What to do in Dublin

Activities, attractions and tours

A city street with historic buildings, a prominent church spire, and a variety of shops.
A bustling street at dusk with illuminated signs, a crowd of people, and festive decorations.
A bustling street with illuminated signs, including a Guinness pub and a restaurant.
A bustling street lined with shops and cafes, featuring a prominent red sign for 'The Temple Bar' and a variety of colorful flags.
A busy street with people walking and sitting at outdoor cafes. There are colorful decorations and signs for a bar and other businesses.

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.

Things to do


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Top places to visit

1. 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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A large historic building with a prominent tower and a central archway.

2. 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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A large stone archway with inscriptions, surrounded by historic buildings and a park.

3. 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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A large industrial structure with multiple levels and staircases.

4. 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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A street with flower boxes, a musician, and pedestrians.

5. 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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A busy city street with historic buildings, a statue, and a flower bed.

6. 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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A modern stadium with a glass facade, a river in the foreground, and autumn trees.

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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A modern architectural structure with a curved design, a canal running alongside, and a pedestrian walkway.

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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A historic building with a clock tower and a statue.

9. 3Arena

The O2 is the biggest indoor venue in the Republic of Ireland, with a capacity of 14,500, reducing down to 9,500 for those occasions when the front rows of a gig simply have to be a moshpit!
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A modern building with a mix of brick and stone architecture, featuring a prominent 'Arena' sign.

What to do in Dublin


Stay near popular Dublin attractions

Where to stay in Dublin

Find the best Dublin areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Dublin
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Temple Bar

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Temple Bar. Make a stop by Dame Street or Olympia Theatre while you're exploring the area.

Dublin Docklands

If you're spending some time in Dublin Docklands, Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and Grand Canal are top sights worth seeing.

Ballsbridge

Ballsbridge is known for its fantastic nightlife, and with sights like Aviva Stadium and Royal Dublin Society, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Dublin.

North Wall

If you're spending time in North Wall, check out sights like EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum or 3Arena and hop on the metro to see more the city at Spencer Dock Station or Mayor Square - NCI Station.

Rathmines

Rathmines is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Cathal Brugha Barracks or Swan Shopping Centre.

 

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.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Dublin

Frequently asked questions

Is Dublin worth visiting?
Providing a blend of nightlife and dining, there's no shortage of things to do in Dublin. When you're here, visit Guinness Storehouse, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Dublin?
When you've checked off popular attractions like Dublin Castle and Malahide Castle, spend some time enjoying Dublin's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Dublin?
Guinness Storehouse is one of the top tourist attractions in Dublin and should be high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Dublin?
You can easily tick off popular sights like Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle and Dublin Zoo with a three-day break in Dublin. On average, most travellers plan three days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a little longer and venture to Dublin City West.
Is Dublin a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Dublin, including Guinness Storehouse and Dublin Castle, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.64 kilometres from the city centre of Dublin is City Centre Dublin and Temple Bar is 0.16 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Dublin with kids?
Deciding what to do in Dublin with kids has never been so simple. Whether you have toddlers or teenagers, there are many family-friendly tours and activities to keep them happy here.

What to do in Dublin for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Dublin, with experiences for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Guinness Storehouse or Jameson Distillery Bow St..
Are there free things to do in Dublin?
From visiting parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Dublin. If you need inspiration, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Irish Museum of Modern Art is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing activities.

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