The Best Things to Do in Dublin, Ireland: A Local’s Guide
Ireland is a gorgeous country and one of the most popular European destinations to visit! The Emerald Isle has the most authentic quaint streets, awe-inspiring landscapes and incredible entertainment. Travelers planning a visit to the island will be super excited to hear that a trip to Ireland will be everything they can imagine and more, and it all starts in Dublin.
Dublin is the capital city of Ireland, a place where good people, historical buildings and fun traditions go hand in hand. The city has beautiful castles, great museums, relaxing outdoor spaces and incredible hikes. That’s why I have always wanted to share a list of the best things to do in Dublin, Ireland.
There’s so much interesting history in the Irish capital. From vikings to famous writers, Dublin is a city of many tales. There are also lots of different neighborhoods and areas to explore, and a diversity of places to visit in Dublin and neighboring areas if you want to take a ride on the coastal train and head out for a day. At times, certain neighborhoods can feel like a small town, but the city is big enough that you’ll always find something interesting and fun to do!
Adventuring outside of the capital is a must when visiting Ireland, but Dublin definitely has a unique magic, a je ne se quoi that will make you feel completely at home.
Having grown up in Havana and NYC I always appreciate the vibe of a larger city, especially one that has a unique soul. Dublin definitely fits that bill! The city has something for everyone, from bustling shopping to upbeat pubs to quiet, swan-filled canals to stroll along. You’ll definitely find fun things to do in Dublin!
Best Things to Do in Dublin
First, start by visiting some of the great historic places in Dublin. The Dublin Castle and the adjacent Chester Beatty Library are two places that will transport you back in time and teach you some of the city’s history.
Chester Beatty Library
This is actually my favorite museum in the city, and one of Dublin’s hidden gems that not everyone who visits the castle knows a lot about. With a collection of prints and books originating everywhere from China to France, the Chester Beatty Library displays literary treasures such as copies of the Egyptian Book of the Dead and a 3rd century Greek papyrus manuscript of the Gospel of Luke. The library and museum have won several recognitions and awards for being among the best of its kind in the world. Free admission and the unique Chester Beatty library rooftop garden make the Chester Library a stop that literary lovers won’t want to miss!
Dublin Castle
The Dublin Castle is directly adjacent to the Library, and a set of stairs will lead you directly up into the Castle coffee shop. After a quick caffeine stop, continue to the entrance to pay the Dublin Castle admission fee (8 euro for basic ticket) and proceed into the Castle itself. In addition to some fascinating history, the open wing usually features an art exhibition of some sort.
Local’s tip: While you can simply do the basic self tour, it is probably worth it to pay extra for a Dublin Castle tour. This will give you access to some of the coolest parts of the Dublin Castle, including the medieval chapel section and the undercroft, an incredible underground section that showcases the original castle walls and goes into the Viking history of the city.
To see some of the viking remains found in Wood Quay and Dublin City Center, add the National Museum of Ireland to your list of things to do in Dublin.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Not too far from Dublin City Center is Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, one of the better known Dublin attractions. The building is still a functioning worship place with regular mass services, but it’s worth adding it to your Dublin list even if you’re not a churchgoer. For those who wish to attend the services, St Patrick church mass schedule can be found on their website under services. The ground and interior of the church showcase beautiful religious architecture that incorporates the history of Ireland. People have been buried inside the walls or on the church grounds since its foundation in the 13th Century. Amazing!
St Michan’s Church
Another of the coolest things to do in Dublin, St Michan’s Church Dublin holds a very unusual secret in its underground crypts: mummies! They range from the oldest, an 800 year old Crusader mummy, to more modern figures from Ireland’s history! This awesome church is definitely worth a visit.
The National Gallery
The National Gallery is another favorite art destination in Dublin, and is one of those sites that must be on every museum lover's Dublin guide. It's a really cool building and has a great collection of Irish paintings, Italian art, Dutch masters and much more. The gallery currently exhibits famous previously lost paintings from Caravaggio, The Taking of Christ; from Edgar Degas, Two Ballet Dancers in a Dressing Room; and from William John Lee, A Convent Garden, Brittany.
The National Gallery offers free admission for the general public, although visitors currently need to book their tickets in advance. It is open to the public everyday: Mondays from 11:00 am to 5:15 pm, Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9:45 am to 5:15 pm, and on Sundays from 11:30 am - 5:15 pm. For more up-to-date information and any current COVID-19 protocols, holiday hours, accessibility, and more, visitors can go to the gallery’s official website.
