33 Worthwhile Things to do in Dublin TODAY (2023 Boredom Batin' Guide) (2024)

I’ve lived in Dublin for 35 years. Below, you’ll find what Ithink are the best things to do in Dublin, with a mix of hikes, museums and hidden gems.

This Dublin guide focuses on two areas:

• Dublin City: Boasting a ‘Viking past’, the city is steeped in history with the likes Kilmainham Gaol a ‘must do’
• County Dublin: Which is home to the Dublin Mountains, a glorious coastline and countless walking trails.

Read on to discover what to do in Dublin at any time of year. Cheers!

The best things to do in Dublin

Deciding on what to do in Dublin can be tricky. If you’re only visiting for a day, see my 24 hours in Dublin itinerary or my 2-day Dublin itinerary if you’re here for the weekend.

It’s worth taking 30 seconds to look at the map above as it’ll give you the lay-of-the-land quickly. It has the various places to visit in Dublin below plotted!

1. Uncover the past at Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Gaol opened in 1796 as the County Gaol (prison) for Dublin City and the wider county.

It was within its walls that leaders of the 1798, 1803, 1848,1867 and 1916 rebellions were detained.

Many members of the Irish Republican movement during the Anglo-Irish War (1919-21) were also held in Kilmainham Gaol.

The tour is immersive, enlightening and, at times, harrowing and the guides are knowledgable and entertaining in their delivery.

2. Soak up breathtaking views on the Howth Cliff Walk

The Howth Cliff Walk is hard to beat when the weather’s good. You can get a DART directly from Dublin City Centre to Howth and the 5 trails kick-off from the village.

The trails range from 1.5 to 3.5 hours and vary massively in difficulty level. Each treats you to glorious coastal views throughout.

When you’ve finished your stroll, there’s plenty more things to do in Howth, or you can just take it handy with a post-walk-feed.

There are plenty ofhikes near Dublin, but this one tends to be the most popular, so try and get here early if you can to avoid the crowds.

3. Marvel at the grandeur of St. Patrick’s and Christ Church Cathedrals

St Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral are both well worth a visit (it helps that it’s a 7 minute walk between the two!).

St Patrick’swas founded in 1191 but construction on the current cathedral didn’t kick-off until around 1220 and took a good 40 years to finish!

Founded by the first bishop of Dublin and Sitriuc, Norse king of Dublin, Christ Church Cathedral dates back to around 1030.

Both structures are packed with history and they’re a handy option if you’re wondering what to do in Dublin when it rains!

Related read: Check out my guide to 32 of the best things to do in Ireland in 2024

4. Explore Trinity College and its iconic Long Room

One of the best things to do in Dublin is a visit to Trinity College, a must-see for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Trinity College was created by royal charter from Queen Elizabeth I in 1592 with the goal of ‘bringing prestige’ to Ireland at a time when many other European countries were also founding important centres of education.

Take a stroll through the picturesque grounds (free of charge) before heading inside to marvel at the stunning Long Room Library and the ancient, world-renowned Book of Kells.

5. Raise a glass in one of Dublin’s historic pubs

There are hundreds of pubs in Dublin, but not all are equal. Many are recent additions to the city and, sadly, are the kind you’ll encounter in any city in the world.

Fortunately, there’s a treasure trove ofvery old pubs in Dublin, many of which are steeped in history (like the Brazen Head – the city’s oldest!).

Some, like the Stag’s Head, tend to make it into guidebooks while others, like Neary’s, fly a little under the radar.

I’ve created a miniself-guided Dublin pub crawl for those of you that fancy visiting a clatter of historical pubs during your visit!

Only interested in the ‘Black Stuff’? See my guide to where does the best Guinness in Dublin

6. Discover Dublin’s Viking past at Dublinia

If you’re wondering what to do in Dublin to discover the city’s Viking past, look no further than the Dublinia Tour.

Those that embark upon it will meet the Vikings face to face while learning about life during the Medieval period in Dublin.

Visitors will discover what life was like on a Viking battleship, learn about the long and treacherous voyages and discover the skills needed to be a Viking warrior.

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Dublin this weekend, the Dublinia tour is well worth doing.

7. Uncover centuries of intrigue at Dublin Castle

Few castles in Dublin are as impressive as theverycentralDublin Castle, which is based just off buzzy Dame Street.

The tour here, which is very often overlooked by those of us living in the capital, is arguably one of the best things to do in Dublin.

On it, you’ll listen as the experienced guides tell countless tales about everything from underground chambers to Medieval towers.

Dublin Castle was developed as a medieval fortress under the orders of King John of England and construction began in 1204 following the invasion of 1169.

8. Step back in time at Ireland’s oldest library

You’ll find one of the most unique places to go in Dublin just behind St Patrick’s Cathedral.

Founded in 1707, Marsh’s Library holds roughly 25,000 books and over 300 manuscripts and it is the oldest library in Ireland.

As you wander around Marsh’s, keep an eye out for holes in the bookcases, which were made during the Easter Rising when the hotel next door was being occupied.

Handy tip: Make sure to check out the visitor ledger. You’ll see the signatures of Bram Stoker, James Joyce and more

9. Join the outstanding historical walking tour

If you’re wondering what to do in Dublin that’ll immerse you in the city’s past, I can’t recommend the award-winning 2-hour Historical Walking Tour enough.

Led by history graduates from Trinity College and UCD, this tour takes you on an engaging journey through a city rich in stories and intrigue.

If you’re lucky, you might land on a tour led by Donal Fallon—historian, author, presenter of the Three Castles Burning podcast, and just a very interesting fella altogether!

You’ll visit iconic landmarks like Dublin Castle, City Hall, Temple Bar, and the Medieval City, uncovering pivotal moments in Ireland’s complex history along the way.

Fancy exploring on foot for free? Follow my self-guided walking tour of Dublin!

10. Sip your way through Dublin’s distilleries

If you’re looking for places to visit in Dublin with a group of friends, there are a handful of whiskey distilleries in Dublin who’s tours have racked up rave reviews online over the years.

Here are the ones most worthy of your attention:

• Jameson Distillery: Dublin’s most famous distillery, offering an immersive experience into the world of Irish whiskey
• Pearse Lyons Distillery: Housed in a beautifully restored 12th-century church
• Teeling Distillery: The first new distillery in Dublin in over 125 years, known for its innovative approach to whiskey
• Roe and Co Distillery: A modern distillery with a vibrant atmosphere, offering interactive tours and cocktail classes

11. Marvel at the collection in the Chester Beatty

Dublin City gets a bad aul rap. Sure, there’s plenty of areas to avoid in Dublin but, for the most part, the city’s a fine spot for a day out, especially when it comes to museums.

Although it’s the EPIC museum, that tends to get a lot of the attention online, there’s plenty more that’ll come in handy if you’re wondering what to do in Dublin when the weathers poor.

The Chester Beatty at Dublin Castle is one of the finest museums in Dublin, if not all of Ireland.

This cultural gem houses an extraordinary collection of manuscripts, rare books, and artifacts from Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia.

Founded on the private library of Sir Alfred Chester Beatty, a renowned American collector and philanthropist, the museum now serves as a hub for intercultural learning and exploration.

Some other excellent museums include:

• 14 Henrietta Street
• Little Museum of Dublin
• National History Museum
• The National Gallery of Ireland
• Irish Museum of Modern Art
• EPIC Museum

12. Visit the Guinness Storehouse, a tourist favourite

Another attraction that’s widely considered to be one of the best things to do in Dublin by visiting tourists is the world-famous Guinness Storehouse.

You’ll find it standing proudly at St James’s Gate on the site where Arthur Guinness set up shop with a 9,000-year lease in 1759.

There are several tours that you can head off on here but, if you can, opt for the guided tour as you’ll get a better insight into the history of the factor.

The tour finishes with a pint in the Gravity Bar where you’ll be treated to a superb view over the city.

13. Climb Killiney Hill for panoramic coastal views

The Killiney Hill walk is another peach of a ramble that has an option to suit both fit and unfit walkers.

If you fancy a mini-hike, follow the 30-minute trail outlined here.

If you want to avoid as much incline walking as possible, drive up to the main car park. The ‘summit’ is a short walk from there.

The views from Killiney Hill on a clear day are outstanding and you’ll be given a good eyeful of the surrounding city and county.

Nearby, the historic Vico Baths can be found while the Forty Foot (a popular swim spot) is located along the coast in Sandycove.

14. Discover tales of royalty and rebellion at Malahide Castle

Malahide Castle is a handy 30-minute spin from Dublin City on the DART and the area is a great spot to spend a day.

The castle here dates to the 12th Century and it’s construction was ordered by Richard Talbot after he was given the land by King Henry II.

You can take a tour of the castle, explore the beautifully maintained grounds and then head into the village – there’s plenty of things to do in Malahide and there are heaps of great pubs and restaurants dotted around its village.

