23 Best Things To Do in Dublin, Ireland

Anytime I told someone I was going to Ireland, the most common refrain I heard was “get out of Dublin, you don’t need much time there.”

But honestly? I found there was SO MUCH to do in Dublin! In fact, I found I didn’t have enough time in Dublin to do all I wanted to do.

If you’re going to Ireland should you get out of Dublin? Absolutely. It’s a beautiful country full of incredible nature and quaint towns, and there is so much more to explore beyond it’s capital city.

But should you avoid spending time in Dublin? Absolutely not!

Dublin is a city full of amazing history, culture, and food and with this list of incredible things to do I think you’ll find (like I did) that you may want even more time in Dublin than you originally planned.

So let’s talk about some of the best things to do in Dublin, Ireland (especially if it’s your first visit)!

Best Things To Do in Dublin

1. Visit the Book of Kells & Trinity College Library

The Long Room at Trinity College Dublin’s Old Library, featuring tall wooden bookshelves lined with busts of famous thinkers and a high arched ceiling. A large, illuminated globe art installation hangs at the center, drawing the attention of the crowd of visitors exploring the historic space. — Even with most of the books gone, the Trinity College Library is still so beautiful!

We’ll start with one of the MOST popular things and (I think) most well-worth-it things to do in Dublin: visiting the Book of the Kells and the Trinity College Library.

The Book of Kells is an ancient book of the gospel texts created by monks in around 800 A.D. No one knows exactly where it came from, but it’s believed to be from monks from the island of Iona, and it has a long history of being moved to different monasteries, possibly being stolen by Vikings, and more. In 1661 though, it found it’s final home in Trinity College.

What makes it so incredible is the detailed illustrations and calligraphy throughout the book. It’s really a work of art, with incredible lettering and detailed illustrations that symbology that explain the text.

When you visit The Book of Kells, you’ll go through a small museum first. Be sure to stop at the entrance and watch the short video by the door leading to the exhibit. It shows you the special features to look for in the pages that are displayed that day.

After the exhibit room about the history and art and lettering inside the Book of Kells, you’ll be able to view the Book of Kells itself. It’s in a glass enclosed case and is only open to one page, which rotates throughout the year.

(Important note: No photographs of the actual Book of Kells are allowed.)

Then, after the Book of Kells, you can go up to the Long Room at the Trinity College Library. If you are a library-lover, this is a MUST-SEE!

When I was there most of the books were moved out for a renovation project, but even without all the books, the room was just incredible to walk through. Currently there is also a large art installation called Gaia by artist Luke Jarram that dominated the room.

You’ll also be able to see other things there too like the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic and the iconic Brian Boru harp.

There is also a red building outside that houses The Book of Kells Experience, which included in your ticket. It’s neat to see and has some cool digital displays about the history of the Book of Kells and the Long Room. But I’ll be honest: This is the least exciting part. So if you’re running short on time you can skip this or just make a quick pass through it.

BOOK YOUR BOOK OF KELLS EXPERIENCE HERE

2. Take the Trinity Trails Tour

Wide view of the cobblestone courtyard at Trinity College Dublin, surrounded by grand stone buildings with classic architecture and tall chimneys. A few people stroll through the square, and statues dot the green lawn near a cluster of trees under a cloudy sky. — Touring Trinity College in Dublin

When you’re visiting the Book of Kells, I highly recommend pairing it with a Trinity Trails Tour.

Trinity College, where the Book of Kells is housed, was established in 1592 and has a long history in Ireland. The Trinity Trails Tour, led by current and former students, will teach you all about the history of Trinity College, from it’s founding by Queen Elizabeth I to its more recent notable graduates like Sally Rooney.

When you reserve a Trinity Trails Tour that includes The Book of Kells, you’ll spend your first hour on campus with your tour guide, and then they will drop you off for a self-guided tour of The Book of Kells and Trinity Library.

I’m so glad I took this tour! Otherwise, I would have visited Trinity College mostly just for the Book of Kells and not realized the full story of Trinity College or even taken as much time to walk around the campus and soak in the beauty.

3. Tour the Guinness Storehouse

Another favorite for tourists in Ireland? The Guinness Storehouse.

