Best Things to Do in Dublin | Ireland

Dublin is one of those cities that is less about checking off famous landmarks and more about experiencing the atmosphere. Yes, there are beautiful historic buildings and museums, but some of my favorite Dublin experiences are much simpler – having a pint in an Irish pub, walking along the River Liffey, or learning how Ireland's most famous beer is made.

If you're visiting Dublin for the first time, here are the places and experiences I think are really worth adding to your trip.

Visit the Guinness Storehouse

You can't really visit Dublin without experiencing Guinness in some form, and the Guinness Storehouse is probably the most iconic attraction in the city. Located at St. James's Gate Brewery, where Guinness has been brewed since 1759, the experience takes you through the story of Arthur Guinness, how the beer is made, its famous advertising campaigns, and the history of the brand. Even if you're not a huge beer drinker, I think it's worth visiting. It's much more than simply walking around a brewery.

One of the highlights comes at the end when you reach the Gravity Bar at the top of the building. Here you can enjoy a Guinness while looking across Dublin through huge glass windows.

I don't really drink beer, but Guinness feels such a big part of Irish history that I really wanted to do this tour, and what better place to try my first Guinness than at the factory where it all started.

I definitely recommend booking in advance because when we went, people could not get in just on the spot; all the time slots were already filled. You can book directly on their website - Guinness Storehouse. They offer several experiences. I went with the standard experience and felt like that was a great introduction to Guinness and all it entails.

Walk Through Temple Bar

Temple Bar is probably Dublin's most famous nightlife area. Despite the name, it isn't just one bar – it's an entire neighborhood filled with pubs, restaurants, cobbled streets, shops, and live music.

The famous red exterior of The Temple Bar Pub is one of the most photographed spots in Dublin, but don't stop there. Walk through the surrounding streets, and you'll find plenty of other traditional pubs and live music venues. Temple Bar is very touristy, and drinks here tend to be more expensive than elsewhere in Dublin. I still think you should experience it once, especially on your first visit, but I wouldn't spend every evening here.

During the day, the neighborhood feels completely different and is actually a lovely area to walk around.

As I had already had my Guinness pint in the factory, we then headed for dinner in the Temple Bar area. We stumbled across a wine bar La Caverna, and the food was great. I highly recommend. Also, despite being in such a famous area, the prices weren't too bad, and they had good veggie options.

Visit St Patrick's Cathedral

St Patrick's Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Ireland and one of Dublin's most important historic buildings. The cathedral dates back hundreds of years and is traditionally connected to St Patrick, Ireland's patron saint. One of its most famous connections is writer Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels, who served as Dean of the cathedral and is buried here. Even if you don't go inside, the cathedral and surrounding gardens are worth seeing while exploring this part of Dublin.

A free walking tour is also a great way to see and learn about the city. Check out these Dublin Free Walking Tours!

See Trinity College & the Book of Kells

Trinity College is Ireland's oldest university and one of the most beautiful places in central Dublin. The main reason many visitors come here is to see the Book of Kells, a famous medieval manuscript created more than 1,000 years ago. Even if ancient books aren't normally your thing, the level of detail in the illustrations is incredible.

The university grounds themselves are also worth exploring. The historic Old Library has long been one of Dublin's most recognizable interiors. However, the library has been undergoing a major redevelopment project, so I recommend checking what parts of the experience are accessible when you visit.

Also, definitely book in advance - tickets on the day go quickly.

Walk Along the River Liffey

The River Liffey runs straight through the center of Dublin and divides the city's north and south sides. One landmark to look out for is the Ha'penny Bridge, the beautiful white pedestrian bridge connecting both sides of the river. Its unusual name comes from the half-penny toll people originally had to pay to cross it. Walking along the river is also an easy way to move between several of Dublin's main attractions.

Experience a Traditional Irish Pub

Temple Bar may be famous, but if you want to experience Dublin's pub culture, I would definitely venture beyond its main streets. Dublin has some incredible historic pubs, many with old interiors, traditional snugs, fireplaces, and stories going back generations.

You don't need to do a huge pub crawl either – choose a couple that interest you and make them part of exploring the city.

The Brazen Head is the obvious place to start. Dating its history back to 1198, it is widely known as Ireland's oldest pub. The building has small rooms, stone walls, old photographs, and a completely different atmosphere from the bigger pubs around Temple Bar.

The Long Hall is another Dublin classic. Its beautiful Victorian interior, dark wood, mirrors, and traditional bar make it worth visiting simply to see inside.

Kehoe's is another good choice if you want that old Dublin pub feeling. Located just off Grafton Street, it is known for its traditional interior and small rooms, including the classic Irish pub "snugs" that were designed to give customers a little more privacy.

And then there's The Palace Bar in Temple Bar. Despite its location in Dublin's busiest tourist area, it has retained much more of a traditional pub atmosphere than many of its neighbors and has been part of Dublin's literary and cultural scene for generations.

If you only have time for one historic pub, I would choose whichever fits naturally into your sightseeing route rather than traveling across Dublin just to tick one off the list.

If you do visit a few and pints of Guinness get too heavy, I recommend trying 'Baby Guinness'. Not sure if it is an official thing or even part of Irish culture, but it is basically a small cup or even a shot glass with Guinness and Baileys liqueur on top. I loved it!

Listen to Traditional Irish Music & See Irish Dancing

One experience I would definitely add to a Dublin trip is a night of traditional Irish music. Traditional sessions are usually much more relaxed than a formal concert. Musicians gather together and play traditional Irish tunes using instruments such as the fiddle, flute, tin whistle, bodhrán drum, and uilleann pipes. In some pubs, you'll find live music throughout the week, while others have specific traditional music nights.

If you want to see Irish dancing as well, look for a traditional Irish music and dance show rather than relying on finding dancing spontaneously in a pub. These performances usually combine live musicians with Irish dancers and are a fun introduction to both traditions, especially if it's your first time in Ireland.

You don't necessarily need a big stage production either. Dublin has smaller traditional performances and music-focused evenings that feel much more intimate.

Visit Kilmainham Gaol

If you want to understand Ireland's history rather than simply see its landmarks, Kilmainham Gaol is one of the most interesting places to visit. The former prison is closely connected to Ireland's struggle for independence, and many important Irish political figures were imprisoned here. Visits are by guided tour only, and tickets can be difficult to get because the attraction is extremely popular. If this is high on your Dublin list, learn from my mistakes and plan ahead rather than hoping to get tickets when you arrive.

How Many Days Do You Need in Dublin?

I think two to three days is ideal for a first visit to Dublin. With two days, you can comfortably see the main sights, visit the Guinness Storehouse, explore Temple Bar, and experience the pub culture without rushing too much. With three days, you can explore the city at a slower pace or add a day trip outside Dublin.

And if there is one day trip I recommend, it is the Cliffs of Moher. Absolutely stunning, out-of-this-world scenery. But for more possible day trip options, you can read on my 'Places to Visit in Ireland' Guide!

Where to Stay in Dublin?

I personally stayed in the St Patrick's Cathedral area, and I think it is a perfect location. Very central in terms of distance to all the main sites. You will be in the middle of the Guinness Storehouse and Temple Bar. You are not in the loud, busy tourist zones but, at the same time, just a 10-minute walk away, so you can have a pint and walk back with no worries.

Dublin isn't a city where I would try to squeeze 20 attractions into one day. A huge part of its charm comes from slowing down and enjoying the atmosphere. Visit the Guinness Storehouse, explore the history, walk through Temple Bar, but also leave yourself time to sit in a traditional pub, listen to live Irish music, and simply experience the city. That, for me, is what makes Dublin worth visiting.