Things to Do in Dublin, Ireland: Your Guide to Planning the Perfect Trip

I was born in the U.S., but I lived in Dublin for 12 years when I relocated to Ireland for work. During that time, I got to know the Irish Capital extremely well. 

I'm creating this page as your hub and gateway for discovering all the amazing things to do in Dublin. 

While this post will give you a high level overview of my top picks of both must-see Dublin attractions and Dublin City hidden gems, you'll want to go deeper as you plan your Dublin itinerary. 

Check out the hyperlinked articles and resources to deep dive on what to do in Dublin. Before you know it, you'll have planned the perfect Ireland city break. 

Whether you are visiting Dublin in March for St. Patrick's Day, traveling Dublin in October during shoulder-season, or embarking on your trip to Dublin in August during the height of summer, this comprehensive guide has got your covered.

Let's go find out what's in store during your Dublin trip!

Dublin Must-See Attractions 

Unlike other cities in Europe like London, Paris, and Barcelona, there is not a single iconic attraction that will make you say "I have to go there!" With Dublin, you need to keep in mind the full gamut of activities that will make a trip here worthwhile. 

That said, what is the #1 attraction in Dublin Ireland? The Guinness Storehouse is hands-down Dublin's most popular attraction. Head to Dublin's Liberties neighborhood to find out how Ireland's most famous stout is made. Explore the rich history and even pull your own pint. 

Other must-see Dublin attractions include Trinity College, an atmospheric university campus that opened in 1823 and is home to the Book of Kells, an illuminated religious manuscript that dates back to the 9th century. 

Experience the beating heart of Dublin with a walk around the grounds of Dublin Castle. Nearby, you'll find popular Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Things to Do in Dublin for Free 

Are you visiting Dublin on a budget? Let's explore some of the best free things to do in the Irish capital. 

Some of my favorite free things to do in Dublin include taking one of my favorite Dublin walks: along the River Dodder, to Poolbeg Lighthouse in Sandymount, or up to Killiney Hill in Dalkey. 

I am also absolutely obsessed with Dublin Doors and door-hunting is my favorite free thing to do in Dublin.

Another fun and free thing to do in Dublin is pay a visit to the National Botanic Gardens, on Dublin's Northside. If you are visiting Dublin in September or October, head to Sculpture in Context. Here you'll find works of art in situ at the National Botanic Gardens.

For more ideas of parks, free museums, and other out of the way places you can visit at no cost, check out my local's guide to free things to do in Dublin.

Things to Do in Dublin With Kids 

Are you planning a family trip to Ireland? In this section, we'll explore some ideas of things to do in Dublin with kids. 

The Viking Splash (a viking-themed tour that takes place on land and in the water) and the Hop-on, Hop-off bus are two kid-friendly options for getting around and exploring the city. 

Why not take the family to the Irish Emigration Museum, aka EPIC. The Irish Emigration Museum is growing in popularity and focuses on the Irish Diaspora. 

EPIC was done by the same people who did the Titanic Museum in Belfast. It’s super interactive and engaging and you’ll find yourself thinking: “I didn’t know that they were Irish!” 

EPIC Ireland is an ideal place to take the family if you have Irish heritage.

Phoenix Park is the largest city park in Europe and has been open to the public since 1747. Not only is Phoenix park home to Dublin Zoo, but there is also a herd of deer that call the park home so keep your eyes open!

Dublin City Spectacular is a street performance festival that takes place in July and is fun for the whole family.

Do you want to check out Dublin's amazing Georgian doors? Perhaps you're unsure if your kids will enjoy this activity. Don't worry, I've got you... I created a Dublin doors scavenger hunt to make "door hunting" fun for the entire family.

Things to do in Dublin for Adults

Some things to do in Dublin are better left to adults.

Why not pay a visit to the Irish Whiskey Museum, one of my favorite places to taste whiskey in Dublin.

If whiskey is your thing, I also recommend the ever-so-unique Pearse Lyons Distillery which is homed in a deconsecrated church and features stained glass windows that are an ode to whiskey distilling.

Dublin has an amazing theatre scene. Why not catch a performance at the Abbey Theatre, Ireland's national theatre or at one of the many other theatre venues in the heart of the city like The Gate, Gaiety, Olympia, and more.

