Things to Do in Dublin
33 things to do in Dublin
Dublin offers a mix of literary history, Georgian architecture, and centuries-old monuments. Start with the famous sites: Trinity College and the Book of Kells draw crowds for good reason, while the Guinness Storehouse pulls in anyone curious about Ireland's most iconic beer. Walk across the Ha'penny Bridge, wander through Saint Stephen's Green, and explore Dublin Castle to get a feel for the city's past.
Beyond the city center, there's plenty to discover. The National Gallery of Ireland and the Little Museum of Dublin showcase art and social history, while Kilmainham Gaol tells the story of Ireland's independence struggle. For something quieter, Phoenix Park offers green space and a chance to escape the crowds, and Glasnevin Cemetery is a surprisingly moving walk through Irish history. History buffs can also visit the nearby Ballintubber Abbey or dig deeper into the country's prehistoric past at Knowth.
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Trinity College And The Book Of Kells
Must-seeMedieval masterpiece and Dublin's defining landmark; one million annual visitors confirm its significance.
Trinity College, College Green, Dublin, D02, Ireland - 2
Dublin Castle
Must-seeThousand-year-old castle at Dublin's heart; essential to understanding Irish history.
52 Dublin Road, Sutton, County Dublin D13, Ireland - 3
St Patrick's Cathedral
Must-seeIreland's National Cathedral, 800+ years old Gothic landmark central to Dublin's religious and architectural heritage.
St Patrick's Close, Dublin, D08 H6X3, Ireland - 4
Phoenix Park
Must-seeEurope's largest city park with historic monuments, deer, and essential Dublin outdoor experience.
Dublin 8, Ireland - 5
Kilmainham Gaol
Must-seePivotal to Irish independence history; essential for understanding Dublin's cultural identity.
Kilmainham Gaol, Inchicore Rd, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, D08 RK28, Ireland - 6
National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology
Must-seeEssential for understanding Ireland's history; world-class Celtic and Viking artifacts.
National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology, 35A Kildare St, Dublin 2, D02 YK38, Ireland - 7
Ha'penny Bridge
Must-seeIconic 1816 cast-iron bridge over River Liffey; Dublin's most photographed landmark.
Ha'penny Bridge, Ha'penny Bridge, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland - 8
Samuel Beckett Bridge
Iconic modern architecture with symbolic harp design; worth a photo stop on Liffey walks.
Samuel Beckett Bridge, Samuel Beckett Brg, North Dock, Dublin, Ireland - 9
National Gallery Of Ireland
Major European art collection with 16,000+ works; essential for art lovers, worthwhile for most visitors.
Merrion Square Park, Páirc Chearnóg Mhuirfean, Dublin, D02, Ireland - 10
Guinness Storehouse
Iconic brewery museum with interactive exhibits and Gravity Bar views; essential for beer enthusiasts.
Guinness Storehouse, St. James's Gate, The Liberties, Dublin 8, D08 VF8H, Ireland - 11
Merrion Square Park
Historic Georgian square with sculptures and art; essential for understanding Dublin's architecture and character.
Merrion Square Park, 1 Merrion Square E, Dublin, Ireland - 12
Keem Beach
Remote island beach with dramatic scenery; worth the trip if nature-focused but not central Dublin.
Keem Beach, Keem Beach, Co. Mayo, Ireland - 13
Saint Stephen's Green
Central Victorian park with historic significance; a key Dublin landmark and popular city gathering space.
Saint Stephen's Green, St Stephen's Green, Dublin, Ireland - 14
National Natural History Museum of Ireland
Victorian natural history museum with 2M specimens; iconic Dublin landmark, strong for learning but specialized interest.
National Museum of Ireland - Natural History, Merrion St Upper, Dublin 2, D02 F627, Ireland - 15
Grafton Street
Dublin's main pedestrian thoroughfare with character, buskers, and essential city atmosphere.
Grafton Street, Dublin, D02, Ireland - 16
Merrion Square South
Iconic Georgian square and park with historic architecture; worth seeing but not essential.
Merrion Square S, Dublin, Ireland - 17
Croke Park
Major cultural landmark and GAA hub; essential for understanding Irish identity and history.
Croke Park, Jones' Rd, Drumcondra, Dublin 3, Co. Dublin, Ireland - 18
Marsh’s Library
Ireland's first public library, 1707, with rare historic manuscripts and literary significance.
St Patrick's Close, Dublin 8, D08 FK79, Ireland - 19
Knowth
Unesco World Heritage site with exceptional Neolithic art; slightly less iconic than Newgrange but equally significant.
Knowth, Knowth, Co. Meath, Ireland - 20
The Little Museum of Dublin
Intimate museum in Georgian townhouse; captures Dublin's social history through everyday objects.
The Little Museum of Dublin, 33 Pembroke Street Lower, Dublin 2, D02 FK06, Ireland - 21
The Oscar Wilde Monument
Distinctive Dublin monument in accessible Georgian square; worth seeing if literary interest or nearby.
The Oscar Wilde Monument, Oscar Wilde Monument, Dublin, Ireland - 22
Slievemore Deserted Village
Slievemore, Co. Mayo, Ireland - 23
Glasnevin Cemetery
Significant Irish history and architecture, but appeals mainly to history/heritage enthusiasts.
Glasnevin Cemetery, Finglas Rd, Glasnevin, Dublin, D11 XA32, Ireland - 24
Molly Malone Statue
Historic iconic statue, but brief visit; interesting for culture fans.
Molly Malone Statue, Suffolk St, Dublin 2, D02 KX03, Ireland - 25
Dún Briste Sea Stack
Dún Briste Sea Stack, Knockaun, Milltown, Co. Mayo, Ireland - 26
Corcomroe Abbey
Corcomroe Abbey, Corcomroe Rd, Abbey West, Co. Clare, Ireland - 27
Gleninsheen Wedge Tomb
Cahermacnaghten, Co. Clare, Ireland - 28
Hazel Mountain Chocolate
Oughtmama, Co. Clare, H91 VCF1, Ireland - 29
Lough Key Forest Park
Lough Key Forest Park, Lough Key Forest Park, Co. Roscommon, Ireland - 30
Clare Island Abbey
Clare Island Abbey, Strake, Co. Mayo, Ireland - 31
Ballintubber Abbey
Significant Irish historical site, but in remote County Mayo, far from Dublin.
Abbey, Ballintober, Co. Mayo, F12 W584, Ireland - 32
Lacken Strand
Co. Mayo, Ireland - 33
Christ Church Cathedral
8 Dublin Road, Sutton, County Dublin D13, Ireland
Things to Do in Dublin: FAQ
How many days should I spend in Dublin?
Most visitors spend 2–3 days exploring the city center attractions like Trinity College, Dublin Castle, and the museums. Add extra days if you want to visit Kilmainham Gaol, Phoenix Park, and nearby prehistoric sites like Knowth.
What's the best way to get around Dublin?
The city center is walkable, and you'll easily reach Ha'penny Bridge, Saint Stephen's Green, and the National Gallery on foot. For Phoenix Park, Glasnevin Cemetery, and Croke Park, consider public transport or a taxi.
Is there a good museum for Irish history?
Yes — the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology covers prehistory and early medieval Ireland, while Kilmainham Gaol focuses on the independence era. The Little Museum of Dublin offers a smaller, intimate look at everyday city life.