Known for everything from its Viking stories to its popular beer, Dublin has so much in store for its visitors. See how they have preserved their stories and how you can make your own story in this city. Dublin’s history goes back centuries, evident in the architecture - like Dublin Castle - and the museums. And if you love nature, attractions like Phoenix Park should satiate your desire for a breathtaking landscape. Check out this list of the best things to do in Dublin, Ireland, to find out more about the attractions you should visit when in this fascinating destination.
Watch our video where we bring together Anne, a tour guide for Dublin, and travel influencer Yulianna to share valuable tips about Dublin!
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1. Learn about the Irish living abroad at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is all about Irish people who made this country great. Learn what these people have given to the country as well as their sacrifices and lives. This is the best way to learn about the country and what it has been through in the past. Some of the native people have achieved success in various fields like politics, science, technology, arts, and the military. Learn how they achieved success, conquered adversity, and gained triumph in a place that was once unknown but now has a familiar name because of them. All these you can experience by visiting all the 20 galleries. The museum is one of Europe’s most popular tourist attractions. This tour provides an opportunity for you to get a souvenir passport and postcard as memorabilia of your visit.
2. Explore the sacred grounds of Christ Church Cathedral
For almost a millennium, Christ Church Cathedral has been welcoming pilgrims from all over the world and it is recognized as the oldest building in Dublin. This is a functioning cathedral that became famous for its outstanding beauty and architecture. The cathedral has a rich history to tell, with two intriguing residents in a mummified display – a cat and a rat. It has a 12th-century crypt that is among the largest and oldest in the UK and Ireland. This tour takes you on a journey where you can easily appreciate and stand in awe of the beauty of the floor tiles used in the cathedral’s nave.
3. Hike the Howth Peninsula
The Howth Peninsula is closely connected to Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere. A hike along the peninsula affords you great views of the calm waters of the bay and the lovely land formations along the coastline. You will have a clear picture of the natural beauty of Ireland because the peninsula is home to some of the most beautiful organic sites you will see. This includes all the nooks, caves, coves, and crannies of the Cliff. The peninsula’s history stretches back 6000 years, so there is a lot to discover and see during your hike. The tour goes on in any weather and exposes you to several indigenous wildlife species.
Book Tours : Dublin: Howth Peninsula Hiking Tour
4. Learn to make authentic Neapolitan pizza
Pizza is one of the delicious creations that Italy has contributed to the culinary world. It does not get any better than the original style – Neapolitan pizza. You will learn all the important techniques pizzaiolos in Naples have been practicing for centuries in this five-hour class. Also, you will learn how to layer each ingredient on top of the dough and which of these go well together. The pizzas will be cooked in two types of ovens: a wood-fired and a domestic one. The latter is for those who do not have the former at home. This class allows you to keep a pizza peel as a souvenir.
Book Tours : Neapolitan Pizza Experience
Dublin (Region) Tour Guide
Diana M
Hi there! I am Diana :) My passion in life (next to my loved ones) is travelling and meeting new people, showing others the beauty of the world, art in various forms. My private guided day tours are experiences that are unique and are a great way to do an interesting activity without being overwhelmed. You get to do something only few other travellers would get to do and a chance to gain a loc... Read more
Tours by Diana
Dublin (Region) Tour Guide
Dave Kavanagh
Hello, My name is Dave and I am a local and national licensed Tour guide in Dublin, I operate walking tours taking you to some of Dublin's most iconic landmarks and buildings while discussing our great heritage and culture, we are known here in Ireland for our storytelling so expect lots of great stories on this tour.
Tours by Dave
5. Go sunset biking in Wicklow Mountains
Biking in the Wicklow Mountains at sunset allows you to see the city of Dublin as the sun goes down on the horizon. From here, you will see two different vantages of Dublin that will both make you fall in love with it even more. You will get to ride a sturdy mountain bike as you climb up a hill where the views are nothing short of amazing. Riding through the forest will make this experience extra special. This is a safe way of exploring the sites and will have you working on your cardio as a benefit. The tour has scheduled breaks for refreshments and rest.
Book Tours : Sunset into night ride
6. Kayak to Ireland’s Eye island
Your paddling trip to Ireland’s Eye, an island off the coast of Dublin, starts and ends in the picturesque Howth Harbor. You will cross part of the Irish Sea on your way to a memorable spot where you will get to see the wonders of nature up close. You might get a chance to see seals do their thing in the water. You will be amazed once you see dolphins swimming beside you and they will attract you with their cuteness. Once you reach the island, birds like puffins, gannets, and gulls will be waiting for you.
