Insiders Guide to Things to Do in Dublin – An Ultimate travel guide

Where do you begin to sort out things to do in Dublin when visiting Ireland? There are a lot of things to do in Dublin Ireland and Dublin is an incredibly vibrant city. When visiting Dublin you can see attractions dating back to the Vikings, and medieval times, learn to appreciate Ireland’s great literary heritage and appreciate all the unique things to do in Dublin.

On your trip to Dublin you’ll find many different areas of the City. While Dublin’s city center is relatively compact, the wider city consists of a collection of distinct villages. Central neighborhoods like Portobello and the Docklands showcase urban charm, while coastal districts such as Sandymount and Clontarf offer seaside vibes.

Grattan iron bridge crossing the LIffey River in Dublin. A green iron railing and arched stones pylons with a colourful cityscape in the background

To the north, historic neighborhoods like Stoneybatter and Smithfield are brimming with trendy coffee shops, boutique shops and gastropubs. Meanwhile, in the south, suburbs like Rathmines and Ranelagh are perfect for enjoying brunch, café culture, and people-watching in picturesque Georgian squares.

Sightseeing in Dublin is a treat for those interested in music, literary pursuits, Vikings, architecture, cafes and coffee shops, great food and pubs – oh let’s be honest virtually anything and everything can be found in Dublin.

Things to do in Dublin

You can spend a few days in Dublin or an entire week and for many Dublin is the top of their bucket list. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top things to do in Dublin that will help you create unforgettable memories during your visit.

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  1. Insiders Guide to Things to Do in Dublin – An Ultimate travel guide

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Getting to Dublin

You may land in Dublin early in the morning but fear not as you won’t be as jet-lagged as you think and the best way to overcome get yourself on Irish time is to just hang in there and spend your first day in Dublin just walking and seeing the city. 

TIP: Before you leave your home country change your watch to Dublin time and get accustomed to the time change on your flight.

Things to do in Dublin

If you want to know how to get from Dublin airport into the city it’s pretty easy, most of the major buses stop just outside the airport and from there you can get to either central Dublin or across the country to Belfast or the Wild Atlantic Way. 

Dublin is a pretty easy place to sightsee most of the interesting places to visit are within walking range and there is also lots to do along the way from great pubs to hang out in or grab some authentic Irish food in a local pub/restaurant like Gogartys. 

Gogartys is a popular pub in Dublin. This 3 story bright yellow building has flags flying from the front with elaborate white stone bay windows.

If you plan on staying overnight in Dublin before you carry on visiting the rest of the country you are going to want to book your accommodation ahead of time if you plan on coming in the summer high season. If you want to visit Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day you should probably book at least a year ahead as the town gets very crowded as you can imagine.

There is a vast range of accommodations in Dublin from super budget to luxury castle stays. Dublin has a host of hostels to stay at most of which have private rooms and ensuites and then there are the mid-range hotels and the top of the lot is Clontarf Castle Hotel. BOOK YOUR STAY AT CLONTARF CASTLE NOW Four-Poster Double room: From €235.

A beautiful Irish castle hotel at dusk. The lights are shining golden and there is a lion statue at the front of the hotel

Visit some of Dublin’s hidden secret attractions and off-the-beaten-path Dublin must-sees

What is the best way to get around Dublin?

Getting around Dublin city is fairly straightforward, thanks to its efficient public transport system. The Dublin bus network covers most areas, making it a convenient option. You can also use the red line of the Luas tram system for quick access to various parts of the city. For those wanting a more local experience, consider renting a bike through the Dublin bike scheme or simply walking around the city centre, as many attractions are within walking distance of each other. Taxis are also readily available for those late nights out or when you’re carrying luggage from the Dublin airport.

A lkne up of coloured Dublin Buses waiting for passengers on a narrow Dublin Street

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, this charming city has plenty to offer. If you want to find out what’s on in Dublin during your visit the best thing you can do is check out Dublin What’s On website. This will give you details about exhibits, events, musical showcases and many more things to do in Dublin city centre .

I always recommend a Hop On Hop Off bus tour to familiarize yourself with a city. The Dublin one is great as it shows you all the places you may want to see later on in your stay and gives you a great way to see just how the city is laid out. 

Dublin Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour

Let people laugh, but get on the bus, it’s a nice easy option to tour a City for the first time and it is most definitely one of the fun things to do in Dublin, I can guarantee you will laugh yourself senseless with the witty commentary of the guides.  You can get your bearings and learn how to get to where you want to go. 

