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Dublin, the captivating capital city of Ireland, is beloved by tourists and locals alike. Filled with cultural and historic attractions, this city truly offers something for everyone.
This guide features some of Dublin’s top attractions so that you can design an itinerary to suit your interests. Here are 14 fun things to do in Dublin.
1. Explore Dublin on a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours are one of the best things to do in Dublin and are a fantastic way to get around Dublin City Center and see the most popular sites. Buses stop at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ha’penny Bridge, Temple Bar, Christ Church Cathedral, Phoenix Park, Trinity College, and many more.
The best bus tour companies are DoDublin, City Sightseeing Dublin, and Big Bus Dublin — all of which have buses with spacious top desks offering fantastic panoramic views of the city. You can easily create your own self-guided tour of Dublin using the stops on these routes.
2. Explore Dublin’s Free Museums
Ireland’s capital has plenty of fantastic museums. Many of them charge an entrance fee, including the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum. However, there are also several museums which are totally free of charge.
National Museum of Ireland
Housed within a lovely Palladian building from 1890, the National Museum of Ireland is home to one of the largest gold collections in Europe, incredible preserved bodies of Iron Age people, and a 4,500-year-old log boat from County Galway. Head here to soak up the recent and distant Irish past.
National Gallery Of Ireland
Located beside Merrion Square, the National Gallery of Ireland at Merrion Square is one of Dublin’s best and most famous museums. Opening in 1864 with just 112 pictures, subsequent renovations have created a state-of-the-art visitor experience housing over 16,000 works of art. Not only is entry free, but you can also join a free tour.
Chester Beatty Library
The Chester Beatty Library focuses on international cultures and showcases work from regions all over the world. It is located on the grounds of Dublin Castle, a popular tourist attraction in its own right.
Irish Museum Of Modern Art (IMMA)
The Irish Museum of Modern Art, also known as IMMA, is hidden within the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, one of Dublin’s most historical sites. The museum hosts a wide range of programs and events including workshops and studio programs designed to involve all visitors.
3. Browse the Best Shopping Areas
A fascinating mix of department stores and open-air markets flank both sides of the River Liffey in Dublin city center and offer endless shopping options to explore. From bargain homeware to designer retailers, there is something to suit every budget.
Grafton Street
Grafton Street is one of Europe’s busiest and most historic shopping streets, offering up a fantastic collection of fashion boutiques and vintage stores, stellar dining, and talented street artists.
Brown Thomas
Brown Thomas is a popular luxury department store, where you will find many of the world’s most luxurious brands, including Cartier, Hermés, and Chanel, and high-end personal shopping services.
Powerscourt Centre
Powerscourt Centre is Dublin’s most exclusive shopping destination. This Georgian-era manor has been transformed into a unique space housing local and international luxury clothing brands, and designer art and homewares.
4. Party at The Temple Bar
The iconic Temple Bar dates back to the early 1300s and is a huge part of Dublin’s central nightlife scene. Tourists flock here for pints of Guinness or a glass (or three) of strong Irish whiskey.
The atmosphere at the Temple Bar is fantastic, helped by plenty of traditional Irish live music and Irish craic. It’s always busy and hectic but is an absolute must-see destination. If you join an organized pub crawl, you will almost certainly end up here at some point.
5. Check Out Dublin Bay
Dublin Bay is on the coastline between Howth and Dalkey Island and was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2019. Expect to see a wealth of castles, cliffs, bustling marinas, and stunning beaches, with plenty of traditional Irish fare on offer in the local restaurants.
Dublin Bay is a fantastic day trip from the city. Malahide, Howth, and Dun Laoghaire are easily accessible and just 30 minutes from the city center by DART train. The DART also goes to stunning County Wicklow, where visitors can enjoy incredible hiking in the Wicklow mountain range.
6. Visit the Book of Kells
The Book of Kells, kept in the Old Library of Trinity College Dublin, is a 9th-century copy of the four gospels of the New Testament. Filled with ornate Latin text and intricate illustrations, this stunning manuscript is a Celtic work of art. It was hidden from marauding Vikings by the monks who created it and was eventually brought to Trinity College for safekeeping.
The magnificent Long Room, where the Book of Kells is housed, is also home to the Brian Boru Harp, Ireland’s oldest surviving harp, and a rare original copy of the Proclamation, a revered Irish national icon and seminal text in Irish history.
7. Catch a Game of Gaelic Football at Croke Park
The magnificent Croke Park stadium has a capacity of over 82,000, making it the third largest stadium in Europe. This Gaelic games stadium is home to the GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association), one of the world’s greatest amateur sporting associations, and a visit here gives great insight into the passion of Irish sports fans.