Book Tours : Ireland's Eye Sea Kayaking Experience
7. Immerse yourself in Dublin's coffee and tea culture
The coffee and tea culture of Dublin started centuries ago when coffee and tea houses were places where people gathered and conversed with each other. Today, drinking coffee and tea is part of the lives of Dubliners. As a visitor, this is one activity you must not miss out on. Even bars and pubs have started to install coffee and espresso machines. Because of this, Irish baristas undergo training and have been reaping the benefits by winning awards on an international level. This guided tour takes you to cafes and tea houses that existed in 1700s Dublin.
Book Tours : 1700s Dublin Coffee & Tea Culture
8. Enjoy musical history in Dublin
Dublin’s history as a music destination is rich and locals are very proud of this fact. If you are into music, you shouldn’t miss out on strolling Grafton Street where buskers line themselves side by side. The city takes pride in being the place where important musical figures started their careers. This includes U2, Sinead O’Connor, Van Morrison, and the late great Thin Lizzy member, Phil Lynott. There is much to learn and songs to sing around the streets of Dublin when it comes to its music. The tour you are about to take is spearheaded by one of the leading buskers in town, Barry Shock.
Book Tours : Rock with Shock - A music tour of Dublin
9. Design your own jewelry
Jewelry making in Dublin is steeped in history. It stretches back to the days of ancient Celtic civilization or maybe even as far back as the ‘bronze age’. This was the time when craftsmen first created the torc, a piece of jewelry closely related to a necklace but with a rigid circle. Gold was in abundance during this time and Ireland had the largest deposit on the entire continent. Other popular pieces of jewelry that made their way into Dublin’s history include the Celtic cross pendant, ornate flat discs, tara brooch, Claddagh jewelry, the trinity knot, and Ogham jewelry. On this tour, you will learn how to craft your own sterling silver ring from scratch.
Book Tours : Forge a silver ring with Jewellers
10. Have a photoshoot around the city
You will have Dublin, a picturesque city, as the background for your photoshoot! You can do this by hiring a professional local photographer to take your pictures, which will also act as memories of your trip. You will have your photos taken at some of the most interesting spots you can find in the city. You and the photographer will get to agree to the manner in which you would like to have your photos taken. Aside from the city center, you can also have your photos taken in Howth, which is just a short drive away. Your photographer will bring you to places like Temple Bar, Grafton St., Dublin Castle, and Ha’penny Bridge.
Book Tours : Couple photoshoot in Dublin
11. Enjoy craft beer and fresh seafood
It is hard to beat Howth when it comes to seafood, but it is still important to know which restaurants to go to before feasting. The good news is that this fishing village by the coast has a long line of restaurants that you can choose from. And the best way to enjoy the food here is to take it with beer - not just any type of beer but one that is crafted by the establishment you are going to. Yes, craft beer is a big thing here, and several pubs serve seafood with their own brew to make a heavenly pairing. On this tour, your choice of seafood will be made on the day of the tour to ensure its freshness.
Book Tours : Dublin Coastal Craft Beer & Seafood Trail
12. Have a splendid time at Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park is located right in the heart of Dublin, making it easy for you to reach from anywhere in the city. There is so much activity to do here as the park serves as home to several gardens like the Zoological Gardens and the Victorian Flower Garden. A stroll may lead you to the Aras an Uachtarain, the official home and office of the Irish President. Other activities that you can do here are hiking, running, and biking, which allows you to see vibrant greenery along these paths. There are facilities for polo, hurling, and cricket, while Glen Pond is the perfect spot to stop for a while and take a break.
Phoenix Park
Address: Dublin 8, Ireland
Website: Phoenix Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
13. Spend family time at Dublin Zoo
Dublin Zoo is situated inside the vast grounds of Phoenix Park. It is recognized as Dublin’s most popular attraction for families, with more than a million visitors dropping by in recent years. Covering around 70 acres (22.3 hectares), the zoo is one of the oldest and most visited on earth. It has more than 400 animals from all over the planet, taken care of in a healthy environment. In fact, the zoo has become a breeding ground for some of these animals, and the parents are allowed to raise their babies and live with them. Each animal is sheltered in an environment that is similar to that of its natural habitat.