Travel around the City without getting lost as you can always grab a bus. The tour guides are brilliant on the Dublin buses, with a great sense of humour, they fill you in on all the little things like the statutes nicknames “the tart with the cart” and they stop at all the major sites. BOOK YOUR HOP ON HOP OFF TOUR NOW

Things to do in Dublin

Dublin Bikes

If you fancy a healthier way to get around there’s Dublin Bikes check out the rows of blue-lined up across the City.  These bikes can be “rented” by anyone by paying a small credit card fee or joining for €10 a year.  All you do is pick up a bike and when you are done with it drop it back off at a different Dublin bike location.

Things to do in Dublin

Cycle out along the canals and have a picnic on the lawn in the quad in Maynooth or in Phoenix Park where there is so much to do.” Note: Once you sign up for Dublin Bikes, the first half-hour of each journey is free, This means you can virtually get anywhere in the city for free and bikes are the best way to get around!

Bike Tours Dublin

Dublin city bike tours offer an easy-paced eco-friendly bike tour of the City with experienced guides to entertain and inform. A great way to tour the City, get in your daily exercise and just plain enjoy yourself.

What are the must-see attractions in Dublin?

When you visit Dublin, there are several key attractions that you shouldn’t miss. First and foremost is the Guinness Storehouse, where you can learn about the history of Ireland’s most famous beer and enjoy a pint of Guinness at the gravity bar with stunning views of the city. The views are fantastic but I do find this to be a bit of a tourist trip and expensive for what it really is – a free Guinness.

Things to do in Dublin

Another highlight is Dublin Castle, which dates back to the 13th century and offers guided tours showcasing its rich history. Don’t forget to stop by Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, a beautifully illustrated manuscript that draws visitors from around the world. Additionally, the Temple Bar area is known for its vibrant nightlife and live music, making it a great place to immerse yourself in Dublin’s culture.

When is the best time to visit Dublin?

The best time to visit Dublin is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). During these months, the weather is generally mild, and you can enjoy a variety of festivals and events, like the Dublin Fringe Festival in September. While winter in Dublin can be chilly and rainy, it does offer a unique charm, especially during the Christmas season with festive lights and markets. Summer can be bustling with tourists, but it’s also the time for outdoor events, fabulous Irish festivals and concerts.

CROWN ALLEY, DUBLIN, IRELAND-Cafes and bars on Crown alley in Dublin in the rain lots of folks walking with umbrellas

What are the best places to eat in Dublin?

Dublin’s culinary scene has something for everyone. For traditional Irish cuisine, head to pubs like The Woollen Mills or The Brazen Head, where you can enjoy dishes like Irish stew or fish and chips. You will find plenty of cafes and restaurants serving vegetarian and vegan foods and for those who have allergies every menu is clearly marked for allergies and contaminants. For folks who suffer from Coeliac Disease or have a gluten intolerance there is also many choices as it is said that the Irish suffer from this more than any other country.

Vegan burgers with beans and vegetables served with spinach

Your Dublin Travel Guide to all the Dublin Attractions

Tourist attractions in Dublin range from beautiful parks like St. Stephen’s Green where you can see a lounging statue of that literary great Oscar Wilde to all the shopping your heart can desire in the Stephen’s Green shopping centre.

Activities in Dublin could include hitting up all the museums including the Whiskey Museum for those inclined for a more “relaxed” atmosphere to learn about the 1916 Revolution and visiting Kilmainham Gaol.

Things to do in Dublin

The Liffey – the heart of Dublin

There are so many places to go to in Dublin but you can’t avoid the iconic Liffey River and its bridges and they are definitely a must-see in Dublin. The Liffey River begins in the Wicklow Mountains about 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Dublin and it flows westward through 50 miles (80 km) across the country and then finally into Dublin and the Bay where it empties into the Irish Sea.

Things to do in Dublin

Ha’penny Bridge

This white, cast-iron bridge over the River Liffey has become an icon of Dublin, with its ornate design and quaint lampposts. The bridge is named for the original toll of one ha’penny to cross over.  It was the first iron bridge across the Liffey and was built in 1816. It was the only pedestrian bridge to cross the Liffey until the Millenium Bridge opened in 1999.