Trinity College Library
Perhaps the most famous library in the world nowadays (thanks to Harry Potter), Trinity College Library is something you won’t want to skip when planning the ultimate list of things to do in Dublin. While a bit pricey, the tour is extremely informative and well put together. The highlight: the Book of Kells Exhibition, showcasing a centuries old illuminated manuscript of the four Gospels featuring absolutely gorgeous hand-painted pages. After the Book of Kells tour, spend some time walking around the Trinity College campus, you can’t help but to feel more scholarly surrounded by students and academic tradition!
Grand Canal Dock
A short 20 minute walk from Trinity College, one of Dublin's more up and coming areas is definitely worth a stop: the Grand Canal Dock. This neighborhood is well known for its fancy bars, cool rooftops, and amazing eateries. The area is also home to headquarters of several large international companies like Google. The Grand Canal Dock is a great area to visit any time of the year, but it’s especially fun in the summer. That’s when there are water sports available, like kayaking and windsurfing, throughout the city’s canals.
Incorporating about 30 minutes into your day to explore the Grand Canal Dock is something that I always recommend when friends and family are visiting Dublin. And if you find yourself in the area for lunch time and want a great culinary experience, I highly recommend a few places: the Charlotte Quay to get great food and drinks (with outside seatings right by the canal) and the The Marker Hotel Rooftop Bar & Terrace, which offers amazing cocktails and has great views from the highest rooftop around.
Another one of the fun things to do in Dublin and one of my favorite places to eat in the city is also just a few minutes’ walk away from the Grand Canal Dock area: Farmer Browns (Bath Avenue location). If you want to get something to eat here, their sandwiches, burgers, and many healthy options never disappoint!
St Stephen's Green Park
St Stephen's Green is a great Dublin destination all year round! My favorite way to explore the park is with a coffee or tea in hand. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the fresh air and experience some of the famous greenery of the Emerald Island, all without needing to leave the capitol.
The public park and grounds are located in the center of the city. It was opened in 1880, and is found adjacent to the well known shopping district of Grafton street. Despite its proximity to the busiest part of the city, once you are in the park the trees, the lakes, and the birds make a perfect oasis to get away from the hustle and bustle.
My favorite seasons to go to any park are definitely the Fall and the Spring. I always enjoy seeing the leaves when they begin to change colors in the fall, and there’s nothing better than a picnic by the lake in the Springtime!
Grafton Street
If you want a true European shopping experience, look no further than Grafton Street! Definitely the most famous shopping street in all of Dublin, Grafton is jam packed with boutiques, coffee shops, larger companies, and everything in between. No matter what you want to shop for, you’ll find it here.
Some of the highlights to look for on Grafton Street include Brown Thomas, Bewley’s, and the Rolling Donut.
Brown Thomas is a high end department store that everyone should visit. It’s the best kind of store: multiple levels with everything from designer bags, fashionable apparel for men and women, and even several places to eat! You’ll find a great restaurant at the top of the store, as well as a smaller more casual cafe on a lower floor. This is probably the best place to go in Dublin for up-to-date fashion, and it's great to pick up a nice piece if you forgot to pack something.
When you’re walking down Grafton Street, make sure not to miss Bewley’s Cafe! Located in an outstanding building that features beautiful windows and multiple fireplaces, Bewley’s is a proudly Irish company with a long history of serving amazing coffee and tea. It’s always a good idea to stop by and enjoy a warm drink and snack inside the cafe, and it’s one of my favorite places to relax.
For a sweet treat after shopping, check out the Rolling Donut. This local business offers a variety of amazing donut flavors, some of which are seasonal, as well as delicious iced lattes. One of our favorite things to do in Dublin is grab a box of three donuts and a drink and head into the park at St Stephens Green to enjoy them on a bench outside.
Dublin Pubs and Bars
For the young (and the young-at-heart!) Dublin’s bars and pubs are always fun, full and lively. If you’re traveling alone, this is one of the easiest ways to make friends and enjoy some great, witty conversation.
My current favorites are The Oak, The Bridge 1859, The Bleeding Horse, Searsons, Mulligan’s and O’Donoghues Bar. This last one has a great courtyard that’s made to enjoy beers with friends any time of the day!
One of the best experiences you can have is stopping by an old Dublin pub during an Ireland rugby match to enjoy a good beer and cheer for the team. I can assure you, you’ll be welcome as long as you support the lads in green!
For a fancier atmosphere and good cocktails, head to The Bank on College Green, Farrier & Draper, or to The Blind Pig Speakeasy. The Rooftop Bar and Terrace in the Marker Hotel is among the best of Dublin if you visit the capital in the spring or summer months.
