40 Places You Need To Go In Dublin
Ah, Dublin: The land of Guinness and Fish & Chips. Honestly, that’s really all you need. However, if you’re looking to escape that food coma (or maybe just get deeper into it) check out these 40 things to do in Dublin.
1. Visit the Guinness Storehouse Factory
One cannot simply go to Ireland and NOT have a Guinness. The Guinness Storehouse consists of a self-guided tour that usually takes around an hour and a half. However, if you’re having a good time at the rooftop bar with your famous beer, feel free to stick around as long as you’d like!
2. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the tallest & largest church in Ireland, towering at 43 meters. This gothic architecture was founded wayyyy back in 1191 and gives off medieval vibes, especially considering Jonathon Swift, a famous writer, is buried inside of this cathedral.
3. Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle was reserved for the seat of British power for 700 years. It now continues to serve as a government complex as well as a major tourist attraction (duh). You can walk around in here for free, but if you’d like to see some of the other buildings, you will need to pay for a guided tour.
4. Abandoned Prison of Kilmainham Gaol
Kilmainham Goal opened in 1796 to serve as the county goal. Tons & tons of people were imprisoned here, as well as executed. Sadly, it wasn’t just serial killers who took homage in Killmainham Goal. Men, women and children with petty thefts such as stealing food were locked up, as well. Since closing its doors in 1924, this prison is now open for the public to tour. To visit, you absolutely must book in advance.
5. Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park is the largest enclosed park out of any capital city in Europe. The name comes from a mispronunciation of the Irish word ‘Fionn Uisce’ meaning ‘Clear Water.’ This haven is open seven days a week and used to be the royal hunting park in the 1660s. Now, it’s home to thousands of deer that roam freely across the land.
6. The Temple Bar
The Temple Bar is one of the most famous pubs in Dublin. This place has a lot of history, which I’ll let you find out on your own….but, more importantly, The Temple Bar is home to 450 bottles of rare & interesting whiskeys, making it the largest collection in Ireland.
6. The Spire of Dublin
Toppling at 120 meters tall, The Spire of Dublin is a large, stainless steel monument in Dublin. This was actually the winning entry in an architectural competition to replace Nelson’s Pillar (blown up in 1966). Fun Fact: This stick costed €4,000,000 to build.
8. Old Jameson Distillery
The Old Jameson Distillery should be on any whiskey-lovers bucket list….so, probably not many peoples’. Kidding. Actually, Jameson accounts for 70% of the Irish whiskey sales in the United States. Jameson Distillery Bow Street is where Jameson Whiskey was originally distilled, all the way up until 1971; it’s now made in Cork. However, you can still stop by this old distillery to hear some fun history & do some tastings!
9. The Church
The Church is a restored cathedral that is now a cafe, bar and Irish restaurant. It is perhaps one of the quirkiest places in Dublin and has won plenty awards because of this.
10. Avoca Wool Shop & Cafe
Avoca is Ireland’s oldest weaving mill, beginning way back in 1723. Now, Avoca has expanded into cafes and restaurants, markets and even perfume! Make sure you check out this historical line of retail.
11. Dublin Zoo
The Dublin Zoo is one of the most popular attractions in Dublin because, I mean, who doesn’t want to see these cute little guys. Established in 1830, this zoo is open year round. For discounted tickets, purchase online ahead of time.
12. Abbey Theatre
The Abbey Theatre is the National Theatre of Ireland. As one of the country’s leading cultural institutions, plenty of events from the children’s theatre to movies to concerts are always going on. #GetCultured.
13. Dublin Flea Market
Since established in 2008, The Dublin Flee Market has promoted sustainability and opportunity all over the community. This market takes place on the last Sunday of every month in Newmarket Square. Enjoy crafts and foods from Irish start-ups at this free event.
14. Ha’Penny Bridge
Built in 1816, the Ha’Penny Bridge (also known as the Liffey Bridge) is a pedestrian bridge in Dublin. Today, an average of 30,000 people cross this bridge each day. At what cost, might you ask? Ha’Penny.
15. Trinity College Library
The Trinity College Library is used by students of Trinity College and the University of Dublin. It’s a “copyright library” meaning Ireland publishers must all deposit a copy of their publications there, free of charge. This library actually dates all of the way back until 1592.
16. Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, is Dublin’s oldest building & spiritual heart of the city. Founded in 1030, this is one of the city’s finest historic buildings.
17. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
The Irish Emigration Museum was voted “Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction” at the World Travel Awards in 2019. It takes you through an interactive journey to help you see beyond the stereotypes and really get to know the Irish culture. I’d recommend this to absolutely everyone visiting Dublin.
18. Unique Doors of Dublin
Dublin is littered with these iconic doors. The best places to look for these authentic Georgian doors would be the south side of city center, near Merrion Square, Saint Stephen’s Green and Fitzwilliam Square. Fun Fact: In Ireland, a red door is said to fend off ghosts and evil spirits.
19. Experience Gaelic Gameshttps://crokepark.ie
Gaelic Games are the traditional sports played in Ireland. The two main ones are Gaelic Football & Hurling. However, there is also Gaelic Handball & Rounders. Every September, about 82,500 people come together in Croke Park Stadium in Dublin to watch the All-Ireland Finals. Which game are you heading to?
