Things to do in Dublin

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Dublin
Dublin showing a city and street scenes
Dublin featuring a river or creek, a sunset and a bridge
Dublin which includes nightlife, night scenes and street scenes
Dublin featuring street scenes, nightlife and night scenes

Dublin Attractions

The attractions in Dublin, Ireland are truly second to none in the world. Dublin is famous for its beautiful scenery and famous sites, making it one of the most popular travel destinations. There are numerous Dublin excursions to take, like trips to St. Michan's Church, as well as Dublin tours of sites

like Glasnevin Cemetery. Regardless of which of these beloved Dublin sights you chose to see on your next trip, you are sure to have a great time in this vibrant city.

One of the top Dublin activities is visiting one of the area's lovely parks and gardens. The National Botanic Gardens are a not to be missed spot for those interested in viewing the country's native plants in a stunning setting. The Hill of Tara, and its famous views, is a must see spot that can easily be found on any map of Dublin. Another lovely place to visit is Phoenix Park. This park is known for its well paved and beautiful running paths. Another park that is great to take the whole family to is quaint, peaceful St. Stephen's Green. If you are traveling with kids who love animals, you'll want to be sure to spend a day at the Dublin Zoo during your stay in the area.

There are also many local spots in Dublin that celebrate the varied history of this city. One of these tourist sites is Kilmainham Goal, once an infamous jail. Another of the most famous things to do in Dublin is visit the Marsh Library. The library's vast collection contains over 20,000 rare books. The Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship and Famine Museum is one of the best places to visit for adults and children interested in learning about the history of Dublin. If you are interested in learning about the original inhabitants of Dublin, be sure to stop at Dublinia: Experience Viking and Medieval Dublin to see history presented in a fun and entertaining way.

From quiet Merrion Square to Aras an Uachtarain, the President of Ireland's home, many delights await you on your next trip to lovely Dublin, Ireland.

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Dublin must see attractions

1. Guinness Storehouse

The Guinness Storehouse pays homage to an Irish favorite. Go with the flow of the pint-shaped inner part of the first Guinness brewery and learn all about the history of the dark stout with its thick froth. This is where you’ll breathe in the aroma of hop and barley, learn how the stout is traditionally poured and to sample its bitter taste.
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Guinness Storehouse which includes modern architecture and interior views as well as a small group of people

2. Trinity College

Trinity College, the University of Dublin, is a campus in the city center. Admire the bell tower and stone buildings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries and view modern art. Learn about famous Irish authors who studied here. Browse the galleries or take a tour to view the relics in the Old Library, with ancient gospels and medieval art exhibits.
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Trinity College showing heritage architecture and a park

3. St. Stephen's Green

Follow the signs to “Faiche Stiabhna”, as the Irish call St. Stephen’s Green, for an inner-city oasis. Admire the Victorian buildings, play soccer, throw a frisbee, watch people, jog, feed the ducks, doze or have a picnic in this popular Dublin park. You could also bring a novel written by one of Dublin’s great authors and read it at the very spot where they found their inspiration!
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St. Stephen's Green in Dublin features visitors enjoying a sunny day near historic arches and vibrant surroundings

4. Aviva Stadium

Aviva Stadium is the national sports arena, where Ireland plays international rugby and soccer games. The structure has a futuristic design and stands in a picturesque area of fields and a canal. Experience the rhapsody and songs of the nation’s passionate fans in this stadium of 51,700 seats.
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Dublin_AvivaStadium_6165854 03

5. Grafton Street

Among the most exclusive spots in European retail, Grafton Street is a boulevard full of upscale boutiques and restaurants. It is one of the two main commercial parts of Dublin and has an international array of big names. Yet the street retains its local charm with well-known street performers and traditional pubs. Bring cash and credit cards for a trip through the street’s upscale boutiques.
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Grafton Street featuring music, street scenes and a city

6. O'Connell Street

O’Connell Street is among Dublin’s busiest and recognizable parts. It consists of a wide boulevard divided by spaces for trees and works of art. Admire the many historic buildings and peruse the upscale boutiques that line this busy street.
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View From O'Connell Bridge in Dublin, Ireland

