From pubs to live music to classic cultural institutions, a local shares 33 things to see and do in Dublin.
With its charming cobbled streets, rich history and famous nightlife, Dublin has it all. Maybe you’re hitting up all of Ireland on a road trip or maybe you’re spending time solely in Dublin. Whether you have three hours or three weeks in the Irish capital, make the most of your trip with our comprehensive guide of things to see and do in the city. Sláinte!
1. No trip to Dublin would be complete without a visit to the home of the black stuff. Call into the Guinness Storehouse to see the history behind one of Ireland’s most famous exports – and to learn how to pull your own pint.
2. Learn all about Ireland’s fight for independence with a tour of Kilmainham Gaol.
3. Get a feel for student life in Ireland with a visit to Trinity College while also getting a little history lesson by seeing the Book of Kells in the university’s majestic Old Library.
4. Learn more about the quirky side to the city by popping into the Little Museum of Dublin on Stephen’s Green.
5. Visit the final resting place of revolutionaries Michael Collins and Daniel O’Connell in Glasnevin Cemetery.
6. If whiskey is your tipple of choice, take a trip to the Jameson Distillery located in Smithfield, one of Dublin’s most historic suburbs,
7. See Dublin’s fair city on a bus tour with a difference. Take a spin around the city in a 1960s vintage bus while savoring a classic Irish afternoon tea.
8. Check out some of the fantastic exhibits at the National Museum of Ireland.
9. Dust off the cobwebs with an adventure around the Howth Cliff Path – followed by fish and chips of course.
10. Listen to the bells ringing through the city from Christchurch Cathedral.
11. Pay a visit to Ireland’s largest church, St. Patrick’s Cathedral – where its namesake saint is believed to have baptized Christian converts hundreds of years ago.
12. Hop on the Dart train and to do some people-watching in the plush southside village of Killiney – an exclusive seaside suburb home to celebrities such as Bono and Enya.
13. Go for an evening stroll down Dun Laoghaire pier and enjoy the sunset along Dublin Bay – along with a ‘99’ ice cream from local institution Teddy’s.
14. After a walk down Temple Bar’s cobbled streets, stop into for some sophisticated drinks in the Vintage Cocktail Club. PS – you have to knock on the door to be let into this exclusive bar.
15. Admire the beautiful flora and fauna at the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland.
16. Escape the city madness with a trip to the Phoenix Park and see some wildlife at Dublin Zoo.
17. Browse through some fresh food and handmade crafts at the Fumbally Stables market.
18. Dine at the style in trendy Stoneybatter gastropub L. Mulligan Grocer.
19. Call into legendary Smithfield pub The Cobblestone for an authentic Irish traditional music session that can’t be rivaled.
20. Take in some stunning views of the city after a hike up Ticknock at the foot of the Dublin mountains.
21. Work up an appetite with some retail therapy on Grafton Street before taking a break in the Powerscourt Townhouse center for some cake in the Pepper Pot Cafe.
22. Get lost for hours gazing at the masterpieces at the Irish Museum of Modern Art.
23. Take a step back in time to what life in Dublin was like in the old days with a visit to the tenement museum on 14 Henrietta Street.
24. If the cold doesn’t intimidate you, take a dip in the Irish Sea with a morning swim at the Forty Foot in Sandycove.
25. Try some plant-based fine dining at Sova Vegan Butcher.
26. Pop into Grogan’s for a pint and a toastie.
27. Pay leafy southside suburb Ballsbridge a visit and follow in the footsteps of famous Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh by taking a stroll down Raglan Road.
28. Looking for a night out? Ditch the Temple Bar tourist trap and venture to Camden Street for a gig in Whelan’s, a legendary venue.
29. Tuck into some seriously delicious steak in Featherblade on Dawson Street.
30. Try one of Dublin’s finest delicacies, coddle, a dish made of sausage, rashers and potatoes, at the Hairy Lemon bar just off Stephen’s Green.
31. Learn about Ireland’s national sports Gaelic football and hurling by taking a tour of Croke Park.
32. Sit back and relax as you catch a movie at the Stella, a 1920s art deco cinema.
33. Missing some drama? Book tickets to a show in Dublin’s iconic Gaiety Theatre.