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
afternoon

Trinity College & Book of Kells

Tour Long Room library and ancient manuscript; campus photo spots.

1h 30m · $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 modern exhibits on Irish diaspora; photography-friendly.

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

National Gallery of Ireland

Free collection of Irish masters, Jack Yeats works.

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

Dublin Castle & Chester Beatty

Tour the State Apartments and grounds of Dublin Castle, then visit the Chester Beatty library‑museum with its world‑class manuscript collection.

2h · $10-15 (castle), Chester Beatty Free
Kilmainham Gaol
Do
afternoon

Kilmainham Gaol

Guided tour of historic prison key to Irish independence history.

1h 30m · $10
Phoenix Park
Do
late-afternoon

Phoenix Park

Stroll or cycle through one of Europe’s largest urban parks, watch for the resident fallow deer, and enjoy wide open green spaces.

2h · Free
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

Gothic architecture and crypt tour.

1h · $15
Dublin Castle
Do
afternoon

Dublin Castle

Visit State Apartments, Chapel Royal, and Viking excavations; admire Georgian architecture.

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

Guinness Storehouse & Gravity Bar

Self-guided tour through the story of Guinness, ending with a pint in the panoramic Gravity Bar overlooking Dublin.[1]

2h · $30-40
National Botanic Gardens
Do
morning

National Botanic Gardens

Wander glasshouses, rose gardens; yoga-friendly lawns.

2h · Free
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
afternoon

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Explore Gothic architecture, Jonathan Swift's tomb, peaceful close.

1h 15m · $12
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
afternoon

Dublinia & Christ Church Cathedral

Hands-on Viking and medieval museum (Dublinia) combined with the striking Christ Church Cathedral.[9][11]

2h · $20-25 per adult combined (children discounted)
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

Seafood stalls, crafts.

1h · Free
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

Artisan tarts, scones, and coffee; try lemon tart.

45m · $8-12 per person
Bewley’s Grafton Street
Eat
morning

Bewley’s Grafton Street

Historic café for a relaxed sit-down breakfast or brunch; go for a full Irish breakfast or fresh pastries with good coffee before exploring nearby parks and galleries.

1h · $20-30 per person
Brother Hubbard
Eat
morning

Brother Hubbard

Artisan coffee, avocado toast, and Irish breakfast rolls.

1h · $12-18 per person
The Brazen Head
Eat
evening

The Brazen Head

One of Dublin’s oldest pubs, serving classic Irish dishes and often hosting traditional music.

1h 30m · $25-35 per person
The Winding Stair
Eat
afternoon

The Winding Stair

Cozy bookshop café with literary atmosphere serving modern Irish cuisine. Popular for simple, well-executed dishes and excellent coffee overlooking Smithfield.

1h · $18-32 per person
Etto
Eat
afternoon

Etto

Small, acclaimed bistro serving seasonal Irish ingredients; try the charcuterie, fresh seafood, and excellent vegetable sides.

1h 15m · $45-70 per person
Bewley's Oriental Cafe
Eat
morning

Bewley's Oriental Cafe

Historic spot for porridge, blend tea, fresh scones.

1h · $11-16 per person
Bread 41
Eat
morning

Bread 41

Artisan bakery with a rustic, bohemian feel; grab a croissant or flaky pastry and specialty coffee to start your first morning before heading into the city center.[1]

45m · $10-20 per person
Leo Burdock
Eat
evening

Leo Burdock

Iconic fish & chips, mushy peas—takeaway style.

45m · $12-18 per person
Two Pups Coffee
Eat
morning

Two Pups Coffee

Minimalist café in a quieter area serving excellent coffee and simple brunch plates.

45m · $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 local tasting menu (Luas 20min)

2h · $50 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
afternoon

L. Mulligan Grocer

Gastropub with excellent Irish produce, creative comfort food, and a relaxed neighborhood feel; check daily specials.

1h 15m · $35-55 per person
Tang Dawson Street
Eat
afternoon

Tang Dawson Street

Bright, minimalist café serving healthy bowls and flatbreads; grab a quick, modern lunch between museums.

45m · $15-25 per person
The Fumbally
Eat
morning

The Fumbally

Causal local cafe with avocado toast and coffee

1h · $15-25 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

Contemporary brasserie right on the Grand Canal Dock, serving modern Irish and European dishes with water views.

1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Insomnia Coffee Co.
Eat
morning

Insomnia Coffee Co.

Specialty coffee and pastries for relaxed start.

30m · $10-20 per person

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