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Dublin is known for its many famous landmarks, including Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin Castle, and the Guinness Storehouse. However, return visitors will be pleased to know that there is plenty to do in Ireland’s capital beyond the usual tourist hotspots.
If you want to get off the beaten path and find the top secret spots in Dublin, read our travel guide to 16 of Dublin’s best-hidden gems.
1. 14 Henrietta Street
- Address: 14 Henrietta Street, Dublin, D01 HH34
- Website: 14henriettastreet.ie
- Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 11.30 am to 2 pm
14 Henrietta Street is a unique museum hidden behind the facade of one of Dublin’s famous Georgian townhouses. Built in the 18th century, Henrietta Street was originally home to some of Ireland’s most wealthy families. Later, it went on to house hundreds of people during destitute times in the early 20th century.
Number 14 has now been sympathetically restored to tell the story of the last 300 years. A guided tour is the only way to visit the museum, but that’s no bad thing as they are fascinating and give great insight into the house’s history.
Tours run from Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm, and cost €10 for adults. Concessions are available, and the property is wheelchair accessible.
2. St. Michan’s Church
- Address: Church St., Arran Quay, Dublin 7
- Opening hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 am to 12.30 pm, 2 pm to 4.30 pm
St. Michan’s Church has hidden gems within hidden gems — it houses several mummies in its crypt.
This unassuming structure is just a few minutes walk from the River Liffey and has roots dating back to the 11th century when it was the first church built on the North side of Dublin. The mummies that now inhabit the space are from between the 17th and 19th centuries and were members of some of Dublin’s most influential families.
The mummies can be visited at select times for a small fee, and knowledgeable tour guides are available to show you around the Victorian interior and explain a little more about St. Michan’s unusual residents.
3. Sweny’s Pharmacy
- Address: 1 Lincoln Place, Dublin 2, D02
- Website: sweny.ie
- Opening hours: Daily, 11 am to 6 pm
James Joyce fans won’t want to miss this 19th-century pharmacy-turned-bookstore, as it was listed as a location in his epic novel Ulysses. Located in Merrion Square, the old pharmacy is now a vintage book and craft store and is a great spot to cozy up on a rainy Dublin day. Best of all, it’s totally free to visit.
4. The Winding Stair Bookshop
- Address: Ormond Quay Lower, Dublin 1, D01 R9Y5
- Website: winding-stair.com
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday 12 pm to 6 pm
This quirky place is one of Ireland’s oldest surviving independent bookshops and is an absolute must-see for bibliophiles. Home to both new and second-hand books, The Winding Stair offers exceptional value and stocks plenty of unusual titles that would not be found in the larger chain bookstores. There is even a little restaurant on site serving traditional Irish food.
5. Marsh’s Library
- Address: St Patrick’s Close, Dublin 8, D08 FK79
- Website: marshlibrary.ie
- Opening hours: Tuesday 11.30 am to 5 pm, Wednesday to Friday 9.30 am to 5 pm, Saturday 10 am to 5 pm
Just a short walk from St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Marsh’s Library was once frequented by Bram Stoker and Jonathan Swift — both of whom read books from its huge collections. This spot is much quieter than the Trinity College Library, where the Book of Kells is located. You can visit Marsh’s Library for just a few euros and spend hours browsing its 25,000 books and 300 manuscripts.
6. Rory Gallagher Corner
Rory Gallagher was an iconic Irish singer and was believed to be one of the best blues guitarists in the world. He passed away in 1995, and the Temple Bar (Meeting House Square) memorial to him was created in 2006. Look for the Meeting House on Essex Street — high up on the wall is an exact replica of the 1916 Fender Stratocaster guitar that was owned by Rory himself.
7. The Ancient Huguenot Cemetery
The 17th-century graveyard of Huguenot Cemetery on Merrion Row is hidden between two houses and is just a short walk from St. Stephen’s Green in the heart of Dublin. Dating back to 1693, this was the final resting place for the once-persecuted religious group who fled France. You can’t get into the cemetery itself as it is closed to visitors, but you can get a good look through the wrought iron gates.
8. The VCC (Vintage Cocktail Club) Speak Easy
- Address: 15 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 E229
- Website: vintagecocktailclub.com
- Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday, 5 pm to 11 pm; Thursday to Friday, 2.30 pm to 11 pm, Saturday 12 pm to 11 pm, Sunday 2.30 pm to 11 pm
Hidden behind a weathered door in Temple Bar, this gorgeous speakeasy will transport you back in time with award-winning cocktails served up by friendly staff. The VVC is spread over three floors that are decked out with 1920s vintage furniture, reclaimed floor tiles, and floral wallpaper.
