Best Things to Do in Dublin
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A city of many neighborhoods, Dublin Ireland has the feel of a small town and the vibrance of a modern metropolis. Steeped in 1000 years of Celtic history, the city’s cobblestone streets are alive with markets, boutiques, and buskers. Use our list of the best things to do in Dublin to explore the city’s trad-music scene, breweries, and heritage sites.
WHAT TO DO IN DUBLIN IRELAND
Surrounded by the Wicklow Mountains, Dublin straddles the River Liffey. The city’s walkable downtown is characterized by colorful street art and intimate alleys. Don’t be fooled, though. Dublin is Ireland’s largest city and there are many sites to see.
Our list of the 15 best things to do in Dublin is as diverse as the city itself. It includes visits to the Book of Kells Experience, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the Guinness Brewery as well as exploration of the pubs, music, art, and food that makes this city so unique. In this article we have gathered our top picks for what to do in Dublin Ireland.
DUBLIN IRELAND HOTELS
Dublin is a twenty-first century city with a variety of accommodations including hostels, B&Bs, international chains, and luxury hotels. For less costly lodging look in the Temple Bar area. The Stephen’s Green area has many mid- and higher-end hotels. Consider these well reviewed Dublin Ireland hotels:
DUBLIN IRELAND WEATHER
Dublin Ireland weather stays fairly constant throughout the year. It is warmest in the summer with temperatures around 60’F (16’C), and coolest in the winter with temperatures around 41’F (5’C). There is frequent rain and sunshine (often in the same day). The wettest month is August. The sunniest month is May.
BEST TIME TO VISIT DUBLIN
A great time to visit Dublin is between May and October when the city hosts many markets, festivals, and outdoor events (also the Christmas season). In July and August, the city tends to be the most crowded. Low season, when the city is quieter, cooler, and less crowded runs roughly between November and mid-March.
We think the months of May, June, September, and October are the best time to visit Dublin. In these months the foliage is in bloom, everything is open, and there are many indoor and outdoor things to do – but crowds are not at peak.
15 BEST THINGS TO DO IN DUBLIN
Use our list of what to do in Dublin Ireland to help organize your time in the city. Where appropriate, we have added in tours of things to do. Combining self-guided walks with guided excursions can be a great way to make the most of your vacation time.
Visit Trinity College & the Book of Kells Experience
Take a stroll through one of the “ancient universities” of Great Britain and Ireland. Trinity College was founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592. Located in the heart of Dublin, the 47 acre campus lists Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, and Bram Stoker as alumni.
While on the Trinity College campus, visit the Book of Kells Experience. The Book of Kells is a 9th century manuscript that depicts four gospels of the Christian New Testament in intricate Latin lettering and vibrant illustrations. The 1200 year old document has been described as the “work of angels” (in reality Scottish Monks).
The Book of Kells has resided at Trinity College since 1661, when it was delivered to the university for safe-keeping. At the Book of Kells Experience visitors can view the ancient book as well as the college’s Old Library and Long Room.
Experience a Brewery or Distillery Tour
Discover the home of Guinness Stout at the Guiness Storehouse Dublin. At the St. James Gate brewery location, learn about the origins of Guinness ale. For over 300 years there has been a Guinness Brewery in this neighborhood. Guinness Academy tours and classes are offered 7 days a week. There is a restaurant and gift shop onsite.
If whiskey is your drink of choice, head to Bow Street and the Jameson Whiskey Distillery. Do a whiskey tasting, cask draw, or cocktail making class. While onsite, take a tour and learn about how the distillery has impacted the Smithfield neighborhood; employing coopers, carpenters, blacksmiths, and many others since 1870. Dining and gift shop onsite. Open 7 days a week.
Delve into Dublin Ireland Tours
As the “gateway” to the Emerald Island, Dublin is more diverse than some other parts of Ireland. This diversity is reflected in the great variety of tours available in the city. There are history, walking, biking, kayaking, and ghost tours to enjoy. See the city through the eyes of a well-versed tour guide and discover hidden gems that only a local can lead you to.
Immerse in the Trad-Music of Dublin’s Pubs
There is nothing more Irish than a pub and a pint. Dublin is packed with traditional pubs rich in history and character. Many have rickety stools, the soft glow of candlelight, and a circle of chairs set up for local musicians to join in a trad (traditional) music session.
In the area of Temple Bar (the streets between Liffey, Dame, Westmorland, and Fishamble) there is a pub on every corner. Perennial favorites include the Gin Palace, Kehoes, The Quays, and the Temple Bar Pub. Pubs tend to open in the late morning and stay open until around midnight. Many pubs also serve food.
