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30 Best Things To Do In Dublin, Ireland (For 2023)

Dublin surely has a lot to offer to tourists coming in and out of this marvelous city in Ireland. It has everything in store for travelers of all kinds- solo, group, young or old. If you’re looking for a perfect way to spend your time in Dublin, this article is the perfect list that you need. Here are the top things to do in Dublin, Ireland.

READ MORE: Best Hotels In Dublin City.

30 Best Things To Do In Dublin Ireland (For 2023)

1. Take a glimpse of the past in Trinity College

trinity college dublin

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If you enjoy walking down memory lane, give it a shot at Trinity College where you can find a collection of Ireland’s treasured past in its Long Room Library. This 200-foot-long room holds 200,000 books as old as you can possibly imagine.

The most popular treasure in this library is the Book of Kells which has a great role in the Irish identity. Trinity College is also one of the best free things to do in Dublin, Ireland.

Opening Time

May to September

Monday to Saturday

08:30 am– 5:00pm

Sunday -09:30–5 pm

October to April

Monday to Saturday

09:30 am-5: pm

Sunday: 12 pm–4:30 pm

Admission Fee

Adult – €11–14

Family- €28

Concession -€12

Group- €11

Contact Information

Address: College Green Dublin 2, Ireland

Email: bookofkells@tcd.ie

Phone:+353 1 896 2320

2. Shake hands with the St. Michan’s Mummies in Dublin

St. Michan’s Mummies in Dublin

If you’re brave enough to spice up your Dublin tour, why don’t you try shaking hands with an 800-year-old mummy? Kept in a vault underneath St. Michan church, dozens of coffins are left as-is for the public eye to see.

As time pass by, these coffins slowly disintegrate revealing a mummy inside. Well, not every coffin contains a preserved mummy though and nobody, not even the church, can tell which coffin has mummies in them.

If you are in the city, this is surely one of the most interesting things to add to your Dublin itinerary.

Opening Times

March to October

Monday to Saturday

10 am to 4:45 pm

November to March

Monday to Saturday

12:30 pm to 3:30 pm

Admission Fee

€6

Contact Information

Address: Church Street, Dublin City

Email: stmichan@eircom.net 

Phone: +353(0)18724154

Check this tour that includes a visit to St. Michan’s Church to see the mummies.

 

3. Enjoy a private dinner at the Pig’s Ear

Treat yourself to this three-story Georgian Townhouse while you’re in Dublin. Its creative menu will surely leave you wanting to explore more of this city and the Irish cuisine.

Opening Time

Monday to Saturday

Lunch- 12 pm- 2:45pm

Dinner- 5:30pm-10pm

Closed Sundays and bank holidays

Contact Information

Address: 4 Nassau St, Dublin 2, Ireland

Phone: 01 670 3865

Email: info@thepigsear.ie

4. Revisit an old prison cell in Kilmainham

Kilmainham Gaol museum

So you think that visiting a mummy is not creepy enough? Then go ahead and add the Kilmainham Gaol in your things to do in Dublin. The Kilmainham Gaol used to be a place for executions and public hanging.

Martyrs and Irish leaders were also imprisoned within the walls of this infamous prison which makes it a perfect exhibit on the history of Irish Nationalism. It is also one of the best museums in Dublin. 

Opening Times

For updated opening hours, click here.

Admission Fee

Online prices – Adult €8, Senior €6, Child/Student €4 and Family €20. Walk-up prices* – Adult €9, Senior €7, Child/Student €5 and Family €23

Contact Information

Address: Kilmainham Gaol Museum Visitor Centre, Kilmainham Courthouse, Inchicore Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, Ireland. D08 RK28

Email: kilmainhamgaol@opw.ie

Phone: +353 1 4535984

5. Satisfy your appetite through Dublin food tours

After going through some of those unusual things to do in Dublin, why not satisfy your appetite?

