This article describes the top 15 most memorable things to do in Dublin, Ireland in 2024, including all of the major tourist sights, local activities, and hidden gems.
Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, is a city that seamlessly blends its rich history with modern charm. The city is filled with iconic landmarks like the Guinness Storehouse and Trinity College, as well as a fun and lively traditional pub scene with incredible live music. I’ve visited Dublin on multiple occasions and it is a wonderful city to spend the weekend in, and also the perfect start to a trip around Ireland’s best sights.
Ireland is one of my favorite European countries. The Irish people are always so friendly and willing to engage in conversation, and the beauty of the emerald isle cannot be understated! There is such a diverse range of things to see and do and a vibrant culture. I think that it is also a great year-round destination due to its mild temperatures. The winter is wetter than the summer, but when visiting Ireland you can pretty much always expect at least some rain. If you’re on the fence, I highly recommend a trip!
I’ve compiled here my list of the top 15 most memorable things to do in Ireland for any budget so you can make sure you’ve seen everything the city has to offer! I made this list as concise as possible, and made sure it is comprehensive so you don’t need to look anywhere else and can be confident you’re seeing everything.
Short on time? Here’s the main takeaway:
A trip to Dublin is never complete without a walk along the River Liffey, a pint from Temple Bar, the Guinness Storehouse, or a local pub, and a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher. Make sure you hit these top attractions when visiting!
Table of Contents
1. Temple Bar
Temple Bar is located right in the heart of Dublin and is certainly the most famous and popular tourist attraction in the city. Temple Bar is both a physical bar and also the name of the neighborhood it is located in. The Temple Bar neighborhood is known for tourism, cobblestone streets, and brightly colored historic buildings. At the center of the area is Temple Bar Square, which is filled with pubs, restaurants, shopping, and Temple Bar itself.
Originally, Temple Bar was an area situated outside the city walls of medieval Dublin, inhabited by religious orders such as the Knights Templar, from which it derives its name. Over the centuries it has become the fun neighborhood that is the center of Dublin’s tourism!
I recommend spending time walking the streets and shopping around. This is not too big of an area so you can see it in a few hours. The main activities to do here are enjoy the pretty streets, eat good food, and enjoy the pub scene.
If you walk into any pub in the area you will likely find live Irish music, and tourists partying late into the night. This area is great for nightlife but is definitely very touristy. If you’re looking for a more traditional Irish Pub experience, you might want to look elsewhere. That being said, Temple Bar is well worth the visit!
Beyond nightlife, there are lots of great restaurants in the area. One that I really enjoyed was Merchant’s Arch Bar and Restaurant. It is right next to Ha’penny Bridge on the Temple Bar side of the river.
2. Walk along the River Liffey and Ha’penny Bridge
The River Liffey flows right through the center of Dublin, dividing the city into its northern and southern halves. The Ha’penny Bridge connects the river for pedestrians and is one of the major attractions in Dublin. The bridge was built in 1816 and named after the toll of one halfpenny (ha’penny) that pedestrians had to pay to cross back in the 19th century. Now the Ha’penny Bridge is a historic sight (that is free to cross) and connects the two sides of the river with beautiful views! The River Liffey itself also serves as a vital artery of Dublin. It plays a crucial role in the city’s commerce and transportation.
I recommend a stroll along both sides of the river for nice views and a pleasant walk. The river is lined with restaurants, pubs, and historic buildings, so there are plenty of things to see and do along the way.
There are some great restaurants along the river. I recommend The Winding Stair for food and Copper and Straw for coffee.
3. Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral is a famous church in the center of Dublin with breathtaking architecture. The iconic church is almost 1,000 years old and boasts a striking mix of medieval and Gothic elements, from its soaring spire to its intricate stained glass windows. It was originally a Viking church but is also said to be the site where St. Patrick himself baptized converts to Christianity in the 5th century.
You can tour the Church to explore its interior and crypt. Tickets are available for purchase online. As one of Dublin’s oldest landmarks, I think Christ Church Cathedral is well worth a tour and offers a cool glimpse into the city’s cultural and religious history.
4. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
As number four on my list of the most memorable things to do in Dublin, we have another iconic church. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is an architectural masterpiece and stands as Ireland’s largest church and a symbol of the nation’s religious heritage. Built in honor of Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick, the cathedral showcases Gothic architecture, with towering spires, unique carvings, and stained glass windows.
You can take a tour of the beautiful cathedral interior. Tickets can be purchased online. Because both St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral require paid entry, I recommend choosing only one to pay to enter, and then just viewing the exterior of the other. Both are excellent choices, you can’t go wrong. If you want to do both, it is worth considering buying a Go City pass to bundle the activity costs together.
Right next to the cathedral is St. Patrick’s Cathedral Park. It’s a very nice and peaceful little park with beautiful views of the cathedral. Grab a sandwich and coffee from Bite of Life next to the park and you can have yourself a nice picnic lunch.
