Dublin is an incredible city to explore when visiting Ireland. It’s one of those cities that has a little bit of everything; from history to nightlife – you’ll find heaps to do. Plus, there are so many more incredible spots and the best things to do in Dublin dotted all across the city.
We’ve visited Dublin many times over the years and each visit to Ireland’s capital has always been fun. Not only that, Dubin can act as a gateway to wider Ireland, too. You can easily tag on a visit around the Wild Atlantic Way or visit other cities like Galway or Northern Ireland. Whatever you choose, just make sure to spend a good few days in Dublin.
So, to help you get the most out of your time visiting, I’m sharing our top places in Dublin that you don’t want to miss. Have an amazing time visiting Ireland.
1.) Trinity College
Visiting Trinity College Library is easily one of the best things to do in Dublin when you visit. I’d even go as far as saying that it’s one of Europe’s most spectacular libraries. It’s so beautiful.
Now, once you’re in Trinity College, you want to head to the Long Room; this is the famous reading room that was built in the 1700s. It’s colossal and houses hundreds of thousands of historic books from centuries gone by. Oh, and make sure to join the Book of Kells Experience; it’s a great way to learn more about the history and so much more.
Now, there has been some renovation work going on here; so be prepared for that. That being said it’s still worth wandering around and including a stroll through Trinity College itself.
As you stroll, make sure to check out The Douglas Hyde Gallery, which houses contemporary art pieces.
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2.) Guinness Storehouse
You have to visit the Guinness Storehouse, even if you’re not overly fond of Guinness. It’s easily one of the best things to do in Dublin, especially to try one of the world’s most famous brews.
Now, make sure to book these Guinness Storehouse tickets before arriving. You see, you’ll get to bypass most of the queues to get inside – and trust me, they can get long at peak times.
Once inside, you’ll be able to explore the wider Guinness Brewery at St. James’s Gate and learn more about the production of Guinness.
Not only that, you’ll be given your very own pint of Guinness (or a soft drink if you prefer) at the end of your visit. It’s so much fun and well worth it.
Love Guinness? For a more in-depth visit, book a ‘connoisseur experience’ that’ll have you tasting many different varieties of guiness from all over the world. Plus, you’ll even get to try your hand at pouring your own pint of Guiness. We loved it.
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3.) Temple Bar
Probably one of Dublin’s most famous areas, Temple Bar is a hive of activity and a great place to go for evening drinks, live music and a good time.
Here, you’ll find heaps of typical Irish bars that have such a party atmosphere. I swear, I’ve never seen this area quiet.
Once here, make sure to stop for a tipple at The Temple Bar Pub and watch out for live music, too. It’s typical to have this on most nights in the city.
Not only that, you’ll find heaps of other live music bars dotted all around here. You can easily make a few stops for a drink or a nibble, too. Some of the larger ones are Bad Bobs Temple Bar, The Workman’s Club and The Old Storehouse. All of which are great for live music.
Afterwards, grab a typical fish and chips at Leo Burdocks. It’s one of the most famous (and first) fish and chip places in the city.
Now, I’m not saying it’s the best you’ll ever taste (in my opinion at least) but this place has a heritage about it that many other fish and chip spots don’t.
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4.) Ireland’s Custom House
Nestled on the banks of the River Liffey, Custom House is absolutely beautiful to see. Built back in the 1700s, visiting Custom House is easily one of the best things to do in Dublin – even if you don’t venture inside.
This being said, if you want to head inside, you can book a few different tours (or self-guided options) on their website. Just make sure to book them a few weeks before arriving in Dublin; tickets can sell out at peak times.
5.) St. Patrick’s Cathedral
With a history dating back to the 1100s, St Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the oldest and most prestigious cathedrals in all of Ireland to visit.
Once here, make sure to look around the Choir of St Patrick’s Cathedral and explore the absolutely beautiful Lady Chapel. Not only that, the nave is so impressive and you’ll be able to spot all sorts of artefacts as you stroll around.
Keep your eyes peeled for the remains of a Celtic cross that was found close by.