Dublin Zoo
Address: Saint James’ (part of Phoenix Park), Dublin 8, Ireland
Website: Dublin Zoo
14. Admire the lush flora at the National Botanic Gardens
The National Botanical Gardens in Dublin hold a staggering 15,000 plants and cultivars that have been gathered from different regions of the world. This makes for a fine collection that will leave you speechless. There are several glasshouses where you will find lush gardens. Two of the notable ones are the Great Palm House and Turner Curvilinear Range, both of which are recipients of the prestigious Europa Nostra award. These were given due to the excellence of these glasshouses in the conservation of the plants in them. A walk around the gardens allows you to see an arboretum, a rock garden, a pond, an alpine yard, a rose garden, and the herbaceous borders.
National Botanic Gardens
Address: Glasnevin, Dublin 9, D09 VY63, Ireland
Website: National Botanic Gardens
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 6pm
15. Chug a Guinness
Visit the city’s number one attraction, the Guinness Storehouse. This seven-story building, that’s shaped like a giant pint of Guinness, is a former Guinness fermentation plant and has welcomed over four million guests since it opened in 2000. The building is located on the outskirts of the center of the city, at St. James’ Gate. It also features an interactive exhibit on responsible drinking. The world class attraction features everything that is Guinness, right when you enter, from the first floor to finishing your visit at the Gravity Bar on the seventh floor, which has a perfect view overlooking the whole city, while you chug down a few Guinnesses.
Guinness Storehouse
Address: St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8, Ireland
Opening Hours: 7 days a week from 9:30am - 7pm (last admission is at 5pm). Late opening during July and August 9am - 8pm (last admission is at 6pm). Open all year, apart from Good Friday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, & St Stephens Day.
Prices: Adult (18+) from 14 EUR / 16.50 USD, Student (18+) (Student ID Required) 18 EUR / 21.21 USD, Family (2 adults, 4 children under 18) 48.50 EUR / 57.16 USD, Senior Citizen (65+) 18 EUR / 21.21 USD, Child 11-17 (Under 10 are free) 13.50 EUR / 15.91 USD (*Discounts are available, starting from 30% and are applied based on the timeslot and day tickets are booked.)
Website: Guinness Storehouse
16. Visit a castle
Never seen a castle before? Now is your chance to feel like a king or queen. Located in the heart of the city is Dublin Castle, which was formerly for the headquarters of the United Kingdom’s government administration in Ireland and is now used by the Irish government as an important compound. Despite this, the castle is open to the public for visiting and there are guided tours, exhibitions, collections, and events for everyone to learn more about Irish culture.
Dublin Castle
Address: Dublin Castle, Dame St, Dublin 2
Contact: +353 1 6458813
Email: dublincastle@opw.ie
Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday & Bank Holidays: 9:45 - 17:45 (last admission 17:15) (Closed: 25th, 26th & 27th December, and 1st January)
Prices: Adult 7 EUR / 8.25 USD, Senior (60+) 6 EUR / 7.07 USD, Student (valid student ID required) 6 EUR / 7.07 USD, Child (12-17) 3 EUR / 3.53 USD, Family (max. 2 adults & 5 children) 17 EUR / 20.03 USD (Different pricing for guided tours, visit website for more information)
Website: Dublin Castle
Tip from tour guide
Alan
Did you know that the castle celebrated the 100th anniversary of its surrender from the British to the provisional government of the Free State in 2022? Although the event was depicted with great ceremony in the film Michael Collins, the handover was more of a quiet affair, taking place in the Under Secretary's office above the Palace Street entrance to the castle. It was acknowledged with a new plaque on January 16, 2022.
17. Gaze at Ireland's greatest cultural treasure
The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript of the four Gospels of the New Testament, among other texts, in Latin and written around 800 AD. The exhibit which won Dublin the title of a UNESCO City of Literature, in 2010, has become a permanent exhibition at Trinity College, which is also located in the center of the city. This is an important must-see for all tourists, as it is Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure.
The Book of Kells at Trinity College
Address: Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
Contact: +353 1 896 1000
Online Tickets: Adults: 10-13 EUR / 11.78 USD, Family: 26 EUR / 30.63 USD, Concession: 10 EUR / 11.78 USD, Group: 9 EUR / 10.60 USD, Children under 12 are free.
Opening Hours: Mon - Sat (May - Sept) 8:30 - 17:00, Sun (May - Sept) 09:30 - 17:00, Mon - Sat (Oct - April) 09:30 - 17:00, Sun (Oct - April) 12:00 - 16:30. Last admission 30 minutes prior to closing.
