Unique Things to Do in Dublin: 31 Hidden Gems & Local Secrets (2025/26)

Beyond the Guinness Storehouse and Temple Bar lies a Dublin that most tourists never see. While Dublin’s main attractions deserve their fame, the city’s true character often hides in its lesser-known corners. For travelers seeking authentic experiences, this guide reveals 31 unique attractions and hidden gems that showcase Dublin’s eccentric charm and rich history.

Even locals continue to discover Dublin’s secrets: the hidden Hacienda Bar requires a special knock and owner’s approval for entry, while the Blind Pig Speakeasy and Prohibition bar is secretly tucked away and you can’t get a location until you book.

Literary enthusiasts can purchase the same lemon soap mentioned in Joyce’s Ulysses at Sweny’s Pharmacy, where daily readings still occur. The stunning Casino at Marino deceives visitors with its small exterior hiding 16 elaborate rooms, and locals escape to Dollymount Strand for seaside walks and swimming, a cherished Dublin tradition.

Whether you’re planning a two-day stay or making Dublin part of a larger Irish adventure, these offbeat destinations offer something different: centuries-old mummies in church crypts, secret gardens, mysterious public art, and cultural institutions that most guidebooks overlook. From the unusual to the extraordinary, each location reveals a fascinating layer of Dublin’s complex personality.

Table Of Contents

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Quick Guide: Dublin’s Hidden Gems

Cultural Curiosities

Little Museum of Dublin: Personal stories and artifacts telling Dublin’s untold history
Kilmainham Gaol: Historic prison turned museum, symbol of Ireland’s fight for independence
National Leprechaun Museum: Interactive storytelling of Irish folklore and mythology
Oscar Wilde Memorial: Hidden within Merrion Square’s vibrant gardens

Urban Explorer’s Guide

Temple Bar Street Art: Contemporary murals beyond the tourist pubs
River Liffey Walks: Architectural treasures and city views
Stephen’s Green: Historic park with hidden sculptures and monuments
Teeling Distillery: Modern whiskey-making in Dublin’s historic distilling district

Essential Day Trips

Howth: Coastal village with cliff walks and seafood

Wicklow Mountains: Natural landscapes and hiking trails

Kells: Ancient manuscripts and Celtic heritage

Monasterboice: Home to Ireland’s finest Celtic Crosses

31 Unique Experiences in Dublin

Historical & Cultural Sites

1. Teeling Distillery
The Teeling Whiskey Distillery stands as Dublin’s first new distillery in over 125 years, reviving the city’s distilling heritage in the historic Newmarket district. This working three-copper-pot operation offers visitors an authentic glimpse into traditional Dublin whiskey-making. It’s one of 18 whiskey distilleries across Ireland offering tours and tastings.

Teeling Distillery staff in Dublin at a tour of the distillery with the copper vats behind them — ©Teeling Distillery

Sacred and Memorial Sites

2. The Tomb of St. Valentine
Location: Whitefair Street Church
Hidden within this historic church lies an unexpected treasure: the remains of St. Valentine. Gifted to Dublin’s Father Spratt by the Pope in 1836, these relics now rest in a specially constructed shrine. The tomb represents one of Dublin’s most intriguing religious artifacts, attracting visitors from around the world.

The tomb of St. Valentine in Dublin contains a small statue of the saint in a wall niche above a red table

3. Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship and Famine Memorial
Location: Custom House Quay
The Jeanie Johnston tells a powerful story of survival during Ireland’s Great Famine. This meticulously crafted replica honors the original ship that safely transported 2,500 emigrants to North America across 16 voyages. Built in Kerry, the vessel now serves as a floating museum alongside the poignant Famine Memorial Statues.

The Jeanie Johnston tall ship with sails furled in the harbour in Dublin

Literary and Cultural Heritage

4. James Joyce Cultural Centre
Location: North Great Georges Street
A literary landmark offering immersive walking tours through Joyce’s Dublin. The Centre specializes in “Ulysses” experiences, hosting readings, discussions, and musical evenings that bring the novel to life through unique cultural programming.

James Joyce statue the figure leans against his can surveying the tourists in Dublin

5. The Irish Jewish Museum
Location: Walworth Road
This hidden cultural gem preserves the heritage of Ireland’s Jewish communities. Housing memorabilia from Belfast, Cork, Derry, Drogheda, Dublin, Limerick, and Waterford, the museum documents 150 years of Jewish-Irish history through artifacts and personal stories.

cool things to do in Dublin head to the Jewish Museum

Unusual Historical Sites

6. Glasnevin Cemetery and Bodysnatchers Watch Tower
Location: Glasnevin
This Victorian cemetery features unique watchtowers built in the 1800s to prevent body snatching. The cemetery complex includes an informative Visitors Centre and café overlooking historic headstones, serving as the final resting place for many of Ireland’s notable figures including Daniel O’Connell and Michael Collins.

