Located on Ireland’s east coast, by the River Liffey, Dublin is a spectacular city with historic buildings, imposing architecture, great beer, and scenic landscape. Settle down in a wonderful homestay for some Irish hospitality or enjoy an immersive experience in a historic hotel. One of the most popular attractions is Phoenix Park, a large urban park, which also includes the Dublin Zoo. Other must-see spots are the Phoenix Monument, the Papal Cross, the Dublin Castle, and much more. A trip to Dublin should include a visit to the St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the tallest and largest church in Ireland. If you’re looking to discover some of the city’s hidden gems too, check out some of the best non-touristy things to do in Dublin, Ireland.
1. Go on a Dublin literary pub crawl
Are you a literature buff and looking for opportunities to learn more about Dublin’s rich and amazing literary culture? Join this literary pub crawl. Visit various places in Dublin, mainly pubs and bars, as well as key spots that inspired many famous Irish writers.
Your guides will be local actors who will provide you with an immersive experience, as well as offer quizzes with prizes to win. Though you will be visiting various pubs, food and drink are not included in the tour, so don’t forget to bring extra cash if you’re planning to sample the menu.
Book Tours : Dublin Literary Pub Crawl
2. Enjoy a traditional Irish night show
Looking to enjoy some local entertainment and craving delicious Irish cuisine? You can have both if you book a ticket for this delightful dinner show. This isn’t just something for adults to do in Dublin, young guests are also welcome to the experience.
You will be served a three-course dinner while enjoying live Irish music and dance performances by acclaimed artists. The performers also invite guests to join them on stage, so you will even get to shake your legs and learn a few steps.
3. Sway along the music at an Irish dance party
Irish people are famous for knowing how to have fun. What would you say if you would have the chance of experiencing this fun up close? While visiting Dublin’s many landmarks is quite exciting, we guarantee you will not regret joining this Irish dance party. This two-hour tour will offer you a fun afternoon with dancing and laughing. You will get to see choreographed dance performances, learn some Irish dance moves, practice them, listen to live music and hear great stories about Irish dance and music history. During the Irish dance party you will have a reserved table at Dublin’s Celt Bar, and while food and drinks are not included in the price of the ticket, a full bar and food menu is available for purchase. Children can attend, but they must come with an adult. The activity is also wheelchair accessible.
Book Tours : The Irish Dance Party in Dublin
4. Take a tour of Croke Park Stadium
Here is another epic experience for sports lovers. Attendees will get to enjoy a two-hour guided tour of Ireland’s biggest and most famous stadium, the Croke Park Stadium. The tour includes learning about Gaelic games, discovering the headquarters of GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association), and practicing hurling and playing Gaelic football in the GAA interactive museum. The stadium tour also includes a sneak peek inside the VIP area and the teams’ dressing rooms. Sports fans and kids will absolutely love this experience. Children, however, should be accompanied by an adult.
Book Tours : Croke Park Tour and GAA Museum Visit
Dublin 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
5. Take a horse riding trip to the beautiful Wicklow County
While most tourism in Dublin focuses on the big city life, you can dedicate a day to reach the heart of the region’s beautiful and wild landscapes. Head south of Dublin for a day of horseback riding through the Wicklow Mountains National Park.
The tour also includes lunch in the village of Enniskerry, at the participants’ expense, and visiting a sixth-century monastery in Glendalough. The village is also known as the place where popular movies “Leap Year” and “P.S. I Love You”were filmed. The tour starts early in the morning in Dublin, where participants will be picked up, and ends in the evening, as you’ll make your way back to Dublin through scenic landscape.
6. Enjoy Gaelic football — an Irish traditional sports
While there are plenty of sights to see in Dublin, the city also has loads of fun experiences to offer as well. If you’re into sports, you like spending time outdoors, or you’re always up for something, this is a great choice for you! This three-hour game experience will get anyone into the spirit of Irish traditional sports.
The tour starts with a round of instructions on how to play Gaelic football, handball, and hurling, and continues on the field, where everyone will get to test their skills. This tour is great for any age and experience level. You can participate with your entire family, with your friends, or by yourself. Water, coffee, and tea will also be available throughout the three-hour experience.