Website: The Book of Kells
18. Learn more about Ireland's culture and history
The National Museum of Ireland is the country’s most important cultural institution. It has three branches in Dublin and one in Castlebar, Ireland. The three branches in Dublin are focused on the subjects of Archaeology, Decorative Arts & History, and Natural History. The Country Life department can be found in Castlebar. There are temporary exhibitions across all four sites, for visitors and locals to visit all year round. Worried about the admission? Fret not, admission is free! All the more reason to check it out and learn more about Ireland and its history.
The National Museum of Ireland
Address: Archaeology - Kildare Street, Dublin 2. Decorative Arts & History - Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7, Natural History - Merrion Street, Dublin 2.
Opening Hours: All four Museum sites are open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am - 5pm and Sunday 2pm - 5pm. The Museum is closed on Mondays.
Admission: Admission to all four sites of the National Museum of Ireland is free.
Contact: +353 1 6777444
Website: The National Museum of Ireland
19. Relax at a local pub
After a whole day of exploring the city, end your night at a local Irish pub. Better yet, spend the whole day! A whole day at a pub, you ask? Why yes, because Temple Bar is not just a pub. It also holds the Irish Photography Centre, the Temple Bar Music Centre, and the Irish Film Institute, by day. Then at night, they hold Irish music sessions. Another fun fact about this place is that at the exact same spot, the Vikings set up camp here, back in 795 A.D. Lots of cool stuff in one place, huh?
Temple Bar
Address: 47-48 Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
Contact: Call +353 51 563 150
Opening Hours: Monday to Wednesday, 10:30am - 1:30am, Thursday to Saturday, 10:00am - 2:30am, Sunday, 11:30 - 1am
Website: The Temple Bar
20. Feel like a Viking
Don’t know where to go for something different? Have a fun-filled adventure and learn about the country’s rich Viking history, while touring around the city, with a Viking-themed guided tour. This tour will definitely amuse you, as you ride Amphibious World War II Vehicles (DUKWs), listen to the Viking-like tour guide, and wear your Viking caps, along the way.
Another unique aspect about this adventure is how they will tour you around the city for approximately one hour and fifteen minutes on land and water! This is definitely an exciting experience you shouldn’t miss out on. They will also give you an option to ride a cruise, right after!
Viking Splash Tours
Address: St. Stephen’s Green North, Dublin 2 (Departure Point)
Contact: +353 1 707 6000
Email: info@vikingsplash.ie
Prices: Adult 22 EUR / 25.92 USD (25 EUR / 29.46 USD July & August), Children (Aged 2-12) 12 EUR / 14.14 USD, Teenagers (13-17) 17 EUR / 20.03 USD, Student/OAP 20 EUR / 23.56 USD, Viking Value 1 (2 adults + 2 children) 65 EUR / 76.58 USD (Not Available in July & August), Viking Value 2 (2 adults + 3 children) 70 EUR / 82.47 USD (80 EUR / 94.25 USD in July & August) *Please also note that children under the age of 2 are not permitted on the tour. (Group Tour Packages have different pricing. Visit website for more details.)
Website: Viking Splash Tours
21. Know more about St. Patrick
You probably know all about St. Patrick’s Day. But you might not know that this holiday refers to St. Patrick, the primary patron saint of Ireland, highly honored and celebrated by the locals, whose cathedral is in Dublin. The largest and tallest cathedral in Dublin and the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland, it is still a working church and is open to the public.
Are you a fan of the book “Gulliver’s Travels”? Its author, Jonathan Swift, has his tomb here, too. Check out the beautiful architecture inside, as well, and experience the tradition and history that echoes through its walls.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
Address: St Patrick’s Close, Wood Quay, Dublin 8, DZ08 H6X3, Ireland
Pricing: Individual - Between 5-16 EUR / 5.89-18.85 USD , Group Tickets - Between 4.50-5 EUR / 5.30-5.89 USD
Contact: +353 1 453 9472
Email: info@stpatrickscathedral.ie
Website: St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Tip from tour guide
Anne
St. Patrick’s Cathedral was founded 1191 on the site of an ancient well where St. Patrick baptised people. I love it for its magnificent gothic presence in the city.
Jonathan Swift was the Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral from 1713 to 1745, till he died.
There's also a very old library by St. Patrick's Cathedral called Marsh’s Library. Very few people know about it. It was founded in 1702 by the Archbishop there, and it's tiny. But what I love about it is that it's had so many famous visitors, such as Bram Stoker and Oscar Wilde. All these writers used to go there to sit and study. I love Marsh’s Library.