Brave patrons should try the Ceylon in the City, made with bird’s-eye-chili-infused mango liqueur, Ceylon Arrack, citrus, and egg whites. This sharp and warming drink quite simply has to be one of the best cocktails in Dublin. And be sure to order some of the excellent antipasti platters to go with it. Booking at the VCC is absolutely essential, so be sure to plan ahead.
9. The Hungry Tree
This hidden gem has to be one of the most unique things in Ireland, if not Europe. The Hungry Tree of Dublin is located in Kings Inn Park and is exactly what it sounds like — a tree that has actually started growing over one of the park’s benches, looking like it’s eating it up!
The Hungry Tree has become one of Dublin’s most photographed attractions, so head there early in the day to get the best pictures. While you’re there, stroll around King’s Inns, Ireland’s oldest school of law and the filming location for many historical films and TV dramas.
10. Dublin’s Grand Canal
Dublin’s Grand Canal connects the mighty River Shannon to the city and is a great place for a leisurely stroll on sunny days.
Once upon a time, hefty workhorses would have pulled barges laden with Guinness and Irish whiskey to their destinations, and these sturdy animals are immortalized in Maurice Harron’s beautiful bronze Barge Horse sculpture on the bank at Herbert Place.
The canal has inspired some of Dublin’s most famous poets and writers and, in parts, is flanked by stunning Georgian and Victorian buildings that give visitors a sense of Dublin from centuries gone by. Follow in the footsteps of Samuel Beckett and Jack Yeats and discover the Grand Canal for yourself.
11. The Oscar Wilde House
- Address: American College, 1 Merrion Square N, Dublin, D02 NH98
- Website: oscarwildehouse.com
- Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday, 11 am to 5.15 pm
Undoubtedly one of Dublin’s most famous residents, Oscar Wilde spent his formative years in the city. His house is now a fantastic tourist attraction run by the American College and is a must-see for literary fans. The house is located on Merrion Square, and guided tours run from April to September, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays.
12. Smithfield Tower
- Address: Chimney Viewing Tower, Arran Quay, Smithfield, Dublin
- Opening hours: Daily, from 7 am to 10 pm
Smithfield Tower was originally part of the Jameson Whiskey Distillery and now offers epic views of Dublin City from its observation deck. There are around 250 steps up but the vista from the top is well worth it, particularly at sunset. Tickets are just five euros and can be purchased from the Generator Hostel next to the tower.
13. Get a Boat out to Ireland’s Eye
Ireland’s Eye is a remote Island near Howth, a fishing village only 25 minutes away from the city. This is a great place for wildlife spotting, and visitors can expect to see plenty of seabirds and seals. There are also spectacular natural features, including ‘The Stack’, a huge freestanding rock at the northeastern corner of the island. The boat ride from Howth to Ireland’s Eye takes around 15 minutes and costs €15.
14. Kiliney Hill and Dalkey
For a dose of fresh air, head to Kiliney Hill, one of the most popular walks in Dublin. The walk to the top of the hill isn’t too strenuous, and you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the Dublin coastline and the Wicklow mountains.
Dalkey is only 30 minutes from the city center, but it feels like a world away. There are narrow streets lined with shops, delis and plenty of paths leading down to the coast. Dalkey is a great day trip from Dublin and offers plenty of hiking opportunities.
There is also rock climbing at the Dalkey Quarry, where watchful instructors will show you the ropes as you abseil down the rock face. If you prefer to be on the water, head out for a kayaking tour of the bay or on a boat trip with Ken the Ferryman. Keep your eyes open for the resident seals and the occasional pod of dolphins.
15. Explore Dublin’s Lesser-known Green Spaces
Phoenix Park is like Hyde Park is to London or Central Park is to New York: it’s where locals go to breathe. There are several other lush green spaces to explore in and around the city, so if parks are your thing, you’re sure to love these two gardens:
- National Botanic Gardens – enjoy a moment’s peace while you stroll among fascinating collections of plant species from all over the world.
- Iveagh Gardens – these historic gardens date back over 300 years, and many of the original landscapes are still in place today.
16. National Leprechaun Museum
- Address: 2-3 Mary’s Abbey, North City, Dublin, D07 X6R6
- Website: leprechaunmuseum.ie
- Opening hours: Friday and Saturday, 10 to 8 pm, Sunday to Thursday, 10 am to 6.30 pm
The National Leprechaun Museum is one of the most unusual things to do in Dublin and is a perfect family-friendly option for a rainy day. This weird and wonderful museum features exhibits on folklore and mythology, as well as the history of the leprechaun. Unusually for a museum, this place is open in the evenings until 8.30 pm from Thursday to Saturday.
Add Dublin’s Hidden Gems to Your Itinerary
Tourists who love discovering a city’s secret side will love exploring these best Dublin hidden gems. Exploring the well-known landmarks is essential, but getting off the beaten path will give you a greater understanding of this unique city and make your Dublin trip one you’ll never forget.
