There is no shortage of activities to enjoy in the city of Dublin, however, it can be overwhelming to decide which places you should prioritise visiting, that’s why we are here with our list of things to do in Dublin.
Guinness Storehouse
Possibly one of the things Ireland is most famous for is Guinness which is why it’s little wonder that one of the best things to do during your visit to Dublin is to visit the Guinness Storehouse.
Though Guinness is indeed brewed here, drinking it isn’t the main attraction. In fact, the Guinness Storehouse doubles as a museum all about the history of Guinness and how its made. Across the floors you will learn everything there is to know about the drink and then conclude the tour with a visit to the bar where you will of course be able to pour yourself a pint to enjoy.
Kilmainham Gaol
This is one of the places to visit if you wish to learn a bit more about Dublin’s history, Kilmainham Gaol is a museum that is filled with stories from its time as a jail.
As you walk the premises of this museum you will truly get a feel for the way the prisoners of Kilmainham lived. The museum is also filled with information about some of the jail’s prisoners such as rebel leaders or Irish Republicans.
Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park is Dublin’s premier city park where you can go and enjoy some nature after wandering around the city.
There is more to do in this park than simply enjoying a picnic though as Phoenix Park is also home to Dublin Zoo and the Wellington Monument. There’s a deceptively large amount to do on these grounds so we recommend setting aside a decent chunk of time to explore them to the fullest.
Little Museum of Dublin
Size isn’t everything and the Little Museum of Dublin proves that fact by packing in as much information about Irish history into its relatively small premises.
The museum is host to several unique exhibitions including one dedicated to the story of the band U2. At a relatively low entry cost, there are few places in Dublin to visit that offer as much to see for as little cost.
Trinity College
The largest library not just in the city but in the entire country, Trinity College Library, houses one of the most impressive collections of books in the world.
Though the main library is only open to staff, graduates, and students of the university, the Old Library is open to visitors and is well worth your time even if that is the only part of the library you will be allowed to visit.
The Temple Bar
One of Dublin’s most iconic bars, The Temple Bar, is the go-to tourist spot for experiencing some of the Dublin nightlife.
As popular now as it was in the early 1300s when it was founded, The Temple Bar is currently the most popular bar for young tourists. The building’s incredible location in the center of the city is only a part of the reason why this historic bar has survived and thrived for so long.
Dublin Castle
Built on the site of a Viking settlement, Dublin Castle has had quite a history at over 800 years old and is available for you to discover yourself.
Whether you prefer a guided tour or to explore on your own Dublin castle has plenty for you to see. With over 11 acres of land, you are able to explore the gardens, the castle’s rooms, and museums including the chapel and the library.
Whelan’s
Whelan’s has played host to quite the large stars over the years from Jeff Buckley to Ed Sheeran making it one of the best places to go see a show in the city.
The smaller size of the venue helps create a more intimate feel for the show and the location certainly helps as Whelan’s is surrounded by some incredible restaurants. Obviously, for a venue such as this, we recommend checking before you visit to see if or when someone you may have an interest in is playing a show and trying your best to go see them live.
National Museum of Ireland
The National Museum of Ireland holds many treasures and stories from all across Irish history for you to discover.
Though you may initially be intrigued by the piles of gold, Egyptian mummies and Viking treasures, the real standout here is the bog bodies. Bog bodies are the eerily, perfectly preserved bodies from millennia ago that still look pristine, so perfect in fact that you can still make out their hair and fingernails even after all this time.
Dublin Zoo
We briefly mentioned Dublin Zoo when talking about Phoenix Park but the zoo really deserves an entry to itself.
Dublin Zoo contains a massive variety of animals and prides itself on caring for them as well as is possible and providing them with spacious habitats so they can roam about to their heart’s content. Our personal recommendation for your visit is to stop by the Meerkat Cafe where you can enjoy a bit of food or drink while getting a close-up look at the meerkats.
Creative Quarter
If you want to partake in some shopping but want something more unique than the big brands, you’ll be hard-pressed to find somewhere better than the Creative Quarter.
The Creative Quarter is filled with independent shops selling all manner of handcrafted goods ranging from jewelry to clothing to candles. This is the best place to find some souvenirs for you to remember your trip.
Irish Whiskey Museum
Ireland has a rich history and is a country renowned for its alcohol. For those reasons, it makes sense that the Irish Whiskey Museum would be one of the best places in Dublin to visit.
This museum will teach you the history of whiskey from all across the country and of course, the tour ends with you getting to taste three different types of whiskey. Should you choose to opt for the VIP package you get to taste the 4th whiskey and get a unique shot glass that will be yours to keep.
Irish Emigration Museum
The Irish people are well known for their movement around the world due to many historical events and the Irish Emigration Museum is dedicated to telling the stories of these people.
With over 70 million people claiming some Irish heritage around the world there’s a lot to cover here but the Irish Emigration Museum keeps things clear and entertaining attractions. This multi-award-winning attraction is an absolute must-visit for anyone visiting Dublin with some interest in Irish heritage.
