Planning a trip to Dublin? The first thing you might search is “what to do in Dublin, Ireland?” If you search for things to do in the Emerald Isle’s capital city, you’ll likely find tourist classics like Temple Bar and the Guinness Storehouse. These spots top the list for good reason–they’re unique to Dublin and showcase the city’s vibrant culture. Definitely keep these spots on your sightseeing list, but there are plenty of other things to do in Dublin that are sure to be even more memorable.
Don’t let anything mess up your travel plans –purchase travel insurance! You’ll have protection from unexpected events like sickness, delayed baggage, and cancellation.
Jumping Ahead
To make it as easy as possible, we put together this handy dandy checklist of the best things to do in Dublin, Ireland:
What to See in Dublin
Trinity College is an active university and one of the most popular historical sites in Dublin. It’s located in the city center, and the buildings are a must-see in and of themselves.
However, you should also be sure to check out the Book of Kells Exhibition, home to “Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure”. The Book of Kells is a text from the 9th century that includes the four Gospels. The Book of Kells Exhibition is part of the Long Room, a stunning and historic library that is well worth a look on its own.
The National Museum of Ireland is actually an institution of four distinct museums that house some of Ireland’s most famous and important artifacts and history. Three of the four museums are located in Dublin and one is located in County Mayo on the country’s western coast.
The three Dublin museums are:
Admission to each of the museums is free and they are all open at the same times–Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday and Monday from 1pm-5pm. If you’re looking for family-friendly things to do in Dublin, this is a great option!
Pro-Tip: Each of the museums has incredibly interesting and diverse exhibits, but we highly recommend that you stop by the Archaeology Museum for their Kingship and Sacrifice exhibit, where you can view “bog bodies” that have been preserved in Ireland’s bogs for centuries and continue to be discovered over time.
Don’t be fooled by the name–this is much more than just one bar (though it is a bar too, which we’ll get to in the “Drink” section next). In fact, it’s an area in Dublin that is often referred to as the city’s “cultural capital”.
Not only will you find an array of top-notch bars here, but you’ll also have the chance to experience art galleries, music venues, and restaurants (we’ll get to those soon, too!). It’s a really fun and lively place to spend an afternoon or two, and your stay in Dublin wouldn’t be complete without it!
The EPIC Museum truly is something incredible–and it’s an absolute must-visit. This interactive museum tells the stories of the over 10 million Irish citizens who left the country to emigrate to other parts of the world. These poets, artists, scientists, inventors, engineers, doctors, and more changed our world in so many ways. This museum is where you can learn about many of them.
Pro-Tip: The EPIC Museum often offers discounts to those who book tickets in advance online—generally 10% off!
You can think of Grafton Street as the upscale version of Dublin’s “cultural capital”. Though it similarly showcases art, restaurants, taverns, and shopping, it is unique in several ways. The first is that it is slightly fancier, with more luxury boutiques than casual shops. Second, it’s a winding road rather than a typical square or plaza, which makes it really visually interesting. Head to Grafton Street for an afternoon of shopping, watching performers, and learning about the street’s history over a meal!
If you’re looking for a beautiful place to take a break, you’ll definitely want to visit St. Stephen’s Green–perhaps while near Grafton Street, as they’re pretty close to each other. This stunning green park is the largest in Dublin, and its beautiful gardens show off pops of color as you walk throughout the park. You’ll also find bits of history and sculptures peppered throughout the park, so you can simply stumble upon them as you walk around or plan your stay out a bit here.
Looking for more things to do in Dublin? Check out other things like festivals, tours, and the best events this city has to offer.
Best Pubs in Dublin
If you search “what to to in Dublin, Ireland”, Ireland is well known for the country’s libations–Guinness and whiskey in particular. If you’re not into adult beverages or are traveling with kids and prefer to avoid, you can skip this section of the list!
If you’re a whiskey fan or if you’re interested in the history of distilling or processes, you just have to put the Jameson Distillery, known as the birthplace of Irish whiskey, on your list. They offer tours and tastings, so you can sip while you learn. Need we say more?
While the Jameson Distillery is beloved by whiskey-loving tourists, that experience only offers information about one particular type of whiskey. If you’re interested in learning more about all of the different types of whiskey the city has to offer, you have to check out the Whiskey Museum. Showcasing tours with tastings along the way, this experience is a great way to learn about an important element of Irish culture.
Whether you like Guinness in particular or not, this is a must-do if you’re over the age of 18 and enjoy brewery culture. You’ll also learn about the six-step ritual that is properly pouring a Guinness at the Guinness Academy as part of your experience!
