The Best Things To Do in Dublin, Ireland
28 Jul 2023
Image by Leonhard Niederwimmer from Pixabay
The Irish capital of Dublin seems to earn a space on everyone’s bucket list these days. I mean, can you blame us travellers? The city pretty much has everything you could ask for, incredible experiences like the Guinness Storehouse, an abundance of bustling bars in vibrant districts such as Temple Bars, and incredible outdoor strolls such as the Howth Cliff Walk.
With so much to see and do, you’ll need a clear plan of what attractions you want to see as it would be impossible to fit them all in one trip. So without further ado, allow me to present to you the best things to do in Dublin, Ireland.
Ride On The Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
There are all kinds of afternoon tea venues in Dublin, but the vintage tea bus tour is quite special. Hop on board a bus decked out to make passengers feel like they’re back in the 50s. See the capital’s main sights while indulging in countless cups of Irish tea as well as some delicious pastries to go with it.
The tour departs three times a day, five out of seven days a week lasts between 70 and 80 minutes with a guide and running commentary throughout.
Stroll Around The Phoenix Park
Dublin houses one of Europe’s biggest city parks, the Phoenix Park, which sits on the fringes of the city. Spanning over 1752 acres, this outdoor space is loved by locals and tourists alike and has operated since 1747.
Besides sauntering through the grounds and getting a dose of fresh air, there are also quite a few things to do there, from taking a self-guided tour of Dublin Zoo to catching a glimpse of Áras an Uachtaráin, the president of Ireland’s home.
Take A Cooking Class
Have you ever wondered what Ireland’s signature dishes are? Or wanted to learn more about the country’s cuisine? There’s only one way to do it, join one of the many cooking classes in Dublin.
Discover how to make all kinds of Irish delights, from soda bread to a yummy Irish stew, alongside a professional who knows exactly what makes a good hearty dinner.
Some of the locations where these cooking classes are incredible. Imagine whipping up a storm and looking out over the Irish Sea with a glass of wine in hand.
Image by CanonEOS1300d from Pixabay
Head Out To Poolbeg Lighthouse
Poolbeg lighthouse is one of Dublin’s main landmarks at the end of the Great South Wall, which was only the longest sea wall in the world at four kilometres in length.
The lighthouse itself was built in 1768 and painted red in order to warn any ships coming to the country’s shores.
You can access the lighthouse a number of ways, but the most popular is by taking the 4km loop that sets off from the great south wall car park.
Alternatively, you can take the Sandymount strand route, that’s 100 kilometres in total. That’s more of an option if you have the whole day to spend.
Tour The Guinness Storehouse
Have you really been to Dublin if you didn’t visit the Guinness storehouse? It’s arguably the most popular thing you can do in the city, and for good reason. Everyone wants to learn about the story of Ireland’s most famous drink, a good old pint of Guinness.
Wander through a fully interactive exhibition to discover how this well-known drink has evolved over the years and the work that goes into crafting the stout.
Before you leave, don’t forget to pop up to the Gravity Bar, where each person is guaranteed a complimentary pint to enjoy. The views up there are incredible, so you’ll probably end up staying for more than one.
Join A Walking Tour
The best way to find out more about a city is by taking a walking tour. With the helping hand of a local, you can find hidden gems and see the places that tourists never get to see.
Dublin has so many walking tours that you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing which one you’d like to go on. Whether you want to learn about the city’s incredible history through a 1916 rebellion tour or you’re feeling pecking and fancy more of a food walking tour, there’s something for everyone.
Scout Out The Georgian Doors
Something everyone wants to see in Dublin is the Georgian doors. Stemming from the Georgian period in Dublin, these gorgeous house fronts have been around since the 18th and 19th centuries. The idea came from the building regulations that the city was under at the time. All houses had to be built a certain way, and they looked the exact same, so locals wanted a way for theirs to stand out, so they decided to paint them different colours, which still can be seen today.
There are many areas in the city centre where you can spot these masterpieces, but one of the most notable is Merrion Square, an upper-class neighbourhood around the corner from the popular Stephens Green. You won’t need a tour guide to see them as they’re everywhere, but if you’d like to hear more about the back story, you can hire one.
Check Out Love Lane
Next up, I have a hidden gem for you that barely anyone knows about, the beautiful love lane. This alleyway has been a street art lovers’ favourite over the years, but it’s difficult to find these days.
Before its remodelling, love lane was a dirty area in the inner city and considered dangerous, but Dublin City Council came up with the idea to revamp it and transform it into an open-air gallery with fascinating murals and messages of love designed by local artists.
Stroll Around Temple Bar
Temple Bar is arguably Dublin’s most famous district on the south side of the city centre. Frequented mainly by tourists, this enchanting cobblestones complex is like something from a movie and represents exactly what tourists think Ireland is. From tiny little bars blaring traditional live music to cute corner stores selling all kinds of crafty products, you can’t visit the capitals without stopping at Temple Bar.
A lot of people that come to Dublin usually book their hotel in and around Temple Bar because of how central it is. The area has pretty much everything you need nearby, from supermarkets to lovely restaurants.
Have fun in Dublin!
And there you have it, that’s my picks for the best things to do in Dublin.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab a pen and paper and start planning your trip to one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations!
Craig Silva
Craig is a husband, father, team leader, travel and food writer, senior youth group coordinator, designer, brander, community builder, volunteer, and social media strategist. He likes to travel, go camping, go on road trips, watch movies, build stuff, operate the grill, and sing with his band. Craig is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association and Travel Media Association of Canada. If you are a PR agency or brand and would like Craig to review a travel destination, vehicle, restaurant, product or service, please send him an email.
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