7. Croke Park

A World-Famous StadiumCroke Park certainly is impressive, however. It’s Ireland’s largest stadium, and with the capacity to seat 82,000 sporting fans, it is the fourth largest in Europe. During matches the noise and chants from the crowd can be heard all over the city of Dublin.
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8. Dublin Castle

The 18th-century Dublin Castle is among the city’s most iconic sites. A small park with pretty floral displays lies behind the castle, which replaced a 13th-century Viking military fortress. Learn its fascinating history as the seat of British and Irish governments over the centuries.
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Dublin Castle which includes heritage architecture and street scenes

9. Malahide Castle

Malahide Castle itself has been in the Talbot family for over 800 years. An exhibition on the ground floor takes visitors on an interactive journey through the history of both the family and the castle itself. Malahide Castle’s landscaped gardens are another of its key features. Over 5,000 different species of plant grow here, making this one of the most varied and luxurious botanical gardens on offer in the Replublic of Ireland.
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Malahide Castle showing a castle and heritage architecture

Recommended things to do in Dublin

Number of things to do
337
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Marlay Park’s Heritage: A Self-Guided Tour of Dublin’s Playground: $5
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Dublin

Free Things to Do in Dublin

Traveling on a tight budget in Dublin? Spend time, not your paycheck, on awesome experiences.

Chester Beatty Library and Gallery of Oriental Art - Talk to the staff and learn more about the collections exhibited here.

Booterstown Bird Sanctuary - Up-and-coming photographers, grab your camera — you'll get some fantastic animal photos here.

Millennium Bridge - This local landmark is a terrific backdrop for some selfies.

Trinity College - Get to grips with some of the fascinating history of the area through this site.

College Green - This happening location is a favorite hangout of locals and visitors alike.

Grand Canal - Find a nice place to sit and savor the tranquility that goes hand in hand with being around water.

Irish Stock Exchange - Plan a visit and discover the significance of this place to the community.

St. Teresa's Church - Do a little quiet reflection and discover a thing or two about this site's religious significance.

Sandymount Beach - Breathe in the fresh ocean air and watch the waves roll in at this lovely coastal spot.

Dublin Mountains - Contemplate the stark difference between the big city and nature's splendor at this special place.

St. Stephen's Green - Whether you can distinguish your apple trees from azaleas, you'll find beauty in this magnificent display.

Things to Do in Dublin with Kids

There's fun for the whole family wherever you go in Dublin. Here are some family friendly experiences you can enjoy together that are bound to make your break unforgettable:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Dublin? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Dublin

Guinness Storehouse showing signage and interior views as well as a small group of people

Guinness Storehouse

A tour of this pint-shaped hall in a historic brewery provides an intoxicating journey through the making of Ireland’s signature drink.

Guinness Storehouse
Trinity College showing heritage architecture and a park

Trinity College

Walk the cobbled lanes of Ireland’s oldest university, alma mater to literary greats and home of the precious Book of Kells.

Trinity College
St. Stephen\'s Green which includes a garden as well as a small group of people

St. Stephen's Green

Take a break in Dublin’s most popular public park with green lawns and flower beds, a stone bridge and statues, a swan-filled lake and a playground.

St. Stephen's Green
Long exposure shot on the coast of the north sea in Irland. #travelphotography #sunset #longexposure #seascape #dublin #Irland

Dublin Port

Explore the waterfront in Dublin with a trip to Dublin Port. You can enjoy the bars while in the area.

Dublin Port
Aviva Stadium which includes modern architecture and a park

Aviva Stadium

Watch a game of rugby or soccer and take a tour of the changing rooms and players’ tunnel to peek behind the curtain.

Aviva Stadium
Grafton Street featuring music, street scenes and a city

Grafton Street

Watch the talented street performers as you search the boutiques in this shopping haven for something special to take home.

Grafton Street
O\'Connell Street featuring heritage architecture, a city and a square or plaza

O'Connell Street

Marvel at one of the world’s tallest public works of art as you stroll down this boulevard of shops and historic buildings.

