Best Things To Do in Dublin, Ireland
Dublin, Ireland
The city of Dublin is known for its charming streets, colorful doorways, live music and historic architecture. Here are some of the best things to do in Dublin that you won’t want to miss!
Dublin may be one of Europe’s smaller capital cities, but the city has been known to steal the heart of every visitor, with something for everyone.
I traveled to Dublin with my family during our Irish genealogy trip, tracking down the old home of my Irish grandmother. We had a fantastic time!
By now you’ve probably heard the rumors about the Irish weather. It’s true what they say — you really can catch a glimpse of all four seasons in one day.
Because most travelers visiting Ireland spend some time in the capital, I wanted to recommend a few fun things to do in Dublin, whether you’re lucky enough to catch some summer sun — or the heavens open up above you.
Best Things To Do In Dublin
1: Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Founded in 1191, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the largest church in Ireland, and the National Cathedral. It has been said this is where St. Patrick himself baptized Christian converts over 1500 years ago.
Unusually, St. Patrick’s isn’t the only Cathedral in Dublin. It’s a “two-cathedral” city, sharing the title with Christ Church Cathedral nearby.
Visitors can go inside and enjoy the impressive church interior between 9am and 5pm daily.
The writer Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels, was once Dean of the cathedral. He’s buried there too. On a sunny day, you’ll find tourists and locals alike enjoying the cathedral grounds soaking up the history.
2: Fish n’ Chips At Leo Burdocks
Dublin’s Most Famous Fish & Chips
You can’t leave Dublin without trying a traditional Fish n’ Chips! But one place stands out from all the rest. Leo Burdocks Fish n’ Chips is so good in fact that they even have a ‘Wall of Fame’ outside showcasing visits from celebrities and politicians from around the world.
The original Burdocks has been around since 1913. They were serving up piping hot food during both World Wars and the 1916 Rising, when Ireland gained its independence from Britain.
The shop itself can only hold about 3 people, so grab your grub and head down to St. Patrick’s Cathedral nearby. Ask for the ‘crispy bits’ with your chips… you can thank me later!
3: Read At Trinity College Library
Trinity College in Dublin
Created in 1592, Trinity College is Ireland’s oldest university, hosting students such as author Bram Stoker, poet Oscar Wilde and Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels.
The building has also been home to the ancient Book Of Kells since 1661. The Book of Kells Exhibition in Trinity College is a must-see in Dublin, but where it leads you to is the real treat…
The Old Library houses 200,000 of their oldest books in beautiful oak bookcases, so it is not hard to see why it was used as inspiration for J.K Rowling’s creation of Hogwarts!
4: Have An Irish Breakfast
Drinking Guinness For Breakfast!
They say drinking a pint of Guinness is akin to eating a meal… so why not start your day with a drink? It’s what 100 year old Gladys Fielden has been doing for the past 70 years, and she’s still going strong!
There is an old motto that says “Eat breakfast like a King, lunch like a prince and dine like a pauper” which basically means you should start your day with a large breakfast. The Irish take this to heart.
A traditional Irish breakfast consists of cooked meat (bacon, sausages and black/white puddings), eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, and potato all fried in butter with brown bread.
It was used to prepare you for a full day’s work on the farm on a cold winter morning.
5: Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral
As you climb the spiraling staircase of Christ Church Cathedral, take a moment to imagine what life was like back in 1030, when Dublin’s oldest building first opened its doors.
Imagine the historic events this building has witnessed and the ancient artifacts it has collected along the way.
Christ Church is known for its stunning architecture, its 12th century crypt and of course the sound of the bells which have rung out over Dublin’s medieval center for hundreds of years.
Thanks to their guided tours, you can now explore the narrow corridors of the Cathedral and ring the bell for yourself, or see their exhibition of original 16th century costumes.
6: Trace Ancestors At Glasnevin Cemetery
Hunting Dead Relatives at Glasnevin
Built in 1832, Dublin’s Glasnevin Cemetery is surrounded by seven watchtowers which were home to armed guards. Ireland’s most famous cemetery was a key target for bodysnatchers!
It was also the final resting place for many historical figures like Michael Colins, a soldier and politician who played a key role in the struggle for Irish independence, Brendan Behan, Irish poet, novelist, and playwright who was imprisoned for IRA activity and Luke Kelly, Vocalist in one of Ireland’s greatest bands, The Dubliners.
Nowadays, Glasnevin Cemetery Museum has vowed to tell the stories of over 1.5 million people, the people who helped to shape the Ireland of today. They also have the best tools for your family’s Irish genealogy search.
7: Walk Across Ha’Penny Bridge
Dublin’s Ha’Penny Bridge
Every visitor to Dublin should walk across the Ha’Penny bridge at least once. This historic bridge over the River Liffey was built back in 1816, to replace the many ferries that shuttled people back and forth.
It was named for the “half-penny” toll that was required to cross it.
For an even more unique experience, you can kayak under the bridge with City Kayaking. They run tours all year, and if you’re lucky, you might catch one of Dublin’s famous autumn sunsets.