The Bank on College Green is a restaurant and cocktail bar with a very lavish building and design (a former bank!) that’s popular with Dubliners and tourists alike!
The Blind Pig gives me all the vibes of a prohibition era speakeasy: a back alley entrance, killer cocktails and great food to go along with it.
Guinness Brewery
It’s always worth a visit to the famous Guinness Factory. Even if you aren’t a huge beer fan, learning about how influential the factory and the Guinness family have been throughout Dublin’s history is fascinating, and the Guinness Brewery tour is both informative and interesting.
You might have heard of the panoramic city views from the bar at the top of the Factory, but the crowds there can be overwhelming and you might not get near the window to enjoy the view. It’s definitely worth going up to see though!
Jameson Distillery
If things are crazy at the Guinness factory, head to the Jameson Distillery just across the river in the Dublin city center and enjoy some good whiskey tasting and a free cocktail at the end of the tour.
Hire one of the horse-drawn carriages right outside of the Jameson Factory to bring you back to the center of town, it’s a great experience and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported into Dublin’s past.
Dublin Skyline
Next door to the Distillery is an old chimney that remains from the original Jameson factory building. Pop into the Generator Hostel to pay the small entry fee and get the door code, then climb the many steps to the top.
Here you will be rewarded with 360 degree views of the city, and unlike the Guinness factory you will almost always have the place to yourself.
Temple Bar
After the climb, head to the Temple Bar neighborhood, one of Dublin’s most popular tourist attractions. The area always has a fun atmosphere, with great live music, crowded pubs (including the iconic Temple Bar Pub) and one-of-a-kind boutiques. An experience you won’t want to skip in your list of unique things to do in Dublin!
Go to a Cafe
For those always on the hunt for best local experiences and hidden gems, check out the Last Bookshop bookstore and the adjacent Cake Cafe. To find the food, go through the bookstore to the back exit onto the patio . The small eatery is tucked behind the Camden St store, in a small alley. The menu is full of delicious options, and the cakes are mouth-watering! This is one of my go-to places in Dublin. A good Sunday brunch there would make the start of your week special. Make sure you pet the adorably scruffy resident bookstore dog if he’s around!
Best Food In Dublin
When you’re ready for dinner (not too long after brunch if you’re me!) check out Delahunt, a fancier take on the traditional Irish culinary experience. The set menu options are a bit pricier than most places in the city (three courses for 45 euros, two for 39) but the thoughtfully-prepared dishes are well worth it for foodies!
For those who prefer margaritas and tacos, head to 777, a local hangout to enjoy a cozy and fun vibe, delicious margaritas, and superbly flavorful Mexican food. They have specials many days of the week, including 2 for 1 margaritas on Mondays and a 7-euro-everything menu on Sundays!
If you want to enjoy delicious Italian food and some nice wine, look for San Lorenzo (right next door to 777). This place also has one of the best brunches in Dublin if you are there earlier in the day. One of my favorites!
If you’re looking for a simpler afternoon snack/coffee/tea, seek out The Music Cafe Dublin. Located right on the water, this local hangout has live music most days, good simple food (think pastries and sandwiches) and an amazing selection of loose leaf teas. The apple-mint or the turmeric-ginger in particular will make you consider buying extra to take back home with you. It’s definitely a Dublin must see!
Dublin Day Trips
There are also many towns and destinations found less than an hour away by train/car from the city center. To visit them, one of the easiest and cheapest ways is to take the Dart (a local train that runs up and down the coast around Dublin and the surrounding counties) Tickets are available in any of the dart stations, with no need to purchase them online in advance since you need a printed ticket anyway. The dart train stops every 15 or so minutes on the weekend, and more frequently during the week.
Travel tip: Although there’s never an issue buying tickets for the dart, the train can get very crowded during the summer! Lots of locals and tourists will be using the dart to visit seaside towns, so be prepared to stand.
There are lots of smaller destinations to add to your list of top things to do in Dublin, Ireland if you want to travel outside the capital. It really depends on the time of the year you are visiting the island and your own personal preference. Do you want to spend a day walking down the beach, or would you rather explore the countryside?
Whether you want to head to the countryside, to hop between several coastal towns, or just to enjoy a quaint village, I definitely recommend exploring at least one destination outside of the city. Some well-known destinations favored by locals are: Malahide, Howth, Dun Laoghaire, Dalkey, Bray and even the famous Wicklow Mountains.
