22 Best Things to do in Dublin in 2026 (Locals Guide)

I’ve lived in Ireland’s capital for 36 years. Below, you’ll find what I think are the best things to do in Dublin, with a mix of hikes, tourist favourites, museums, historical pubs and hidden gems.

Dublin’s history is a thousand-year tug-of-war between Viking invaders, rebels, and dreamers, each of which left their mark on the city’s soul.

And while the capital gets a bad rap from some, it blends history, culture, great food, and superb pubs into an area that’s compact and very easy to get around.

Below, you’ll discover what to do in Dublin at any time of year, with plenty of local tips, maps, and handy info. Cheers!

The best things to do in Dublin

The map above outlines about 60% of the places to visit in Dublin that I’ll take you through below.

Scroll to discover what to see in Dublin at any time of the year. From ancient manuscripts at Trinity to modern art, castles, pubs with live music and more.

1. 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.

Tip: The tour often books out weeks in advance, so make sure to book well ahead!

2. The Howth Cliff Walk

The Howth Cliff Walk is one of the top things to do in Dublin when the weather’s fine and 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 of hikes 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. Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Dublin, standing on ground first settled by Vikings around 1030.

Built under the Norse king Sitric Silkenbeard and later expanded by the Normans, it has witnessed nearly every chapter of the city’s story, from medieval power struggles to Victorian restoration funded by whiskey magnate Henry Roe.

Its vast crypt, the largest in Ireland, holds monuments, mummies, and centuries of relics, while the covered bridge linking it to Dublinia hints at its layered past.

Tried-and-tested itineraries: 1 day in Dublin, 2 days in Dublin and 3 days in Dublin

4. Trinity College

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. 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 of very 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 mini self-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. The 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, a 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!

7. Dublin Castle

Few castles in Dublin are as impressive as the very central Dublin 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.

Related read: Check out my guide to 32 of the best things to do in Ireland in 2026

8. Live music

Traditional live music sessions are a must for those visiting Dublin. As you can see from my map above, they can be found in plenty of pubs across the city.

Some of the most popular sessions take place in The Cobblestone and The Celt, but the map above that accompanies my guide to pubs with live music in Dublin gives you plenty to choose from!

9. The Guinness Storehouse

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 factory.

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

10. Dublin’s literary legacy

Dublin is the city that shaped Joyce, Beckett, Wilde, and Yeats, and where storytelling still feels like a civic duty to many.

As one of UNESCO’s official Cities of Literature, words are part of Dublin’s DNA.

Start at the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI) beside St. Stephen’s Green to trace how Dublin’s writers changed the world.

Follow Joyce’s footsteps at the James Joyce Centre or during the annual Bloomsday Festival (June 16th).

And if you like your literature with a pint, join the Literary Pub Crawl from The Duke – part theatre, part history, and pure Dublin wit.

11. 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

12. The National Gallery of Ireland

One of Dublin’s must see attractions is the National Gallery of Ireland, founded in 1854 and opened in 1864. It houses over 14,000 artworks spanning Irish and European art.

Located on Merrion Square, it’s home to masterpieces by Caravaggio, Vermeer, Velázquez, and Jack B. Yeats, alongside Ireland’s national art collection.

Entry is free, and visitors can explore its restored 19th-century wings, the modern Millennium Wing, and rotating exhibitions like the Zurich Portrait Prize.

Budget friendly guides: See my guide to the various free things to do in Dublin

13. St. Patrick’s Cathedral

St Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1191, is Ireland’s national cathedral and the largest church in the country.

Built beside the site where St Patrick is said to have baptized converts, it’s a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and one of Dublin’s most important historic landmarks.

Over the centuries it has weathered fires, floods, and restorations, with major works funded by Benjamin Guinness in the 1800s.

Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels, served as dean here, and his tomb lies inside. Today, the cathedral hosts services, concerts, and national ceremonies, standing as both a house of worship and a living monument to Irish history.

14. Dublin’s whiskey distilleries

If you’re wondering what to do 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

15. The Killiney Hill walk

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.

16. Georgian Dublin

Georgian Dublin (1714–1830) transformed the city into one of Europe’s architectural showcases.