Related read: These are 27 of the best things to do in Dublin with kids

15. Visit the Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin Cemetery and the Gravedigger’s pub

So, this is a bit of a random combo, but bear with me. Out in Glasnevin, a stone’s throw from Dublin City Centre, you’ll find a fine way of whittling away an afternoon.

Kick start your visit with a saunter around the glorious National Botanic Gardens. The story of the gardens begins at the end of the 18th century and, nearly 200 years later, they’re still delighting locals and tourists alike.

When you’ve finished up, you’re a short ramble away from Glasnevin Cemetery, where you can discover the stories of 1.5+ million people on one of several tours (you could also do the nearby Croke Park tour, if you fancied).

To round off your visit to the area in style, take the short walk from Glasnevin to the Gravediggers – it’s here you’ll get some of the best Guinness in Dublin.

16. See it all with the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

The Hop-on Hop-off Tour of the cityis widely regarded as one of the best things to do in Dublin by visiting tourists.

It’s a handy way to get around without a car and it takes in many of the most popular attractions in Dublin, like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ha’penny Bridge, Temple Bar and the Guinness Storehouse.

You can grab a 24 or a 48-hour ticket and it’ll set you back around €30. The reviews speak for themselves.

Included in the Dublin Pass: If you’re spending a few days in Dublin, this tour—along with many others—can be enjoyed at a reduced cost with the Dublin Pass

17. Escape to the scenic Dublin Mountains

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Dublin this weekend that’ll take you away from the hustle and bustle, point your nose in the direction of the Dublin Mountains.

It’s here that you’ll find some of the best walks in Dublin!

Located to the south of the city, the Dublin Mountains are actually an extension of the Wicklow Mountains.

They’re around a 30-minute spin from the city and there’s heaps of walks to tackle here. My favourites are:

• The Hell Fire Club
• Cruagh Wood
• Tibradden Wood
• Ticknock
• Carrickgollogan Forest

18. Roam the wild beauty of Phoenix Park

The Phoenix Park is one of the better known of the many parks in Dublin. It’s the largest park within any European City and there’s plenty to see and do.

If you fancy a day out with a difference, you can rent bikes at the main entrance of the park and zip around all of the various attractions.

You can stop off for coffee over at the Hole in the Wall pub, see the Papal Cross and admire Áras an Uachtaráin from afar.

If you’re on the hunt for places to go in Dublin a stone’s throw from a plethora of other attractions, get yourself here.

19. Take a day trip to one of Dublin’s coastal towns (or further afield)

Dublin’s home to plenty of lovely seaside towns and villages that make a great day-trip-destination if you fancy getting away from the city.

Although the likes of Howth, Malahide andDalkey tend to attract a lot of the footfall, Killiney, Skerries, Dun Laoghaire and Clontarf are also worth considering.

If you’ve had your fill of the capital, there are plenty of day trips from Dublin by car to head off on (there areloadsof day trips from Dublin by train, too!).

Here are some guides to dive into:

20. Sample a very overlooked food scene

If you’re wondering what to do in Dublin after a day of exploring—or looking for a tasty breakfast or lunch—you’re spoiled for choice.

Dublin’s food scene has something for everyone, from Michelin-starred gems like Chapter One to newcomers like Hawksmoor, housed in a beautifully restored former bank and renowned for its top-notch steaks.

Discover the city’s finest feed in my guide to the top restaurants in Dublin.

21. See Dublin differently on the Viking Splash

The Viking Splash Tour is one of the most popular fun things to do in Dublin City Centre, and you tend to see it (or hear it!) as you walk around the city.

The Viking Splash provides a nice quirky way to explore Dublin City from the comfort of a WWII amphibious vehicle.

These vehicles can travel on land and water, which means you’ll be spending the first half of the tour driving around the city and the second, yep you guessed it, on the water.

22. Walk to the iconic Poolbeg Lighthouse

The Poolbeg Lighthouse walk is another good option if you’d like to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a bit without having to stray too far off-the-beaten-path.

You’ll find the little red Poolbeg Lighthouse on the Great South Wall where it has been since 1768.

There are two different trails here – a long one, which kicks-off at Sandymount Strand (2.5 hours) and a short one, which starts from the car park on Pigeon House Road (1 hour).

The walks take you right out into Dublin Bay and offer some lovely coastal views (warning: dress sensibly – it getsverywindy!).

Now you know what to do in Dublin, it’s time for itineraries

Now that you have a sense of the best places to visit in Dublin, it’s time to plan your trip: