Here are the best things to do in Dublin
Dublin is the beating heart of Ireland and Irish Culture. People come here for the fantastic nightlife, Guinness, and friendly locals. However, there are so many things to do and discover in Dublin besides the great bars, whiskey, whiskey, and beer. Here are our top picks for the best things to do in Dublin, Ireland.
Top Things to do and see
We recommend staying in Dublin for at least two full days to see the best of the city. If you’re staying longer, make your way out of the city and discover the beautiful nature surrounding the city on a hike.
2 Days in Dublin – What to do?
You should hit the best sights and attractions if you have two days to roam around the city of Dublin. Don’t miss out on these attractions.
Temple Bar
The Temple Bar District is probably the most famous part of the city. This is where the party happens. You can find some excellent pubs here, nice food spots, and cool vintage stores. Travel Tip: If you want to take some nice Temple Bar pictures, come here in the morning – no crowds = nice photos.
Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle was built in the 13th century on the remains of a Viking settlement. Today, it serves as a government building and a museum. Visiting the outside and the courtyard is free. If you want to visit the State Apartments during a self-guided tour, you’ll have to pay a small fee (6-8€). We recommend booking your tickets for a time slot before you go. You can find more info here.
Ha’Penny Bridge
The Ha’Penny Bridge was the first toll bridge in Ireland. People had to pay 1 Half Penny to cross the River Liffey. Today, the bridge is famous for its unique lampposts and architecture, and you don’t have to pay to cross anymore.
Guinness Store House
The Guinness Store House Experience is one of the most famous attractions in Dublin. Discover the history and production of Guinness, learn more about their marketing over the years, and have a pint in the Gravity Bar on top of the old factory building. Tickets to the Guinness Storehouse experience start at €31 and include a self-guided tour and a free drink in the gravity bar. Book your tickets here.
Kilmainham Goal
Kilmainham Gaol is an old Dublin County prison and has an interesting history. You can only visit the prison with a guided tour, but you’ll learn a lot and understand Irish culture and history even better. Learn more about Kilmainham Gaol and book your tickets here.
Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park is the biggest city park in Europe and definitely worth a visit. You can have a picnic here, spot deer, rent bikes, or stroll around. There’s so much to discover here, and you’ll never get bored.
3 Days in Dublin – What to do?
After a night out on the town and having a few beers and some whiskey, you’ll probably take it a little slower and discover these Dublin Highlights!
Trinity College & Old Library
Trinity College is an active university that is open to the public. You can walk around campus and feel like a student or visit the Old Library. In the Old Library, you’ll find the Book of Kells, a 9th-century manuscript of the New Testament. Entrance to the Old Library and the Book of Kells start at €18.50 and can be purchased here.
Molly Malone Statue
On your way from Trinity College to Grafton Street, turn right once, and you’ll stumble across this bronze statue of Molly Malone. According to local legend, Molly was not only a fishmonger selling seafood in the street but also the most beautiful girl in Dublin in the 17th century. Visit the statue to learn more about this Dublin legend.
Grafton Street
Grafton Street is THE hotspot for shopping in Dublin. Walk down the street to shop and listen to street musicians. Sometimes famous singers like Ed Sheeran will perform here without telling anyone. So try your luck.
St. Stephen’s Green
At the end of Grafton Street, you’ll find St. Stephen’s Green. A beautifully curated park with nice spots to have a lunch break or enjoy nature while taking a break from walking around Dublin all day.
4 Days in Dublin – What to do?
Doors of Dublin
It might sound a little weird, but Dublin has some of the most interesting doors around cities. You can either specifically look for doors you want to see or stroll around town to discover colorful and peculiar doors all over. You can find a full guide to Dublin doors here.
National Botanic Gardens
To visit the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin, you must head outside the city center. The garden features unique greenhouses, beautiful plants, and tranquil water pieces. If you need a quiet place to spend your Sunday, come here.
EPIC – The Irish Emigration Museum
At the EPIC, you can learn more about the history of emigration in Ireland. But not from dusty archives and books. The curators at EPIC have created active learning settings where you can (quite literally) touch history. We recommend booking tickets in advance. Prices start at around €17, and you can buy them here.