Dublin has various food and drink tours you can sign up for like the Delicious Dublin Tours, Dublin Wine Trails, and Fabulous Food Trails.

Vegans can also join tours like the Vegan Dublin Food Tours By Vegan in Ireland.

6. Be amused bigtime at the Little Museum of Dublin

After a sumptuous food-trip around Dublin, you’ll surely have sufficient energy to visit the Little Museum of Dublin, right?

Brace yourself since you will definitely need this energy to explore all 5,000 artifacts that the museum is keeping on its three floors.

Aside from these artifacts, the museum also holds history classes for kids. So if you are visiting Dublin with kids, this is one of the top things to do with your little ones. 

Opening Times

Opening Hours: daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm

Admission Fee

Tickets cost €8 for kids, while families (2 adults and up to 3 children) pay just €20.

Contact Information

Address: 15 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin, Ireland

Email: MUIREANN@LITTLEMUSEUM.IE

Phone: +353 1 6611000

7. Experience Dublin through the DART

DART Dublin

This 54-kilometer commute ride will take you to the best sights and experiences in Dublin – from the highs and lows to every twists and turn of the city. Hop on and off these 31 stops and save yourself from those expensive sightseeing tours.

Don’t worry if you get hungry, you’ll surely find something at the Platform Pizza Bar, one of the best stops of this ride.

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday – 8:30 am -6 pm

Admission Fee

For updated fares to/from Dublin, click here. 

Contact Information

Address: Iarnród Éireann HQ, Connolly Station, Amien Street, Dublin 1, D01 V6V6

Phone:  (01) 8366 222

8. Watch over South Dublin from the mountains

If you want to breathe some fresh air, you should not forget the Dublin mountains in your list of things to do in Dublin.

Its accessibility to the city is one of the reasons why locals and tourists prefer to spend their morning or afternoon overlooking South Dublin.

9. Read the Ulysses in Sweny’s Pharmacy

Whether you’re looking for your own “sweet lemony wax” or you simply want to read a passage from Ulysses, Sweny’s Pharmacy is the perfect place for you.

This pharmacy-turned bookshop hosts special events too. And if you’re a huge fan of the Ulysses, you can even celebrate Bloomsday among others here.

Opening Time

Monday to Saturday,

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Open late on Thursdays for readings.

Contact Information

Address:  1 Lincoln Place, Dublin 2.

Email: swenyspharmacy@gmail.com

Phone:  083-457-9688 / 087-228-1570

10. Visit the Glasnevin Cemetery

Glasnevin Cemetery

A visit to the Glasnevin Cemetery will surely not disappoint if you want to learn more facts circulating Dublin. Feel free to walk around this cemetery, chit chat with their experienced set of tour guides, touch the coffin of Daniel O’Connell, and dig deep into Dublin’s history.

Opening Times

Monday – Friday: 10:00am – 5:00pm

Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday: 10: am – 6 pm

Admission Fee

Adult: €6.00, Child: €4.00

Contact Information

Address: Glasnevin Cemetery Finglas Road Glasnevin Dublin 11

Phone: + 353 01 882 6550

Email: info@glasnevintrust.ie

Check this Dublin Pass with Entry to Over 35 Attractions including Glasnevin Cemetery.

11. Learn from the Leprechauns

The National Leprechaun Museum, contrary to other museums, is specifically for those who are interested to know more about Irish folklore, mythology, and legends of leprechauns. Of course, you can also catch a glimpse of these Lucky Charm mascots and their pot of gold.

One of the highlights in this museum is where guests can walk into a room of oversized furniture and optical illusions.

Opening Time

Monday to Sunday – 10 am-6:30 pm

Friday- Saturday night time ( for 18+ only)

Admission Fee

7 years and up

45 mins, €10-16

18+ only

60~ mins, €18

Contact Information

Address: Jervis Street, Dublin 1, Ireland

Email: rainbow@leprechaunmuseum.ie

Phone: 01 8733899

12. Discover Dublin’s lost medieval wall

Remains of Dublin’s protection against invaders is what the Saint Audoen’s Gate represents nowadays after parts of the wall crumbled and broke down to pieces.

