Curator’s statement
I spent two unforgettable months living in Dublin during a college internship. During that time, I fell in love with the city's charm, its unique blend of history and modernity and its friendly, welcoming atmosphere. When I brought my husband back for a road trip around Ireland in June 2024, I was thrilled to share with him the vibrant culture and the walkable streets that make Dublin feel less like a bustling European city, and more like home.
Dublin is a city that truly has something for everyone. I recommend spending anywhere from 2-3 days here to fully experience its rich history, vibrant culture and friendly atmosphere. It’s a great base for day trips if you don’t have time to explore other parts of the island. Dublin is usually where people fly in and out of, so it makes sense to either start or end your trip in this special city. While Dublin itself offers plenty to see and do, I highly recommend venturing beyond the city limits to explore the diverse and breathtaking beauty of Ireland.
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Where to stay in Dublin
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Things to do in Dublin
Tours:
Kilmainham Gaol: A historical prison offering a deep dive into Ireland's struggle for independence. