Beautiful street with flags in Dublin

Things to do in  Dublin

One river, one thousand pubs

Ireland’s capital city has it all: history, charm, and a walkable city center. It can be easy to fill your time hopping between historic sites like Trinity College or St. Patrick's Cathedral, but don’t miss the contemporary side of the city by visiting its art galleries, restaurants, bookshops, and music venues. As a city on the sea, some of the best things to do in Dublin involve the water, including a hike along Howth’s coastal cliffs for views of the Irish Sea or a Dublin Bay sailing tour.

Top 15 attractions in Dublin

Cliffs of Moher

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Towering 702 feet (214 meters) above the Atlantic Ocean at their highest point and stretching for 5 miles (8 kilometers) along the water, the famed Cliffs of Moher define the rugged west coast of Ireland. They're also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland, with tours available from Dublin, Galway, Cork, Limerick, Killarney, and Doolin.More

Trinity College Dublin

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One of Ireland’s most prestigious academic institutions, Trinity College Dublin, founded in the 16th-century, boasts alumni including literary legends such as Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, and Samuel Beckett. Tourists from the world over come to wander the historic cobblestoned campus in the city center and see the Book of Kells, a prized medieval manuscript housed in the Trinity College Library.More

Dublin Castle

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Dublin Castle has served many functions since King John of England commissioned it back in 1230. The castle was originally a defense center against Norman invaders and the seat of the English government. The castle has since served as the Royal Mint and as a police headquarters. Today, the medieval castle grounds attract visitors and function as a venue for Irish government functions and ceremonies.More

Guinness Storehouse

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Also known as the Guinness Brewery, the famous Guinness Storehouse is one of Ireland's top visitor attractions. As the home of Guinness beer, the storehouse draws travelers from all corners of the world. Step inside to learn about the famed "black stuff" and get a taste straight from the barrel.More

Giant's Causeway

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The Giant's Causeway is a cluster of approximately 40,000 basalt columns rising out of the North Atlantic Ocean on the Antrim Coast of Northern Ireland. A UNESCO World Heritage site and National Trust member, the area draws thousands of tourists each year who come to marvel at and photograph this natural wonder.More

The Book of Kells

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Dating back to 800 AD, the illuminated manuscript known as the Book of Kells is renowned for its extraordinary illustrations and ornamentations. Its intricate drawings incorporating Celtic and Christian traditions are a testament to the incredible craftsmanship of the medieval Irish monks believed to have created it while on the remote island of Iona in Scotland. Despite Viking raids, theft, and fights between various Irish and English factions, 680 astonishingly detailed vellum (calf-skin) pages of Latin text remain intact.More

Molly Malone Statue

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The bronze Molly Malone Statue commemorates the young woman featured in the local ballad, 'Cockles and Mussels'. As the song goes, this beautiful woman plied her trade as a fishmonger through the streets where her statue now rests, until she suddenly died of a fever. As a nod to the folk song, a statue was erected on the corner of Grafton and Suffolk streets and unveiled at the 1988 Dublin Millennium celebrations.This tune has been adopted as Dublin's unofficial anthem, boosting this heroine to eternal fame. Though there is debate as to whether or not a Molly Malone like the one in the song ever existed, she is real to the people of Dublin and is remembered both in song as well as on June 13, National Molly Malone Day. The statue also acts as a popular rendezvous spot for groups as the beautiful bosomy woman with her cart cannot be missed.More

Temple Bar

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A compact cluster of crowded cobbled lanes, Temple Bar is an urban playground known for its nightlife. Once a rundown slum before artists and bohemian types—drawn by cheap rents—moved in, Dublin’s so-called cultural quarter has since been revamped. It is now home to galleries, vintage shops, cafés, cultural institutions, and a high concentration of pubs.More

Jameson Distillery Bow St.

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For nearly 200 years, this distillery produced one of Ireland’s leading whiskeys, before Jameson—together with other producers—moved operations to a purpose-built facility in Middleton, County Cork, in the 1970s. Now, the Jameson Distillery Bow St. has been revamped as a visitor center showcasing the history and heritage of the brand.More

Christ Church Cathedral

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Established as a small Viking church in the 11th century, this magnificent cathedral was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century under orders from Norman knight, Strongbow, whose tomb is now held here. In the late 19th century, it was given a neo-Gothic makeover, though original elements including the 12th-century crypt remain.More

St. Patrick's Cathedral

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The largest church in Ireland, the majestic St. Patrick’s Cathedral has borne witness to nearly 800 years of Irish history. The church was supposedly founded on the site where Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick, baptized converts and is known for its exquisite stained-glass windows, marble statues, and medieval tiling. St. Patrick’s is as much a significant spot for literary pilgrims as it is for their religious counterparts; Jonathan Swift, the esteemed author of “Gulliver’s Travels” once served as dean here and is now buried within its gray stone walls.More

Kilmainham Gaol

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Dublin’s Kilmainham Gaol is a sobering reminder of Ireland’s fight for independence. Built in 1787, the damp cells of this former jailhouse held many prominent Irish nationalists before the gaol was closed down in 1924. Today, visitors can tour the eerie building and explore its storied past through a number of onsite exhibits.More

Glendalough

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Explore beyond Dublin with a day trip to Glendalough, a sixth-century monastic complex one hour south of the city center. Set between two lakes, Glendalough is a popular destination for travelers who want a taste of the Irish countryside. It’s also a common stop for hikers setting out along the Wicklow Way, which runs through the valley.More