Dublin also has a vibrant music scene. Whelan's on Camden Street is the place to go to catch a gig any night of the week.

Things to Do in Dublin at Night 

Dublin is a city that comes alive at night. What is the best thing to do in Dublin at night? Head to the pub!

Temple Bar is where tourists think they’ll find the legendary Irish craic (pronounced ‘crack’) with pubs and music galore. I talk more about Irish craic in my interview about living in Dublin on Expatolife.

Of course, Temple Bar comes with tourist trap prices. My best advice for getting a discount on Temple Bar attractions is to not go :-) 

Even if you just cross Dame Street, the price of a pint will go down. Have a single pint to check out what it’s like in Temple Bar, but do the bulk of your drinking in Dublin elsewhere. 

The further away from City Centre, the better the prices. E.g., Beggar’s Bush in Ballsbridge has pints of Guinness around 5 EUR.

Unique Things to do in Dublin

Are you looking for something unique to do on a trip to Dublin? If so, head to Croke Park where you can see a Gaelic football (GAA) or hurling match if you visit during the summer season. 

What is hurling? I've written up my thoughts on the rules of hurling as understood by an American. You'll find elements of many familiar U.S. sports in this completely unique and completely Irish sport.

If there are no matches on at "Croker" (as the locals call it) during your visit to Dublin, you can also take tours of this 80,000 seat national stadium. 

Many of the most unique things to do in Dublin are tied to Ireland's rich history and more specifically to the fight for independence at the turn of the 20th century. 

Go on a 1916 Easter Rising Walking Tour to learn more about this period of time. 

Kilmainham Gaol is another Dublin attraction tied to the struggle for Irish Independence. Learn more about where Ireland's freedom fighters were detained and executed in events that catapulted Ireland into the republic that we know today.

Head to Glasnevin Cemetery (on Dublin's northside next to the National Botanic Gardens that I mentioned earlier) to see the graves of some of Ireland's most famous freedom fighters. 

One of the most unique things you can do in Dublin is head to Smithfield and the Cobblestone Pub. The Cobblestone is a traditional music pub that has live Irish Trad music every day of the week. 

The Cobblestone takes their music very seriously so don't expect to chat away to your mates like this is a regular pub. Listen and appreciate the live music.

Dublin Hidden Gems 

Dublin is absolutely chock full of hidden gems. Some of my favorites include the Little Museum of Dublin, a bite-sized museum with rotating exhibits located on St. Stephen's Green. 

Did you know that Drimnagh Castle is the only castle in Ireland that still has a filled moat? This off-the-beaten track Dublin attraction dates back to the 13th century, fell into disrepair and was lovingly restored in the 1980s. The 17th Century French-style walled garden is a real gem. 

Take a boat from Howth to Ireland's Eye for a hike and amazing birdwatching (including the chance to see puffins in the Spring). You'll feel like you're miles away from Dublin, when in fact, you're just 15 minutes from Howth Harbour. If you prefer to do a hike and birdwatching with no boat involved, head to North Bull Island, one of my favorite outdoor things to do in Dublin on a nice day.

Here you can find my full list of 20 Dublin hidden gems.

What NOT to do in Dublin

Now let's explore a few things not to do while you are in Dublin.

Do Not Say That Ireland is part of the UK

This can be a sore point for locals. I've had to correct a number of American visitors who believed that Ireland is part of the UK. In fact, the UK and the Republic of Ireland are independent nations. 

That wasn't always the case. Ireland was ruled by England for over 800 years including during some very difficult periods of history (e.g., during the 19th century Irish famine which you can learn more about if you visit Strokestown Park House in County Roscommon). Ireland gained independence in 1921 and has been a thriving republic since 1949. 

Of course, Northern Ireland (including the vibrant cities of Belfast and Derry) is one of the 4 countries comprising the UK. Dublin sits squarely in the Republic of Ireland, however. 

Many people visit both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland on the same trip. Note that you'll need to pick up some pounds (GBP) if you plan to go North as the two parts of the Emerald Isle have different currency. You'll spend euros in Dublin. 

Don't Try to Match Locals Pint for Pint

We quickly learned after moving to Dublin that many locals have an incredibly high tolerance for alcohol. It's not uncommon for people to drink 4 or 5 pints of beer in an evening at the pub. 