The Glasnevin Watch Tower where in the old days men used to patrol the grounds looking for body snatchers

7. National Leprechaun Museum
Location: Jervis Street
An immersive storytelling experience rather than a traditional museum. Expert guides bring Irish folklore to life through tales of leprechauns, the Tuatha de Danaan, and fairy lore, making it an engaging attraction for families.

Modern Dublin Experiences

8. Science Gallery
Location: Trinity College
A dynamic space where art meets science through rotating exhibitions. This innovative venue encourages visitor interaction and participation, offering a fresh perspective on scientific concepts through creative installations.

The very modern glass wall of the entry to the Dublin Science Museum

Sports and Entertainment

9. Croke Park Experiences
Location: Croke Park Stadium
Home to Ireland’s unique national sports: Gaelic Football and Hurling. Visitors can experience these ancient games firsthand, watching matches that showcase Ireland’s sporting heritage in its largest stadium.

10. The George
Location: Great Georges Street
Home to Dublin’s famous Gay Bingo nights since 1997, hosted by Shirley Temple Bar. This Sunday tradition combines entertainment, comedy, and community spirit in one of Dublin’s most inclusive venues.

Historic Churches and Crypts

11. Church of Adam and Eve

Location: Merchant’s Quay

This historic church, officially the Franciscan Church of the Immaculate Conception, earned its nickname during penal times when Catholic masses were forbidden. Worshippers would tell authorities they were “going to Adam and Eve’s” (referring to a nearby pub) rather than admit attending mass. Today, it houses Ireland’s largest Catholic altar piece and impressive Victorian Gothic architecture, with beautiful stained glass windows and ornate wood carvings telling stories of Dublin’s religious perseverance.

Georgian Dublin Heritage

12. Number Twenty Nine
Location: Fitzwilliam Street
This restored Georgian townhouse offers a glimpse into Dublin life from 1790-1820. Featuring period-accurate furnishings, from toys to bell pulls, the museum presents an intimate view of 18th-century Dublin domesticity.

13. Marsh’s Library
Location: St. Patrick’s Close
Ireland’s first public library (1707) remains largely unchanged since its founding. The oak-cased collection includes 25,000 rare books and has hosted readers from Jonathan Swift to James Joyce. Local lore speaks of a resident ghost.

Art and Culture

14. Hugh Lane Gallery
Location: Parnell Square
Home to Francis Bacon’s meticulously reconstructed studio and a remarkable collection of modern art. The gallery offers free Sunday morning piano recitals in its elegant Sculpture Gallery.

Grey stone building of the Modern art Hugh Lane Gallery

Local Pub Heritage

15A. Dublin’s Hidden Pubs

Beyond the tourist-filled Temple Bar district lies a network of authentic Dublin pubs cherished by locals. John Kavanagh’s (The Gravediggers) Location: Prospect Square has served perfect pints since 1833, with strict rules about music and phones.

The Palace Bar’s upstairs whiskey bar attracts journalists and writers, while Mulligan’s (Poolbeg Street) is renowned for Dublin’s best Guinness.

Fallon’s in the Liberties maintains its century-old character, the Lord Edward offers views of Christchurch Cathedral, and Kehoe’s Victorian snugs provide intimate corners for conversation. These establishments represent Dublin’s true pub culture, where authenticity trumps tourist appeal.

Urban Art

16. Street Art Trail
Location: Various locations including former Tivoli Theatre Car Park
A dynamic outdoor gallery featuring works by international artists, including New York’s Steve Powers (ESPO), representing Dublin’s contemporary art scene.

Spiritual Journeys

17. Camino Starting Point
Location: St. James Street
The lesser-known Dublin starting point of the famous Camino de Santiago. The Camino Society issues Pilgrim Passports and first stamps for pilgrims beginning their journey to Santiago de Compostela.

Pilgrim passport for the camino walk which starts in Dublin

Sacred Stones

18. The Lucky Stone
Location: St. Audoen’s Church
An 8th or 9th-century granite slab bearing a Greek cross, believed to be a saint’s tombstone. Pilgrims traditionally touch it for good fortune before embarking on their journeys.

Secret Societies

19. Knights Templar Preceptory
Location: Freemasons Hall, Molesworth Street
Within the world’s second-oldest Grand Lodge, this fascinating chamber features ornate carvings and heraldic displays, offering insight into Freemasonry’s historic presence in Dublin.

Riverside Curiosities

20. The Dodder Rhino
Location: The Dropping Well, Churchtown
A mysterious bronze rhinoceros sculpture standing in the River Dodder, installed in 2002. Its origins remain unclear, adding to the charm of this unusual riverside attraction.

Dodder Rhino sits in the river near Dublin

Public Art and Pranks

21. Father Pat Noise Memorial Location: O’Connell Bridge A clever hoax plaque installed in 2004, commemorating a fictional character whose name is an anagram of “Our Father.” Now embraced by locals who leave flowers at this unofficial monument to Dublin wit.