St. Stephen's Green

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Once a common used for sheep grazing and public executions, St. Stephen’s Green became public park in 1877. This popular 22-acre (9-hectare) park offers benches and green lawns for relaxing, beautiful flower beds, a lake full of ducks, children’s playgrounds, and busts of prominent Irish historical figures.More

Wicklow Mountains

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The Wicklow Mountains, a destination for dramatic Irish landscapes, are a popular day trip from Dublin, about 19 miles (30 kilometers) from the capital city. Low mountains, serene lakes, and deep glacial valleys offer the chance to fish, kayak, hike, picnic, and more. Film buffs are also drawn here to see backdrops from favorite movies like Braveheart.More

Trip ideas

Top activities in Dublin

Dublin Jameson Distillery and Guinness Storehouse Guided Tour
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Dublin Book of Kells, Castle and Molly Malone Statue Guided Tour
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Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, Burren & Galway Day Tour From Dublin
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Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, Burren & Galway Day Tour From Dublin

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Guinness Storehouse Experience

Guinness Storehouse Experience

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Dublin 3-Course Dinner and Live Shows at The Irish House Party
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All about Dublin

When to visit

The Irish capital has plenty to offer visitors year-round, but summer is the most popular time to visit. Long daylight hours and warm temperatures make summertime particularly attractive. Travelers looking to avoid the crowds might opt for the spring or fall shoulder seasons, while the December holidays are a festive time. Top annual events include the Dublin International Film Festival in March and Culture Night with free arts programming in September.

Getting around

The city center is walkable and easy to navigate on foot. Options for public transportation include the Luas tram network, an extensive bus system, and the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) rail network along the coast.

The city also offers a bikeshare program, dublinbikes, which makes it easy to cycle between landmarks. Local taxis are also available. A car probably isn’t necessary if you’re staying in Dublin. But if you want to explore the countryside, consider renting one.

Traveler tips

Get a fresh perspective of Dublin by discovering its coastline. Options include riding the DART train to the fishing village of Howth for a cliffside stroll, cycling out to the Great South Wall, or riding the train to the village of Dalkey to explore its bookstore, pubs, and scenic coastal walks.

Local Currency
Euro (€)
Time Zone
IST (UTC +1)
Country Code
+353
Language(s)
English
Attractions
74
Tours
933
Reviews
115,375

A local’s pocket guide to Dublin

Claire Bourillon

Attracted by Celtic music and legends, Claire lived in Dublin’s Smithfield neighborhood for three years. She particularly enjoyed feeding the deer at Phoenix Park, listening to the singers on Grafton Street, and sampling seafood chowder with soda bread.

The first thing you should do in Dublin is...

get a rechargeable Leap card to travel around the city. You can buy bus tickets, but you won’t get change if you don’t have the correct fare.

A perfect Saturday in Dublin...

involves a visit to Howth. Grab fish 'n' chips, walk along the pier, and look out for sea lions before heading back to Dublin city centre. End the day with drinks, Irish stew, and live music at a local pub.

One touristy thing that lives up to the hype is...

the Temple Bar neighbourhood, alongside the River Liffey. By day, explore the cobblestone streets, alleyways, and local art shops. By night, return to enjoy the city’s colourful nightlife.

To discover the "real" Dublin...

wander through the Portobello area and along the Grand Canal. The numerous red brick houses, cute cafés, and local market will definitely charm you.

For the best view of the city...

book a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, then climb to the Gravity Bar rooftop and enjoy a panoramic view of the city with the complimentary pint included with your entrance ticket.

One thing people get wrong...

is thinking that Dublin is just pubs and St. Patrick’s Day. Get to know the culture and history of the city by visiting major landmarks like Trinity College and Kilmainham Gaol.

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People Also Ask

What is Dublin famous for?

Dublin is famous as the home of Guinness. It also has a rich literary history, vibrant pub life, and historic attractions and museums. Visit the capital city to explore breweries, whiskey distilleries, contemporary art galleries, and historic pubs. Dublin is also known for live music, especially traditional Irish music.

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What is the #1 attraction in Dublin, Ireland?

With more than 1.7 million visitors per year, the Guinness Storehouse is the city’s most visited tourist attraction and one of the can’t-miss things to do in Dublin. Located at St. James’s Gate, this brewery is home to a multi-floor museum dedicated to the background, brewing techniques, and advertising of Guinness stout. Plus, a rooftop bar offers 360-degree views.

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How can I spend 2 days in Dublin?

Get to know the city in two days with a little planning. Visit the Guinness Storehouse, shop along Grafton Street, grab a pint in the Temple Bar area, and lounge in St. Stephen’s Green or Phoenix Park during day one. Then, explore beyond the city center on day two and head to the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) and Teeling Whiskey Distillery.

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Which Ireland is part of the UK?

Northern Ireland (along with England, Scotland, and Wales) make up the United Kingdom. The Republic of Ireland is not part of the UK. Ireland gained independence from Great Britain in 1921.

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What can you do with friends in Dublin?

There are plenty of things to do in Dublin if you’re visiting with a group of friends. Join a literary pub crawl, explore the Irish culinary scene with a food tour, rent bikes to see different neighborhoods, visit a brewery or distillery, or check out contemporary art galleries.

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Is Dublin worth visiting?

Yes. Dublin is worth visiting for its pub culture, rich history, live music, and vibrant dining scene. First-time visitors may want to check out popular landmarks such as the Guinness Storehouse and Trinity College. History buffs will be drawn to Kilmainham Gaol, Christ Church Cathedral, and The Book of Kells.

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Frequently Asked Questions