27 Top Things to Do in Dublin ✔️ from Experience
Who’s up for a magical adventure in Ireland’s capital? Luckily I’ve visited Dublin a few times and know all the ins and outs of this capital city and I’m so happy to share them with you all! So, let’s dive into the best things to do in Dublin.
I’ve been to Dublin many times now and there’s a reason I keep coming back. Read this post and discover the top activities in this Irish city, from top attractions, pubs, tours, and many others.
I also included a section with the best hotels in Dublin so you’re all covered!
I’m sure you’re eager to start so let’s hit the road!
If you are in a hurry
If you don’t have time to read the whole post, I’ve got you covered with the top things you need to book in advance:
And here are the best hotels: Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin (luxury), Gardiner Lodge (mid-range), Jacobs Inn Dublin (budget)
1. Remain in awe of the Trinity College Library
My trip to the Trinity College Library was by far one of the highlights of my trip!
If you’re as obsessed with books and reading as I am, then you’ll definitely want to see this library, which is part of Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university which was attended by famous writers like Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift and Samuel Beckett.
I actually had this library as a background on my laptop for years and seeing it in person was even more amazing! I could have spent over an hour in there.
The library’s long room is one of the most photographed rooms in the country (and as soon as you see it, you’ll know why). I visited in July and the library was so busy it was pretty hard to snap a pic without having everyone else in the shot.
Besides its gorgeous interior, the library of this prestigious university is also known for the Book of Kells, a famous illuminated manuscript in Latin that has been residing in the library since 1661.
The origins of The Book of Kells remains unknown but it is assumed that it was made by the Celtic monks in the Columban monastery, around the year 800!
I booked tickets in advance on the website to avoid the long queues and would definitely recommend you do the same.
NOTE: If you know you’ll want to visit many attractions while in Dublin, I’d recommend checking the Dublin City Pass, which can help you save some money.
PRICE: €25 (US$27)
2. Learn how to pour a pint at Guinness Storehouse
This is for all the beer connoisseurs out there! Who wants to learn how to pour a pint properly and learn all about the famous Guinness beer and its founder Arthur Guinness?
If that is you then you definitely need to visit the Guinness Storehouse which is set at St. James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin!
Of course, you’ll also get to learn all about the world-famous Guinness Stout and explore the storehouse which is set in an old fermentation plant.
There are different tickets that you can get for this attraction:
- Admission: costs €20 (US$21), includes a pint of Guinness and lasts around 90 min.
- Stoutie: costs €28 (US$21) and includes the entrance and an extra pint with your selfie on the head made out of foam. This option lasts around 2h
- Guiness Academy: costs €32 (US$35) and includes the entrance and a lesson on how to pour a pint perfectly with a certificate to prove it. This option lasts around 2h.
- The Connoisseur experience: you’ll get a tasting while hearing about the history of this iconic beer, costs €95 (US$103) and lasts 3h
- Guinness Brewery experience: you’ll get to tour Brewhouse 4, the underground tunnels, and visit other important sites that costs €350 (US$380) and lasts 3.5h.
You can check out all the experiences and book the tickets on their official website.
We did the Stoutie experience where we had our face printed on the pint of Guinness. It was so much fun to drink it while sitting in the Gravity Bar at the top of the storehouse which in my opinion offers one of the best views of the city!
PRICE: from €20 (US$21)
3. Snap a pic at Temple Bar
Temple Bar (map) is one of the most famous places in Dublin!
Set a neighborhood that has the same name, this is the iconic bar that often appears in lots of pictures when you search for Dublin online!
The family-owned pub is known for its vast collection of beer and whisky and, of course, its live Irish music. Even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth walking past the outside and taking a few pics in front of this iconic pub.
Since it’s a big draw for tourists, Temple Bar can get super busy (and it’s not too big either). It’s not uncommon to see the crowds spilling out in the street because there’s no more room inside.
This bar is also quite pricey. We went here and paid almost double for a beer (compared to a pub a few streets over). Apparently, they increase the prices of a pint by the hour. The night I spent there was super crowded and nothing extremely special compared to other pubs.
So, if you’re looking to grab a pint of Guinness in Dublin, I wouldn’t really recommend it, unless you really want to have the Temple Bar experience. Then, by all means, grab a pint, listen to some music, and take plenty of pictures.
If you’re just keen to grab a pint in Ireland, there are plenty of other pubs that play live music and are not as touristy, and have cheaper (or normal you could say) prices.