Here’s when I have a confession to make though: I am not really a drinker, and especially not a beer drinker. And since I was traveling to Ireland solo (and without my husband who loves a good pint), I really didn’t have any interest in doing this.

But if you like Guinness AT ALL, I highly recommend this! Even local Dubliners I talked to said it’s a good experience and they aren’t above visiting once in awhile, especially if they have friends or family in town.

At the Guinness Storehouse you can do everything from touring exhibits about brewing an advertising to tasting Guinness to learning how to pour your own pint (you’ll want a Guinness Academy ticket for that last one). Plus you can enjoy the views from their rooftop Gravity Bar.

4. Tour the Jameson Distillery

Another place to visit if you are a fan of a good drink is the Jameson Distillery. Jameson is, of course, known for their Irish Whiskey, which they’ve been making since 1780.

Here you can take their flagship tour which includes a guided tour of the distillery, a whiskey tasting, and a signature cocktail. But you can also book other special experiences like a Whiskey Cocktail Making Class or a Secret Whiskey Tasting.

5. Visit Christ Church Cathedral

Close-up view of Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin, showcasing its gray stone exterior, pointed towers, arched windows, and Gothic architectural details. The overcast sky enhances the historic and solemn atmosphere of the medieval church.

There are several notable churches to visit in Dublin, and the first is Christ Church Cathedral.

This Cathedral is a Protestant church, and it was first built in the early 11th century by the Vikings, the foundations of which you can see in the yard just outside the church.

It’s been through a lot of disrepair and rebuilding, and was most recently resorted in the late 1800s. In fact, a lot of the stonework you see now, including the main tower, was built then.

In Christ Church you can seethe beautiful architecture of the church and learn about its history. One of my favorite parts was actually at the very front corner, where you can see the restored floor next to a section of the original Medieval tile!

And definitely don’t miss the crypt downstairs, where you can see some pretty unique things like a mummified cat and mouse and a copy of the Magna Carta.

6. Have a Pint in Temple Bar (& Beyond)

The vibrant red exterior of The Temple Bar pub in Dublin, adorned with lush hanging flower baskets and festive string lights. A crowd gathers outside under red Guinness umbrellas, with colorful street signs and lively details capturing the charm of this iconic Irish pub. — Not pictured: the massive crowds of people walking around Temple Bar!

On one tour I went on while I was in Dublin, our guide told us that Temple Bar is THE most photographed site in Dublin. And with the crowds I saw around there even during shoulder season? I believe it!

But Temple Bar is iconic in Dublin, so stop in for a pint at least once during your trip.

However, keep in mind that this is a tourist center, so the drinks here are going to be a lot more expensive than elsewhere in Dublin. Even other bars in the Temple Bar area besides Temple Bar are going to be less expensive.

And if you really want to grab a pint at a more reasonable price, head across Dame Street street. You’re still in the center of Dublin, but it’s more reasonable.

7. Visit Kilmainham Gaol

Interior view of Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin, showing a bright, open cell block with a high arched skylight ceiling casting shadows on the stone walls. Multiple rows of barred windows and green cell doors are connected by metal walkways and a spiral staircase. — Inside what’s actually the nicer part of Kilmainham jail

Honestly, even though there are other more popular things to do in Dublin, for me, Kilmainham Gaol was maybe the BEST thing I did.

Kilmainham Gaol is a notorious jail in Dublin, and it’s especially known for being where the revolutionaries from the 1916 Easter Uprising were jailed and then executed. And it was this execution that was really the catalyst that led to Ireland finally freeing itself from England and becoming the Irish Republic.

The tour here is FASCINATING. You get to see the cells and hallways where they inmates were kept, here stories about the 1916 revolutionaries (including one who was wed in the jail the night before he was executed), and see the yard where they were executed.

There is also a small museum at the end that tells the history of the jail, both about the building itself and about its political profile. There is also a section housing the writings and personal affects of some of the men from the 1916 Easter Uprising.

Tickets for this tour go FAST and you can only book it as a tour. They release tickets 28 days beforehand at midnight (in Ireland….so adjust to your own time zone), and you’ll want to be online as soon as you can to grab them.