Do not attempt to match Irish people pint for pint or you'll most definitely be nursing a hangover the following day. 

Ireland has a culture where people tend to buy rounds for the group they are with. For example, if you are out with a group of 6 people and each person buys a round, that's 6 drinks per person. 

If you want to avoid getting into a situation where you are drinking more than you want to, buy your own drinks and avoid the rounds.

Do Not Rent a Car

I do not recommend renting a car if you plan to stay in Dublin. If you plan to visit other places in Ireland, you can get to many of the major towns and cities (e.g., Cork, Galway, and Limerick) by train or bus. 

You’ll want a car to have more flexibility in getting to smaller and more out of the way places. In Ireland, you drive on the left and most cars are manual transmission (you’ll pay a premium for an Automatic) so you’ll want to keep that in mind if you do hire a car.

Parking can be tricky (metered parking on the streets and a few parking garages in Dublin City Centre which can be a little harrowing to get in and out of.

Dublin Food and Drink 

Dublin has a reputation for having a ‘blah’ food scene. That couldn’t be further from the truth! 

Over the past decade or so, Dublin has become home to the international operations of many American Tech companies which means there has been an influx of people from all around the world into Dublin. 

This has been accompanied by a rise in restaurants featuring cuisines from around the world as well as sophisticated Irish focused options. 

A few of my favorites include:

1. Southbank in Harold’s Cross for brunch. Eggs on toast and coffee is my go to dish here.
2. Zakura on Baggot Street has great ramen
3. I love Searson’s (also on Baggot St) for its pub atmosphere and great food. Order a rotisserie chicken dinner and a pint.

Ireland’s craft beer scene is top notch. Keep an eye out for Galway Bay pubs like The Gasworks. They have great Irish craft beer and fun comfort food (think high end burgers and fries)

I also can’t say enough good things about Dublin’s coffee scene. Ireland has a ton of small roasters (Silverskin is one of my favorites) supplying a huge range of coffee shops. 

Art of Coffee, Coffee Angel, Bear Market, Gerard’s on the Liffey, and Food Game are some of my ‘go to’ places for coffee in the morning. 

There is even a hipster coffee ‘hatch’ that has opened up in an old-school hardware store on Baggot St (United Coffee). My husband and I liked to go for a walk every morning during the week and target a different coffee shop each day.

Kilkenny shop is an Irish design shop on the ground floor, but they have a buffet upstairs serving quiche, salads, coffee, tea, and the like. There is often music on the weekends. Kilkenny is great for a quick bite when you’re on the go.

Pichet is a modern gastropub featuring the freshest Irish ingredients. This is my go to place if I want a great cocktail (with dinner or on its own).

Head to Cornucopia for comforting vegetarian casseroles in a funky historic building.

“Carvery” is a thing popular on the weekends in Ireland. It’s basically like Thanksgiving dinner every week (although you can also choose ham or roast beef). “Carvery” = carved meats. Bar 51 is our go to for Irish carvery.

Marco Pierre White in Dublin City Centre and Donnybrook is the best if you want a steak.

Don’t miss afternoon tea at the elegant Merrion Hotel where some of the treats served up match the art on the walls.

The Church (North of the Liffey) is great for Irish pub grub, music and Irish dancing. The Church is located in a deconsecrated church near Henry St.

KC Peaches is run by an American and is a fun place to go for cake and coffee.

There are lots of fun restaurants on Camden St including Neon (for spicy Thai food…you get a free soft-serve ice cream when you dine in to help tone down the fire in your mouth) and Camden Rotisserie (for rotisserie chicken).

I've written even more about what to eat in Ireland over on Your Irish Adventure.

Day Trips from Dublin

There are plenty of Dublin day trips that you can add to your Ireland itinerary. Why not take the train to Maynooth, a charming college town about 45 minutes from Dublin with a picturesque ruined castle. 

Definitely take the time to visit neighboring County Wicklow. You can get here by car, tour, or public transportation. Mount Usher Gardens, the 6th Century monastic site at Glendalough, and Powerscourt Estate House and Gardens (complete with Pet Cemetery!) are three of my favorite Wicklow day trip destinations. 

If you have a car, head to Carlingford Lough. Carlingford is one of the most colorful towns I've been to in Ireland. Kildare is another great destination to explore by car. Explore Ireland's National Stud Farm, The Wonderful Barn, and Old Kilcullen.