4. Shop until you drop on O’Connell Street
Have some time to spare in between your visits? Then definitely go to O’Connell Street in Dublin City Centre and get some shopping done! As a huge shopaholic, I adored walking up and down this street and browsing the shops.
You’ll find lots of gift shops, from where you can get some cool souvenirs to remind you of your Irish adventures, Carrolls Irish Gifts (map) is a great one to check out, and you’ll also stumble on some cool attractions like the Abbey Theatre, which was founded by W. B. Yeats and Lady Gregory.
From this street, you can also see The Spire (map), a stainless steel tapered column, which is one of Dublin’s landmarks!
Make sure you also stop to snap a pic of the James Joyce statue (map), who is one of the most acclaimed writers of our times who wrote such iconic books like Ulysses and Finnegans Wake.
5. Do a walking tour of Dublin
Want to learn more about the city, see its historic buildings, and learn more about Irish history?
Then join a walking tour of Dublin city! I found this amazing tour which costs €19 (US$21) and lasts around 90 min.
During the tour, you’ll walk around the city center while hearing all about the town’s history and the country’s most renowned writers, from your knowledgeable guide!
Even if you don’t take a tour, I highly recommend exploring Dublin on foot. The city is super walkable and walking around is a great way to find hidden gems and explore new places. It’s how I stumbled upon my favorite Irish book store, Chapters (map).
PRICE: €19 (US$21)
6. Listen to live music on Grafton Street
Want to listen to some live music and walk on the street where Bono performed?
Then head over to Grafton Street, in Dublin city centre, known for its busking musicians, and listen to some live music! I stood and listened to so many different talented singers during my time there, just thinking about it gives me goosebumps.
Grafton Street is pretty famous and it was also mentioned a few times in James Joyce’s Dubliners and in A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man and more recently in Ed Sheeran’s Galway Girl song.
Unlike O’Connell Street, this one is pedestrian-friendly but it still has lots of shops, including high street brands and some luxury brands too like Dior and Gucci.
Not too far from Grafton Street, you’ll find the Molly Malone Statue (map), a fictional fishmonger and the star of The Dubliners song which is also called Molly Malone!
NOTE: Dublin is a pretty walkable city, so you can easily reach the main attractions around just on foot!
7. Learn about Seamus Heaney at the National Library of Ireland
If you like poetry, literature or if you’ve ever heard of Seamus Heaney then I highly encourage you to visit the National Library of Ireland and learn more about this man, who was a Nobel laureate and one of Ireland’s most important poets!
Going here was such a powerful experience for me, personally, but if you’re not really interested in this topic then definitely just skip it.
I loved learning so many incredible things about his life, reading his poems and seeing his books. But what really stood out for me was the powerful message he left for his wife before dying, which was “Noli timere” meaning “Don’t be afraid” in Latin.
There’s even a mural in Dublin Portobello on Richmond Street (map) with these exact words in English, if you want to have a look!
PRICE: Free
8. Taste some Irish whiskey at Jameson Distillery
Want to learn how Irish whiskey is made and the story of John Jameson, the founder of this famous distillery?
Then jump on this really cool tour of the Jameson Distillery on Bow St that lasts 45 min and costs €33 (US$36). During the tour, you’ll learn all the steps taken to make whiskey, from your guide, and of course, you’ll also taste some and drink a signature Jameson cocktail!
For those who want something to remember this visit, you can buy a bottle of personalized whiskey, that you can exclusively buy from the distillery.
PRICE: €33 (US$36)
9. Check out Dublin Castle
I’m a huge fan of visiting castles. I love the history of them and taking tours of the insides. This is probably why I love visiting Ireland so much, since they have so many castles. And there’s one in Dublin!
Located in the city center, Dublin Castle dates back to the 13th century and it was built on a former Viking settlement. For years it was the headquarters of the British administration.
The castle’s exterior looks pretty incredible but just wait until you head inside and see the gorgeous state apartments, the royal chapel, and the lush gardens. It’s definitely worth a visit.
NOTE: If you’re planning to use the bus or the Laus to get around the city then I’d recommend getting the Leap Visitor Card for the amount of days you’re staying. Then you can use the public transport as much as you want!
Right near the Castle, you’ll find the Chester Beatty museum which you can visit for free! The museum has lots of religious texts and old manuscripts, so if you’re into all that definitely check it out!
PRICE: €8 (US$9)
10. Have fun on a Dublin pub crawl
Can you even say you’ve been to Dublin, Ireland if you don’t jump on a pub crawl?
