FOMO is real! Do you worry about overlooking something incredible when travel planning? If so, then you’re in luck because this curated list of 100 things to do in Dublin Ireland will ensure you create an unforgettable and personalized vacation. You will find landmarks, attractions, museums, outdoor activities, beaches, where to eat and shop, and where to get the perfect photos for lasting memories. Don’t skip the Plan Your Trip section for when to go, how long to stay, what to pack, how much to budget, where to stay, and how to get around. It’s all here, keep reading for 100 Things to Do in Dublin. Short on time? Grab my 24 hours in Dublin itinerary and be ready to go.
READ Complete Ireland Travel Guide, What You Need to Know
100 Unforgettable Things to Do in Dublin Ireland
Not to Miss Landmarks in Dublin
- Walk the grounds at Trinity College, photograph the Long Room, and see the famous Book of Kells.
- Visit Dublin Castle, tour the Chapel Royal and State Apartments, and browse rare books at Chester Beatty.
- Wander around Merrion Square checking out the colorful Georgian doors.
- Tour St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest church.
- Walk across the iconic Ha’Penny Bridge, a pedestrian bridge over the River Liffey.
- Wander through the cobbled streets of Temple Bar, Dublin’s cultural quarter.
Must Do Attractions and Activities in Dublin
- Visit Christ Church Cathedral, and don’t miss the famous mummified cat and rat.
- Wander the Celtic headstones at Glasnevin Cemetery then stop for a pint at Gravediggers.
- Watch a game of Gaelic Football at Croke Park Stadium.
- Enjoy listening to the street musicians on Grafton Street.
- Watch the Irish Dance Party or the Merry Ploughboy.
- Visit the interactive Guinness Storehouse and learn to pour the perfect pint.
- Tour Leinster House, home of the Irish Parliament.
- Visit Bram Stoker’s Dracula’s Castle, a haunted house with a history lesson.
- Check out the off-the-beaten-path Marsh’s Library, the oldest public library in Ireland.
- See a section of the old Dublin City Walls.
- Tour the Jameson Distillery and enjoy a tasting of their famous Irish whiskey.
- Say hello to the Meerkats at Dublin Zoo.
Best Museums in Dublin
- Enjoy some Irish Folklore at the National Leprechaun Museum.
- Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Irish Rock-n-Roll Museum.
- Check out the interactive exhibits and enjoy a tasting at the Irish Whiskey Museum.
- Learn more of Dublin’s history at The Little Museum of Dublin, don’t miss the U2 room.
- Check out the Viking and medieval times exhibits at Dublinia.
- Explore the Irish literature of James Joyce at the Dublin Writers Museum.
- Visit the home of James Joyce or Oscar Wilds’s Birthplace.
- Stop at the General Post Office on O’Connell Street and learn about the Easter Uprising.
- Learn about Ireland’s struggle for independence at Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison turned museum.
- Hear the stories of Irish emigrants during the Great Famine at The Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship and Famine Museum.
- Learn more about Irish emigrants and their impact on the world at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.
- Browse the collection of Irish and European art at the free National Gallery of Ireland.
- Check out the avant-garde collection at the Irish Museum of Modern Art.
- Visit the three free National Museums of Ireland; Archaeology, Natural History, and Decorative Arts & History.
- View the collection of rare manuscripts and artifacts at The Chester Beatty Library.
Outdoor Activities in Dublin
- Kick back with Oscar Wilde at St Stephen’s Green and check out the Iveagh Gardens waterfall.
- Check out the sculpture garden and glasshouses at Dublin’s National Botanic Garden.
- Have a picnic in Phoenix Park, one of the largest city parks in Europe.
- Take a bike ride along the Quays on the Liffey cycle route.
- Take a river cruise along the River Liffey.
- Go for a walk in Herbert Park when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
Where to Eat in Dublin
- Grab a treat at Queen of Tarts.
- Have lunch at Temple Food Market or Moore Street Market.
- Enjoy afternoon tea at the Shelbourne Hotel.
- Eat Boxty (potato pancakes) at Gallagher’s Boxty House.
- Eat traditional Irish food at the Winding Stair, Pig’s Ear, or Old Mill.
- Splurge on a Michelin-starred dining experience at Chapter One.
- Grab picnic supplies from Fallon & Byrne, a gourmet food hall.
- Have dinner and watch the Traditional Irish Night Show.
- Take an Irish food tour
Dublin Nightlife: Pubs, Cocktails and Nightclubs
- Spend a night out in Temple Bar or Dame Lane.
- Have an Irish coffee and listen to traditional Irish Folklore at the Brazen Head, the oldest pub in Dublin.
- Go out for cocktails at The Church (in a church) or The Vintage Cocktail Club (a speakeasy-style bar).
- Check out the musician’s corner at the Cobblestone, or O’Donoghue’s Pub.
- Take a Traditional Irish Musical Pub Crawl or Literary Pub Crawl.
- Sample craft beers at The Porterhouse Brewery and Pub.
- Enjoy a whiskey tasting at Teeling Whiskey Distillery.
- Have a cocktail with a rooftop view at Farrier & Draper, Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, or the Marker Hotel.
- Dance the night away at Copper Face Jacks, The Wright Venue, Opium, or Lillie’s Bordello.
Shopping in Dublin
- Wander the stores and watch the street performers along Grafton Street.
- Browse the Powerscourt Centre designer boutiques.
- Buy a souvenir wool scarf or sweater at Avoca Handweavers or from a boutique on Henry Street.
- Shop the vendors for unique souvenirs at George’s Street Arcade or Temple Bar Saturday Market.
- Check out Brown Thomas, a luxury department store.
Instagrammable Places in Dublin: Lookouts, View Points and Selfies
- Photograph the Ha’penny Bridge, O’Connell Bridge, ivy-covered walls at Trinity College, colorful Georgian doors in Merrion, the city reflection in Grand Canal, Samuel Beckett Bridge, Dublin Spire, James Joyce and Molly Malone statues, Famine Memorial.
- Enjoy a city view from the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre terrace.
- Check out the views of Dublin Bay from Howth Summit, Killiney Hill Park, and Poolbeg Lighthouse.
Festivals and Special Events Held in Dublin
- Attend the St. Patrick’s Festival held on March 17th.
- Dress in period costumes and celebrate James Joyce and his novel “Ulysses” during Bloomsday, on June 16th.
- The Dublin Fringe Festival is held in September.
Check the Dublin Ireland Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Plan your Trip to Dublin Ireland
Why Visit Dublin Ireland
Dublin had approximately 6 million international visitors last year. People are drawn by the colorful Temple Bar area, Dublin’s famous Georgian doors, Trinity College, and the iconic Ha’penny Bridge. Dublin is also full of history, museums, fun attractions, and great shopping.
How Many Days in Dublin Is Enough
3 days in Dublin is enough to experience the city and take a day trip. Add another day if you plan to attend a special event or wish to take another day trip.
Is Dublin Safe for Solo Travelers
According to Travel Safe Abroad, the overall risk of travel in Dublin is low. The risk of pickpockets or a terrorist attack is medium. Check their website for more information.
Best Time to Visit Dublin
The high season in Ireland is June to August, expect high prices and crowds. The shoulder season is March to May and September to November. The low season is November through March, crowds are low and temperatures are moderately chilly. Snow is rare in Ireland but rain is common. Christmas Markets are held from November to December and the St. Patrick’s Festival is held annually on or around March 17.
How to Get to Dublin
Several airlines fly nonstop to Dublin Airport. A nonstop flight from LAX to Dublin is a little over 10 hours, Chicago to Dublin is 7.5 hours and Washington DC to Dublin is 7 hours.
How to Get Around Dublin
Transportation from the airport to the city center is by bus, shuttle, or taxi. Check the operators, stops, timetables, and fares are here. The best way to get around the city is by bus or taxi. Hop-on-hop-off buses do run in Dublin and might be a good investment if you are in the city for a few days and wish to visit places outside of the Temple Bar area, for example, the Guinness Storehouse.
Where to Stay in Dublin
I stayed at the Point A Hotel Dublin Parnell Street. I chose the hotel because it was close to the airport coach shuttle stop and near O’Connell Street. Although it was within walking distance of Temple Bar and Grafton Street, it was not the most convenient location. That being said, I would stay there again.
What Should I Budget for Dublin
According to Budget My Trip, the daily cost of travel is $153 per person per day. As always, the cost is based on your travel style. Check their website for more information.
What Should I Pack for Dublin
The overall clothing style in Ireland is casual and jeans are common. The Irish do not wear revealing clothing; avoid crop tops and short shorts. Weather can be unpredictable. Wear layers and be prepared for rain. Light sweaters, long sleeve shirts, and waterproof hiking shoes are the best choice in summer. Expect long dresses to get wet and always wear them with tights underneath. If you plan to go swimming, you must wear a swim cap.
Are There Any Romantic Things to Do in Dublin
The Michelin-starred Chapter One is a great restaurant to celebrate a special occasion. Dublin is full of cozy pubs with live music for a romantic night out. You may also consider a cruise down the River Liffey or a picnic in Phoenix Park
Things to Do in Dublin with Young Children
Young children may enjoy the Dublinia and the National Leprechaun Museum.
Things to do in Dublin with Young Adults
Young adults will enjoy exploring the colorful Temple Bar area and the Irish Rock-n-Roll Museum.
Visiting More Ireland Cities?
Check out our Ireland Travel Guide with links to must-see destinations and itineraries!
Enjoy your time out of the office!
Bookmark and Pin 100 Things to Do in Dublin, a Bucket List City
Plan Your Trip to Dublin Ireland
Ireland Travel Guide
Pick up an Ireland Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.
Book Your Accommodation in Dublin Ireland Now
Spending the night? Search Booking.com and VRBO in one place to find the perfect property!
Best Dublin Ireland Attractions and Day Tours
The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.
Travel Essentials
Need a universal travel adaptor, power bank charger, or packing cubes? Save time at my Amazon shop and have travel essentials delivered to your home.
Have a great vacation!