Combine Rogerstown Estuary and Ardgillan Castle for a birdwatching hike followed by a very civilized afternoon tea.

You could always drive to Newgrange, a Stone Age passage tomb built 5000 years ago or book yourself on a guided tour of Newgrange, Trim Castle The Hill of Tara, and the Boyne Valley.

Kilkenny is one of my favorite cities in Ireland and also one of the best places to visit in Ireland by train. Kilkenny has an amazing castle, Medieval core, and a great pub scene and nightlife. 

Kilkenny is also home to many popular festivals like Kilkenomics (an economics festival), Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots, and Kilkenny Cat Laughs Comedy Festival.  

If you are feeling extra ambitious consider a day trip from Dublin to the Wexford Wildfowl Reserve. In the winter, you'll find Greenland white-fronted geese over-wintering here. 

You could also drive or take the train to Athlone in Ireland's Midlands to see a more off-the-beaten track part of Ireland. 

Some tourists even go as far as the Cliffs of Moher on the west coast of Ireland in County Clare as a day trip from Dublin. To me, that's a little too ambitious...but to each their own!

I've written more about Dublin day trip ideas over on Budget Your Trip.

Where to Stay in Dublin

I lived in Dublin for 12 years, so I haven't availed of that many hotels here. However, I can personally recommend the following hotels based on my experience staying there:

1. The Wilder Townhouse is a boutique hotel that was once a home for retired governesses. It's situated in a 19th century brick building just a short walk to The National Concert Hall and St. Stephen's Green. The breakfast here is outstanding, the beds are comfy, and the rooms are named after former residents.
2. The Grand Canal Hotel is a more budget-friendly option with a craft beer bar called The Gasworks attached. It's close to the Google offices in Grand Canal Dock.
3. The Charlemont Hilton is conveniently located along the Grand Canal and within easy walking distance of Dublin City Centre, Ranelagh, and Rathmines. I found the hotel room to be well-insulated from noise and I got a great night's sleep.

I can also recommend a few other hotels that my family has stayed in:

1. The Marker is a posh hotel with a fabulous rooftop bar in Grand Canal Dock.
2. The Dylan is a boutique hotel in a historic building in Ballsbridge. It's walking distance to Dublin City Centre and just around the corner from the vibrant shops, restaurants, and pubs on historic Baggot Street.
3. The Schoolhouse Hotel is truly unique and is located in a historic school house. It's also home to one of my favorite pubs in Ireland.

In my experience, the best neighborhoods to stay in Dublin depend on your preferences. If you want to be in the heart of it all, stay around Stephen's Green. Ballsbridge or Grand Canal Dock is a good choice if you want to be central, but not too central.

In general, areas south of the River Liffey are considered more "posh" and areas north of the Liffey can be a bit edgier. I don't recommend staying in Temple Bar (it will be noisy!)

There are a number of hostels and cheaper accommodation along Gardiner Street on the North Side. This is definitely an edgier part of town and I wouldn't recommend it. 

Getting to Dublin

Dublin Airport is extremely well connected to the UK and Europe thanks to Aer Lingus and Ryanair. You'll find a wide range of point-to-point connections to get you to Ireland.

For transatlantic flights to the US, Dublin has the advantage of having US pre-clearance. This means that you can clear US customs and immigration in Dublin Airport, so you can go straight to your connection or to baggage claim when you arrive in the US.

To get to Dublin from Asia, India, or Australia/New Zealand, I recommend flying through Dubai on Emirates. I've personally flown Emirates business class and Emirates first class, and I highly recommend the experience.

You can also connect to Dublin from almost anywhere in the world via airports like Lisbon, Amsterdam Schiphol, Frankfurt, Paris, or Istanbul.

There is no metro or train service from Dublin Airport to Dublin City Centre. To get from Dublin Airport to the city center, you can take a taxi for about €30. There is a surcharge for transportation late at night and on Sundays. The Aircoach or Dublin Express Bus are more economical options. 

If the queue is long at the airport taxi rank, consider hailing a ride using Free Now. The pick-up point is in the Zone 18 Car Park.

Getting Around Dublin

Dublin is a compact city and it is easy to get from one end to the other on foot in well under an hour. For Dublin points of interest that are a little further afield, Dublin Bus and the Luas tram criss-cross the city. 