Book Tours : Experience Gaelic Games in Dublin
7. General Post Office tour
The General Post Office is one of Dublin’s iconic buildings, located on O’Connell Street. This tour will allow you to see the office from inside for two hours. Visitors can explore the events related to the 1916 Easter Rising and the Easter Week through stories and historical artifacts, use the Morse code and interactive maps. This entire experience will offer visitors an authentic feel of the events back then. The tour is suitable for all ages.
Book Tours : Dublin: General Post Office Entrance Ticket
8. Enjoy a good laugh at an Irish comedy show
If you are looking for a quick, fun tour, this is a great choice. For 50 minutes, you’ll get to enjoy listening to a hilarious guide talk about the history of Ireland and its culture in comedy sketches. You will get to laugh and make fun of the Irish weather, and much more. The tour is great for families and includes meeting in a traditional Irish pub, and seating in a unique theater space. Guests should note that even though they will be in a pub, drinks are not included in the price of the tour.
Book Tours : Ireland: A Survivor's Guide - Comedy Sketch Show
9. Hike along the Dublin coastline
The Dublin Bay 15k coastal hike spreads from Dublin’s O’Connell Street, passes through the Dublin Docks, across the Liffey River, and East Link Bridge, and ends in Dun Laoghaire. Anyone can participate in this hike but a reasonable fitness level is needed. Participants also need appropriate footwear. Everyone must be over the age of 18, but solo travelers are welcome. The journey is full of scenic landscape and there are many restaurants on the way, so upon reaching the destinations, travelers can enjoy a hearty meal and a glass of wine.
10. Paddle your way through Dublin
The Liffey River is one of Dublin’s main attractions, but what if you could get up close and personal with it and explore it in a unique way? This two-hour tour will offer you that possibility. You will meet your guide at Dublin City Moorings, and then start exploring Dublin and its main landmarks from a different perspective. You will paddle your way through the heart of the city, on a kayak. You will, most likely, get wet during the tour, so bring a towel or a set of clothes and shoes with you. This tour is great for families and friends.
Book Tours : 2-Hour Liffey River Kayaking Adventure in Dublin
11. Visit the Oscar Wilde Monument in Merrion Park
Contributed by Tour Guide, Alan
Source: Alan
Oscar Wilde, Irish dramatist, poet, children’s author, socialist, and renowned wit, was born on October 16, 1854.
If you’re a literary fan, stop by his sculpture in Merrion Park. This sculpture was made by Danny Osborne out of white and green jade, pink thulite, and granite stone. It depicts Oscar facing his childhood home (He was born on Westland Row). It was unveiled in 1997 by Wilde’s grandson, Merlin Holland.
Although Wilde was married with two children, he was gay. His affair with Lord Alfred Douglas led to two years of hard labor in Reading Gaol, following a failed libel trial against Douglas’ father. In 1900, Wilde died and was buried in Paris.
12. Find some interesting items at the Victorian-era Sweny's Pharmacy
Contributed by Tour Guide, Alan
Source: Alan
Sweny’s Pharmacy is one of my favorite hidden spots in Dublin. It featured in James Joyce’s iconic work, Ulysses, and is now mostly a Joyce museum. However, they still sell their famous lemon soap, something you must buy when you’re here.
Exploring Dublin behind the scenes
One of Ireland’s most precious gems, Dublin is a must-visit destination. Whether you are a sports enthusiast, a beer aficionado, or you are into culture and history, the city has something for everyone. While the main landmarks have their charm and should not be missed, exploring the city in a different way, through unique tours, is quite the experience. From dancing Irish dances or playing Gaelic football to kayaking in the Liffey River and peeking inside the Croke Park VIP area and team dressing rooms, these non-touristy things to do in Dublin are worth every penny.
Tip from tour guide
Anne
Wondering when to visit Dublin? I think May and June are lovely months. It'll just start to get very spring-like and blossoms will appear on the trees. September is also wonderful because it gets quieter and isn't as busy in the cities. Very often, there's also nicer weather.
Frequently asked questions about non-touristy things to do in Dublin
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