12 Best Things To Do in Dublin, Ireland

The best things to do in Dublin include exploring the historic Trinity College Library and sipping a fresh pint at the Guinness Storehouse.

Over 8.6 million tourists visit the capital of Ireland each year. This compact city has everything from Viking history at Dublinia to strolls in Phoenix Park, one of the largest urban parks in Europe.

While most people head straight for iconic attractions like the Guinness Storehouse, don’t miss lesser-known attractions like Iveagh Gardens. You can dive into Irish history at Kilmainham Gaol or soak up live music in the Temple Bar District.

To build this list, we combined local insights, traveler reviews, and personal experiences. Whether you’re into history, nightlife, or food, these 12 attractions in Dublin showcase the very best of the Irish capital.

Table of Contents

Swipe and Vote: See What Travelers Recommend

If you could only do one thing in Dublin (tragic, I know), what’s your move?

This is a swiper quiz, swipe right for yes, swipe left for no.

Best Things To Do in Dublin, Ireland Walk Around Iveagh Gardens

Iveagh Gardens 🌿 1/5

Best Things To Do in Dublin, Ireland Try Guinness in the Guinness Storehouse

Guinness Storehouse 🍺 2/5

Best Things To Do in Dublin, Ireland See the Animals at Dublin Zoo Giraffes

Dublin Zoo 🦁 3/5

Best Spring Destinations in Europe Dublin Ireland Saint Patricks Cathedral

St. Patrick’s Cathedral ⛪ 4/5

Dublin Castle 🏰 5/5

Results

Iveagh Gardens 🌿

3 0

Guinness Storehouse 🍺

3 0

Dublin Zoo 🦁

3 0

St. Patrick’s Cathedral ⛪

3 0

Dublin Castle 🏰

3 0

🎧 Listen Instead: Your Article in Podcast

Enjoy this article in podcast form—perfect for staying informed or listening on the go.

Highlights at a Glance

Here are three popular places to stay in Dublin:

Luxury: NYX Hotel Dublin Christchurch is a centrally located hotel offering air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, a restaurant, a bar, and 24-hour front desk service, just steps from Dublin Castle and The City Hall.
Mid-range: Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin is a 4-star hotel in Dublin City Centre, offering air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, a bar, and easy access to nearby landmarks like Dublin Castle and Jameson Distillery.
Budget: Academy Plaza Hotel offers modern, air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, an on-site restaurant, and easy access to Connolly Train Station and popular attractions like Temple Bar and Trinity College.

Here are three things you don’t want to miss in Dublin:

Try Guinness in the Guinness Storehouse – This is Dublin’s most popular tourist attraction.
Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral – St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the city’s most beautiful buildings.
Explore Dublin Castle – Dublin Castle is one of the capital’s most historic landmarks.

Try Guinness in the Guinness Storehouse

Trying Guinness at the Guinness Storehouse is one of the most popular things to do in Dublin. For over 250 years, this iconic location has been brewing Ireland’s famous beer. As such, there’s no better place to learn and sample Guinness. The Guinness Storehouse contains several floors that tell the tale of Guinness.

On the Guinness Storehouse Experience, you’ll explore the storehouse on a self-guided tour, learning more about how Guinness came to be and how it’s made. Entry to the Guinness tasting rooms and a complimentary pint of Guinness in the Gravity Bar are included in your ticket.

Tickets can cost as little as €20 ($21), but you’ll likely pay closer to €50 ($52.40).

Book Tickets Online to Skip the Line: The line for walk-up tickets can get long, especially on weekends. Booking online guarantees your spot and sometimes gets you a discount.
Go for the Stoutie Experience: If you want something extra, upgrade to the Stoutie tour (€25 more) and get a pint with your face printed on the foam—yes, really.

Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Founded in 1191 as a Roman Catholic cathedral, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the most beautiful things to see in Dublin. It’s also the largest cathedral in Ireland. This stunning structure features a cruciform shape and an English Gothic style.

Its most recognizable features are its pointed arches, vaulted roofs, large windows, and spires. The cathedral’s main spire is 141 feet (43 meters) tall. Inside, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is decorated with vibrant stained glass windows and floor tiles, magnificent mosaics, and beautiful sculptures.

Aside from its breathtaking beauty, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is praised for its rich history. Interestingly, the phrase “to chance your arm” originates from a feud inside the cathedral. The Go City Dublin Pass includes entry to the cathedral.

Catch the Choir Performance: If you can, time your visit with a choir performance (check the schedule online). The acoustics in the cathedral make it an unforgettable experience.
Visit St. Patrick’s Park Next Door: Right beside the cathedral is a peaceful little park with benches, flowers, and a great view of the cathedral’s exterior—perfect for a quick break.