Irish pubs are famous for their super fun and warm atmosphere! Just picture it: live music, friendly people and delicious beer! I have so many stories about strange and wonderful things happening in Irish pubs. The last time I was in one, my whole family got invited to join a stranger’s 50th birthday party complete with food and cake. There’s nothing quite like Irish hospitality.
I found this really cool pub crawl tour that costs €14 and lasts around 5h. During the pub crawl, you’ll go to numerous pubs, drink free shots and a free Guinness beer, while accompanied by your fun tour guide and other tourists! Even if you don’t drink, it’s still a great experience.
Of course, you can also do this by yourself, and just check a couple of pubs in a night. If you need some help to get started, I’d recommend O’Donoghues (map)! I always go there when I visit Dublin, my dad insists since the pub name is the same as our surname.
TOUR PRICE: €14
11. See the super-old Christ Church Cathedral
Dating back to the 1030s, this Cathedral is set near Dublin Castle and was originally a Viking church!
While exploring it, you can see the old crypt, which is actually the city’s oldest working structure. Plus, you’ll be able to see its world-famous bells.
But probably some of the most iconic things to see here are the mummified rat and cat! Yep, you read that right! Now, that’s totally worth the visit!
PRICE: €12 (US$13)
12. Learn new things at EPIC the Irish Emigration Museum
Want to learn more about the 10 million people who emigrated from Ireland, in the last centuries? Then this museum set on the banks of River Liffey should be on your list of things to do in Dublin.
At EPIC the Irish Emigration Museum you can find out why all those people left their home country, where they settled, and how they impacted the world. As someone who’s family is originally from Ireland, this museum was awesome. In fact, here you’ll also find The Irish Family History Centre, where you can trace your ancestors. How cool?
The actual museum has exhibitions showcasing emigrant letters, stories, and a library where you can learn more about Irish artists from painters to writers.
It’s such a fascinating place to visit, especially if you’re into history! You can visit the museum on your own, or take one of their private guided tours.
PRICE: €21 (US$23)
13. Visit the Kilmainham Gaol Museum
Another incredible museum in Dublin is the Kilmainham Gaol. This attraction used to be a former prison that had mostly common criminals but also some important political prisoners who were involved in the Irish independence movement.
You can only visit Kilmainham Gaol Museum by guided tour and it’s important to book in advance and secure your spot. Otherwise, you may get there and find that there are no tours available anymore.
During the tour, you’ll explore the building, learn about Ireland’s struggle for independence from British rule, prison life, who was incarcerated here and also see some really interesting exhibitions!
PRICE: €8 (US$9)
14. Go for a walk in St. Stephen’s Green Park
Need a break from the urban atmosphere? Then head straight to St. Stephen’s Green Park (map) the city’s main green area.
Perfect for an afternoon stroll after a full morning in the museums and shopping, this park has lots of cool things including a playground (perfect if you’re coming with the kids), some waterfalls and some memorial statues like the Yeats Memorial made in honor of famous Irish writer W.B Yeats and a small lake.
I stopped here a couple times during my last two trips to take a breather, read my book and soak up the sun (since I was blessed with good weather!).
Right near the park, there’s also a shopping center with the same name (Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre) which has super pretty window-ceilings and lots of high-street brands (in case you’re up for more shopping).
If you’re taking a car in, the shopping center is also a convenient place to park but it is pretty pricey (over 2 euro an hour).
15. Explore the Dublin Mountains on a tour
Sure, Ireland’s cities are awesome but have you seen its mountains and countryside?
They’re absolutely gorgeous! And if you have the time I’d highly recommend jumping on a guided tour and exploring the Wicklow Mountains, also known as Dublin Mountains.
I found this amazing tour that lasts 5h and costs €33 (US$36), which is perfect for those who don’t want to miss a whole day on a tour. Since you’re leaving in the morning, you can be back by mid-day and do some other things.
During the tour, you’ll explore County Wicklow, which is also known as the Garden of Ireland and for good reason since that area is packed with lakes and forests. It’s one of my favorite places in Ireland! From there you’ll head to Glendalough (also known as the valley of 2 lakes), explore that area and then go back to Dublin.
TOUR PRICE: €33 (US$36)
Join a tour of the Dublin Mountains
16. Get some souvenirs from St. George’s Arcade
Another one of my favorite spots in St. George’s Arcade. It’s really close to both St. Stephen’s Green and Temple Bar.
Located near Drury Street, this shopping plaza dates back to the 1880s. It has lots of cool indie shops and small boutiques that sell food, jewelry, vintage clothes, records and other things. There’s even a place to get band t-shirts (which I collect).