Malahide is the ideal day getaway for those who want to see both the ocean and the castle/green magic of the island. The small village is known for its amazing Georgian houses overlooking the ocean. This is the furthest north that the dart train runs in County Dublin. In addition to beautiful beaches, cute boutiques, and picturesque harbors in the main town area, you’ll also find Malahide Castle about 20 minutes by foot from the dart station.
Howth is another small town to the north of the city center. It’s a very popular destination for the Howth Lighthouse and the Howth Cliff Walk . There are also tons of stores, wine bars, cafes and really good seafood restaurants along the harbor. Visitors always enjoy watching seals in the marina, riding the ferry to the nearby island of Ireland Eyes, and having lunch at Octopussy's Seafood Tapas.
Dun Laoghaire is one of the most visited coastal towns all year round. It’s the perfect place to take long walks and find amazing fish and chips from food trucks. Some things to check out are: the Cajun fish and chips truck at the entrance of the pier leading to the lighthouse, the beach at the end of the promenade, and the weekend farmers market found in the middle of the village.
Want to go to the Amalfi Coast without leaving Ireland? Head to Dalkey! The suburb is definitely upscale, and a well-known destination among the rich and famous., even Hollywood star Matt Damon has lived in the area! Travelers visiting the town can enjoy a kayak trip, a boat ride to Dalkey Island, seeing the Dalkey Castle, or just walking around the Coliemore Harbor.
Bray is another great coastal town featuring cafes, bars, fun restaurants and even an aquarium looking out over the beach.The Bray-Greystones Cliff Walk is another hidden gem, a great hike along the ocean. And the Kilruddery House and Gardens is a country estate that makes for a perfect picturesque afternoon! To get there, take a taxi from the Bray dart station, or just enjoy the long walk through some of the charming town areas.
Have you seen P.S I Love? Scenes from this beloved movie were shot in the Wicklow Mountains. Head towards the breathtaking mountain range found just south of Dublin. Some of the best things to do in the Wicklow area include: stopping at Glendalough to take in history, culture, and the amazing vistas, driving through the Sally Gap and visiting the Powerscourt House & Gardens.
Note: You can’t get to Wicklow on the dart train. It's recommended to rent a car or take a tour bus to visit the area.
If you are staying in Ireland for a while, you should consider heading out of the city and planning some longer trips in the Irish countryside or nearby seaside villages. It’s very peaceful, full of adventures, and is always visually stunning. Mountain and hiking lovers should head west, where you’ll find The Diamond Hill Loop, with spectacular views of the Kylemore Abbey. Visitors exploring south of Dublin shouldn't miss the charming town of Kilkenny. And, those who want a once in a lifetime experience can visit the Cliffs of Moher, one of the most famous attractions in Ireland (we have a full travel guide of the area).
Additional Tips On Things To Do In Dublin
It won’t take long for the magic of Ireland to completely captivate you. There is an infectious energy and charm that permeates the whole country and its people, and it will almost certainly become one of your favorite travel destinations. There’s a good chance you’ll see me walking around as well!
I hope this guide of things to do in Dublin will bring you as many fun experiences as we have had living in the city for the past four years. If that is the case, and you are excitedly planning your visit, we are sharing a few extra tips and some more destination recommendations below:
Kilmainham Gaol: This old prison has been repurposed into a museum, where visitors can discover some of the country’s revolutionary history. During the Irish struggle for independence from the British, many leaders of uprisings were imprisoned within the jail building. Today, it’s a sobering monument to the sacrifices made by the Irish people in order to achieve their goal of a self-governing country. The museum is very well put together, and it’s a great educational experience for anyone visiting Ireland.
Phoenix Park: It’s one of largest parks in Europe, and is well known for reindeer sightings. In the winter, you’ll often see large herds of reindeer running through the fields. In the warmer summer months, it's a great destination for a picnic to spend some time outdoors and enjoy the fresh air.
Portobello is one of the most fun and popular areas in Dublin. It’s the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon at a street cafe or even a workout at one of their fitness studios.Walk along Camden Street to get great pictures and awesome food options!
The streets of Portobello also have numerous red brick townhouses, which are very characteristic of Ireland and Dublin. It’s a very popular neighborhood among those looking to book an airbnb instead of a hotel stay.
In addition to the Portobello neighborhood and the Grand Canal area, some of the other Dublin neighborhoods to check out include Ranelagh and Rathmines. Located in the south of the city center, both of these have their own charm and are definitely worth visiting.
Languages
The official languages in Ireland are Irish and English! So all English speakers will have no issues communicating throughout the country.