A plaque to Father Pat on the LIffey bridge

Medical History

22. Royal College of Physicians Heritage Centre Location: Kildare Street Housing Napoleon’s toothbrush (gifted to Irish physician Barry O’Meara) alongside historic medical instruments and records dating from the 18th century. The museum offers unique insights into medical history and genealogy.

©Muhammed Amin FRCP(Glasg), CC BY-SA 4.0

Hidden Gardens

23. Iveagh Gardens Location: City Center Known as Dublin’s “Secret Garden,” this Victorian park features a maze, cascade fountains, and formal rose gardens. The blend of French and English landscape styles creates a peaceful urban sanctuary.

view of the Iveagh Gardens' waterfall in Dublin city centre shot in full summer

24. National Botanic Gardens Location: Glasnevin Established in 1795, these gardens showcase exotic species in magnificent glasshouses, including the iconic Palm House. The 19 hectares include peaceful walking paths and a historic arboretum.

World-Class Collections

25. Chester Beatty Library Location: Dublin Castle Grounds Housing extraordinary manuscripts and rare books from across the globe, including ancient scrolls, illuminated Qurans, and early Christian texts. The collection represents Sir Alfred Chester Beatty’s remarkable cultural legacy.

Interactive Museums

26. EPIC Irish Emigration Museum Location: CHQ Building, Docklands A high-tech exploration of Irish diaspora stories, showcasing the global impact of Irish emigrants through multimedia exhibits and personal narratives.

Historic Parks

27. St. Stephen’s Green Location: City Center A 22-acre Victorian park opened to the public in 1880 by Sir Arthur Guinness. Features lakes, flower gardens, and monuments commemorating Irish history, including the 1916 Easter Rising.

Literary Dublin

28. Samuel Beckett’s Dublin Location: Various sites Trace the Nobel laureate’s connections to Dublin, from his education at Trinity College to the bridge bearing his name. The city’s influence appears throughout his groundbreaking works.

Trinity College Library with marble statues of famous writers and authors lining each row of books

29. 14 Henrietta Street Museum Location: Henrietta Street A Georgian mansion turned tenement house that tells the story of 300 years of Dublin life, from aristocratic splendor to working-class community.

National Collections

30. National Museum Complex Location: Multiple Sites Four distinct museums covering Archaeology, Decorative Arts & History, Natural History (“The Dead Zoo”), and Country Life, each offering unique perspectives on Irish heritage.

Natural Curiosities

31. The Hungry Tree Location: Kings Inns grounds, Constitution Hill A London plane tree slowly “consuming” a park bench, recognized as one of Ireland’s Heritage Trees and representing nature’s gradual reclamation of human-made objects.

Final Thoughts: Discovering Dublin’s Hidden Side

Dublin reveals its true character through these lesser-known attractions, each offering a unique window into the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and distinctive personality. From ancient crypts to secret gardens, from quirky museums to urban art, these 31 experiences showcase a Dublin that exists beyond the traditional tourist trail.

While the Guinness Storehouse and Trinity College deserve their fame, these alternative attractions provide deeper insights into Dublin’s complex identity. They tell stories of scientific innovation at the Science Gallery, literary heritage through Joyce and Beckett, and social transformation at 14 Henrietta Street.

For the best experience, consider spreading these visits across several days, mixing well-known landmarks with these hidden gems. Many of these sites are within walking distance of each other, making it easy to explore multiple attractions in a single day. Remember to check opening hours and book ahead where necessary, as some locations offer guided tours only.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, these unique destinations (avoiding tourist traps) will help you experience Dublin as locals do – a city of surprises, stories, and endless discoveries.

Planning Your Visit:

Most attractions are accessible by public transport
Many sites offer guided tours in multiple languages
Consider purchasing a Dublin Pass for multiple attraction access
Several locations are free to visit
Check seasonal opening hours, especially for gardens and outdoor attractions

For more ideas about exploring Ireland beyond Dublin, check out our guides to day trips and extended touring.

Essential Apps and Resources

• Transport: Irish Rail, Bus Eirean, Dublin Bus, Local Link
• Weather: Met Éireann app
• Navigation: Google Maps (download offline areas)
• Heritage: Heritage Ireland app

Stay Connected
Share your Irish adventures with us:
• Facebook: Ireland Uncovered: Hidden Gems and local tips
• Blog Comments: Tell us about your discoveries
• Updates: Subscribe for seasonal travel tips

Slán go fóill! (Goodbye for now!)

Author

Faith

Faith combines anthropological expertise with lived experience across 40+ countries. With degrees in Anthropology and Women's Studies, she has spent four decades exploring the intersection of food traditions, women's history, and ancient cultures. Her work spans from Irish kitchens to Mexican markets, including collaborations with First Nations communities. Through her writing, she reveals how food traditions connect ancient wisdom to modern kitchens, with particular attention to women's roles as cultural custodians. A regular contributor to food and travel publications, she shares insights gained from deep immersion in local food traditions and historical landscapes. Based between Ireland, Canada, and various European locations, she brings both academic understanding and hands-on experience to her writing about food, culture, and heritage.
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