Top 12 Things to Do in Dublin

If you are interested in the top things to do in Dublin, Ireland, we have a full list of amazing activities that cannot be missed! From historic castles to hoppin’ night life, Dublin is a city full of memorable experiences. Here are the top things to do in Dublin…12, to be exact!

Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus

To gain an overview of Dublin’s top attractions, look no further than the City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour. Buy your tickets online and let the double-decker bus whisk you around the streets of the city, which always has another side to show you. It conveniently picks up and drops off at various places throughout the Dublin. Whether you are in a rush or just need a break off your feet, this bus is a top experience!

Address: 69 O’Connell Street Upper, Northside, Dublin, Ireland
Website/Tickets: https://city-sightseeing.com/en/50/dublin

Trinity College

Trinity College is the oldest university in Ireland and is still in operation today. This historic college sits right in the center of the city and cannot be missed. Every inch of the campus is beautiful! An easy option is to explore the grounds on your own, but the college also offers official tours of the campus. You will learn about the history of Trinity College, experience the life of a college student, tour the iconic library, as well as to see the university’s most incredible attractions: the Book of Kells (your next must-see site!).

Address: College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
Website: https://www.tcd.ie/

Trinity College Library – Book of Kells

My favorite memory from Dublin was finally witnessing the Trinity College Library. It is simply breathtaking and one of the most incredible library collections in the world. Prepare to be amazed as you step foot into a building that houses over 5 million volumes. The most famous of all, however, is undoubtedly the priceless Book of Kells. This is an illuminated manuscript Gospel book in Latin, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament. Overall, Trinity Library is the best place to go for unique, inspiring, and historical architecture.

Lines tend to be long at the library, but the experience is worth the wait. We did not purchase tickets in advance and simply bought them as we entered.

Address: College Green, Dublin 2, D02 VR66, Ireland
Admission: €11 – 14 per adult, €28 per family
Website: https://www.tcd.ie/visitors/book-of-kells/tickets-information/

Walk Across & Photograph Ha’penny Bridge

Ha’penny Bridge is the first pedestrian path to bring people across the famous River Liffey. The bridge offers an extremely picturesque view of the river and surrounding buildings. Be sure to photograph the bridge itself, as well on the view from the bridge.

Fun fact: Ha’penny Bridge opened in 1816, back when Ireland was charging half a penny to cross (hence the name: ha’penny)!

Address: Bachelors Walk, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland

Temple Bar

The Temple Bar is so iconic that they actually named an entire Irish neighborhood after it! The vibrant red exterior of the main Temple Bar is photogenic, creating a major stop for many tourists. Today, you can explore the pubs and restaurants throughout the Temple Bar neighborhood.

One of the best ways to experience Temple Bar is at night during the live music. This is one of the pricier areas in Dublin…but even if you don’t plan on drinking, it’s a lively area that anyone can easily have fun at!

Address: 47-48, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 N725, Ireland

St. Patrick’s Cathedral (+ tulips)

St. Patrick’s Cathedral looks more like a castle to me, which makes this pretty destination even better. My favorite part of the area was the tulips, located in St. Patrick’s Park. We do not see many tulips in Florida, so this was a charming surprise. If you’re visiting Dublin in the spring or summer months, these blooms are sure to brighten up your day.

Address: St Patrick’s Close, Dublin 8, A96 P599, Ireland
Admission: €8 per adult
Website: https://www.stpatrickscathedral.ie/

Experience the Guinness Storehouse

Again, even if you don’t drink, Guinness Storehouse is too important to pass up! The seven different levels of the interior are filled with interactive experiences that fuse the long brewing heritage with Ireland’s rich history. Your experience will end at Gravity Bar, which provides amazing 360° views across Dublin’s magnificent skyline.

Address: The Liberties, Dublin 8, Ireland
Admission: €15 per adult
Website: https://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en

Phoenix Park – Europe’s Largest Park

Home to the president of Ireland and lots of local wildlife, Phoenix Park is the perfect getaway from the busy city. I recommend renting a bike to see all of the lush gardens and paths. After all, this is the largest enclosed recreational spaces within any Europe. Packing a picnic would be a great way to end an amazing day of site-seeing!

Address: Northside, Dublin 8, Ireland

Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church is Dublin’s oldest building and oldest cathedral, a leading visitor attraction and a place of pilgrimage for almost 1,000 years. Renowned for its beauty and architecture, it is home to a famous 12th century crypt, one of the oldest in Britain and Ireland. Christ Church Cathedral is very photogenic and should be explored around all sides.

Address: Christchurch Pl, Wood Quay, Dublin 8, Ireland
Admission: €7.50 per adult, more options here
Website: https://christchurchcathedral.ie/

Dublin Castle

With remains dating back to the 13th century, it’s no wonder that this centrally-located, stunning, Irish castle makes it onto most itineraries. Dublin Castle is an easy walk from the lively Temple Bar area and beautiful City Hall. I also consider Dublin Castle one of the 3 best castles in Ireland!

I only got to see the outside structure (for free, of course), but many tourists go for a guided or self-guided tour of the inside. If you’re in a rush, you can get by with just photographing the castle itself. Next time I’m in Ireland, however, I will definitely be touring the inside of Dublin Castle!

Address: Dame St, Dublin 2, Ireland
Admission: Adult €8 (Guided Tours are €12)
Website: http://www.dublincastle.ie/

Take a Day Trip

While this activity is technically not in Dublin, it deserves to be on the list! It would be a shame to get all the way to Ireland and only stay within the busy city of Dublin. There is so much to see and do in Dublin, but venturing out of the city is something you should definitely consider…especially if you will not be staying overnight anywhere other than Dublin. The city is situated nicely to where there a ton of amazing Irish sites around 2-4 hours away. Some of the most popular day trips are:

Check out these awesome tour options…

Explore Off the Beaten Path!

Some of the best spots in Dublin, Ireland can be found as you explore off the beaten path. Make sure to save a little time for street exploring…you never know what you’ll stumble upon! We were just casually walking to dinner from our hotel, Camden Court Hotel, and discovered a cute red bridge (in front of Grove Road Cafe), a row of colorful buildings (pictured above), and lots of street art – my favorite being the “Don’t Be Afraid” mural.

To find these photo spots, locate Tandoori Bite on Richmond Street. This is the bright pink building I’m standing in front of. Continue walking past the restaurant to the next street over, where you’ll find the “Don’t Be Afraid” mural. The photo where I’m standing underneath the arch is nearby St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Trinity College. These spots are all very much hidden gems!

Hope you enjoyed our top things to do in Dublin!

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