5. Grafton Street and Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre
Grafton Street is Dublin’s main shopping thoroughfare. I like it because it is a pedestrianized street with tons of shops, cafes, and some really cool street performers. There are some high-end stores here too. The street makes for a great walk, and connects two other activities on this list of the best things to do in Dublin: St. Stephen’s Green Park and Trinity College. Grafton Street is also a cultural hub with historic landmarks, including Bewley’s Café and the statue of Molly Malone.
Adjacent to Grafton Street and St. Stephen’s Green Park is the Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre. It’s a mall with a cool glass interior that is worth a walk-through even if you don’t have the intention of shopping. It’s also a good spot if you need to duck out of the rain!
6. Dublin Castle and Dublin City Hall
Dublin Castle is another architectural marvel of the city and one of the most popular buildings to tour the inside of. it was originally built in the 13th century on the orders of King John of England and served as a military fortress, royal residence, and administrative center throughout the centuries. Today, the castle is a symbol of Ireland’s sovereignty and independence and still hosts important state events and ceremonies.
You can book a ticket online to tour the castle. Visitors can explore the castle, the grounds, the Record Tower, the State Apartments, and the serene castle gardens. I thought this tour was well worth it, and I recommend a visit.
Next to the castle is Dublin City Hall, a magnificent Georgian building situated on Dame Street. Completed in 1779, the City Hall building has a striking facade with classical columns, intricate stonework, and a grandiose dome. The building used to be the headquarters for local government administration, but now is a cultural hub and visitor attraction. Dublin City Hall hosts exhibitions, events, and guided tours.
7. St. Stephen’s Green Park
St. Stephen’s Green Park is a beautiful green space with serene ponds in the middle of Dublin, perfect for a walk or a picnic. It’s a great space that both locals and tourists use to unwind or get the feeling of being in the countryside despite being in the city. I recommend a walk-through, check out some of the historic monuments, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. I like to grab a takeaway pizza from Dublin Pizza Company and bring it to the park for a picnic.
8. Dublin Spire
Rising dramatically from the heart of O’Connell Street (the main thoroughfare of Dublin), the Dublin Spire, also known as the “Monument of Light,” is an iconic symbol for the city. Erected in 2003, the Spire is nearly 400 feet tall and is a symbol of a positive future for Ireland.
Take a walk along O’Connell Street and you’ll be able to see the Spire. It’s a good spot to take a picture or to simply admire the impressive height of the monument. The Spire is something to see, but doesn’t take much time.
9. Trinity College and Book of Kells
Trinity College is one of Ireland’s oldest and most prestigious universities. It’s open to the public to walk around on the Campus grounds. It makes for a very pretty walk with that traditional collegiate feel. Other than a walk around the campus, the highlight of visiting Trinity College is the awe-inspiring Long Room of the Old Library, home to over 200,000 ancient books and manuscripts, including the world-renowned Book of Kells.
The Book of Kells is an intricately illustrated religious manuscript created by Irish monks around 800 AD. It is considered a masterpiece of medieval artistry, with vibrant colors and unique designs documenting four gospels of the Christian New Testament. This is one of the most unique things to do in Dublin, and I recommend a visit. However, it is a little pricey, so if libraries aren’t your thing you might consider skipping this. Tickets can be booked online.
10. Museums
Dublin is also home to a variety of amazing museums. On a rainy day you might consider a visit to a museum or two, so here are some of the highlights:
- The National Museum of Ireland: Here you can discover some of Ireland’s rich history and culture through a diverse collection of prehistoric treasures, medieval artifacts, and decorative arts.
- Kilmainham Gaol: Here you can learn some of Ireland’s political history by visiting this former prison, which played a significant role in the struggle for Irish independence.
- Dublinia: Here is where you can immerse yourself in Dublin’s Viking and medieval past through interactive exhibits and reenactments.
- Irish Whiskey Museum: As you might expect by the name, this museum will tell you everything about whiskey in Ireland and even taste some whiskey.
- The Little Museum of Dublin: Currently closed for reservations. When this museum re-opens, it offers a charming and intimate exploration of the city’s rich history in a short amount of time.
- National Gallery of Ireland: Here you’ll find an extensive collection of Irish and European art spanning centuries.
11. Live music at an Irish Pub
One of the best things to do in Dublin is, of course, enjoy the many local pubs and their live music! Grab a pint of Guinness or Murphy’s, and indulge in some local Irish food, such as Irish stew, colcannon, beef and Guinness pie, Irish soda bread, or the (in)famous Irish breakfast.
You really can’t go wrong with any pub in Dublin, just take a walk around and you’ll stumble into a bunch. Another cool option is to check out the Jameson Distillery for a tour or tasting if you prefer the hard stuff.