If you happen to be touring around the historic part of Dublin, exit through St. Audoen’s Gate and walk along the medieval pathway to reach the existing portion of the lost city wall.

13. Unleash your inner bookworm in Marsh’s Library

Marsh's Library

Marsh’s Library is one of the oldest public libraries in Dublin that you definitely should not miss in your itinerary. It holds 25,000 books and 300 manuscripts where many of these are donated by an Archbishop of Dublin, Narcissus Marsh.

This library, like some other attractions in Dublin, has also witnessed much of the city’s history.

Opening Times

Daily except for Tuesday and Sunday from 9:30 am to 5 pm.

Admission Fee

Adult €3 | Student/Senior €2 | Child (U-16) free

Contact Information

Address: St Patrick’s Close, Dublin, Ireland

Email: keeper@marshlibrary.ie 

Phone:  +353 1 4543511

14. Take a walk in the Murdering Lane and Cutthroat Lane

Revisit Dublin’s darker days with these two streets. Although these streets have been renamed in the present time already, Murdering Lane and Cutthroat Lane were believed to be named after the murderous deeds that made these streets busy a couple of centuries ago.

15. Pay tribute to the Irish martyrs at the Proclamation Sculpture

This permanent outdoor sculpture located across the infamous Kilmainham Gaol honors Ireland’s leaders of the Easter Rising.

Engraved in these abstract and faceless sculptures are their execution orders and bullet holes where they were hit by the firing squad.

16. Experience life during the Vikings era at Dublinia

Dublinia

Dublinia has various interactive activities for guests who want to learn the history of Dublin from the Viking age until the horrific Black Plague. The museum has four permanent exhibits that you can enjoy.

Guests are also invited to try the clothing of each era and watch the development of Dublin through the years from a bird’s eye view.

Opening Time

Monday to Sunday

March to September

10 am to 6.30 pm (Last entry 5.30 pm)

October to February

10 am to 5.30 pm (Last entry 4.30 pm)

The recommended length of visit is 90 minutes.

Dublinia closes on the 24th/25th and 26th of December only

Admission Fee

Adult: €10.00

Student/Senior: €9.00

Child: €6.50

Family: €26.00 (2 Adults & 2 Children)

Contact Information

Address: St Michaels Hill, Christ Church, Dublin 8, Ireland

Phone: +353 1 6794611

Email: info@dublinia.ie

17. Go pub crawling in Dublin

You can never go wrong choosing Dublin whenever you want to experience a pub crawl. If the rumors are true, Dublin has almost a thousand pubs just within this lively city alone!

Don’t worry if you don’t know where to start your ultimate pub crawl experience; pubs are almost everywhere to sell you a pint or two. Also, don’t forget to make new friends!

18. Take a long walk at the Great South Wall

The Great South Wall is perfect for those who want fresh air but doesn’t want to stay too far from the city center.

This 4km walk only takes 30-40 minutes and ends at the lighthouse in the middle of Dublin Bay. The view at the end of the walkway is breathtaking so don’t miss a photo or two.

19. Check out the Malahide Castle

Malahide Castle

Malahide Castle is one of the oldest castles and best castles in Ireland which dates back as far as 1175. This is also one of the few castles in Dublin County and it’s located in the remaining parklands of Malahide Demesne Regional Park.

The Malahide Castle was home to Talbot Family for almost 800 years and survived many wars and also the deaths of its previous owners inside the palace.

For 11 years, the castle was given by Oliver Cromwell to Miles Corbet after the English Parliament conquered Ireland. He hanged himself following the death of Cromwell.

The Talbot family took the castle back but it was followed by the death of 14 members where they didn’t make it back after the Battle of Boyne near Drogheda.