I got some gorgeous art prints and photographs here that I got framed for my house. St. George’s Arcade (map) is also the perfect place to get souvenirs and snap some pretty pictures!
And if you’re fond of taking unique pics on your holiday, head to Powerscourt Centre nearby, another shopping center set in a beautiful Georgian Townhouse that looks incredible!
17. Relax in the National Botanical Gardens
Want to take a break from all the urban activities to smell some flowers and admire some beautiful plants?
Then head over to the National Botanical Gardens, which is a 20 min bus drive away from Dublin city center.
You can visit the Botanic Gardens for free and spend your time there exploring the grounds and learning all about the different types of plants that they have brought from all over the world!
The Victorian Palm House is perfect for an impromptu pic session and if you want a more in-depth experience you can check out their tours on their website! I’d highly recommend the Myths and Legends of Irish Plants tour (just know that for these tours you’ll have to pay a small extra fee).
PRICE: Free
18. Have fun on the Viking Splash Tour
This is a really cool thing to do especially if you visit Dublin with your family!
These tours are run both on land and water (sounds so cool)! Basically, you’ll jump on a WWII vehicle and your guide will take you around the city, and then the next half of the tour you’ll float along the Grand Canal Basin! A really unique way to explore the whole city.
Yep, that will sure entertain everyone! You can book the tour and check for more information here on their official website.
PRICE: €35 (US$38)
19. Become a rockstar at the Irish Rock ‘n Roll Museum
If you’re a fan of rock music then you definitely need to check out this attraction!
Set not far from Temple Bar, this museum will offer you an incredible experience in which you’ll get a glimpse into the life of a rock star!
During your visit, you’ll check out real working rehearsal rooms, recording spaces, the U2 room and you’ll see golden plaques from artists who have actually recorded in those studios
Definitely a place you can’t miss out on!
PRICE: from €22 (US$24)
20. Pay your respects at Glasnevin Cemetery
So the Glasnevin Cemetery Museum is set right near the Botanical Garden, which means you can visit them together.
The Glasnevin is Ireland’s National Cemetery and it’s the final resting place of some of the country’s biggest names from Daniel O’Connell, Michael Collins, Éamon de Valera (former Irish president), Luke Kelly and Countess Markievicz (an important Irish politician and revolutionary).
It’s an interesting place to explore for those of you who maybe want to learn more about Irish history and pay your respects to some of these important figures who have shaped the country’s future!
You can visit the Cemetery for free or join different tours, but for those, you’ll have to pay an extra fee. You can check more on the tours and book them on their official website.
PRICE: Free
21. Visit the Irish Whiskey Museum
Set on Grafton Street, this museum is yet another place where you can learn more about the intense process and steps taken to make the famous Irish whiskey!
The Irish Whiskey Museum offers different tours in which you’ll learn more about the ancient traditions of whiskey making, the influence of Irish monks, and also the distillation techniques.
Of course, there’s also a part where you get to taste the whiskey, and ask some questions to all the expert guides!
PRICE: from €23 (US$25)
22. Admire the beautiful St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Find yourself with nothing to do on a rainy day?
A visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral may cheer you up! Named after the patron saint of the country, Ireland’s largest cathedral is a beautiful piece of architecture that dates back to the 1220s.
You can explore the Cathedral by yourself or take different guided tours if you want to learn more about its history.
PRICE: €10 (US$11)
23. Learn all about hurling at Croke Park
Do we have any sports fans among us? If so then you’ll really like Croke Park!
This place is home to a stadium and also to the Museum of Gaelic Sports where you can learn more about Gaelic football and hurling which is an ancient Gaelic and Irish sport that has been played in Ireland for over 3000 years!
Gaelic football is Ireland’s national sport, however, it’s only an amateur sport. Which means you can’t get paid for doing it. This means it’s all about the love of the game, not money.
While here you can take stadium tours and visit the museum, where you can learn all about hurling, a game that involves a hurley which is a wooden stick and a small hard ball called a sliotar! Apparently, hurling is said to be “the fastest game on grass”!
PRICE: €17 (US$19)
24. Enjoy Ireland’s coastal views at Howth Cliff
Howth is a town that’s set super close to Dublin, around a 1h bus drive away or 45 min by car if you’re thinking of renting one, and it’s set right on the coast, offering some gorgeous views of the Irish sea and Dublin Bay!