The famous ha'penny bridge crossing the Liffey River in Ireland. Called the ha'penny because that is what it cost to cross this ornate Victorian Iron bridge

Here’s a fantastic list of Irish movies to see before you come to Dublin

National Botanic Gardens

The Gardens are free green spaces that Dubliners flock to on a sunny day when they can put on a pair of shorts and soak up the sun.  Even on a cloudy day, the gardens are a riot of colour and fragrance in the summer months. Located just 3 km from the Dublin city centre, the National Botanic Gardens are an oasis of calm and beauty, and entry is free.

The glass houses of the Dublin Botanic Gardens. An ornate Victorian glas house with rounded roofs and surrounded by greenery

Housing over 300 endangered species, the gardens also contain the National Herbarium and several historic wrought iron glasshouses.

Trinity College Library

For a book lover, this library is an awe-inspiring place, housing thousands of rare and unusual books it is an antiquarian dream. Admission does include a visit to the Book of Kells, an ornate manuscript of the Gospels, which Celtic monks decorated by hand in the ninth century, but only 2 pages are turned over every day so you might only see text and not the glorious illuminations.

Trinity College library in Dublin. The rows of book shelves are roped off with green velvet ropes and each row is fronted by a marble bust of a famous person from history.

If you get a chance you absolutely must visit Monasterboice and the Village of Kells to see some of Ireland’s largest Celtic crosses and the place where the Book of Kells originated.

Things to do in Dublin

What see in Dublin – Dublin Museums

There are many fine museums and unusual ones in Ireland and many are absolutely free unless there are special events or exhibits.

Chester Beatty Library

The library’s exhibitions are built on the personal collection of Alfred Chester Beatty. Mr Beatty was born in the United States and was later made an honorary Irish citizen. He was a world traveller with a voracious appetite for collecting.

With free admission and described by the Lonely Planet as not just the best museum in Dublin, but one of the best in Europe, the Chester Beatty Library is a must-see.  It is the only museum in Ireland to win the ‘European Museum of the Year’.

Glass front of the Chester Beatty Library the European Museum of the Year

Irish Whiskey Museum

The Irish Whiskey Museum is the home of everything Irish whiskey! Independent of all whiskey distilleries, there are over 100 different types of Irish whiskey in the building. The storytellers talk through over 2000 years of Irish whiskey history on fully guided tours and lead interactive tastings of a wide variety of Irish whiskeys.

Tours include each of the 4 different rooms themed to represent a different period in Irish history. Finish the tour by becoming a true whiskey connoisseur with a tasting of 3 (Classic) or 4 (Premium) different Irish whiskeys. Other experiences, such as the Whiskey Blending Experience and the Whiskey and Brunch experience are also available.

The Irish Whiskey museum bar where you do tastings. The back walls are back lit with golden lights to show of the rows of Irish whiskey. Folks are studying the whiskey bottles and preparing to taste

Irish Emigration Museum – EPIC

The Irish Emigration Museum covers the history of the Irish diaspora and emigration to other countries. It was voted as “Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction” at 2019, 2020 and 2021 World Travel Awards.

Want to find out who your ancestors were and where they came from or want to fill out your Family Tree? Ask the resident genealogists.

The EPIC museum entrance in Dublin.
©Jkielty82, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Little Museum of Dublin

The Little Museum of Dublin is a local history museum situated at St Stephen’s Green, Dublin, Ireland. The museum is located in an 18th-century Georgian townhouse. The Little Museum tells the remarkable story of the Irish capital. Today there are over 5,000 artefacts in the collection.

This 90-minute tour of 20 interactive galleries helps you go beyond the stereotypes to help discover what it truly means to be Irish. Here you will discover that what it means to be Irish expands far beyond the borders of Ireland through the stories of Irish emigrants who became scientists, politicians, poets, artists and even outlaws all over the world.

Inside of the Little Museum is a display of Irish epherma including old posters from the war and the Uprising. Furniture and old books. A TV from the 60's a tea chest and lots of photos on the walls.
©Little Museum of Ireland

Dublin Writers Museum

The Dublin Writers Museum covers three centuries of Irish literature, with exhibitions showcasing the life, works, materials and personal items of some of the country’s literary icons, from WB Yeats to Frank McCourt.