The Wide Streets Commission reshaped the medieval core with broad avenues like O’Connell Street, Westmoreland Street, and Dame Street, while grand squares (Merrion, Fitzwilliam, Mountjoy, and Parnell) became home to the Anglo-Irish elite.

South of the Liffey, landmarks such as Leinster House, Dublin Castle’s Georgian courtyards, and the Custom House reflect the Palladian symmetry that defined the era.

After the Act of Union in 1801, many aristocrats left, and their townhouses became tenements, but today these restored terraces and decorative doorways form one of Dublin’s most distinctive historic districts to explore.

17. The National History Museum

The National History Museum on Merrion Street has been part of Dublin life since 1856, but it’s in the middle of a major, long-overdue refurbishment.

The building is Victorian, cramped, and full of structural issues, so it is getting gradually upgraded.

Because of the works, the Merrion Street site is currently closed, and only a portion of the collection is accessible – now displayed in the “Dead Zoo Lab” at Collins Barracks in Stoneybatter.

This temporary setup gives visitors a closer look at star exhibits like the giant Irish deer and Ice Age specimens.

18. 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.

19. 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.

Some other excellent museums include 14 Henrietta Street, the Little Museum of Dublin and the Irish Museum of Modern Art.

20. The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

The Hop-on Hop-off Tour of the city is 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

21. A very overlooked food scene

If you’re wondering what to do in Dublin after a day of exploring, or if you’re 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.

22. 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.

23. The EPIC Museum

EPIC takes the old stone vaults of the CHQ building and turns them into a fast, interactive walk through Ireland’s emigration story.

You move room to room stamping a little “passport” as the museum explains why so many people left, where they went, and how they ended up influencing everything from politics to pop culture.

It’s built for curiosity – touchscreens, audio clips, letters, film snippets, even a mock pub and dance floor. By the end you’ve a clear picture of how a small island produced a 70-million-strong global community.

24. 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.

25. Glasnevin Cemetery

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.

26. The 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

27. The 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.

28. Day trips

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 and Dalkey 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 are loads of day trips from Dublin by train, too!).

Here are some guides to dive into:

• 30 mighty things to do in Wicklow
• 16 lovely walks in Wicklow
• 29 adventurous things to do in Meath
• 41 of the finest things to do in Louth

29. 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 gets very windy!).

30. Family friendly attractions

Figuring out what to do in Dublin with kids can be a pain, but there’s plenty on offer once you know where to look.

In my map above, that accompanies my guide on the best things to do in Dublin with kids, you’ll find everything from zip lines and escape rooms to places to visit with toddlers!

A map of what to do in Dublin

For those of you that like to have a Google Map on hand, the one above should tickle-your-fancy!

I’ve been adding to it for several years and it contains everything from historic pubs and great restaurants to walks and what to do in Dublin’s wider county. 

Just bookmark this guide and it’ll be there when you need it!

Where to stay in Dublin

Now you know what to do in Dublin, it’s time to figure out your accommodation.

The map above is from my guide on where to stay in Dublin. It gives you the pros and cons of each area along with info on the top hotels in Dublin.

Getting around Dublin

If you’re renting a car in Ireland, happy days – just keep in mind that you won’t need it while in Dublin.

Getting around Dublin without a car is simple once you understand the basics.

Public transport

Buses, the LUAS tram, the DART coastal train and Irish Rail for longer journeys. You can’t tap a card to pay, so either buy a ticket at the machines or use a Visitor Leap Card or DoDublin Card, both of which save time and money.

TFI Journey Planner app

If you’re not familiar with the city, use the TFI Journey Planner app. It tells you exactly which service to take and when it’ll arrive. There’s no rail link from the airport, so follow my guide on getting from Dublin Airport to the City Centre.

Tourist tips for visiting Dublin

While there are plenty of things to do in Dublin, there are many things not to do in Ireland.

Below, you’ll find some tips and handy info to keep in mind during your visit:

• Book ahead: Some attractions (e.g. Kilmainham) book ahead weeks in advance
• Tipping: While tipping in Ireland is common, there isn’t a tipping culture like the US. 10% is standard
• Weather: The weather in Ireland is unpredictable. Pack for every season
• When to visit: The best time to visit Ireland is subjective – here are the pros and cons of each month