DART trains are great for day trips up and down the coast from Greystones south of Dublin to Howth and Malahide in the north. 

Dublin visitors can buy a one to seven day Leap Visitor Card to use on all public transportation services for a fixed price (10 EUR for 1 day, 40 EUR for 7 days at the time of writing). 

If you are short on time or your legs are tired, taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street. Dublin taxi drivers are now required to take credit cards, but most still prefer you to pay the fare in cash. 

Install the Free Now app and for a 2 EUR pick-up fee, you can guarantee a ride whenever and wherever you need it. Hail immediately or prebook hours or days in advance. 

Ireland does not allow ride sharing in personal cars. If you use the Uber App, for example, your call will be answered by a licensed taxi or car service.

Dublin: Tips for Travelers 

While we've covered a variety of Dublin travel tips already in this article, I thought I'd share a few more. 

1. Don't like to fly? You could consider visiting Dublin on a repositioning cruise. Major cruise lines move their ships between the Caribbean and Europe in November and March and Dublin has a busy cruise port.
2. Visit Dublin in the shoulder-season or off-season to save money and avoid the crowds. Peak season is in the summer. Visit Dublin in April or October to avoid the rush of tourists while still having (hopefully) decent weather.
3. Get a feel for what to expect on your trip by exploring this gallery I created of pictures of Dublin (and pictures of Ireland more broadly).

Planning Your Dublin Itinerary

You may be wondering how long you should spend in Dublin. Is 2 days enough for Dublin? Is 3 days enough for Dublin? I think you could spend as little as a day or as much as a week on your Dublin itinerary depending on how much time you have and how much you enjoy city breaks. 

In theory, you could even spend 25 days in Dublin using the unique one day itineraries that I crafted based on my personal experience. 

Whether you are a nature lover; hiker; foodie; lover of literature, culture, art, or music; photographer; or shopper, I've got the perfect one day Dublin itinerary for you. 

Mix and match our Sidewalk Safari one day in Dublin itineraries to built the perfect Dublin trip to fill the time you have available.

In my opinion, there is a perfect formula for one day in Dublin:

1. Coffee and/or breakfast
2. Morning Activities
3. Lunch
4. Afternoon Activities
5. Pub Stop
6. Dinner
7. Evening Fun

All my itineraries include these elements and are rated leisurely, intermediate, or ambitious.

Visiting Dublin FAQ

This section covers some frequently asked questions about planning a trip to Dublin.

What's the Weather Like in Dublin?

Dublin is never too hot and never too cold. In the summer, temperature rarely rise above 70 °F. In the winter, temperatures can drop close to freezing (30s and 40s but not usually below). It snows in Dublin maybe once every 10 years. 

Dublin has a reputation for being rainy. It’s true that it rains quite a bit, but it’s usually on and off and not an all day rain-out. Dubliners are fond of saying: “If you don’t like the weather wait 5 minutes.”

When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Dublin?

Visit in Spring. After Easter is ideal since the days are getting longer and the flowers are in bloom. This is also shoulder season so Dublin isn’t yet overrun by tourists. 

You’ll get the best weather and long daylight hours in summer (sun rises before 5 am and sets at 10 pm in June), but you need to trade that off against higher cost to visit and crowds.

Visit in the Fall if you like theatre. That’s when the Dublin Fringe and Theatre Festivals are held.

I don’t recommend visiting in January unless cost is your prime consideration. You'll find deals on flights and accommodation, but Dublin is very dark, damp, and cold in January. 

On the positive side, January is when the Trad Festival takes place in local pubs. If you love traditional Irish music, January is a perfect time of year to find a toe-tapping good time.

Come to Dublin in August if you’re a sports fan and want to experience 80,000 fans cheering for their county to win in the All Ireland Hurling and Gaelic Football (“GAA”) finals at Croke Park. 

Note that Dublin July and August is the busiest and you should expect to pay a premium for flights and accommodation.

Did you enjoy this article about things to do in Dublin? Why not bookmark the post to revisit later as you continue to plan your trip? Better yet, share the love and pass it on via social media. Sharing is caring after all!

Ready to explore Ireland more broadly? Add to your Ireland itinerary with some of my favorite cities and towns in Ireland or my picks for the best Irish road trip itineraries.