Transportation Tips
The most common ways to come to Ireland are by ferry or plane. Going from the airport to Dublin city center is easy: either a taxi, a bus or a car will take about 20 to 40 minutes. A bus ticket is around 8 euros per person, depending on how far you are traveling, and a taxi would cost anywhere from 20 to 40 euros.
Uber and other rideshare services don't really exist in Ireland. You can use the Uber app, but it will just call a taxi. You can also use a popular European app called FREE NOW to call taxis, which is very useful because it allows you to pay with a credit or debit card. Otherwise you’ll need cash! Taxi drivers will bring you to an ATM/cash point if you forget this.
Taxi prices are reasonable and they always use a meter, so don’t worry about being scammed. Just remember to carry cash since they don’t have card readers inside!
Dublin is a smaller and generally very walkable city. If you are visiting just the capital and nearby destinations, I don’t recommend renting a car. Walking or biking will easily get you everywhere you want to go, and if your legs are a bit tired, grabbing a taxi or making use of the local transit is always a good idea.
The train, dart, luas and bus services are very reliable in the city center and neighboring areas.
Dublin is one of the safest cities I have ever been to, so everyone will feel safe and at ease. You should have no problems walking around (even at night!) and the locals are almost always very friendly and helpful.
If you are traveling to a destination that isn’t reachable by public transportation, Go-Cars and Yukos are great options. These rental vehicles are parked all throughout the city and can be booked on the go for as little as an hour. Insurance is included and prices are very reasonable, a win-win situation!
Best Time to Visit
The most popular season in the Emerald Isle starts from June and runs through early September. Many recommend visiting during the summer months, though I personally love the Fall or the Spring more. I base my recommendation on the fact that Ireland is not meant to be a hot summer destination. People don’t visit Ireland because of the weather! The island has beautiful rivers, lakes and beaches, but the waters typically stay cold throughout the year. Did you know that April is the driest month in Ireland? Visiting during the Spring or the Fall will allow you to witness the changing colors of the landscape while still having nice temperatures and minimal rain. The best part is that you’ll beat the heavy summer crowds and the hefty hotel prices!
Hotel Recommendations
When it comes to hotels, the Marker Hotel, The Shelbourne Hotel and the Dean Dublin are some of the best choices in the city.
The Marker Hotel is the perfect place for those living large. A boutique hotel with sleek modern finishes, it also offers a wonderful spa experience to help you relax. The rooftop terrace adds to its charm during the summer months (side note: you can just come to the rooftop for drinks in the summer months!).
The Shelbourne Hotel is situated right next to St Stephen's Green, within walking distance of many of the most visited tourist attractions and fun things to do in Dublin. The hotel is also very charming and lavish!
The Dean Hotel is another great option for first time visitors looking for an ideal place to stay. It will take you back in time while still having all necessary modern amenities.
If you’re traveling on a budget, I recommend checking Airbnb or Booking.com listings to see a wide selection of places to stay. There are also a number of hostels around the city if you’re a more social traveler looking to make friends (Jacob’s Inn is a great option, they even have a rooftop!).
More Restaurant Recommendations
Grove Road is a well-liked cafe that offers amazing breakfast and lunch dishes, coffees, and healthy juices. The food is available to go, so you can also enjoy it at home!
Angelina’s is a scenic restaurant located on one of the smaller canals. Their brunch and dinner dishes are divine! Definitely book in advance, as the place fills up very quickly on the weekends.
General Travel Tips
The Dublin Pass and the DoDublin Days Out Card will help visitors save time and money. Many of the well-known Dublin landmarks are included! There are also great public transportation savings with Dublin Airlink Transfer.
Exploring Ireland beyond Dublin? Head to our European destinations section! We have articles detailing other incredible parts of the country, such as Doolin and the famous Cliffs of Moher!
For travelers spending a weekend in Dublin we have a complete itinerary as well!
Pin this guide of Dublin things to do so you have it saved for later! Subscribe to the email list below to join our group of friends and family. Once on the list, you’ll be among the first to hear about future Ireland tips, new travel itineraries, wellness articles, health and fitness blogs, and much more!
Have you been to the Irish capital before? What are some of the best things to do in Dublin, Ireland that you love? Share with us some of your can’t-miss experiences and favorite places to visit in the city!
Besitos from Dublin,
Laura
Disclosure: We only recommend products we would use ourselves. All opinions are our own. This post may contain some affiliate links and if you choose to purchase some services or products using these links, we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for being part of our community and prance around the world with us!