoroughfare, don’t miss out on famous landmarks such as the General Post Office (GPO) and the iconic Spire of Dublin.
Beautiful Parks & Green Spaces
Need a break from sightseeing? Consider strolling through some of these outdoor areas:
- St. Stephen’s Green
- Phoenix Park
- Iveagh Gardens
These parks and gardens offer the perfect place to relax, enjoy a picnic, or simply take a leisurely walk.
Dublin’s Museums
Dublin has many fantastic museums to choose from, covering everything from archaeology and history to literature and art.
Here are some popular choices:
- National Museum of Ireland
- EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
- National Gallery of Ireland
- Little Museum of Dublin
- Irish Museum of Modern Art
Note: Several museums are closed on Monday. Check out this site(opens in a new tab) for more information.
Shopping in Dublin
Dublin offers many excellent shopping opportunities for visitors looking to browse international brands, local boutiques, and traditional Irish goods.
Some popular shopping districts include:
- Grafton Street
- O’Connell Street
- St. Stephen’s Green
Guided Tours & Unique Experiences
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours in Dublin: This type of tour is a great introduction to the city, as it allows you to explore Dublin’s top attractions at your own pace while learning about its history and culture.
Walking Tours
Dublin offers a variety of walking experiences, including:
- Self-guided walking tours
- Historical walking tours
- Literary tours
- Georgian Dublin tours
- Film-themed tours
Popular operators include Pat Liddy’s Walking Tours(opens in a new tab) and Letz Go City Tours(opens in a new tab).
Literary Pub Crawl: Discover Dublin’s literary heritage while visiting some of the city’s historic pubs. The Dublin Literary Pub Crawl(opens in a new tab) combined storytelling, history, beer, and entertainment all into one evening.
Food, Folklore, & Fairies: Experience traditional Irish hospitality during an evening of food, folklore, and storytelling at The Brazen Head(opens in a new tab), Dublin’s oldest pub.
Dublin Ghost Tours & Night Tours: For something a little different, explore Dublin’s darker side through haunted history walks, ghost tours, and gravedigger tours.
Irish Music, Dancing, and Nightlife: Ireland comes alive through music and dance. Visitors can enjoy traditional Irish music pub tours throughout the city or attend Irish dance performances at the Arlington Hotel(opens in a new tab) in Dublin, where both traditional and contemporary styles are showcased.
If you’re interested in finding even more of the best attractions in Dublin, Ireland, here’s a good place to start(opens in a new tab).
Popular Day Trips from Dublin
Dublin serves as the perfect base for exploring many of Ireland’s famous attractions. Popular destinations include:
- Glendalough
- Newgrange
- Hill of Tara
- Kilkenny
- Belfast
- Giant’s Causeway
- Boyne Valley
Adventures Beyond Dublin
While Dublin offers plenty to see and do, some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery lies just beyond the city limits.
Wicklow Mountains and Johnny Fox’s Pub: The nearby Wicklow Mountains are known for their natural beauty, hiking trails, lakes, and monastic sites. Nestled within the mountains is Johnny Fox’s pub, famous for being the highest pub in Ireland. Visitors can enjoy traditional Irish music, food, and the renowned Hooley Show featuring live entertainment and Irish dancing.
Experience the Best of Ireland
Ireland offers experiences that suit anyone, including exploring historic streets, discovering ancient landmarks, enjoying traditional music, and venturing into the Irish countryside. No matter where you choose to go, you’ll find a country rich in history, culture, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. We hope this Ireland travel guide helps you make the most of your time on the Emerald Isle and inspires you to discover all that Ireland has to offer.