30 Must-Do Things in Dublin, Ireland: Top Attractions, Hidden Gems & What to Avoid
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin, Ireland's vibrant capital, captivates with its colorful doors, lively music, and rich history. Discover the best attractions for an unforgettable visit.
As one of Europe's smaller capitals, Dublin punches above its weight, enchanting visitors with stunning cathedrals, historic pubs, world-class museums, and secret spots.
From quirky hidden gems to iconic landmarks, this guide—drawn from my family's genealogy trip tracing my Irish roots—shares 30 fun, unique things to do year-round.
This free Dublin itinerary is based on personal experience. Use my affiliate links for hotels, cars, or tours to support it at no extra cost—thank you!
Table Of Contents- Dublin Highlights Map
- Travel to Ireland: Current Info
- Best Things to Do in Dublin
- 1. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- 2. Fish & Chips at Leo Burdock's
- 3. Trinity College Library
- 4. Traditional Irish Breakfast
- 5. Christ Church Cathedral
- 6. Glasnevin Cemetery Genealogy
- 7. Ha’penny Bridge Walk
- 8. Howth Cliff Walk
- 9. Kilmainham Gaol
- 10. Grafton Street Buskers
- 11. Oscar Wilde Statue
- 12. St. Michan’s Mummies
- 13. Dublin Bus Tour
- 14. Phoenix Park Deer
- 15. Oratory of the Sacred Heart
- 16. Trad Sessions at The Hairy Lemon
- 17. Hurling Match
- 18. Hungry Tree at King’s Inns
- 19. Irish Whiskey Tasting
- 20. Lucy’s Lounge Vintage
- 21. Hellfire Club
- 22. Samuel Beckett Bridge
- 23. Little Museum of Dublin
- 24. Sweny’s Pharmacy
- 25. Temple Bar
- 26. St. Stephen’s Green Picnic
- 27. Dublin Castle Tour
- 28. National Leprechaun Museum
- 29. Beef Stew at The Church
- 30. What to Avoid in Dublin
- Getting Around Dublin
- Where to Stay in Dublin
- Dublin Travel Tips
Dublin Highlights Map
How to Use: Interactive map of top Dublin spots. Toggle layers for routes and attractions. Star to save in Google Maps or open full-size. Expert-curated for your trip!
Travel to Ireland: Current Info
Ireland is open to all international visitors, including from the US. No vaccination or testing required. Hotels, attractions, and tours operate normally with standard safety measures. Check official sources like gov.ie for latest updates.
Ultimate Dublin Attractions Guide
1. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Founded in 1191, Ireland's largest church and National Cathedral marks where St. Patrick baptized converts 1,500 years ago. One of two cathedrals in Dublin (with Christ Church).
Open 9am-5pm daily. Self-guided or skip-the-line tours available. Jonathan Swift (Gulliver’s Travels) was Dean and is buried here. Stroll the grounds on sunny days.
St. Patrick’s Guided Tour
Expert-led tour skips lines, reveals Ireland’s largest cathedral history.
Book Online Now2. Fish & Chips at Leo Burdock's
Iconic since 1913, Leo Burdock's fish and chips served through wars and the 1916 Rising. Celebrity Wall of Fame outside. Tiny shop—takeaway to St. Patrick’s nearby. Order 'crispy bits'!
3. Trinity College Library & Book of Kells
Ireland's oldest university (1592), alma mater of Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde, Swift. Houses ancient Book of Kells (since 1661). Long Room library inspired Hogwarts—top Instagram spot.
Dublin Historic Walking Tour
Guided tour of top sites including Trinity College.
Book Online Now4. Traditional Irish Breakfast
Hearty fry-up: bacon, sausages, puddings, eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, potatoes, soda bread. Fuel for farm days; locals swear by it (like centenarian Gladys Fielden).
Dublin Food Tour
Sample Irish cuisine at award-winning spots with history insights.
Book Online Now5. Christ Church Cathedral
Dublin's oldest building (1030). Marvel at architecture, 12th-century crypt, bell tower. Self-guided tours, ring the bell, see 16th-century costumes.
Dublin City Pass
Access Christ Church + 35 attractions at one price.
Book Online Now6. Glasnevin Cemetery for Genealogy
1832 cemetery with watchtowers against body-snatchers. Graves of Michael Collins, Brendan Behan, Luke Kelly. Museum tells 1.5M stories; top genealogy resource.
7. Ha’penny Bridge Stroll
1816 bridge over Liffey (toll: halfpenny). Kayak tours underneath; catch sunsets or 'Music Under the Bridge' sessions.
8. Howth Cliff Walk
Coastal hike from Dublin (bus/car). 2-hour trail with sea views, seafood, markets. All levels; guided options available.
Howth Cliff Walk Safari
Guided coastal trek with cliff views.
Book Online Now9. Kilmainham Gaol
Historic prison (3.5km from center). Guided tours cover executions, conditions until 1924. Book timed tickets; film location (Italian Job).