Aftewards, book this River Liffey riverboat tour that’s so lovely. You’ll spend around 45 minutes sailing down the river whilst learning all about the long history of Dublin. It’s so lovely.
6.) Jameson Distillery
Love Irish whiskey? Then you’ll want to book these Jameson Distillery tickets. The distillery is right in the heart of Dublin and so easy to visit as you stroll the city.
After getting inside, you’ll learn all about John Jameson and his whiskey-making skills. Plus, you’ll get a guided tour and a Jameson cocktail to try some iconic Irish whiskey.
Visits take around 1 hour and it’s well worth it to learn more about the whiskey-making process in Ireland.
Afterwards, head on over to Dublin Castle and explore the ornate rooms inside. It’s incredible and you can easily spend 1 to 2 hours wandering between the rooms. You’ll love it.
Read more: Best places in Ireland to visit
7.) George’s Street Arcade
Built back in the 1800s, visiting George’s Street Arcade is one of the best things to do in Dublin if you love to shop. You see, inside are heaps of stalls selling everything from vintage clothing, antiques, souvenirs and so much more.
You can spend ages searching through each of the stalls.
Afterwards, head on over to the grand Bewley’s on Grafton Street for one of the iconic freshly-baked scones, jam and cream. The cafe has been going since 1840 and it’s so good.
Oh, and if you love hot chocolate, get one here! It’s one of the best I’ve tasted in Ireland.
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8.) Drury Street (and surrounding area)
The area around Drury Street is a great place to visit if you’re looking for local bars and restaurants whilst in Dublin.
Once in the area, make sure to stop for a tipple at The Hairy Lemon. It’s an iconic institution in Dublin and where the film, ‘The Commitments’ was filmed.
Alternatively, head over to the Drury Buildings for a bite to eat, or nearby Hogans on Fade Street for a pint.
9.) Spire of Dublin
120 metres high, the Spire of Dublin is right in the heart of Dublin and totally easy to spot as you walk around the centre of the city. Now, you don’t need to make a dedicated trip to see the Spire of Dublin, as you’ll likely pass it as you wander around O’Connell Street.
Also, nearby, you can spot the iconic statue of James Joyce; a famous novelist and poet in Ireland.
Plus, you can easily pop into the GPO Museum that’s right outside. It focuses on the 1916 Easter Risign and the aftermath of Irish independence.
10.) St Stephen’s Green
Tucked away in the south of Central Dublin, St Stephen’s Green is gorgeous to visit – especially on a hot summer day.
Now, the thing that makes St Stephen’s Green so special is how relaxing it is. You’ll get to wander around the Yeats Memorial, the ponds and the area around the bandstand.
Visits will take around 30 minutes and are perfect if you want a more relaxing day when visiting Dublin.
10.) Ha’penny Bridge
Possibly one of Ireland’s most famous bridges, the Ha’penny Bridge is well worth taking a gander at as you explore Dublin.
Opened in 1816, Ha’penny Bridge links the Temple Bar area of Dublin to the Liffey Boardwalk on the other side. Yes, it might be small, but it’s such an iconic part of Dublin that you really can’t miss it.
11.) O’Donoghues
Easily up there as one of the best things to do in Dublin, O’Donoghues Bar is a spot you can’t miss in the city.
Perched on the side of Merrion Row, O’Donoghues Bar is a typical Irish pub that’s famed for its live music, good drinks and down-to-earth atmosphere.
Yes, it gets busy and crowded – but that’s all part of it. Arrive for the music that happens each night and grab a bite to eat or just a pint for a singalong. It’s such a fun experience.
12.) Teeling Whiskey Distillery
If you’ve been to the Jameson Distillery, and you love Irish whiskey, then head over to the Teeling Whiskey Distillery which opened in 2015. It’s one of Dublin’s prized whiskey distillers and their tours are incredible.
You see, on this tour, you get to visit the stills and learn about the maturation process that creates Teelings’ distinct flavours.
Visits take around 1 to 2 hours and it’s worth booking these tickets in advance if you want to visit.
Read more: Best places in Ireland to visit
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