Things to Do in Dublin
DESTINATION GUIDE

Things to Do in Dublin

50 curated spots from Dublin itineraries

Activities & Attractions

30 curated experiences

Trinity College & Book of Kells
Do
morning

Trinity College & Book of Kells

Visit Ireland’s oldest university, see the illuminated Book of Kells, and walk through the atmospheric Long Room library.

1h 30m · $15-20
Guinness Storehouse
Do
afternoon

Guinness Storehouse

Self-paced tour, pint at rooftop Gravity Bar.

2h · $25
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
Do
morning

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

Interactive, multimedia museum telling the story of Irish emigration worldwide, with lots of hands-on exhibits and family-friendly storytelling.

1h 30m · $20-25
National Gallery of Ireland
Do
morning

National Gallery of Ireland

Irish and European art in light-filled galleries.

1h 30m · Free
Dublin Castle & Chester Beatty
Do
morning

Dublin Castle & Chester Beatty

Tour the castle grounds, State Apartments, and then explore the excellent (often free) Chester Beatty collection behind the castle.[1]

2h · $15-20 (castle), Chester Beatty often free
Kilmainham Gaol
Do
morning

Kilmainham Gaol

Former prison now a museum, with guided tours explaining Ireland’s struggle for independence.[11][13]

1h 30m · $12-18 per person
Phoenix Park
Do
morning

Phoenix Park

One of Europe’s largest enclosed parks, with walking and cycling paths, open fields, and resident deer.[11]

2h · Free (bike rental extra)
Temple Bar Pub Crawl
Do
evening

Temple Bar Pub Crawl

Free live music in pubs like Oliver St John Gogarty.

2h · $5 pint
Christ Church Cathedral
Do
evening

Christ Church Cathedral

Climb for city views, see mummified cats in crypt.

1h · $12
Dublin Castle
Do
morning

Dublin Castle

Self-guided tour of medieval towers, state apartments, gardens.

1h 30m · $10
Guinness Storehouse & Gravity Bar
Do
late afternoon

Guinness Storehouse & Gravity Bar

Seven-story interactive museum celebrating Guinness history, culminating at the 360° Gravity Bar where you pour your own perfect pint and enjoy panoramic city views. Allow 2.5-3 hours.

3h · $28 per person (includes one pint)
National Botanic Gardens
Do
afternoon

National Botanic Gardens

Exotic conservatories and riverside paths (Bus 11, 15min)

2h · $10
National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology
Do
afternoon

National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology

Explore Celtic artifacts, Viking finds, and the famous bog bodies like Cashel Man; the galleries are ideal for an indoor cultural deep dive.[1][2]

1h 30m · Free or <$10
St. Patrick's Cathedral
Do
evening

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Evening light show and choir (return 45 min bus).

1h 15m · $25
St. Stephen's Green
Do
morning

St. Stephen's Green

Fitness walk around lake, swan boats, hidden waterfall.

1h 30m · Free
Dublinia & Christ Church Cathedral
Do
morning

Dublinia & Christ Church Cathedral

Viking/medieval exhibits then cathedral visit (5min walk)

2h · $15
Grafton Street & Shopping
Do
afternoon

Grafton Street & Shopping

Browse luxury shops, street performers, and souvenirs.

1h 30m · Varies
Howth Cliff Walk
Do
morning

Howth Cliff Walk

3hr loop seals, views; medium fitness, sturdy shoes.

3h · Free
Howth Market
Do
afternoon

Howth Market

Browse local crafts and seafood; 5-min walk from hike end.

1h · Varies
Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) & Gardens
Do
late_morning

Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) & Gardens

Explore contemporary art inside the Royal Hospital Kilmainham with formal gardens and lawns outside.

1h 30m · Free (some exhibitions paid)
St Stephen’s Green & Grafton Street
Do
afternoon

St Stephen’s Green & Grafton Street

Walk through the formal gardens, ponds, and tree-lined paths of St Stephen’s Green, then exit toward pedestrian-only Grafton Street for buskers, boutique shopping, and easy photo opportunities.[3]

2h · Free
St. Stephen’s Green
Do
morning

St. Stephen’s Green

Stroll the paths, ponds, and flowerbeds of this central city park; use it as a gentle 'urban hike' and nature break with plenty of photo spots and benches.

1h · Free
Teeling Whiskey Distillery
Do
afternoon

Teeling Whiskey Distillery

Modern distillery tour and tasting of award-winning whiskeys.

1h 15m · $25
Trinity College Dublin & Book of Kells
Do
morning

Trinity College Dublin & Book of Kells

Tour Ireland’s oldest university, see the illuminated medieval Book of Kells, and walk through the vaulted Long Room library with its rows of old books and busts.[1][5]

1h 30m · $20-25
Boat Tour from Howth Harbour
Do
afternoon

Boat Tour from Howth Harbour

Short boat trips around Howth’s coast or to see birds and seals near Ireland’s Eye, depending on season and operators.

