Top Things to Do in Dublin
One of Europe’s oldest cities, Dublin is a vibrant urban hub full of culture and character. Here are the top things to do and see.
The Republic of Ireland is part of the EU, and its currency is the Euro. Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland and is located on the eastern coast of the island.
Guinness Storehouse
The beloved ‘pint of black stuff’ is anything but ordinary. The stout has spread Dublin’s fame across the globe, and you can see where it all began at the Guinness Storehouse. The Guinness story is a quintessentially Irish journey enlivened by colorful characters and the brand’s iconic advertising.
Naturally, after immersing yourself in all things Guinness, you’ll want to savor a pint. It’s a long-standing debate which of Dublin’s pubs serves the best pint of Guinness, but these days that title is highly contended by the brewery’s own Gravity Bar, and the 360-degree rooftop view may be the city’s finest as well. You can plan your next adventure from here, since you’ll need to move on eventually. Guests are limited to only one free pint—otherwise it’s possible that nobody would ever leave.
Trinity College Long Room and Book of Kells
Strolling Trinity College’s hallowed greens and courtyards can feel a bit like stepping back in time. This classical seat of learning was founded in 1592 and wears its age very well indeed. Today Trinity is home to some of the best and brightest young minds, honoring a tradition of scholars like Edmund Burke and Oscar Wilde.
In the 18th-century Old Library you’ll find the Long Room, surely one of the world’s most impressive library chambers, and some of Ireland’s most cherished relics. The wooden harp here, dating around the 15th century, has become a symbol of Ireland seen everywhere from the Guinness logo to Irish coins. One of the few existing copies of the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic can also be seen here.
But the Book of Kells, perhaps the most famous medieval manuscript in Europe, is in a class by itself. The ninth-century handwritten copy of the Gospels is lavishly illustrated, irreplaceable, and an absolute must-see for all Dublin visitors.
Kilmainham Gaol
Eerie, vast and deserted, the Kilmainham Gaol is the largest unoccupied prison in Europe and holds countless tales within its thick, cold walls. During its operating history from 1796 to 1924, the gaol contained ordinary criminals including men, women, and children in addition to many of Ireland’s foremost political figures. Visit the site of a famous escape, the chapel where a pre-execution wedding was held, and the poignant Stonebreakers’ Yard, where 14 leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were executed. The museum gives a dramatic insight into the history of this forbidding prison, with its overcrowding, hardship and brutal conditions. The gaol is popular and can only be visited on a 90-minute guided tour, so it’s wise to book in advance.
Literary Pub Crawl
How would you like to raise a glass with James Joyce or spend an evening watching Oscar Wilde hold court in a cozy pub? You can’t, of course, but the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl is the next best thing and likely one of the most enjoyable walks you’ll ever take.
Shaw, Yeats, Beckett, Behan, and many others chose Dublin as the setting for unforgettable scenes in their art and in their lives. The pub crawl’s charismatic guides know all of the authors’ best tales and bring them to life by regaling guests with laughs, trivia, and lively songs. They’ve even been known to reenact a scene or two from Ulysses.
So follow in the footsteps of Irish literary legends for a few hours, through the streets of Dublin and into storied pubs where pints are optional but certainly not discouraged. Want to explore more of the city’s long love affair with the written word? If so, take time to visit the excellent Dublin Writers Museum.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s has stood watch over the city for some eight centuries on a site where St. Patrick himself performed baptisms. Ireland’s largest cathedral is one of the few existing buildings from medieval Dublin and was already ancient when Jonathan Swift (author of Gulliver’s Travels) acted as dean and was buried here in the 1700s.
Though steeped in history, St. Patrick’s remains a vital part of the city’s spiritual lifeblood. It is still an active house of worship, with uplifting choral programs (the Choir School was founded in 1432) and a very busy calendar. Attending a service here is an unforgettable experience. Free guided tours are also on offer Monday to Saturday.
Dublin Castle and the Chester Beatty Library
Dublin Castle is an ancient Viking stronghold, a ceremonial seat used by Ireland’s modern government, and a vibrant center for public exhibitions and events. These attractions all add up to one must-see stop for Dublin visitors. Delve under the castle to explore original moats and fortifications, then emerge to stroll the glorious gardens above.
Check the calendar to see what’s on during your visit. But don’t miss one permanent attraction: Since 2000 the castle has housed the Chester Beatty Library, a collection of books, manuscripts, and art from around the world so outstanding it was dubbed European Museum of the Year.
Jameson Distillery
The Bow Street Distillery is hallowed ground for those who enjoy what Joyce called the “light music of whisky falling into glasses.” Though this is the very spot where John Jameson first got to work back in 1780, it’s recently been refurbished and reopened to welcome visitors on a 40-minute tasting tour called the Bow Street Experience. It all wraps up in JJ’s Bar, but you needn’t stop there. If Jameson’s simply whets your appetite for more, check out the excellent Irish Whiskey Museum. Tours and tastings cover the long and delicious history of this favored spirit, exploring everything from food pairings to blending and bottling your very own brand. Sláinte!
St. Stephen’s Green Park
A green jewel in the heart of Dublin, St. Stephen’s Green is the perfect place to stop and smell the flowers. After all, people have been doing so for much of the past 400 years. Today the park retains most of the Victorian design elements commissioned by Sir Arthur Guinness, who restored the briefly private green and reopened it to the people of Dublin in 1880.
Hundreds of mature trees shield the space from the surrounding city, and walkways explore flower beds, sculptures, a bog garden, and a charming lake favored by fish and waterfowl. Download a free audio guide to learn more about the long history and modern attractions of the green and prepare to relax here like Dubliners do.