Now, this Irish castle is owned by the State as the last member of the Talbot family sold it.

Opening Hours

9.30am- 5.30pm Monday-Sunday

Admission Fee

Adults €12

Student / OAP €8

Child (under 12) €6

Family €26

Contact Information

Location: Malahide Demesne, Malahide, Co. Dublin, Ireland

Email: info@malahidecastleandgardens.ie

Phone: +353 1 816 9538

Check this tour to Howth and Malahide Castle. 

 

20. Get stunned by the Celtic mural in the Oratory of the Sacred Heart

A small red structure somewhere in the outskirts of Dublin should not be missed in your itinerary too.

Inside, you will find its interior covered with beautiful Celtic Revival art and stained glass windows that illuminate the artwork.

This mind-blowing masterpiece has earned recognition and awards in the field of architecture.

Opening Hours

Open to the public for a very limited period of time each year, for updated opening hours, click here.

Admission Fee

Free

Contact Information

Address: Library road Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, Ireland

Phone: +353 1 205 4700

Email: dlrheritageevents@dlrcoco.ie

21. Chill at the park with Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde statue dublin park

To commemorate one of Ireland’s greatest sons, a sculpture of Oscar Wilde rests in the northwest corner of Merrion Square Park where tourists can take a photo or simply reminisce Wilde’s contribution to literature.

Opening Time

Monday- Sunday -24 hours

Contact Information

Address: Merrion Square, Dublin 2.

Phone: 01-6612369

Email: parks@dublincity.ie

22. Chat by the Joker’s Chair

If you’re still in Merrion Square, why not drop by the Joker’s Chair and celebrate Dermot Morgan’s contribution to the Irish entertainment industry?

This comedy actor is one of the celebrated ones because of his comedy acts brave enough to criticize the Irish royal court.

23. Watch Irish sports in Croke Park

History also happens in Croke Park and pretty sure all sports enthusiasts can attest to that. This large stadium in Dublin is not just any stadium but it is Ireland’s sporting cathedral.

Regardless of which month you visit, you can always choose between watching a summer game or taking the stadium tour.

Opening Time

Monday, Thursday to Saturday- 9:30 am- 5 pm

Sunday- 10:30 am-5pm

Admission Fee

For updated fees and online booking, click here. 

Contact Information

Address: Hogan Stand Jones Road Dublin 3

Phone: +353 (0)1 8192300

Email: info@crokepark.ie

24. Enjoy a sunny afternoon at Stephen’s Green

Stephen's Green

Stephen’s Green is a 22-acre park ornamented with colorful flower beds, rows of trees, rockeries, and shrubberies. The park also features a waterfall and a lake on top of its Victorian layout.

For children, a playground is also accessible and safe to use during operating hours. It is also one of the best parks in Dublin.

Opening Time

Monday to Saturday

Monday – Saturday: 7.30 am – dusk.

Sunday and bank holidays: 9.30 am – dusk.

Approximate times of dusk are 4.30-6 pm (Jan-Feb), 6.30-8.30pm (Mar-Apr), 9 pm (May-July), 7-8.30pm (Aug-Sep), 4-6.30pm (Oct-Dec). Please contact us for exact closing hours on any given day.

Admission Fee

Free

Contact Information

Address: St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2

Phone: +353 1 475 7816

Email:  info@heritageireland.ie

25. Bring your family to Airfield

Take a break from Irish pubs and museums. The Airfield Estate is Dublin’s only working farm which accepts tourists all year long.

The estate has various attractions you and the entire family can enjoy such as the Heritage Experience, the Ornamental Garden, Woodland Walks, and Naturescape.