Did you know that In 2010, the UNESCO organization and the Creative Cities Network made Dublin a UNESCO City of Literature? This makes Dublin one of 7 cities of Literature in the world.

ornate Victorian ironwork scrolled sign that says Dublin Writers Museum

Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship

On Custom House Quay you will spot the Jeanie Johnston which is the only famine ship during those harsh times that did not have one death onboard for the seven years it transported the Irish to Canada. The tour of the ship re-creates the journey the Irish took and what they had to deal with on the journey.

Things to do in Dublin

Kilmainham Gaol

A Dublin must-see is Kilmainham Gaol Museum this is the place where the Irish rebels were incarcerated. Accused of many crimes including the 1916 Easter Rising it was at Kilmainham that many lost their lives to a British firing Squad.

Things to do in Dublin

The Irish Jewish Museum

This is a real hidden gem for people visiting Dublin. The Museum preserves an important, though small, part of Ireland’s cultural and historic heritage. The Museum contains a substantial collection of memorabilia relating to the Irish Jewish communities and their various associations and contributions to present-day Ireland. The Museum is an all-Ireland museum and its material is associated with the communities of BelfastCorkDerry, Drogheda, Dublin, Limerick & Waterford and relates mostly to the last 150 years.

cool things to do in Dublin head to the Jewish Museum

Glasnevin Cemetery Museum

While you are at the Botanic Gardens head over to the Glasnevin Cemetery where you can see the graves of many of Ireland’s heroes and heroines. Take a look at the Museum or do some research on your Irish ancestors.

Michael Collins memorial at Dublin's Glasnevin Cemetery

National Leprechaun Museum

One of the fun things to do Dublin Ireland for kids is head to the National Leprechaun Museum explores Irish folklore through stories and interactive exhibits about Irish fairies, and Irish myths and legends including the famous Irish leprechaun.

Things to do in Dublin

 Dublinia: Experience Viking and Medieval Dublin

Dublinia is a fascinating interactive museum that explores the Ireland of long ago, focusing largely on its Viking and medieval history. Full of the fascinating history of how Dublin got its name and the Viking history of the area.

Things to do in Dublin

Stephen’s Green

Gorgeous on a sunny day. Half of Dublin lunches are here during the summer. Grab a sandwich and join them.

Things to do in Dublin

Merrion Square

Not as large as Stephen’s Green but even more spectacular when the flowers are in bloom and surrounding the square are the beautiful Georgian houses and their multi-coloured doors.

Dublin a guide to its neighbourhoods

Grand Canal

Walk along the banks from Rathmines Bridge to The Old Schoolhouse bar and restaurant.

Things to do in Dublin
©Dublin Canals

Dublin Castle

I’m going to add a great one to this list that I totally forgot about, Dublin Castle. If you want to know more have a read of Anisa and Russells’s article on What you need to know about visiting Dublin Castle. It’s a fascinating building to take a tour of.

Things to do in Dublin

Churches and Cathedrals of Dublin

Christ Church Cathedral

Located in the heart of Dublin city centre, Christ Church was originally a Viking church and has been welcoming pilgrims and visitors for almost 1,000 years. This is an Anglican cathedral with a tiled medieval floor, vaulted ceilings and a stunning nave.

Take a tour of the Cathedral to find the crypt, the city’s oldest working structure, or climb into the belfry and discover its world-famous bells. Other hidden treasures are waiting to be discovered: Strongbow’s final resting place, the heart of St. Laurence O’Toole, a rare copy of the Magna Carta and the famous mummified cat and rat.

Things to do in Dublin

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland. As the largest cathedral and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Ireland, Saint Patrick’s has been at the heart of Dublin and Ireland’s history and culture for over 800 years.

Things to do in Dublin

St. Michan’s Mummies

The foundations of St. Michan’s date back to 1095, the church was originally built to serve the Vikings, who were still in Ireland. Sadly in 2024 some asshole set fire to the Crypt and the mummies were destroyed. The Curch is trying to see if anything can be salvaged. The main four “mummies” were the Unknown Woman, The Crusader, the Thief who is missing parts of both feet and his hand (which was said to be his punishment) and The Nun.

Caskets in the crypt of St Michan with the mummies before they were burnt

Visit St. Valentine

One of the coolest things to do in Dublin is look for St. Valentine. Not many Dubliners know this but Saint Valentine’s remains are housed in a church on Whitefair Street. On November 10, 1836, the Reliquary containing the remains of St. Valentine was gifted by the Pope to Father Spratt who had preached in Rome.