20. Graveyards at Glasnevin Cemetery Museum
Glasnevin Cemetery Museum is another one of Dublin’s Top Tourist Attractions. Over 1.5 million people have been buried in these grounds, and each have a story to tell. Click here to find out information about hours & guided tours.
21. St. Stephen’s Green
St. Stephen’s Green is a city center public park in Dublin. This park is nice because it’s very close to Grafton Street, a popular shopping hotspot. St. Stephen’s Green is the largest of the parks in Dublin’s main Georgian garden squares. Come here to refresh from the city, take an easy stroll, or chat with a friend over some sweet treats!
22. Little Museum of Dublin
The Little Museum of Dublin is built inside of an 18th century Georgian Town House and is a people museum. Open 7 days a week, you will need to schedule a guided tour in order to explore this historic gem.
23. Dublin’s National Botanic Gardens
Dublin’s National Botanic Gardens are a beautiful oasis located just outside of the city. This garden is almost 50 acres large and has just tons and tons of flowers, grasses, trees and even a rose garden. This garden is also close enough to the Glasnevin Cemetery that you could kill two birds with one stone (no pun intended).
24. Irish Whiskey Museum
The Irish Whiskey Museum is precisely what it sounds like. However, lucky for us, this museum is interactive. Take a guided tour through the history of whiskey, while including your taste buds along on the journey.
Note: The Irish Whiskey Museum may be closed until further notice due to COVID-19.
25. National Museum of Ireland
The National Museum of Ireland is the leading museum in Ireland and actually has three branches inside of Dublin. Here, you’ll find a plethora of Irish history as well as culture, art and even some international archaeology.
26. Leo Burdocks
Leo Burdocks has been serving Dublin’s Traditional Fish and Chips since 1913. This century-old shop is Dublin’s oldest chipper and you can bet that they’ve got their fish & chips basket perfected by now.
27. Grafton Street
Grafton Street is one of the main shopping streets in Dublin City Centre. You can find tons of boutiques, pubs and restaurants, truly making it Dublin’s hotspot.
28. Howth Cliff Walk
The Howth Cliff Walk is a [key word] safe cliff walk near Dublin that takes about 3 or 4 hours to complete. This hike will have enjoyable views as well as help you feel less guilty about all the Guinness and fish & chips you’ve been consuming.
29. Oscar Wilde Statue
The Oscar Wilde Memorial Sculpture consists of 3 statues in Merrion Square in Dublin. Made by Danny Osborne in 1997, these monuments commemorate the Irish poet & playwright, Oscar Wilde.
30. DoDublin Bus Tour
DoDublin Bus Tour is the Number 1 sightseeing tour company in Dublin. You can purchase a 24 hour sightseeing ticket for here, which allows you to hop on and hop off all day and night! See as much as Dublin for as little as possible with the DoDublin Bus Tour.
31. The Hairy Lemon
The Hairy Lemon is a tavern that hosts live music and serves American food and tap brews. Better yet, this place is equipped with plenty of televisions for all of my sports fans out there.
32. The Hungry Tree at King’s Inns
The Hungry Tree is an 80-year-old tree that has rooted itself in the grounds of King’s Inn. It’s nicknamed ‘The Hungry Tree’ because, as you can see, it has literally eaten half of the park bench.
33. The Hellfire Club
The Hellfire Club was most well-known for its hard-drinking hedonism, dark deeds and black magic. This creepy place was a secret society filled with lively and elite parties. The building most known for this society is located on top of Montpeliar Hill and has quite the reputation for being haunted, as you may imagine.
34. Lucy’s Lounge Vintage Store
Lucy’s Lounge Vintage Store was founded in 1987 in the middle of Temple Bar. This vintage shop has been described as a beautiful place for whimsical souls.
35. Samuel Beckett Bridge
Samuel Beckett Bridge is a cable bridge that connects Sir John Rogerson’s Quay and Guild Street. Over 123 meters long, this is a spectacular place to watch the sun set over.
36. Sweny’s Pharmacy
Sweny’s Pharmacy was a former pharmacy in downtown Dublin. Now, this tiny shop sells secondhand books and crafts.
37. National Leprechaun Museum
Dedicated to Irish folklore and mythology, the National Leprechaun Museum will have you feeling like you fell down the rabbit hole. This place claims to be the world’s first leprechaun museum, and I can only imagine that they’d have to be correct in saying so.
38. Chester Beatty
Established in 1950 this museum & library showcases collections from Sir Alfred Chester Beatty, who was an American mining lord. Free to enter, you’ll be able to see what the Lonely Planet described as not only the best museum in Dublin, but one of the best in all of Europe.
39. The Irish Rock N’ Roll Museum Experience
Take a tour through the iconic music scene of Ireland on the Irish Rock N’ Roll Museum Experience. You’ll be able to access the behind-the-scenes of one of Dublin’s top music venues & recording studios.
Note: The Irish Rock N’ Roll Museum may be temporarily closed due to COVID-19.
40. St. Michan’s Church
St. Michan’s Church is an Anglican Church in Dublin. This place dates back to 1685, although there was another chapel on this site back in 1095. Beneath this church’s grounds lie five long burial vaults with mummified remains of some of Dublin’s most iconic families.
I plan on heading over to Dublin in May. What’s on your Dublin Bucket List? Any other suggestions for me to hit up while I’m there? Please, comment them below! I can’t wait to hear all about your travels.
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