Get Your Kilmainham Gaol Tickets Here

8. Go on a Dublin Walking Tour

One of my other favorite things I did in Dublin was to go on some walking tours of the city. This is a great way to learn about both the landmarks and history of Dublin with some really fantastic tour guides.

My favorites were Dublin Mythology, Folklore and Legends Tour and the Highlights and Hidden Gems Tour, both of which gave me different perspectives of Dublin. But you can read about all the Dublin tours I recommend here.

9. Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Interior of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin featuring soaring vaulted ceilings, detailed stone columns, and stained glass windows above the altar. Visitors walk along a mosaic-tiled aisle between rows of carved wooden pews, capturing the grandeur of the historic Gothic church.

St. Patrick’s is the other major cathedral to visit while you are in Dublin. It’s about a 10 minute walk from Christ Church, so a little further away from all the other landmarks. But it’s still a very reasonable distance. And it’s actually right across the street from where I stayed at the Hyatt Centric!

St. Patrick’s was established in 1191 by the Archbishop of Dublin, and yes, it’s named for *that* St. Patrick. It’s actually on this site because of a well that was here where it is believed St. Patrick baptized people.

Plus it’s just a beautiful church!

One of the most notable thing about St. Patrick’s is that Jonathan Swift, of Gulliver’s Travels and A Modest Proposal fame, was Dean here for over 30 years. I honestly had only known him as the author of those works, so finding out about his main work as a minister here was really interesting.

10. Visit Marsh’s Library

Bookshelves filled with centuries-old leather-bound books inside Marsh’s Library in Dublin. A tall ladder rests against the dark wooden shelves beneath a bright window, and a display sign titled “GOLD” honors Benjamin Guinness for his contributions to Irish heritage. — Bookshelves in Marsh’s Library

Just behind St. Patrick’s Cathedral, you can visit Marsh’s Library. This is the oldest public library in Dublin!

It was founded in the 18th century, and even today people can still use it as a research library!

There are two main library halls here, and what I especially loved about this was how close you can get to some of the books. Of course you can’t touch them, but because you really get to walk through this small library, it’s easy to see their spines and pages.

It’s so interesting and 100% worth visiting, especially for book lovers and if you want to make a point of visiting literary sites in Dublin.

11. Tour Dublin Castle

Close-up view of Dublin Castle’s round tower and adjoining Gothic Revival chapel, featuring rough stone walls, arched windows with intricate tracery, and battlement-style details. The cloudy sky adds a dramatic backdrop to the historic architecture. — The Medieval Tower pictured here is the only original part of Dublin castle that remains.

Touring Dublin Castle is one of the things I ran out of time to do in Dublin, and I really wish I hadn’t! But I did get to see it from the outside and learn about it on a few of my walking tours, so at least there’s that.

Dublin Castle was built in the 13th century, and actually the only original part of the castle that remains is the Medieval Tower.

As it has been for centuries, Dublin Castle is the seat of the government. And you can tour the Viking Excavation, the Chapel Royal, and the State Apartments.

12. Walk Across the Ha’penny Bridge

View of the Ha'penny Bridge in Dublin, an elegant white cast-iron pedestrian bridge arching over the River Liffey. Colorful buildings and a green double-decker bus line the opposite riverbank under a partly cloudy sky. — View of the Ha’penny Bridge

This one is easy, because all it is is walking across Dublin’s iconic Ha’penny Bridge that spans the Liffy River.

The Ha’panny Bridge is so named because there used to be a half-penny toll for crossing it. And actually, that’s not it’s real name!

It’s actually named the Wellington Bridge, but I’m pretty sure if you referred to it as that no one would know what you are talking about. Everyone just knows it as the Ha’penny Bridge!

It’s located just next to Temple Bar, so this is a super easy thing to do and convenient to all of Dublin’s other attractions. In fact, you may find yourself walking across it without even meaning to just to get to other Dublin sites.

13. Visit EPIC The Irish Immigration Museum

Colorful entrance hallway at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin, with mirrored panels displaying vivid landscapes of Ireland and a geometric floor pattern leading into a stone-arched corridor. The immersive design invites visitors into an interactive exhibit space. — Entering the EPIC Irish Immigration Museum

EPIC The Irish Immigration Museum is one of the most popular museums to visit in Dublin! And it’s all about, you guessed it, Irish immigration.