Street Art of Dublin

The Spire – The Monument of Light

Take a wander over to view the “Spire” Dublin’s newest landmark and sculpture on O’Connell Street. Dubliners being Dubliners have nicknamed it the nail in the Pale, the stiletto in the ghetto, the pin in the bin, the stiffy by the Liffey, the spire in the mire, or the spike.

the Spire street sculpture in Dublin. A very tall silver needle pointing to the sky

Molly Malone – the tart with the cart

The statue of Molly Malone on Suffolk Street is just a short walk from Trinity College and Grafton Street. Probably not a real person but a legend has grown up around a character from a song called Molly Malone who worked as a fishmonger but also as a working girl and died in one of the outbreaks of Cholera that regularly used to sweep the city of Dublin.

Molly Malone Statue

Anna Livia Monument – The Floozy in the Jacuzzi

The “Floozy in the Jacuzzi” is a Dublin nickname for the Anna Livia sculpture and fountain, a tribute to the River Liffey, which flows through Dublin. Originally located on O’Connell Street, this bronze statue depicts a reclining woman in flowing water, symbolizing the personification of the river. Today, the statue resides in Croppies Acre Memorial Park.

Things to do in Dublin

Things to do in Dublin – Dublin Tours

Old Jameson Distillery

A tour of Jameson’s is a must for whiskey lovers. The tour covers all the basics and a good lesson in what differentiates Irish whiskey from other types of whiskey and in particular Jameson Whiskey. There is also a tasting at the end of the tour, so get in there and volunteer and you will be treated to an extended tasting of whiskies that is most educational. BOOK YOUR TOUR OF THE JAMESON DISTILLERY NOW

Things to do in Dublin

The Famous Guinness Storehouse Tour

This seems to be the one that everyone wants to see when they hit Dublin for a day. The Guinness storehouse tour is not based on seeing how they make Guinness it is more of a history of where Guinness began and the processes involved. It is an interactive tour but you don’t see the brewery. You do get to go up to the Sky Bar and learn how to pour a pint of Guinness and you get some amazing views of Dublin it has to be said.

You can learn a lot more about the Guinness tour from Sav at Salt Water Vibes blog her post on the Guinness Storehouse Brewery Tour has all the details you need.  BOOK HERE FOR AN EPIC GUINNESS STOREHOUSE TOUR – SKIP THE LINE & GET A FREE PINT

Dublin Ghost Tour

This is a gothic-style mobile theatre with a storyteller leading a spellbinding trip through Dublin’s haunted streets. On this eerie tour, you will learn about Bram Stoker, Dr Clossy and his bucket of entrails, The Walking Gallows the Dolocher stalker and more. These tours are also done on the Ghost Bus Tour. BOOK YOUR GHOST TOUR HERE.

Things to do in Dublin

Dark Dublin Walking tour

Alternatively, go for a relaxing stroll on a Dark Dublin Walking Tour.   Explore Dublin’s gruesome stories of murder, torture, cannibalism, grave robbing, brothels, proposals to eat young children, unearthly worship and much more!

The journey begins at Dublin Castle, where we will explore the torture of the past, speak of priest hunters and unearth why the upper courtyard was nicknamed the Devil’s Half Acre but behind the beautiful architecture is a brutal past. From here we’ll take the side streets to hear stories of cannibalism and of proposals to eat babies. As we delve further into Dublin’s dark past, we’ll enter an area once known as Hell. Uncover stories of brothels, witches, and the infamous Hellfire Club.

Guide to Dublin Pub Crawls

One of the top things to do in Dublin is, of course, to check out the pubs. From the 12 Days of Christmas to literary, haunted, musical and more, pub crawls are a fantastic way to not only get to know the Irish themselves but to make new friends and visit pubs you might just never see as a tourist.

Temple Bar Tour

Temple Bar is Dublin’s vibrant cultural quarter, known for its lively atmosphere, cobbled streets, and bustling pubs and cafés. Located along the south bank of the River Liffey, it’s a hotspot for both locals and tourists, offering a mix of traditional Irish music, street performances, and eclectic dining options.

Temple Bar is home to iconic pubs like The Temple Bar Pub and cultural institutions such as the Irish Film Institute and the Gallery of Photography. With its rich history, buzzing nightlife, and array of galleries and markets, Temple Bar offers a quintessential Dublin experience that blends heritage and modernity. BOOK YOUR TEMPLE BAR TOUR AND JAMESON DISTILLERY TOUR HERE.