Walk Around Iveagh Gardens

Iveagh Gardens is one of the most picturesque places to walk in Dublin. Nestled away behind the National Concert Hall, this 8.5-acre (3.44-hectare) park was designed by Ninian Niven in 1865. It features scenic tree-lined walking paths, lush woodlands, beautiful fountains, and even a tiny waterfall.

That’s not all it offers, either, as the park is also home to a vibrant American garden, a rosarium, and a small maze. To enjoy Iveagh Gardens to its fullest, we recommend spending an hour or two wandering around the park and admiring the sights. If you pack a picnic, you could find somewhere peaceful to sit for a while.

Iveagh Gardens is open year-round, and entry is free.

Enter from Hatch Street for a Quieter Experience: Most people come in from Clonmel Street, but the Hatch Street entrance is usually less crowded.
Visit During a Summer Festival: The gardens host cool events like the Taste of Dublin food festival—check what’s on before you go.

See the Animals at Dublin Zoo

Dublin Zoo is one of the best tourist attractions to visit in Dublin with children. It’s open daily from 9:30 until 17:00 and is home to more than 400 animal species. Some of the fascinating species you can see include Asian lions, Asian elephants, Bornean orangutans, and Amur tigers.

There’s a lot to see in Dublin, so you might not want to spend all day at the zoo. That said, we recommend heading straight to the animals you don’t want to miss. You should also attend one of the daily keeper talks to learn more about the zoo’s animals.

Entrance tickets cost less the earlier you book. For example, adult tickets cost €5.50 ($5.80) less online, 5+ days before your visit.

Arrive Right at Opening for Active Animals: The animals are most active in the morning before it gets too busy and warm. The big cats especially tend to nap later in the day.
Pack Snacks—Food is Pricey: There are cafés inside, but they’re expensive. Bring your own snacks and grab a bench near the African Savanna for a scenic break.

Admire the Artwork in the National Gallery of Ireland

If you’re an art enthusiast, visiting the National Gallery of Ireland is a must during your Dublin city break. This exciting art gallery prides itself on preserving and showcasing Ireland’s and Europe’s best artwork. It was founded in 1854 and houses a collection containing over 16,000 works of art from the 1300s to the present day.

One of the most famous works of art on display in the National Gallery is the Taking of Christ by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, painted in 1602. The gallery is also home to the Still Life with a Mandolin painting by iconic artist Pablo Picasso. Picasso created this piece in 1924.

The gallery has two entrances, one on Merrion Square and one on Clare Street.

Visit on a Weekday for Fewer Crowds: Weekends can get packed, especially around Caravaggio’s Taking of Christ. Go on a weekday morning for a more peaceful visit.
Don’t Miss the Courtyard Café: If you need a break, the café has great coffee and pastries. The seating area is bright and calm—perfect for soaking in the museum vibe.

Take a Photograph of the Hungry Tree

Save this

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.

Taking a photograph of the Hungry Tree is one of the most unique things to do in Dublin. Situated on King’s Inns Law School grounds, this 80-year-old London Plane tree has become a famous photography spot. Why, we hear you ask?

Well, this otherwise unassuming tree has decided to swallow a park bench. Yep, you read that right. This tree has partially consumed a nearby park bench.

As you can likely imagine, this unusual sight makes for a fantastic photograph. The grounds of King’s Inns are open to the public between 7:00 and 19:30 daily, so you have plenty of time to visit.

Go Early for a Clear Shot: The tree is a popular photo spot, so if you want a clean shot without people, visit in the morning before the crowds show up.
Combine It with a Walk Through King’s Inns: The historic law school grounds are peaceful and worth a short stroll. The architecture adds to the charm of the visit.

Learn More About Dublin in the Little Museum of Dublin

The Little Museum of Dublin is one of the best places to learn about the rich history of Ireland’s capital. This fascinating museum tells the story of Dublin through artifacts and objects kindly donated by the Irish people. The museum’s collection currently contains over 5,000 items.

The collection includes everything from photographs and diaries to posters and old ceramic bottles. The best way to explore the museum is on its famous 29-minute guided tour. The museum describes this tour as “a celebration of great storytelling, with history, comedy, and some of the friendliest people in Ireland.” The museum is open daily from 9:45 until 16:30.

Entry tickets that include the tour cost €15.00 ($15.70) for adults and €13.00 ($13.60) for children.

Book Your Tour in Advance: The guided tours fill up fast, so reserve your spot online to avoid disappointment.
Check Out the U2 Exhibit: If you’re a fan of the band, don’t miss the dedicated U2 room—it’s packed with memorabilia and stories about their rise to fame.

Explore Dublin Castle

Exploring Dublin Castle is one of the most exciting things to do in Dublin, especially if you love history. The castle was initially constructed as a medieval fortress in 1204 under the orders of King John of England. It stands atop a former Viking settlement in the city’s heart.