The museum has almost 20 different rooms that take you through the history of Irish immigration and teach you about world-famous figures who immigrated from Ireland or have significant Irish ancestry.

It’s a really interesting museum, and it’s especially popular with visitors who have notable Irish ancestry. I’ll be honest though: it definitely wasn’t my favorite Dublin museum, and I’d probably prioritize other museums over this one personally.

In fact, there is an Irish Family History Centre at the museum where you can trace your family history (consultations here are extra through).

Pro Tip: This museum closes later than some other museums. Exhibits close at 6:45 and the last entry is at 5:00. I went to the museum around 4:00 pm and thought the timing was great. I had plenty of time to explore and the museum wasn’t crowded at all.

14. Step Aboard the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship

The Jeanie Johnston, a replica of a 19th-century tall ship, docked along the River Liffey in Dublin with its towering masts and intricate rigging. Modern buildings and the Samuel Beckett Bridge are visible in the background, blending maritime history with the cityscape.

The Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship is located just across from EPIC and tells another side of Irish immigration: that of the actual immigration process. In the 1800s, the Jeanie Johnston had 16 transatlantic voyages that carried Irish immigrants leaving the Famine behind.

Here, your ticket includes a 50 minute guided tour aboard the ship, plus time to explore on your own. You’ll learn about the ship and hear the stories of some of the people who traveled on board it.

This one was on my list to visit, but I simply ran out of time. So I hope I get to go next time I’m in Dublin.

15. Visit the National Museum of Ireland

Another popular museum in Dublin is the National Museum of Ireland. They have several locations throughout Ireland, and there are three in Dublin.

At their location on Kildare Street houses their Archaeology Collection, where you can learn all about the Vikings and the ancient history of Dublin.

This one is also right next-door to their Merrion Street location, which houses the Natural History Museum. (This location is currently closed for refurbishment though.)

The Collins Barracks location is a little outside the city center, but houses a lot of different exhibits. It’s the site for their Decorative Arts and Military History. That’s an interesting combination if you ask me, but you can see all kinds of things here like art, furniture and fashion as well as history of Irish wars.

They also have some exhibits from the Natural History Museum at Collins Barracks while the Marrion Street location is undergoing refurbishments.

16. Visit the National Gallery of Ireland

If you’re an art lover, you might want to go to the National Gallery of Ireland. It’s located right next to the Kildare Street location of the National Museum of Ireland on Merrion Square.

This museum houses art from Ireland and Europe. This includes masterpieces by Caravaggio and Vermeer, as well as Jack B. Yeats famous painting The Liffey Swim, a painting that actually won the first Olympic Medal for the Irish Free State in 1924. Because apparently you used to be able to win Olympic Medals as painters.

17. Immerse Yourself in the Irish Museum of Modern Art

Another museum for art lovers is the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Here you’ll find over 3,500 modern artworks by both Irish artists and artists from around the world.

And beyond just the art galleries, they have beautiful outdoor areas that house sculptures, gardens you can explore, and a cafe.

It’s located in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, which is kind of between the Guinness Storehouse and Kilmainham Gaol. So if you want a day in Kilmainham, you could easily group those three attractions together!

18. Learn About Irish Literature at the Museum of Literature Ireland

Literary display wall at the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI) in Dublin featuring portraits and quotes from Irish writers and public figures. Panels of various colors are arranged in a grid above a staircase, celebrating the country's rich storytelling heritage. — Inside the Museum of Literature Ireland

If you’re a book lover, head to the Museum of Literature Ireland. This small museum is housed in the beautiful Georgian-era Newman House and has several floors about the history of Irish writers and literature.

This was of course one I made a point to visit, and I thought it was so interesting! You’ll find everything from a display about some of Ireland’s most notable writers, to an entire room about James Joyce.

And when I was there they even had a whole room about romance writers in Ireland! I loved this because I’m a fan of romance and rom-coms and I think they definitely don’t get enough critical attention. This exhibit, called Happy Ever After, is on display until February 15, 2026.