Visit Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
Dublin’s Saint Patrick's Cathedral was founded in 1191 – over 1500 years ago. The Roman Catholic cathedral is the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland. The exterior of the church has majestic grey-stone turrets. The interior is graced with intricate stained-glass windows and the crypts of famous Irishmen.
Guided tours are held in twice a day Monday through Saturday. Or, you can tour the church for a fee. There are restrooms onsite and a small gift shop. The cathedral is wheelchair accessible.
Enjoy Day Tours from Dublin
Just a short drive from the Dublin city center, the countryside erupts into landscapes full of lakes, forests, and rolling moors. The city is surrounded by the Wicklow Mountains, ancient Glendalough monastic ruins, neolithic tombs, and several charming coastal villages.
In addition to heritage tours, excursions for outdoor enthusiasts (mountain biking, zip lining, horseback-riding, kayaking) are also popular.
Be Charmed by Dublin’s Street Art
One does not need to go to an art gallery to see the local talent in Dublin. Across the city, you will see colorful, political, and humorous murals splayed across lamp posts, benches, in alleys, and along the sides of buildings. There is street art city-wide, but the neighborhoods of Dublin 8 and Smithfield have lots to see (and don’t miss the Bloom Hotel in Temple Bar).
Shop for Irish Crafts
Dublin has an eclectic shopping scene. There are two not-to-be-missed pedestrianized shopping roads at Grafton Street (south side of the Liffey) and Henry Street (north side of the Liffey). In these areas find department stores, alleys full of craft shops, and buskers entertaining passer-byes.
Find malls at the Ilac and Jervis Shopping Centers. Lovers of flea markets should try the Meath Street Liberty Market. The George’s Street Arcade sells vintage clothing, books, and jewelry (in a Victorian Gothic building). Look for antiques on historic Francis Street.
Discover Historic Christ Church
Christ Church Cathedral (The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity) is a Roman Catholic medieval cathedral that was founded in the 11th century by the Viking King Sitric Silkenbeard. Located on Christchurch Place, the imposing structure dominates its corner of the city center.
Inside the cathedral, explore its beautiful nave and intricately tiled floor. There are ancient tombs, relics, and historic artifacts to view. Outside, an evocative homeless Jesus statue lies on a bench. Guided tours and self-guided audio tours are available. Open 7 days a week.
Tour Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle was erected in the 13th century on top of an old Viking village. Over the centuries, the castle served as the seat of government for the British government. After Ireland’s independence in 1922, Irish leadership assumed control of the building.
Visitors are able to tour the complex’s gardens and state apartments by self-guided tour. The tour takes in several rooms including the Battleaxe Landing, Grand Staircase, Drawing Room, Throne Room, and Portrait Gallery. Open year round.
Take a Horse Drawn Carriage Ride
The historic cobblestone streets of Dublin are perfect for a carriage ride. Jaunting cars (two-wheeled carriages) and passenger carriages can be found throughout the city. Make a reservation or flag a driver down on the street. Look for horse drawn carriages in these locations:
Dublin Horse Drawn Carriages – Thomas Street
Horse and Carriage Tours – St. Stephen’s Green
See an Irish Dinner Show
Many hotels, halls, and community centers host “Irish nights” in Dublin. The evening usually includes a menu of classic Irish dishes and dancing to traditional Irish music. Long-running shows in Dublin include:
The Irish House Party Dinner & Show – The Lansdowne Hotel, Pembroke Road
Celtic Nights Dinner & Show – Arlington Hotel, Bachelors Walk
Merry Ploughboy Traditional Nights – Edmondstown Road
Discover the Waterfront
It is easy to forget in the tangle of Dublin streets that you are on the waterfront. Take a walk along the River Liffey to learn about this part of town.
Begin at the historic O’Connell stone bridge. Walk down the north side of the River Liffey to the Custom House Visitor Center. Continue on the boardwalk past the World Poverty Stone on the North Wall until you reach the Samuel Beckett Bridge. Cross the bridge and return to your starting point.
Dive into the City’s Food Scene
Dublin has a wide array of restaurants and specialty food shops to explore. From coffee houses, to cheese shops, and ice cream bars there is much to take in. Traditional Irish dishes can be found in many eateries including Dublin coddle (stew) and a full Irish breakfast. Food tours are a popular way of taking in the city’s extensive food culture.
Revel in the Free Dublin Museums
As a capital city, Dublin has an impressive array of heritage museums. Many are free. Visitors can choose from the National Print Museum (Dublin 4), Museum of Ireland (Kildare St.), Museum of Natural History (Merrion St.), National Gallery (Merrion Square), and others. These can be a great place to spend a rainy afternoon.
Slán leat (good bye) from Dublin, Laura & Randy
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