MERCHANT'S  ARCH, TEMPLE BAR , DUBLIN, IRELAND The Merchants Arch Bar and Restaurant From the Heart of Dublin's Cultural Quarter Temple Bar.

The Traditional Irish Musical Pub Crawl

Generally, these are led by professional musicians who perform tunes and songs while telling the story of Irish music and leading you through a series of pubs that offer a wide variety of Irish music. The crawl will show you some pubs where local boys used to perform and treat you to some authentic Irish Trad music. BOOK YOUR TRAD MUSIC TOUR HERE.

Things to do in Dublin

The Dublin City Pub Crawl

Learn how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness, experience some trad music get your free pints and tour some of Dublin’s most authentic pubs. BOOK YOUR DUBLIN CITY PUB CRAWL HERE.

Literary Pub Crawl     

Off the wall, book-themed pub tours take a walk through the famous writers’ of Dublin.  Avoiding most of the tourist clichés this crawl is a great evening of storytelling, gossip about writers and a great pint or two.

Wander Dublin’s charming streets to visit sites and pubs that inspired some of the country’s most famous writers; enjoy refreshing pints of locally brewed ale and sample local specialitie. Delve into Dublin’s literary past and exciting pub culture with entertaining and informative actors during this enriching experience. BOOK A LITERARY PUB CRAWL HERE.

Statue of famous writer Patrick Kavanagh on the grand canal banks in Dublin

Backpacker Pub Crawl

A great tour for the youngster or hostel stayers this pub tour goes where the locals do and the guides work hard to avoid the usual tourist traps. Great guides, free shots lots of live music and drinking games make this a great tour for the under 25’s. BOOK HERE FOR YOUR CRAZY PUB CRAWL TOUR 

Whiskey Tasting Tour of Dublin

Sample the smooth taste of Irish whiskey on a tasting tour in Dublin. With a whiskey connoisseur, visit bars to try Ireland’s finest varieties. Follow in the footsteps of Oscar Wilde and Jonathan Swift as you visit notable Irish bars around Dublin’s city centre, learning about the drink’s history along the way. BOOK THE WHISKEY TASTING TOUR HERE.

Things to do in Dublin

 Dublin Traditional Music Pub Crawl

Dublin is where pubs are born. Some don’t survive, many leave the Irish shore, and several have mid-life crises, but few are ageing as gracefully as the stable pubs that bestow so much character on Dublin. Avoid tourist traps and fake ‘Irish’ pubs! Follow in the footsteps of Irish literary giants like Patrick Kavanagh, Flann O’Brien and Brendan Behan. If Dublin has hidden gems, they’re the pubs that don’t advertise to tourists. BOOK YOUR MUSIC PUB CRAWL HERE.

Hidden Dublin Walks

Each tour guide is an actor, a writer, a musician or an artist of some description, offering a unique account of their beloved city, its people, its history and its stories.

They will show you some of the absolute ‘must sees’ in Dublin, like Dublin Castle, Christchurch Cathedral and Trinity College, and also some of the city’s forgotten corners and hidden gems. BOOK YOUR HIDDEN WALK TOUR HERE

Things to do in Dublin

Foodie Tours in Dublin

Fab Food tours do some great walking foodie tours of Dublin.  Touring street markets, speciality gourmet stores, street food vendors and small intimate venues that are bringing new international and contemporary tastes to Dublin. As you enjoy the food, you’ll also learn a little about the culture and history of each neighbourhood. Try some traditional Spice Bag after the pub or a full Irish breakfast.

Things to do in Dublin

Those familiar with the city will be amazed to discover food outlets, and tasty surprises they never knew existed, and visitors will leave with up-to-date insider knowledge of the best of what is happening food-wise in Ireland.

