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.
Things you'll find in this article
- 30 Best Things To Do In Dublin Ireland (For 2023)
- 1. Take a glimpse of the past in Trinity College
- 2. Shake hands with the St. Michan’s Mummies in Dublin
- 3. Enjoy a private dinner at the Pig’s Ear
- 4. Revisit an old prison cell in Kilmainham
- 5. Satisfy your appetite through Dublin food tours
- 6. Be amused bigtime at the Little Museum of Dublin
- 7. Experience Dublin through the DART
- 8. Watch over South Dublin from the mountains
- 9. Read the Ulysses in Sweny’s Pharmacy
- 10. Visit the Glasnevin Cemetery
- 11. Learn from the Leprechauns
- 12. Discover Dublin’s lost medieval wall
- 13. Unleash your inner bookworm in Marsh’s Library
- 14. Take a walk in the Murdering Lane and Cutthroat Lane
- 15. Pay tribute to the Irish martyrs at the Proclamation Sculpture
- 16. Experience life during the Vikings era at Dublinia
- 17. Go pub crawling in Dublin
- 18. Take a long walk at the Great South Wall
- 19. Check out the Malahide Castle
- 20. Get stunned by the Celtic mural in the Oratory of the Sacred Heart
- 21. Chill at the park with Oscar Wilde
- 22. Chat by the Joker’s Chair
- 23. Watch Irish sports in Croke Park
- 24. Enjoy a sunny afternoon at Stephen’s Green
- 25. Bring your family to Airfield
- 26. Visit the National Museum
- 27. Party rock at the Temple Bar
- 28. Find the perfect pint at Guinness
- 29. Order cocktails at the Vintage Cocktail Club
- 30. Take a photo with the Spire of Dublin
30 Best Things To Do In Dublin Ireland (For 2023)
1. Take a glimpse of the past in Trinity College
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
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
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
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
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 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 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 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
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 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
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
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!
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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.
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