1h 30m · $25-35 per person
Book of Kells & Trinity College
Do
morning

Book of Kells & Trinity College

Ancient manuscript viewed in the atmospheric Long Room library with soaring ceilings and 200,000+ volumes. Allow time to explore Trinity's cobblestone courtyards and quads. Audio guide included.

2h · $20-25 per person
Bull Island Dunes Hike
Do
afternoon

Bull Island Dunes Hike

UNESCO reserve birdwatching.

1h · Free
Carrickgollogan Forest Walk
Do
morning

Carrickgollogan Forest Walk

Easy-moderate trails, mine chimney views; bus 15 40min. Medium fitness, rain backup St Stephen’s.

2h · Free
Chester Beatty Library
Do
morning

Chester Beatty Library

Free rare books, Asian art exhibits.

1h · Free
Chimney Park & Samuel Beckett Bridge
Do
afternoon

Chimney Park & Samuel Beckett Bridge

Riverside strolls and modern architecture

1h 30m · Free

Restaurants & Food

20 local favorites

Queen of Tarts
Eat
morning

Queen of Tarts

Charming café and bakery known for excellent coffee, hearty breakfasts, and homemade cakes; try the scones or a full Irish to start the trip.

1h · $18-25 per person
Bewley’s Grafton Street
Eat
morning

Bewley’s Grafton Street

Iconic café on Grafton Street; share a full Irish breakfast or pastries with good coffee before sightseeing.

1h · $15-25 per person
Brother Hubbard
Eat
morning

Brother Hubbard

Middle Eastern-inspired brunch; try avocado toast and flat whites.

1h · $20-30 per person
The Brazen Head
Eat
afternoon

The Brazen Head

Ireland's oldest pub (1198); Irish stew and live music vibes.

1h 15m · $25-40 per person
The Winding Stair
Eat
afternoon

The Winding Stair

Irish produce-focused; order smoked haddock or Dingle crab with soda bread.

1h 15m · $40-70 per person
Etto
Eat
afternoon

Etto

Minimalist Italian-Irish spot; try handmade pasta or seafood specials.

1h 15m · $30-45 per person
Bewley's Oriental Cafe
Eat
morning

Bewley's Oriental Cafe

Art deco spot; Irish breakfast and coffee.

1h · $20-30 per person
Bread 41
Eat
morning

Bread 41

Serious bakery with minimalist interiors; pick up pastries and coffee before a coastal excursion.

30m · $10-15 per person
Leo Burdock
Eat
evening

Leo Burdock

Classic fish & chips; fresh cod.

45m · $10-12 per person
Two Pups Coffee
Eat
morning

Two Pups Coffee

Specialty coffee and brunch dishes in a relaxed, local-feeling café.

1h · $15-20 per person
Brother Hubbard (North)
Eat
morning

Brother Hubbard (North)

Trendy café offering Middle Eastern‑influenced brunch dishes and great coffee in an airy space north of the Liffey.

1h · $18-25 per person
Chapter One
Eat
evening

Chapter One

Michelin-starred; innovative Irish tasting menu.

2h · $120-150 per person
The Woollen Mills
Eat
evening

The Woollen Mills

Casual modern Irish restaurant overlooking the Liffey; order hearty comfort dishes like fish pie or lamb, with good vegetarian options.

1h 15m · $30-45 per person
L. Mulligan Grocer
Eat
evening

L. Mulligan Grocer

Gastropub in a residential street serving modern Irish comfort dishes and an excellent craft beer list.

1h 30m · $30-40 per person
Tang Dawson Street
Eat
morning

Tang Dawson Street

Small café with excellent coffee, yogurt bowls, and eggs on sourdough.

45m · $12-18 per person
The Fumbally
Eat
morning

The Fumbally

Communal table café; avocado toast or eggs.

1h · $20-35 per person
Beshoff Bros Howth
Eat
afternoon

Beshoff Bros Howth

Well-known fish and chips shop by the harbor, with takeaway and sit-in options.

1h · $15-22 per person
Brother Hubbard North
Eat
morning

Brother Hubbard North

Casual café with excellent coffee, Middle Eastern‑leaning brunch dishes, and good vegetarian options—order the Turkish eggs or shakshuka.

1h · $15-25 per person
Herbstreet
Eat
evening

Herbstreet

Riverside restaurant with casual mains like burgers, fish, and salads.

1h 15m · $22-25 per person
Insomnia Coffee Co.
Eat
afternoon

Insomnia Coffee Co.

Gourmet sandwiches, Irish stew, outdoor seating.

45m · $13-19 per person

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