We talked about this as an area to experience above, but it’s also an actual bar that is quite popular for putting back a few pints for locals and tourists alike. They’ll have all of the classic Irish beverages, whiskey and Guinness included, plus they have live traditional Irish music sessions every single night! Swing by for a pint and some tunes–you’ll probably make friends with the locals too.
If you’re looking to kick back with the locals, try out this pub in Dublin’s south city centre. It’s known for its old school Irish atmosphere and has even been named the “Traditional Bar of the Year” for the past two years running!
Where to Eat in Dublin
We’ll be honest…historically, Ireland hasn’t exactly been known for its spectacular cuisine. That said, over the past several years and the food scene has changed quite a bit, and the city is now home to several must-visit restaurants.
This restaurant is so good that it earned itself a Michelin star only three years after it first opened! Located in Dublin’s city center, it serves unique dishes made from seasonal, local ingredients. It’s definitely a splurge, but they do offer a deal on their prix fixe lunch: €35 (around $40 right now) for two delicious courses.
If you’re traveling with people who have different palates or want to try a number of different foods in one meal, check out Eatyard, a street festival with a bunch of street vendors cooking up a variety of different cuisines. It’s only open from Thursday through Sunday, so if you end up in Dublin on a weekday, be sure to pop by to enjoy the food and the merriment.
This spot is no ordinary Italian restaurant. In fact, Da Mimmo has been known as the home of wood-fired pizza. It’s a family-run restaurant, so you can feel good supporting local business too. Rated one of the top 10 Italian restaurants in Dublin, it’s a must-try! Intrigued? We get it.
This one offers a delightful blend of delicious food and a warm, inviting atmosphere, making it a must-visit for travelers. Seated between the National Museum of Ireland and Trinity University, it provides the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a traditional Irish breakfast or indulge in freshly baked pastries.
Dublin Travel Tips
When visiting Dublin, keep these practical tips in mind to enhance your experience:
Public Transportation
Dublin has an excellent public transport system, including buses and the Luas tram. Consider purchasing a Leap Card for convenient and cost-effective travel on public transport.
In addition to having great public transportation, Dublin is a walkable city. Don’t hesitate to stroll between attractions! Many popular sites, such as Trinity College and Dublin Castle, are within walking distance of each other.
Savor Local Cuisine
Ireland may not be on your list for must-try cuisine, but you might be pleasantly surprised by the traditional Irish dishes at local pubs and restaurants. Don’t miss out on a hearty Irish breakfast or classic fish and chips for an authentic taste of the city.
Travel Safety Tips for Dublin
While Dublin is generally a safe city for travelers, consider these unique safety tips recommended by locals and experienced travelers to ensure a worry-free visit:
Stay Aware in Busy Areas
You’ve probably heard this tip for any cityscape destination, but it still holds value. Crowded spots like Temple Bar and O’Connell Street can attract pickpockets. Keep your belongings secure by using a crossbody bag or money belt. Be cautious when using your phone in crowded areas; stay aware of your surroundings.
Use Trusted Transportation Options
When taking a taxi, ensure it’s a licensed cab. For example, look for the taxi sign on the roof and the driver’s ID displayed inside. It’s safest to use rideshare apps like Uber or Free Now when out later at night in Dublin.
Avoid Street Scams
Be wary of individuals asking for money or trying to engage you in unsolicited conversations, especially near tourist hotspots. Most of the time, they’ll leave you alone if you politely decline and walk away. If a “charity” collector approaches you, you can ask for identification to prove they are legitimate. Check out other common tourist scams to avoid when traveling internationally.
Know Local Emergency Numbers
In case of emergency, import local emergency numbers in your phone: dial 112 or 999 for police, fire, or medical emergencies. Keep a list of important contacts, including your accommodation and local embassy, in case you need assistance. It’s best to have physical copies of this information as well in case you lose access to your phone.
Stay in Safe Neighborhoods
Research neighborhoods before booking accommodations. Areas like Ranelagh, Ballsbridge, and Clontarf are known for being safe and welcoming. Avoid walking alone late at night in less populated areas or unfamiliar neighborhoods.
If you or anyone you know is thinking about head to Dublin, make sure they have this list on hand so they can make the most of their experience!
Kate's authoritative voice in travel writing is backed by years of extensive travel experience, allowing her to infuse her writing with the tips and tricks she has gathered over time. This wealth of experience enhances her ability to write authoritatively on travel-related topics.