Lots of tourists visit since it’s so close to Dublin. They embark on the Howth Cliff walk (map) and admire some of those iconic cliffside views that you always see in Irish postcards.
The hike is not hard but I’d recommend wearing comfortable shoes and depending on the weather something in case it rains or if it gets too cold (which is not uncommon in Ireland).
If you have time, definitely explore the town as well! This is where you’ll find some of the best seafood around and there’s also the Howth Castle, a super old property where you can tour the grounds.
25. Check out the art in Dublin
There are so many things to see in Dublin that you never know how you’ll fit them all into just one holiday (more reason to come back soon), but I definitely think that a visit to at least one of these art museums is a must!
25.1 National Gallery of Ireland
Home to an extensive collection of Irish and European art, the National Gallery of Ireland which is set near Merrion Square Park is the perfect place to spend a rainy day in the city!
Here you’ll get to admire works by Mantegna, Titian, Monet and Picasso. And you’ll also see some sculptures, photographs, archival and bibliographical material.
PRICE: Free
25.2 Irish Museum of Modern Art
Often overlooked by tourists, this incredible museum is home to more than 3,500 artworks by Irish and international artists!
The Irish Museum of Modern Art is set in a 17th-century building just a short walk away from Phoenix Park, and it has a gorgeous French-like courtyard which you should definitely explore if you’ve got the time!
PRICE: Free
26. Take a trip to Malahide Castle
Although technically, not in Dublin, this castle is too cool a place to miss out on, plus it’s only a 40 min bus drive away from the city center so you can easily visit it in the morning and then be back in town!
Malahide Castle dates back to the 12th century and it’s the ancestral home of the Talbot family since Richard Talbot received the land from Henry II.
The castle has been so well-preserved over the years and now you can explore its rooms, the beautiful gardens and hear stories about the family on a fun tour!
PRICE: €10 (US$11)
27. Take the kids to the Dublin Zoo
Located 4 km (3 miles) away from the city center, in the big Phoenix Park, the Dublin Zoo is the largest zoo in the country and the perfect place to spend a day with your little ones!
Home to over 400 animals, from all over the world, like red pandas, snow leopards, giraffes, wolves, elephants, gorillas and many others, this zoo is definitely one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dublin!
They also offer lots of fun things to do, on-site restaurants for a short eating break in between visiting the elephants and sea lions, and also a gift shop!
PRICE: €21 (US$23)
Where to stay in Dublin
Now that we’ve seen all the amazing things to do in Dublin, I think it’s only fair we have a look at some of the best hotels in the city! I’ve only included a short list below but we have a whole post on your website with the best areas to stay for tourists and more hotels!
I’ve stayed both in the city and just outside the city and traveled in and I definitely recommend staying inside the city. The traffic driving in and out of Dublin city center is a nightmare and parking is crazy expensive.
Let’s check them out:
- Luxury: Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin – located in the heart of the city, in one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Dublin, this luxurious hotel offers modern rooms and 2 restaurants.
- Mid-range: Gardiner Lodge – a stylish hotel that boasts great city views, a terrace and family rooms.
- Budget: Jacobs Inn Dublin – set a short walk away from Temple Bar this affordable hotel offers a daily free walking tour of the city and a restaurant.
FAQs about things to do in Dublin
📅 Is 2 days enough for Dublin?
No, I’d recommend spending at least 3 days in Dublin, Ireland so that you can enjoy the city life, visit the attractions and take some day trips.
🤔 What is the #1 attraction in Dublin, Ireland?
The Guinness Storehouse on St James’s Gate Street is probably one of the biggest attractions in the city!
💶 Is Dublin a cheap city to visit?
No, Dublin is not a cheap city, however, there are ways to visit the capital on a budget, like traveling off-season and staying in affordable hotels.
💸 How much do you spend in Dublin per day?
On average tourists spend around €65 – €100 per day during their holidays in Dublin.
Conclusion
What a place! Ireland’s capital is by far one of the most beautiful cities in the country and I’m so happy I got to tell you all about the best things to do in Dublin.
I know there are so many, but I’m sure you’ll easily know which ones are your favorite and must-sees! Plus it’s always better to have a wider range of options than nothing, right?
I would recommend booking your hotels, tickets and tours in advance! Dublin is not a cheap city and the closer you book to your dates the more you’ll probably end up paying!
Well, this is it from my side!
Enjoy your Irish adventures and all the whiskey! Don’t forget to hit me up with questions, if you have any, in the comment section below.
Since I visited Dublin a few times, I can definitely help you out!
Happy Exploring,
Kathryn
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