10. Grafton Street Buskers
Free street performances: trad, rock, pop. Stars like Allie Sherlock started here; Bono, Hozier have busked too.
11. Oscar Wilde Statue
Merrion Square: Wilde reclining on Wicklow rock, colorful stones. Near his former home.
Dublin Rogues Tour
Local guide on Wilde, O’Connell, more.
Book Online Now12. St. Michan’s Church Mummies
Crypt vaults with 17th-19thC mummies: Sheares brothers, nun, one-handed, 800-year Crusader (6ft+). Eerie tours.
Dublin Dark Side Tour
2.5hr ghosts & devil worship tales.
Book Online Now13. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
DoDublin tours: witty guides quote Joyce, Wilde. History, humor, sing-alongs.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
24/48hr unlimited access to city heritage.
Book Online Now14. Phoenix Park Wild Deer
Europe's largest urban park (350+ years, 7km²). 450 deer herd since 1662. Zoo nearby; picnic spot.
15. Oratory of the Sacred Heart
Dún Laoghaire chapel: Sister Concepta Lynch's 16-year mural. WWI memorial with unique art.
16. Trad Sessions at The Hairy Lemon
19thC pub for lively Irish music. Wild sessions, dancing, trad food (coddle, stew).
Irish Music Pub Tour
Musician-led through trad pubs.
Book Online Now17. Hurling at Croke Park
3,000-year Gaelic sport: fastest on grass. Hurley stick, sliotar ball, helmets mandatory. High-energy thrill.
18. Hungry Tree at King’s Inns
80-year plane tree 'eating' iron bench. Scenic grounds for strolls.
19. Irish Whiskey Tasting
Teeling Distillery (working site). Tours, blending, cocktails. Jameson is museum-only.
Irish Whiskey Museum
4 whiskeys, blending demo.
Book Online Now20. Lucy’s Lounge Vintage Store
Pink Temple Bar shop: quirky vintage clothes, accessories, eccentric decor (handsaws, painted Barbies).
21. Hellfire Club Ruins
Forest hike to haunted 18thC lodge: Satanist tales, Devil legends, spine-chilling views.
Dublin Dark Side Tour
Ghosts & occult stories walking tour.
Book Online Now22. Samuel Beckett Bridge
2009 harp-shaped design by Calatrava. Pedestrian-friendly over Liffey.
23. Little Museum of Dublin
20thC history via 5,000+ community donations. Hourly guided tours: 1916 Rising, JFK, Bono. 1-2hrs.
Other museums: National Gallery, IMMA, National Museum, EPIC Emigration.
Dublin City Pass
35+ attractions including museums.
Book Online Now24. Sweny’s Pharmacy
Ulysses landmark (1847). Leopold Bloom site: vintage soaps, books, photos preserved by volunteers.
25. Temple Bar District
Cultural quarter: pubs, music, markets, galleries, vintage shops. Day/night vibes; guided tours.
Whiskey & Food Tour
Whiskies, cheeses, chocolates tasting.
Book Online Now26. St. Stephen’s Green Picnic
Central oasis (400yrs). 1916 Rising site; feed ducks (groundskeeper truce story).
St. Stephen’s Green Tour
1hr history walk.
Book Online Now27. Dublin Castle
13thC on Viking site. See walls, moat. British HQ to Irish state rooms (1922).
Dublin Castle Skip-the-Line
+ Book of Kells combo.
Book Online Now28. National Leprechaun Museum
Folklore immersion: giant furniture, myths, illusions. Day/evening shows.
29. Guinness Beef Stew at The Church
18thC church-turned-cafe: organ, stained glass. Arthur Guinness married here; perfect winter warmer.
30. What to Avoid in Dublin
- Don't claim Irish heritage lightly—respect roots.
- Skip Molly Malone statue selfies (touristy).
- Avoid Sheriff Street (unsafe).
- Never call Irish 'British'—fierce independence.
- Pubs close ~11:30pm weekdays, 1am weekends.
Getting Around Dublin
Rental Car
Discover Cars compares best deals. Ideal for countryside; city driving challenging for newcomers.
Bus
Dublin Bus: city/coast. Digital timetables; coins only.
DART Train
Coastal suburbs: Howth, Dún Laoghaire.
Luas Tram
Fast lines; buy tickets at machines.
Taxi
Ranks/apps (Lynk/MyTaxi). Chatty drivers = free insights.
Dublin Bikes
€5/3 days, unlimited 30min rides.
Rent a Car
Best prices from locals & globals.
Check Latest Prices
Where to Stay in Dublin
Premium prices in compact center. Recommendations:
Top Picks
Luxury: Trinity City Hotel
Mid-Range: Jurys Inn Dublin
Budget: Abbey Court Hostel
Dublin Travel Tips
- Dublin City Pass: Save on 35+ attractions.
- Leap Card: 31% off transport (1/3/7 days).
- Best time: May-Aug (festivals); Mar (St. Patrick’s).
- Festivals: Electric Picnic, Fringe, Christmas, Bram Stoker.
- Airport: Airlink Bus (€6, every 15-20min).