If you’re REALLY lucky, you can be there for the ‘Music Under the Bridge’ tours when they call in some of the best musicians in Dublin to perform under the bridges as people kayak down the River Liffey through the city.
8: Listen To Buskers On Grafton Street
Singing for Tourists on Grafton
You never know what you are going to find on Grafton Street, but you are guaranteed a great show! From traditional Irish music, to rock and pop, this free entertainment is the perfect soundtrack to your Irish trip.
Make sure to take a snap while you’re there because you could be listening to a future star. Recently, 12 year old Irish busker Allie Sherlock was flown to Hollywood by Ellen DeGeneres and is said to be the next Taylor Swift!
Grafton Street has also been known to bring out the busker in everyone, including people like Bono, Hozier, The Script, Damien Rice and Glen Hansard to name a few.
9: The Howth Cliff Walk
Howth Cliffs at Dublin Bay
If you’re a nature lover who wants to enjoy a day outside of Dublin city centre, the coastal town of Howth should be first on your list.
Here you’ll find some of the best seafood in Dublin, weekend markets for the perfect souvenir and coastal hikes with unimaginable views over the Irish sea.
On a clear day you will get a panorama view of Dublin Bay and Howth Harbor during this 2 hour trail.
The good news is the Howth Cliff walk is suitable for all fitness levels, but keep in mind that it is dangerous to walk in rough weather conditions, so it may be best to stay cozy in one of the many pubs and restaurants nearby.
10: DoDublin Bus Tour
Tour Dublin By Bus
With authors and poets such as James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, W.B Yeats and Samuel Beckett, it’s clear to see that Ireland is home to some of the greatest storytellers in the world.
Normally I’m not a fan of bus tours, but the DoDublin Bus guides truly have the ‘gift of the gab’.
They take great pride in presenting the best of Dublin City and throw in plenty of historical and cultural references by famous poets/writers.
Be prepared for the Irish sense of humor though, you can expect a lot of playful sarcasm and plenty of songs from Dublin City – it’s like a history lesson, comedy show and karaoke sing-along mixed into one!
11: See Wild Deer In Phoenix Park
Deer at Phoenix Park in Dublin
Phoenix Park – Europe’s largest walled urban park is a national treasure for the people of Ireland. Opening over 350 years ago, the park spans 7 square kilometers and can be found just a stones throw away from the city center.
Not only is it home to Dublin Zoo, but it is also known for its wild herd of deer, which can be found roaming through the forests (and crossing the road when you least expect it!).
The deer were introduced back in 1662, when the park itself was set up as a royal deer hunting park, but nowadays the 450 member herd are free to run wild.
Phoenix Park is the perfect place for an afternoon picnic, but do keep your eyes peeled, because the deer have been known to join in!
12: Trad Sessions At The Hairy Lemon
Dance
Traditional Irish music, or trad, is one reason many people visit Ireland. And The Hairy Lemon Pub is certainly unconventional… you never know what you’ll find in this aptly-named green and yellow 19th century house.
One thing is for sure, The Hairy Lemon does the best Trad Sessions in Dublin! If you have never been to an Irish Trad Session, prepare yourself, it can get pretty wild especially when the Guinness is flowing.
You can grab a seat, but you won’t be sitting for long — Irish dancing on the tables in no time. The Hairy Lemon is also known for their traditional Irish food like Dublin Coddle, Cottage Pie and Irish Stew.
13: Watch A Hurling Match
Have You Ever Heard of Hurling?
You may have never heard of Hurling before, but I can guarantee the moment you sit down to watch this ancient Gaelic and Irish sport, you’ll instantly become a fan.
And where better to watch, than in Croke Park (‘Croker’ as the Irish say). Hurling has been played in Ireland for well over 3000 years and is said to be ‘the fastest game on grass’.
It involves a wooden stick called a hurley and a small hard ball called a sliotar, and players must wear helmets at all times – this is high speed, high impact and high adrenaline for everyone watching!
14: Taste Some Irish Whiskey
Whiskey Tasting at Teeling Distillery
Guinness isn’t the only alcohol Ireland is famous for. Ireland has been making whiskey for well over two hundred years, so it doesn’t get much richer than this when it comes to taste and history.
The most famous whiskey tour in Dublin is the former Jameson Distillery on Bow Street, but it’s really just a museum now, no longer a working distillery. Instead, I’d recommend stopping by the fully functional Teeling Distillery to see an actual distillery in action.
Prepare yourself for a sensory overload, because after the tour you’re invited to try out their premium whiskey tasting experience, where you will learn the tricks of the trade, how to blend your own whiskey or master the craft of whiskey cocktail making.
15: Visit The Hellfire Club
The Most Haunted Place in Ireland
With beautiful forest trails and an incredible view over Dublin, the Hellfire Club might seem like a peaceful escape from the city at first, but once you make it to the lodge at the top of the hill you will start to realize that there is much more than meets-the-eye.
If you’re not a fan of ghost stories, you might want to stay away as this infamous location is riddled with supernatural tales that will send shivers up your spine!
At the top of the hill you’ll find the remains of the Irish Hellfire Club, where the members were believed to be Satanists and Devil-worshipers — inviting the Devil to join them for dinner each night.