5 Days in Dublin
If you have five or more days in Dublin, you should head outside the city to see some of the beauty of Ireland. Our top picks for walks and hikes are the Howth Cliff Walk, just outside of Dublin, one of the many walks in the Wicklow Mountains, a hike through Glendalough, and a day trip to the Fairy Castles at Ticknock Forest.
Hidden Gems in Dublin
If you want to escape the tourists and the masses, these hidden gems in Dublin are perfect. Or maybe you’ve already been to this beautiful city, want to see more unique spots around the city, and find some fun things to do in Dublin? Have fun exploring!
Go kayaking down River Liffey
Change your perspective and discover from the river. Tours start close to the EPIC at Custom House Quay. Tours will take from the Custom House Key up the River Liffey into the heart of the city. The guided tour takes about two hours, and you’ll pay €38 per Person. You can find more info here.
War Memorial Gardens at Phoenix Park
Dublin always has a surprise in store for you. At Phoenix Park, you’ll find the War Memorial Garden showcasing beautiful plants and water features. Take a serene walk around the gardens and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Winding Stair Bookshop
As you might know, many authors resided in Dublin over the years. So it’s not too weird to find beautiful bookshops around town. The Winding Stair Bookshop, however, has a special place in our hearts. It’s the oldest bookshop in the city. It doesn’t only let you discover many beautiful books but also offers a café where you start reading your books immediately after purchase. Learn more about this beautiful bookshop here.
Whitefriar Street Church
Did you know that St. Valentine’s is buried in the city of Dublin? His remains are kept in a vault at Whitefriar Street Church, where you’ll also find a beautiful statue of the saint. So maybe stop by and pay your respects this Valentine’s Day?
Get a Drink at Brazen Head
Out of the many pubs you can go to in Dublin, this must be the most interesting one. Brazen Head might look a little weird from the outside, but it has been in business since 1198. So they must do something. They serve food every day until 9 pm and open their doors at noon until late.
Free Things to do in Dublin
Want to discover beautiful Dublin on a budget? No worries, we’ve got some free things you can discover in the city on your next visit!
Walking Tours
Dublin has many free walking tours to offer. We recommend going on a tour on your first day to see all the highlights right at the beginning of your trip. After the tour, you can go to your favorite spots and explore them in detail. There are also graveyard and historical free tours you can join and learn more about the (dark) past of a city.
Music at a Pub
You might wonder, how can this be free? Well, most pubs don’t have an entrance fee. You can walk in the door and enjoy some music. We recommend getting at least one drink, but soft drinks and beer are affordable, and it only adds to your true Irish Pub experience.
National Museum of Ireland
The National Museum of Ireland teaches you more about Irish culture and history. All permanent exhibits are free to visit. For a small fee, you’ll also be able to visit changing exhibits about interesting topics. See what’s on currently and find out more here.
National Gallery of Ireland
The National Gallery is, like the National Museum, also part of the Public Works program, and all permanent exhibitions are free as well. If you’re interested in art and want to learn more about Irish art and painters, you should make your way here on a rainy afternoon.
Irish Museum of Modern Art
Just outside of Kilmainham Gaol, you’ll find the Gardens of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. Located there is the Museum of Modern Art. Permanent exhibitions here are also free and showcase some interesting modern art from Irish and international artists. Learn more about the artists and their pieces here.
Find the famous Monuments of Dublin
This is a fun challenge you can set yourself: find the following statues around Dublin. They’re always in places that are free of charge, and some pose a real challenge. Can you find them without Google Maps?
- Oscar Wilde
- Anna Livia, a statue inspired by the River Liffey
- Two bronze women with shopping carts
- James Joyce
The best Restaurants and Bars in Dublin
So you don’t go hungry or thirsty, we have gathered our favorite restaurants and bars around Dublin. Check them out for some good and hearty food.
Bars & Pubs
- Gin Palace Dublin
- The Old Storehouse
- Vintage Cocktail Club
- The Norseman
- Kehoe’s
Restaurants
- The Hungry Mexican
- Bunsen
- Dublin Pizza Co.
- Canal Back Café
- YOI Ramen
Coffee
- The Rolling Donut
- Cocobrew
- Show Lane Café
- KC Peaches
- Two Pups Coffee
Travel Tip from a local: For some really good insider tips from a local, check out EAT DRINK DUB by Claudia on Instagram.
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