By Soren Rivero
Dublin is Ireland’s largest city and the capital of the country. Known for its historic buildings, castles, and the world-famous Guinness Storehouse, Dublin has tons of exciting activities.
Planning a vacation to Dublin and want some recommendations on what to do? Here are the 10 best things to do in Dublin.
EPIC the Irish Emigration Museum
EPIC the Irish Emigration Museum stays true to its name. Contrary to popular belief, EPIC is not an acronym but rather is used as the name (and in all caps) to highlight the incredible stories of Irish emigration journeys.
Still fairly young, this museum is a contemporary collection of monuments and stories combined with an interactive ‘passport map’ experience. Its mission is to educate visitors, be they foreign or native, about the impact of Irish emigration across the world. The tour takes about 90 minutes, making it one of the best things to do in Dublin with family.
Cliffs of Moher Day Trip
The Cliffs of Moher is by far the most popular attraction in Ireland. The epic cliffs are a gateway to the incredible coastal trail known as the Wild Atlantic Way. You’ve more than likely seen the Cliffs of Moher in some way or another, whether it’s in movie scenes or used as pictures for vacation packages to Ireland.
Ask anyone who's been to Ireland, and they’ll tell you that you can’t leave the country without visiting the Cliffs of Moher! Although not in the city itself, you can take a short day trip to the Cliffs of Moher for a fun thing to do in Dublin.
Guinness Storehouse
Grab a complimentary pint of authentic Guinness beer right on the floors of the Guinness Storehouse itself. Located on the outskirts of central Dublin, this culturally-important building takes visitors back in time to learn about the history of Ireland’s world-famous beer. The storehouse is set within a century-old fermentation plant and is overflowing with rich history.
Each of the seven stories boasts a different aspect of Ireland’s Guinness culture, starting with the world’s largest pint on the bottom floor, and finishing with an overlook of Dublin from the top floor. Those who are looking for the best things to do in Dublin might be interested in learning how to pour their own pint via the Guinness Storehouse Academy.
Blarney Castle Day Trip
Castles are one of Ireland’s most treasured possessions. No trip to Ireland would be complete without exploring at least one of the country’s incredible castles. Luckily, the Blarney Castle is just a few hours south of Dublin. The resilient medieval stronghold was built way back in the 1400s and has managed to persist through some tough times. At the top of the tower, you’ll find the Blarney Stone. Kiss it, and you’ll supposedly be blessed with the gift of eloquence for all eternity.
Bonus: For something closer, visit Dublin Castle in the city center. It was built in the early 13th century by King John of England and still remains a popular attraction.
Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park is not your ordinary park. More than just a beautiful composition of flora and fauna, this park connects with some of Dublin’s other popular attractions and is also home to a native deer population. But the park also grants easy access to Papal Cross, Áras an Uachtaráin, Dublin Zoo, and the Farmleigh House. Visit Phoenix Park to experience the best things to do in Dublin on a budget!
Party at The Temple Bar
As one of the most popular bars in Dublin, you simply must visit The Temple Bar. It’s one of Dublin’s oldest bars as it dates back to the early 1300s and still brings energetic crowds to this day. Throw back a drink (or two) of some of Ireland’s best whiskey while partying the night away.
Stroll over Ha’penny Bridge
Another fun free thing to do in Dublin is taking a leisurely stroll across the Ha’penny Bridge. This charming white-picketed bridge is iconic for being the area’s first pedestrian bridge built back in 1816. You’ve probably seen it in postcards or movies, but there’s nothing like experiencing it in person!
Kilmainham Gaol Museum
Take a peek into Ireland’s dark and eerie past with a visit to the Kilmainham Gaol Museum. This museum was formerly used as a harsh jail to contain and manipulate prisoners during Ireland’s bloody revolt against British rule.
Built in 1796, the prison contained the most revolutionary figures of Ireland’s painful fight against the British, becoming even more haunting and bone-chilling following some executions in the early 20th century. The last prisoner, Éamon de Valera, was released in 1924 and eventually became the Prime Minister of Ireland. Now, the macabre halls of the prison can be toured through. Definitely one of the best things to do in Dublin if you like to learn about history.
The Book of Kells at the Trinity College Library Exhibition
Have you ever heard of the Book of Kells? Written completely in Latin, the Book of Kells is an important religious manuscript containing gospels from the Christian New Testament. Historians and religious followers believe the book was written over 1,000 years ago by monks.
The book eventually became synonymous with Kells in Ireland after monks had migrated to the region. From there, it was sent to the Trinity College for safekeeping in the 17th century. You can visit the library today to see the book on display, as well as tour the rest of the building.
National Museum of Ireland
For the best things to do in Ireland for free plus the best things to do in Dublin when it rains, visit the National Museum of Ireland. This museum opened in 1890 as a diverse collection of artifacts from Ireland. Now, it is separated into three different collections: decorative art, archeology, and history. All of which are free to explore and within walking distance of another. Head there early if you want to get the best experience.
The Irish Rock 'N' Roll Museum Experience
Still curious about Ireland’s best museums? Perhaps the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience will sate your curiosity, as well as provide you with something unique to remember as you experience the history and influence of Irish rock music. Prance on stage, start your own band, and walk through the very halls that some of Ireland’s best musicians walked.
Dún Laoghaire Port
Just eight miles south of Dublin is Dún Laoghaire Harbour in Dún Laoghaire, Ireland. The port is excellent for taking a relaxing break away from the crowds in central Dublin. You’ll see plenty of people exercising, sitting and reading, or having a picnic. The port is great for walking and taking pictures of Ireland’s less-seen sites. There’s even a walkway up to a lighthouse.
