Dublin is a city that blends history, culture and a buzzing atmosphere. It's the ideal destination for a short trip or weekend break.
Whether you're visiting for a day or longer, here are the top things to do in Dublin to make the most of your time.
Things to Do in Dublin - The Perfect Itinerary
Explore Trinity College and The Book of Kells
One of Dublin's most famous landmarks, Trinity College is home to the stunning Long Room Library and the ancient Book of Kells.
Arrive early to avoid queues and soak up the atmosphere of this historic university.
Adobe Free Stock / Sylvain TANGUY
Soak up the Craic at Temple Bar
Temple Bar is Dublin's cultural quarter. It's known for its lively pubs, street performances and independent shops.
Stop by for a coffee, a pint of Guinness or simply enjoy the atmosphere.
Image by Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay
The Temple Bar pub itself is a touristy spot, so you can expect it to be rammed.
But don't let this put you off – it's still worth a visit, especially if you're into packed-out pubs with great live music.
If it's great food you're after, The Norseman offers some of the best pub grub on the street.
And if you want to go somewhere Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh once described as “the most wonderful temple of art", then The Palace Bar is the place to be.
Visit Dublin Castle
A key part of Irish history, Dublin Castle dates back to the 13th century.
Take a tour to explore the medieval undercroft, the State Apartments and the stunning Chapel Royal.
The medieval undercroft reveals the castle's Viking foundations - you're literally walking through layers of Irish history.
Adobe Free Stock / Patricia
Above ground, the State Apartments have gold-leafed ceilings and crystal chandeliers for a little stately glamour.
The highlight is the Chapel Royal with its carved oak gallery, stunning stained glass windows and heraldic symbols.
Walk Along the River Liffey
Take a scenic walk along the River Liffey, crossing the iconic Ha'penny Bridge.
Built in 1816, it's Dublin's oldest bridge over the Liffey and one of the first cast-iron structures of its time.
Why is called the Ha'penny? Because it was originally a toll bridge that charged pedestrians a half-penny to cross.
Adobe Free Stock / susanne2688
The riverside is lined with pubs, offering a great way to explore the city's social atmosphere, food and drinks.
You'll find the likes of The Brazen Head, which, established in 1198, claims to be Ireland's oldest pub. And O’Shea’s Merchant, which allegedly offers up Dublin's best Irish breakfast.
Discover the Guinness Storehouse
Image by RyedaleWeb from Pixabay
No trip to Dublin is complete without visiting the Guinness Storehouse.
Learn about the history of Ireland's most famous drink, take a photo outside the famous black gate (because did you even go to Dublin if you didn't do this?) and enjoy a free pint with panoramic views from the Gravity Bar when you get to the top.
Wander Around St. Stephen's Green
Adobe Free Stock / Nicola
If you need a break from sightseeing, St. Stephen's Green is a peaceful park in the heart of Dublin.
It's the perfect spot for a quick stroll or a picnic.
Tour Kilmainham Gaol
Kilmainham Gaol is a former prison that played a key role in Irish history.
Adobe Free Stock / Richard
Guided tours take you through the cells and tell the stories of Ireland's revolutionaries who were imprisoned here.
For example, the MP Charles Stewart Parnell and Thomas MacDonagh.
It's even been featured in some well-known films, such as The Italian Job (1969) and Paddington 2 (2017).
Enjoy Grafton Street's Street Performers
Adobe Free Stock / Pier Fax
Grafton Street is Dublin's main shopping street.
But it's also known for its talented buskers and musicians. Take a walk down the street and enjoy live music while browsing the shops.
On any given day, you might hear traditional Irish music, witness a fire-breathing act or discover the next Ed Sheeran, who used to busk here before hitting the big time.
Visit the Jameson Distillery
Adobe Free Stock / russellg10
Whiskey lovers should head to the Jameson Distillery for a guided tasting experience.
Learn about the history of Irish whiskey and even try your hand at cocktail-making.
Hidden Gems - Unusual Things to Do in Dublin
Dublin has plenty of surprises beyond the well-trodden tourist trail. You just have to know where to look.
If you've already ticked off the big attractions or just want to experience a different side of the city, here are some unusual and less touristy things to do in Dublin.
Walk the Hidden City Wall at St. Audoen's Church
Dublin's medieval past is often overlooked. But you can still see remnants of the city's original walls.
At St. Audoen's Church, you'll find a surviving section of the 13th-century city wall, tucked away from the usual tourist routes. The church itself is one of the oldest in Dublin and is free to visit.
By MOs810 - Own work, CC BY 4.0, Link
Visit Marsh's Library - Dublin's Forgotten Literary Gem
Trinity's Long Room Library gets all the attention, but Marsh's Library is just as magical.
Not to mention far less crowded. Dating back to 1707, it's Ireland's oldest public library.
By Dieglop - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
You'll find towering oak bookshelves, ancient tomes and even hidden reading cages where scholars were once locked in to prevent book theft. A must for literature lovers.
Have a Drink in a Former Church
For a unique night out, head to The Church - a bar, restaurant and live music venue inside a converted 17th-century church.
Inventor of the black drink Arthur Guinness was married here and the organ that once played for services is still in place. It's not your average pub experience, but it should definitely be on your list of places to sink a pint in Dublin.
Explore the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI)
MoLI celebrates Ireland's rich literary heritage, from James Joyce and Oscar Wilde to contemporary writers. It's also home to 'Copy No. 1', the first edition of Joyce's Ulysses.
The museum has a secret courtyard garden. This quiet retreat is ideal for getting lost in a book in the middle of the city.
Browse Vintage and Curiosities at George's Street Arcade
Skip the mainstream shopping streets and explore George's Street Arcade instead.
Adobe Free Stock / Hilda Weges
This quirky Victorian indoor market is filled with vintage clothes, second-hand books and odd trinkets.
You might even stumble upon a psychic ready to take your reading or some handmade Irish crafts.
Explore the Little Museum of Dublin
Housed in a Georgian townhouse overlooking St. Stephen's Green, the Little Museum of Dublin tells the city's story through donated artefacts.
The guided tours last just 30 minutes but pack in centuries of history with trademark Irish wit.
By Jean Housen - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Highlights include a room dedicated to U2 and a lectern used by JFK when he addressed the Irish parliament.
Unlike most museums, touching things isn't just allowed - it's encouraged.
Take a Swim at the Forty Foot
This sea swimming spot has been popular since Victorian times, when it was a men-only bathing place.
James Joyce even mentioned it in Ulysses when Buck Mulligan takes a dip.
By Steps at the Forty Foot Bathing Place by Aleks Scholz, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Nowadays, hardy Dubliners swim in Forty Foot year-round, regardless of weather.
The Christmas Day swim is particularly popular, with hundreds of brave souls plunging into the Irish Sea before their turkey dinner.
It's invigorating, free and gives you genuine Dublin bragging rights.
Stay Connected with an eSIM for Ireland
Whether you're using maps to navigate the city or sharing your Dublin adventures on social media, having reliable mobile data is a must.
Airalo's eSIMs for Ireland offer an easy way to stay connected without the hassle of sourcing and swapping physical SIM cards.
Head to the Airalo store, select your eSIM for Ireland and get packing for your Irish adventures.