Opening Time

Monday- Sunday

9:30 am- 5pm

Admission Fee

Adult-€12

Senior/ Student – €8

Children -€5

Under 3’s – Free

1 adult + 1 child €16

Contact Information

Address: Airfield Estate, Overend Way, Dublin 14, Ireland

Phone: +353 1 969 6666

Email: hello@airfield.ie

26. Visit the National Museum

National Museum Dublin

Another interesting thing to do in Dublin is a visit to the National Museum of Ireland. This museum specifically features Irish artifacts showing Celtic and Medieval art, prehistoric gold, and a lot more.

To make it more interesting, the museum also has another exhibit that features bog bodies back from the Iron Age. Be sure to check out the Kingship and sacrifice exhibit.

Opening Times

Open daily except Monday from 10 am to 5 pm

Admission Fee

Free

Contact Information

Address: Merrion St Upper, Dublin 2, Ireland

Email: marketing@museum.ie

Phone: +353(0)16777444

27. Party rock at the Temple Bar

Fancy a piece of live music after exploring all of Dublin? How about craving for some food and refreshment before starting your day? Temple Bar is the right spot for these.

Located at the heart ofDublin, you can always find a safe haven in Temple Bar may it be to start or to end your day.

Opening Time

Monday-Wednesday 10:30 pm- 1:30 am

Thursday- Saturday-10pm-2:30 am

Sunday- 11:30 pm- 1am

Contact Information

Address: 47/48 Temple Bar Dublin D02 N725 Ireland

Phone: +353 1 672 5286

Buy your ticket online here.

 

28. Find the perfect pint at Guinness

Guinness Storehouse Dublin

If you have an eye for the perfect pint, the Guinness Storehouse is an experience of a lifetime. This seven-story building stands proudly as the home of the most famous beer in the whole world.

Today, tourists can now learn its history and enjoy the best Irish cuisine. Every floor holds exciting surprises for everyone.

Guinness Storehouse is also the most visited attraction in Ireland.

Opening time

Monday to Friday- 9:30 -7 pm

Late Opening during July and August

9am- 8pm

Admission Fee

Adult – € 18.50

Student (18+) – € 18.50

Senior Citizen (65+) – € 18.50

Child 13-17 ( under 13 are Free) — € 16.00

Contact Information

Address: St James’s Gate, Dublin 8, Ireland

Phone: +353 1 408 4800                            

Email: Vicki.mcgrath@diageo.com

Check this tour to Guinness Storehouse with a free pint and skip-the-line-ticket.

 

29. Order cocktails at the Vintage Cocktail Club

Itching for some late-night party? The Vintage Cocktail Club has an exclusive cocktail and dining experience you can add to your itinerary.

The chic and vintage ambiance of the place complements its award-winning cocktail menus.

Opening Time

Drinks

Monday to Sunday

5pm – 7.30pm

7.45pm – 10.15pm

10.30 pm – 01 am

Dining

Monday – Thursday & Sunday

5 PM – 11 PM

Friday & Saturday

5 PM – 11 PM

Brunch

Saturday & Sunday

12:30pm – 4pm

Admission Fee

For more information about fees and online booking, click here.

Contact Information

Address: 15 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2

Phone: (01) 675 3547

Email: book@vccdublin.com

30. Take a photo with the Spire of Dublin

Who would dare miss a photo opportunity with the Spire of Dublin? This beacon in the night sky of Dublin stands 120 meters high in the middle of O’Connell Street and is such a sight to see- day or night. Don’t worry it’s not hard to miss even from afar.

Also, check out this post on where to stay in Dublin! 


Booking.com

 

Travel Tips And Resources

Travel Insurance: I never leave home without travel insurance. My personal opinion is if you can afford to travel, you can afford to buy a travel insurance. All things can happen while on the road and you can never be too sure. And it's something that you'll be glad to have when you need it. For my preferred travel insurance, I use Safety Wing.

What To Wear: If you want some ideas on what to pack for Ireland, check out this packing list guide for Ireland.

Where To Stay: I personally use Booking.com for all my accommodations. Check out for their latest deals here.

Reading Resources: Check out our best reading resources here.

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