12. Guinness Storehouse Tour
The Guinness Storehouse is by far one of the most popular things to do in Dublin, and with good reason! Housed within a historic industrial building dating back to 1904, this seven-story attraction teaches you everything about the brewing process of Ireland’s most famous beer. The Storehouse offers interactive exhibits, media displays, and a beer-tasting experience.
My favorite part of the Guinness Storehouse is by far the Gravity Bar located at the top of the building. It has amazing panoramic views of Dublin and serves up fresh pints of Guinness. The tickets are dynamically priced, so I recommend buying them online in advance.
13. Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park is one of Europe’s largest enclosed urban parks, with over 1,750 acres of lush greenery. Home to wild deer, walking and cycling trails, picturesque lakes, historic landmarks such as Áras an Uachtaráin (the official residence of the President of Ireland), and the Dublin Zoo, the park is a great escape from the city center with lots to do.
The park is located a little outside of the city center, so you will have to hop on public transport to get there. It’s the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon.
14. The Brazen Head
The Brazen Head is Ireland’s oldest pub, dating back to 1198. This place is super cool and has traditional Irish music, hearty pub food, and a cozy atmosphere. And of course great beer too. The Bazen Head offers the quintessential Irish pub experience. I recommend a visit if you can!
15. Day Trips
Now as great as Dublin is, there is so much more Ireland has to offer! It is really easy to take some fantastic day trips right out of the Dublin City Center. There are plenty of tours available to do this, or you can take public transport or rent a car. Here are some of the best and easiest day trips I recommend to take from Dublin (with tour links I recommend included):
- Cliffs of Moher: one of the all-time coolest things to do in Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher are 700-foot-tall cliffs that plunge into the Atlantic Ocean providing incredible views.
- Giant’s Causeway: a geological marvel along the Northern Ireland coast, Giant’s Causeway is a rock formation of thousands of interlocking basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity. It looks like something out of a fairytale.
- Blarney Castle and Rock of Cashel: nestled in the lush countryside of County Cork, Blarney Castle is famed for its iconic Blarney Stone, where you can kiss the stone to receive the gift of eloquence, amidst the castle’s rich history and picturesque surroundings. The Rock of Cashel is an old medieval castle that makes you feel like you’re in Game of Thrones.
- Powerscourt House & Gardens: with meticulously landscaped gardens, stunning architecture, and sweeping vistas, the Powerscourt House & Gardens are a beautiful day trip and a great place to get a glimpse into the Irish countryside.
Map of the top 15 Most Memorable things to do in Dublin, Ireland
To make life easy, I’ve included a map of the best things to do in Dublin below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I get cell phone service in Ireland?
I recommend getting cell service when visiting Ireland, it makes life much easier. On my visits, I have used this eSIM plan from Airalo and have had excellent and cheap service. I highly recommend it. For more information on eSIMs refer to my other article here.
2. What is the best time of year to visit Dublin?
Any time of the year is a good time to visit Dublin. The best time to visit Dublin is typically during the summer months (June to August) because the weather is warmer and there are more festivals and events. However, spring (March to May) and early autumn (September to October) are great because the weather is still nice and there are fewer crowds. Avoiding the peak summer tourist season by traveling in the winter months can offer a more authentic experience and better deals on accommodations.
3. How many days do I need in Dublin?
Two days in Dublin is plenty of time to see all the main attractions. Staying for additional days allows you to take more day trips or travel to other parts of Ireland.
4. Do you tip in Ireland?
Although tipping isn’t required or expected as in the United States, it is normal to tip for great service. It is never necessary to tip above 10%.
5. Do I need a car rental in Dublin?
I do not recommend renting a car to see the city of Dublin. The city is very easily walkable, and also accessible by public transport. Most of the things to do on this list are within walking distance of one another, and the day trips are offered by multiple tour companies. With driving on the left side of the road in Ireland, American tourists typically prefer avoiding car rentals.
6. What part of Dublin should I stay in?
I recommend staying somewhere that is within a 20-minute walk of Ha’penny Bridge/Temple Bar. This will guarantee you are within walking distance of all 15 best things to do in Dublin, Ireland. Grafton Street is a great central location. If you’re looking for a hotel recommendation, I really liked the Arthaus Hotel in Dublin.
Conclusion – Top 15 Most Memorable things to do in Dublin, Ireland
I hope my list of the top sights and activities in Dublin has been helpful for your travel planning! My favorite activities on the list are the Gravity Bar at the top of the Guinness Storehouse, walking along the River Liffey, the live music, and the amazing day trips. Enjoy the beauty and charm of Dublin, cheers!
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What are the Top 15s at Imperfect Nostalgia? They are your all-in-one-stop for travel planning. I make these posts as concise as possible and make sure to capture all of the must-see’s and must-do’s of the location. With my Top 15s, you can be sure that you have seen all of the major sights of your destination without having to look elsewhere. Click here for more!