Dublin Castle underwent major surgery in the 17th and 18th centuries, transforming from a medieval bastion to a Georgian palace. As a result, the castle now features grand reception rooms, royal-esque apartments, elegant halls, and lush lawns. On a guided tour of the castle, you can learn all about its history from an expert guide.

You’ll explore the luxurious State Apartments, a Viking excavation site, and the Gothic Revival Chapel Royal. Tours sell out fast, so book well in advance.

Visit the Chester Beatty Library Next Door: This free museum inside the castle grounds has an incredible collection of rare books, manuscripts, and art from around the world—an underrated gem.
Walk the Dubh Linn Garden: Behind the castle is a circular lawn with intricate stone designs, once the site of the original “Black Pool” (Dubh Linn) that gave Dublin its name. It’s a quiet spot to take a break.

Watch Gaelic Football or Hurling at Croke Park

Watching Gaelic football or hurling at Croke Park is one of the best things to do in Dublin if you love sports. Gaelic football and hurling are two of the biggest sports in Ireland, and both take place at Croke Park regularly. For those who don’t know, Gaelic football is often described as a combination between soccer and rugby.

Meanwhile, hurling is a traditional Irish sport played with a stick and a ball. It’s similar to lacrosse. You’ll have to plan your trip expertly to catch a match at Croke Park, but the effort is well worth it. Croke Park has a capacity of 82,300, making it one of Europe’s largest stadiums.

You can expect an incredible atmosphere on game day. The match schedule is on the Croke Park website.

Get Tickets Early for Big Games: The All-Ireland finals sell out fast, so book your tickets well in advance if you’re visiting during the championship season.
Take the Skyline Tour: If there’s no match during your visit, the Skyline Tour gives you incredible views of Dublin from the stadium roof.

Visit One of Dublin’s Beaches

It may come as a surprise to many travelers, but Ireland’s capital has several beaches to visit. In fact, some of the city’s best beaches are Blug Flag listed, meaning they meet strict standards for cleanliness, safety, and management. Dublin’s beaches are perfect for escaping the busy streets and enjoying the great outdoors.

One of the closest beaches to Dublin city center is Sandymount Strand. This long stretch of soft sand is ideal for a refreshing morning walk. There’s also the 3.1-mile (5-kilometer) Dollymount Strand on North Bull Island, a popular place to hike and bird watch.

Alternatively, you could visit Seapoint Beach, where many locals swim in the summer.

Check the Tide Times Before You Go: Sandymount Strand almost disappears at high tide, so plan your visit when the tide is out for the best experience.
Pack Water Shoes for Seapoint Beach: The shoreline here is rocky, and water shoes make it much easier to walk and swim comfortably.

Explore the Wild Atlantic Way on a Day Trip

Road Trips for Fall Foliage in Europe The Wild Atlantic Way, Republic of Ireland — © Patryk Kosmider / Shutterstock

While Ireland’s iconic Wild Atlantic Way doesn’t start in Dublin, you can easily explore the scenic route on a day tour. For those who don’t know, the Wild Atlantic Way is a 1,553-mile (2,500-kilometer) tourism trail along Ireland’s west, north, and south coasts. It starts in County Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula and leads to Kinsale in County Cork.

Along the trail, you can expect to find many famous Irish attractions, such as the Cliffs of Moher, Glenveagh National Park, and Clifden. On this Wild Atlantic Way day tour from Dublin, you’ll travel along the Wild Atlantic Way, stopping at various points of interest. Led by an expert guide, this tour visits the Cliffs of Moher, Burren National Park, Dunguaire Castle, and Galway.

Book a Window Seat for the Best Views: The journey is filled with stunning landscapes, so sit on the left side of the bus when heading west for great coastline views.
Pack a Rain Jacket, No Matter the Forecast: The weather along the Wild Atlantic Way changes fast—one minute it’s sunny, the next it’s windy and rainy. Layers are your best friend!

Enjoy a Stroll Along the River Liffey

European Countries Ranked by Pickpocketing Risk_Ireland — © tilialucida / Shutterstock

Walking along the River Liffey is one of the most relaxing things to do in Dublin. The River runs through the center of the city and into Dublin Bay. As a result, travelers can enjoy scenic river walks that pass by popular attractions, including Dublin Castle and the Dublin Convention Centre.

Another excellent thing about the River Liffey is that you can pick it up anywhere. Better yet, many bridges along the river allow you to cross over to the other side easily. Having said that, we recommend following the 3.5-mile (5.7-kilometer) Liffey Walk.

This picturesque, flat walk starts at Sean Heuston Bridge and follows the river to Dublin Bay. During the walk, you’ll cross an impressive 17 bridges.

Walk at Sunset for Stunning Views: The city lights reflecting on the water make for an incredible scene, especially near the Samuel Beckett Bridge.
Stop at the Ha’penny Bridge for Photos: This iconic pedestrian bridge is one of the most photogenic spots along the river, especially in the evening.