Dublin Food Tour with a Local Foodie, Personalized & Private

Explore Dublin’s local food scene with a private foodie guide on this half-day tour. Eat and drink your way through the city’s restaurants and bars, featuring super-fresh seafood and locally brewed ales. Learn about Irish culinary culture and the history of traditional Irish cuisine through commentary and food tastings tailored to your preferences. This private tour ensures personalized attention and plenty of time to ask questions. BOOK YOUR FOOD TOUR HERE

Dublin 3 course traditional Irish Meal Walking Tour

Enjoy an authentic taste of traditional Irish cuisine on this tasting tour of Dublin. Get the inside scoop on the city’s culinary scene as you seek out little-known local haunts on a walking tour. This small-group tour is limited for a personalized experience and stops at various locations, where you tuck into typical Irish dishes, accompanied by craft beers. BOOK YOUR TASTING TOUR HERE

A pot of stew with boxty, Ireland potato pancake, and Irish potato cake on a wooden table.

Dublin Coastal Craft Beer and Seafood Trail with a Local

Known for its bounty of seafood, bars, restaurants and, importantly, beer, the small historic fishing village of Howth is perched on the coast just a short drive from downtown Dublin. Join in a guided half-day tour, featuring a freshly-caught two-course seafood lunch and a selection of North County Dublin’s finest craft beers.

A full platter of fresh Irish seafood, clams, oysters, prawns, smoked salmon and mussels with a slice of lemon on the side

With this tour, discover the rich Norman and Viking history of medieval Ireland. Discover some of Howth’s less-known eateries and bars, popular with locals Sample Ireland’s freshest seafood: Dublin bay prawns, Portavogie shrimp, Oysters, Gambas, and more Hear of Norman and Viking invasions and discover legends from 12th-century Howth Walk across Howth Harbour and watch fishing boats return with the latest catch. BOOK YOUR COASTAL SEAFOOD TOUR HERE

Things to do in Dublin

Traditional Music & Dinner Tours Dublin

The Irish Dance Party

With so many activities offered in Dublin, it can be a challenge trying to figure out what to do while visiting. This Irish dance party offers a fun afternoon of dancing for an affordable price. See choreographed dance performances by professional Irish dancers, learn Irish dance moves from an award-winning dancer, and hear stories about Irish music, dance, and culture from a traditional Irish singer. BOOK YOUR DANCE PARTY HERE

Things to do in Dublin

Irish Night Show Including 4-Course Dinner

Nobody knows how to party like the Irish and this traditional dinner show offers a thrilling introduction to Irish music and dance. Tuck into a delicious 4-course dinner at the Taylors Three Rock pub and enjoy an entertaining live musicians and Irish dancers. BOOK YOUR IRISH NIGHT SHOW HERE

Hikes and walks near Dublin

Howth Head Hike

The best walk within Dublin’s limits is Howth Head. Grab a DART from Tara Street Station to Howth on Dublin’s north side (30 mins). Walk to the end of Howth along the waterfront following the road up and to the right at the end of the harbour. Keep following the coast and you will find yourself on a wide unpaved path that runs right around Howth Head. The walk has splendid sea views and is guaranteed to clear your head.

Things to do in Dublin

Dun Laoghaire Hike

A second, more traditional and less taxing option is to walk the pier at Dun Laoghaire, which extends more than a mile out into the Irish Sea. Again, a DART from Tara Street – this time to the south – will get you there.    

Things to do in Dublin

Bray Cliff Walk     

This is another stunning coastal path that takes you 7km along the cliffs between Bray and Greystones. If you want to go one way from Bray, for example, you can hop on the DART to take you back from Greystones.

Dublin to Bray train running along the coastline of Ireland - travelling Ireland without a car

There are just so many things to do in Dublin but don’t forget this is an island full of history, relics and ruins, castles and incredible scenery that lies just outside Dublin here are a few ideas for you to check out if you want to get out of Dublin for a day and explore Ireland off the beaten path.

Go and visit the Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough and have a scout around for some of the sites used in the filming of the History Channels show Vikings. Here are 101 things to do in Ireland lists you can add to your bucket list.

Things to do in Dublin
Trail in wicklow mountain

All in all, Dublin is a vibrant city with something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just having a good time, there’s plenty to see and do here. So grab a pint of Guinness at the iconic Temple Bar, explore the stunning Trinity College campus or take a stroll through St Stephen’s Green Park. With its friendly locals and lively atmosphere, Dublin is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Things to do in Dublin

Author

  • Faith was born in Ireland raised in Canada and has lived in over 10 countries in Europe including England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, Northern Ireland, Wales, along with Mexico, Antigua, the US and has slow travelled to over 40 countries around the world. Graduating with a degree in Anthropology and Women's Studies Faith is a student of history, culture, community and food and has written about these topics for over 40 years.

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