22. Explore the dark side
Into the exploring the dark side of things? Kilmainham Gaol is a former prison, in Kilmainham, Dublin, that has been transformed into a museum. This gaol or jail gives visitors a unique experience, as it walks you through and shows you a darker side of Irish history. It encapsulates the stories of the people’s sacrifice, in their fight for Irish independence.
Kilmainham Gaol
Address: Kilmainham Gaol Museum Visitor Centre, Kilmainham Courthouse, Inchicore Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, Ireland. D08 RK28.
Opening Hours: January - December, 9:30am - 5:30pm (Last tour 4:15pm). 1st June - 31st August 9:00am - 6:45pm (last admission 5:30pm). Open all year round, except the 24th, 25th, and 26th of December.
Pricing: Walkup: 9 EUR / 10.60 USD (adult), 7 EUR / 8.24 USD (senior), 5 EUR / 5.89 USD (child/ student), 23 EUR / 27.09 USD (family). Credit/debit cards are accepted at the reception. Online: 8 EUR / 9.42 USD (adult), 6 EUR / 7.07 USD (senior), 4 EUR / 4.71 USD (child/ student), 20 EUR / 23.56 USD (family). The price for group bookings is 6 EUR / 7.07 USD per person. Access to the Gaol is by guided tour only.
Contact: +353 1 4535984
Email: kilmainhamgaol@opw.ie
Website: Kilmainham Gaol
Tip from tour guide
Anne
Kilmainham Gaol opened in 1796 as the new County Gaol for Dublin. It was meant to hold common criminals and political prisoners involved in Ireland’s struggle for independence, including Robert Emmet, Anne Devlin, the Fenians, Charles Stewart Parnell, and Countess Markievicz. The prison closed in 1924 and is now a melancholic place with an amazing history.
23. Have a drink at the International Bar
What do you think about going to a local pub and experiencing some local live stand-up comedy? Sounds like an exciting cultural experience, right? Dublin’s first comedy club, the International Bar, hosts events that includes open mic poetry, music, and poetry slam, every night. With its name, you know that visitors from around the globe are more than welcome to join in the fun. Live the true Dublin experience by stopping by this bar to wrap up your Dublin trip.
The International Bar
Address: 23 Wicklow St. Dublin 2
Website: The International Bar
24. Learn how to make whiskey at Jameson Distillery
Jameson Distillery Bow St. opened its doors way back in 1780 and it has not stopped welcoming new customers and old-timers alike. John Jameson was the man at the helm of this establishment and it was his dream to create great experiences and memories for all those who walked through the doors and tasted his whiskey. The Bow St. location was where the original whiskey was distilled until 1971. Today, this is where an unforgettable whiskey tour is held. During the 45-minute tour, you will be exposed to three experiences of whiskey making in the original way John Jameson did.
25. Learn about the history of Whiskey at the Irish Whiskey Museum
Irish Whiskey has achieved worldwide status as one of the best tasting spirits all over the earth. The Irish Whiskey Museum shows you the history of Irish whiskey and the role it played in the country’s tempestuous history. There are no brands tied to the museum where visitors rely on experts to tell them what whiskey suits them best. You will have a chance to taste three of the best whiskeys from a huge collection the museum keeps. Whether it is malt, single grain, pot still, or blended, this place has all types of whiskeys. One of the highlights of this tour is the pairing of food from different historical periods with top quality whiskeys.
Book Tours : Irish Whiskey Museum: Whiskey and Brunch Experience
26. Step back in time by exploring St Audoen's Church
Contributed by Tour Guide, Alan
St. Auoden’s Church is the oldest functioning parish church in Dublin. It neighbors the largest remaining parts of the old city walls and the only surviving gate. Local legend says that the steps are haunted by the ghost of Darkey Kelly, an 18th-century brothel keeper and serial killer. Inside the church, you can see parts of the medieval streets, which were uncovered in an excavation. The church is also free to visit, unlike its neighboring cathedrals. The park outside was refurbished in 2019 and they did a wonderful job. It’s definitely worth a visit!
A perfect combination of art and history
There is a lot to do in this beautiful and rich city and there is always something new to explore in every corner, every cliff and every pub of this breathtaking city. Immerse yourself in Dublin’s culture and traditions, and embrace the true Irish experience.
Tip from tour guide
Ireland and the Irish people will never stop surprising you!
How do you like the idea of having a pint or a delicious meal in a bar and restaurant that used to be St Mary’s Church (Dublin) from the beginning of the 18th century? You can still enjoy its magnificent well preserved interior, including the organ played by Handel, metal spiral staircase, stained glass windows and much more!
History
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