O'Connell Street
Croke Park

Croke Park

Croke Park in Dublin is so much more than an impressive sports stadium. “Croker”, as it is locally known, is in many ways is a bastion of Irish identity that protects the spirit of Gaelic games from forces seeking to dislodge it. If this all sounds a bit dramatic you should take the fantastic Croke Park Experience tour to get a very real sense of just how important and deeply ingrained the GAA and Gaelic games are to Ireland’s sense of itself.

Croke Park
Dublin Castle which includes heritage architecture and street scenes

Dublin Castle

Discover medieval excavations from a Viking ruin and appreciate the majesty of the state apartments, the chapel and the landscape gardens.

Dublin Castle

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Dublin

Samuel Beckett Bridge featuring a river or creek, a sunset and a bridge

City Centre Dublin

4.5/5(4,144 area reviews)

On a backdrop of river views, this friendly city enchants visitors with an innovative art scene, shopping streets and historical attractions.

City Centre Dublin
Temple Bar showing signage, street scenes and heritage elements

Temple Bar

4.5/5(147 area reviews)

Dublin's cultural hub boasts institutions like the Irish Film Institute and Temple Bar Gallery, while offering vibrant nightlife with various nightclubs, pubs, and restaurants. Explore Meetinghouse Square and Temple Bar Square during your stay.

Temple Bar
Luas Bridge after rush hour

Ranelagh

When in Ranelagh and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like Guinness Storehouse or The National Concert Hall and hop on the metro to see more the city at Ranelagh Station or Charlemont Station.

Ranelagh
Aviva Stadium showing modern architecture, heritage architecture and a garden

Ballsbridge

4.5/5(250 area reviews)

Many diplomatic residences are located in this affluent Dublin area. The neighborhood offers Herbert Park for leisure and iconic sights like the cylindrical U.S. embassy. Accessible by bus routes and DART train stations.

Ballsbridge
Howth showing a bay or harbor

Howth

Occupying a picturesque peninsula, this affluent Dublin suburb boasts coastal paths, golf courses, and a busy fishing port. Explore the Cliff Path Loop, visit Howth Castle, and enjoy easy access to the city via DART rail.

Howth
Guinness Storehouse which includes drinks or beverages and interior views

The Liberties

While you're in The Liberties, take in top sights like Guinness Storehouse and jump on the metro at Heuston Tram Stop to see more of the city.

The Liberties
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Dublin

Killiney

Killiney

Lucan

Lucan

Malahide featuring a bay or harbor

Malahide

Photo by Jan Roland Molina

Raheny

Portmarnock

Portmarnock

Photo by Andrea Flisi

Monkstown

Dollymount

Dollymount

Dalkey

Dalkey

Frequently asked questions

Is Dublin worth visiting?
Known for its nightlife and dining, discovering fun things to do in Dublin is a breeze. Make sure to add Guinness Storehouse to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Dublin?
Dublin Castle and Malahide Castle are two great places to begin your getaway adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and retail options in Dublin while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Dublin?
Don't go home without checking out Guinness Storehouse, ranked the top tourist attraction in Dublin.
Is three days enough to stay in Dublin?
Three days in Dublin is more than enough to visit the city's main highlights. Many travelers spend three days on average. Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle and Dublin Zoo are among the top-rated sights. Want to experience more? Hang around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots like Dublin City West.
Is Dublin a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you'd like to do and see in Dublin. Several sights, like Guinness Storehouse and Dublin Castle, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Dublin's best neighborhoods, City Centre Dublin is 0.4 miles away from downtown, while Temple Bar is 0.1 miles away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Dublin with kids?
If you're looking for activities and attractions for all ages, check out these awesome ideas for what to do in Dublin with kids.

What to do in Dublin for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or fan of Mother Nature, there are loads of things to do in Dublin for adults including Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery Bow St..
Are there free things to do in Dublin?
One of the easiest ways to find free things to do in Dublin is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on vibrant neighborhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without getting your cash out. Irish Museum of Modern Art is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.

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