16: Explore Dublin’s Museums
Dublin is Full of Museums
If you have been to the Emerald Isle before, you will probably know that it tends to rain more than 160 days of the year! Thankfully, Dublin has an abundance of museums and galleries for you to stay dry in – they even have a National Leprechaun Museum!
The National Gallery of Ireland is home to some of Europe’s most incredible pieces, with art spanning the 14th to the 20th-century, while the stunning grounds of the Irish Museum of Modern Art are the perfect location to enjoy contemporary style art.
If it’s history you’re interested in, why not try the National Museum of Ireland or take a peek inside the Little Museum of Dublin which tells the remarkable story of the Irish capital, with over 5,000 artifacts in the collection.
17: Wander Down To Temple Bar
Dublin’s Famous Temple Bar Area
The Temple Bar area is a maze of narrow streets full of pubs and live music. Located on the south side of the River Liffey, it’s one of the oldest areas in Dublin and home to some of the most famous bars in Ireland.
It’s a must see if you want to experience Dublin’s nightlife (however these days it’s mostly tourists). But there’s plenty to do in the daytime too.
Medieval architecture, food markets every Saturday afternoon, Europe’s oldest built theatre — it’s no wonder it’s renowned for being the cultural quarter of Dublin. Take a stroll down the cobbled streets and explore its galleries, vintage clothing shops, record stores and more.
18: Picnic At St. Stephen’s Green
Relax at St. Stephen’s Green
Saint Stephen’s Green Park is a little piece of paradise in the centre of Dublin and the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you’re bringing a picnic to enjoy by the pond, make sure to bring an extra slice of bread for the park residents – the ducks!
Over the past 4 centuries, Stephen’s Green has played a key role in Dublin’s history. When you wander through the peaceful surroundings, it’s hard to imagine that this site was once a battleground during the 1916 rising.
But even in the height of battle, James Kearney, the park grounds keeper convinced both sides to stop fighting for one hour a day… so he could feed the ducks of course!
19: Tour Historic Dublin Castle
Explore Historic Dublin Castle
Built in the early 13th century, Dublin Castle sits on the site of a Viking settlement. Excavations have uncovered parts of a medieval castle with the remains of the Viking’s original defenses.
The stone covered embankment, the medieval curtain wall and the steps that led down to the original moat have all been preserved for you to see on your next visit to this historical masterpiece.
The history of Dublin Castle doesn’t stop there. Before the 1916 rising, it served as headquarters for the British administration in Ireland. In 1922, following Ireland’s independence, Dublin Castle was handed over to the new Irish government, opened up for visitors to experience it themselves.
20: Beef Stew At The Church
The Church Restaurant, Dublin
This might just be the best thing you ever eat, especially on a cold winter’s day in Dublin. Chances are you’ll see Guinness Beef Stew on menus across the city, but the best spot to enjoy it is The Church.
Built at the beginning of the 18th century, The Church (which was an actual church) boasts many outstanding features, like an authentic Renatus Harris organ, spectacular stained glass windows, and has hosted some incredible historic events.
Arthur Guinness, founder of The Guinness Brewery (another great stop in Dublin) married here in 1761. Sean O’Casey – Playwright & Author of “The Plough & The Stars” – was baptized here in 1880.
Jonathan Swift – author of “Gulliver’s Travels” and Dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral attended services here too.
Molly Malone’s Famous Statue…
What NOT To Do In Dublin…
- Never tell an Irish person that YOU are also Irish. Maybe your great, great, great, grandmother was, but you’re American.
- Don’t get a selfie with the statue of Molly Malone. This is probably the most touristy thing you can do in Dublin.
- Stay away from Sheriff Street. Despite the name, it’s one of the most dangerous parts of the city. The rest of Dublin isn’t too bad!
- Never call an Irishman (or Irish woman) British. In fact, try not to mention the UK at all. The Irish are fiercely independent.
- Don’t expect to drink all night. Most pubs in Dublin actually close at 11:30pm on weeknights and 1am on weekends.
Where To Stay In Dublin
Accommodation in Dublin is expensive. There’s just no way around it. Dublin is a small city, so hotels within the center can charge a premium.
Here are some suggestions for good places to stay in Dublin:
Abbey Court Hostel
Good breakfast, great location, easy to walk to everything. Clean.
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Blooms Hotel Dublin
Close to bars, restaurants, and attractions. Good value.
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Jurys Inn Dublin
Large rooms, comfortable beds, and friendly staff. Great location and breakfast.
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Trinity City Hotel
Super comfortable hotel with cosy courtyard area. Close to all the best attractions.
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Rent A Car: Check out RentalCars.com
Book Accommodation: Check out Booking.com
Useful Notes: Dublin International Airport is about 6 miles away from the city center. The easiest way to get into the city is by using the airport’s Airlink Bus (also known as Route 747). They depart for the city every 15-20 minutes, and costs €6 one way.
Recommended Guidebook: Lonely Planet Dublin
Suggested Reading: 1916: The Irish Rebellion
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Finding My Roots In Ireland
Any questions about things to do in Dublin? Do you have other suggestions? Drop me a message in the comments below!
This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.
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