They also have a first edition of Ulysses, along with lots of other Ulysses info. And honestly, this museum has maybe inspired me to eventually give Ulysses a go. We’ll see though!

19. Visit the Chester Beatty Museum

This is one I didn’t get a chance to visit but would love to! But one of my tour guides pointed it out as not only a museum that offers interesting exhibits, but also one of the few museums in Dublin that is FREE!

At the Chester Beatty, you’ll find exhibits about various artwork, manuscripts, and rare books. I think this would be another great museum to visit as a book-lover and it’s definitely on my list for my next visit to Dublin!

And bonus: It’s located right next to Dubh Linn Garden, which may be one of the most peaceful places in the center of the city.

20. Enjoy Dublin’s Green Spaces

Statue of Oscar Wilde lounging on a large rock in Merrion Square Park, Dublin, with lifelike features and colorful clothing details. The sculpture is surrounded by lush greenery and ivy-covered walls, blending art with nature in a peaceful garden setting. — The Oscar Wilde Statue in Merrion Square Park

Speaking of peaceful places, make sure you take some time to enjoy some of Dublin’s parks! Here are a few you can visit:

St. Stephen’s Green – One of the biggest and most popular parks in Dublin!
Merrion Square Park – Be sure to see the Oscar Wilde statue here!
St. Patrick’s Park – Right next to St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Dubh Linn Garden – Right behind Dublin Castle and such a lovely quiet space!

21. Eat Some Fantastic Food

I really wasn’t sure what to expect when it came to food in Dublin. I mean, Irish food is nice and hearty, but did I really want days on end with Irish stew and cottage pie?

Well, I’m pleased to say that I actually didn’t eat either of those things on my trip and I had some AMAZING meals! Here’s where I loved eating in Dublin:

Hawksmoor – A steakhouse with not only incredible steak, but also incredible sides. And get the chocolate peanut butter dessert!
Sano Pizza – A casual pizza place that was really quite good, but be prepared to wait.
Fish Shop – The most amazing fish and chips I’ve ever had! It’s tiny and reservations are a must.
Note – Just masterful dishes. Modern vibes. Food prepared in ways you probably haven’t had before. The most amazing polenta chips.
Bunsen – I was a little hesitant because it’s a chain burger place in a tourist area, but I thought it was great!

22. Shop for Books

Exterior of Books Upstairs in Dublin, a vibrant blue independent bookshop with gold lettering and a window display filled with colorful book covers. The ornate blue Victorian-style facade adds character to the historic storefront. — Storefront of Books Upstairs, one of my favorite Dublin bookstores!

You know I had to include some book shop recommendations here! I loved being able browse the shelves in Ireland!

It’s so fun to go to Europe and see the different covers for books I know as well as discover books I haven’t seen before. Here are a few shops I recommend visiting:

Books Upstairs – This was my favorite! It’s massive and so well curated. Also, there are books both upstairs and downstairs, so don’t get confused by the name.
The Winding Stair – A bookstore that also has its own restaurant.
Chapters – One of the most beloved bookstores in Dublin, although it is a bit more out of the way for the common tourist (about a 15 minute walk from Temple Bar though, so not too bad).

23. Take a Day Trip to Northern Ireland

My last recommendation for when you’re in Dublin? Take a day trip to Northern Ireland! (Or honestly, a day trip anywhere else in Ireland that you may not get to otherwise.)

I did an all-day trip from Dublin to Belfast, Dunluce Castle, and Giant’s Causeway. It was such a great way to see the sites of Northern Ireland I really wanted to see without having to add on significantly to the time of my trip. (Although, honestly next time I visit Ireland I’m hoping for a few days dedicated just to Northern Ireland!)

Where To Stay in Dublin

So, where should you stay in Dublin? Obviously, location is going to be important. But you should also know that the Dublin bus system is super easy to use to get around the city!

I stayed at the Hyatt Centric the Liberties and loved it! It was a bit outside the main tourist area of Temple Bar and College Green, close to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It was a modern hotel and the rooms (I stayed in two!) were super comfortable.

There are lots of other great hotels in Dublin though, although lodging is notoriously expensive in this city. Here a map with more options:

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