Gaelic Football, Hurling, and Camogie matches are all held at Croke Park. Or for the fearless, the Croke Park Skyline Tour takes visitors up 17 stories and allows them to walk along the stadium’s skyline.
8. Take a Whiskey Distillery Tour
There is no better place to sample Irish whiskey than Dublin, and taking a whiskey distillery tour is a great way to learn about the big-name brands and how the strong stuff is made.
Jameson Distillery Guided Tasting Experience
The old Jameson Distillery is a historical gem of a building, located just off Smithfield Square. Production stopped here in the 1970s and the former factory now hosts distillery tours, cocktail-making classes, and premium whiskey tasting sessions. Finish the tour with a signature Jameson Ginger and Lime tasting in the JJ’s bar.
Teelings Whiskey Distillery Tour And Tasting
Just a five-minute walk from St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Teelings Distillery offers one-hour factory tours which give great insight into the company’s day-to-day operations. Knowledgeable guides explain the difference between a single-malt and a single-grain, so you will be able to impress your friends with your newfound whiskey knowledge.
Irish Whiskey Museum Experience
Featuring plenty of whiskey memorabilia pieces, the Irish Whiskey Museum Experience is a journey through the history of Irish whiskey. Learn plenty about the distillation process and finish with a tasting lesson from your guide. If you want to try the really fancy stuff, ticket upgrades are available.
9. Experience the Guinness Storehouse Factory
No visit to Dublin would be complete without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Located in the heart of St. James’ Gate Brewery, this popular tourist attraction takes you on a guided tour through seven floors of Irish brewing history. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at the Gravity Bar where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city while sipping on a pint of the world-famous stout.
10. Take a Cruise on the River Liffey
The ‘Spirit of Docklands’, with its distinctive bright red roof, operates between the city center and the Docklands and is a great way to see the city. The tour departs from a landing station at Bachelor’s Walk, before passing under O’Connell Bridge and on towards the docklands before returning to the starting point.
Expert to see Dublin’s old Georgian Quaysides and the beautiful 18th-century Custom House. Tours take around 45 minutes and expert travel guides make the experience fun for all ages. The boat is wheelchair and buggy accessible.
11. Spend a Relaxing Day in Phoenix Park
The enormous Phoenix Park is one of Europe’s largest enclosed urban parks and is a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. There is plenty to see and do here, but one of the easiest ways to explore the park is by bike along the newly extended cycle trails. Phoenix Park Bikes are located just inside the main gate on Parkgate Street and have a wide range of bikes designed to cater to all ages.
Dublin Zoo, one of Dublin’s most popular attractions, is also located within Phoenix Park. Originally established in the 19th century, it now focuses on conservation projects, breeding programs, and raising awareness for animals. There are plenty of great café and restaurant options, and picnic tables if you prefer to take your own lunch.
12. Tour the Abandoned Prison of Kilmainham Gaol
This abandoned prison is an absolute must-see for history lovers of all ages. Kilmainham Gaol closed in 1924, but before then it played a significant role in the struggle for Irish independence from the British and housed some of the most famous political and military leaders in Irish history. The stories of the former prisoners offer a fantastic insight into this devastating time in Irish history.
Tickets are just €4 per person and this price includes a 45-50 minute tour of the facilities with a knowledgeable guide. Pre-booking online is highly recommended as this is a very busy site.
13. Explore Malahide Castle
Ireland is full of beautiful castles, but stunning Malahide Castle is just 30 minutes from the city center, making it a fantastic day trip from Dublin. Set on 250 acres of parkland, this castle is supposedly haunted, with plenty of spooky sightings reported during its 800-year history.
Malahide Castle Demesne is a great place to visit if you are traveling with children. There is an award-winning children’s playground, a fairy trail, and a butterfly house. It’s also a fantastic spot for a picnic on a sunny day.
14. Take A Dublin Bike Tour
Bike riding is popular in Dublin and a bike tour around the city center is a great alternative to a walking tour. Located just a few minutes walk from St. Stephen’s Green, Cycle Dublin Bike Tours offers small group guided tours of Dublin City at a relaxed pace.
Visit the home of James Joyce and learn more about characters from Dublin’s cultural history, including Yeats and Oscar Wilde. Tours are around two and a half hours long and are suitable for ages 14 and up. Bicycles, helmets, and reflective safety belts are supplied.
Discover Your Favorite Dublin Attractions
With its rich history and friendly residents, Dublin never fails to captivate the heart, and you will be spoiled for choice of exciting things to do while you are visiting. Use this list as a starting point to build your own Irish itinerary.
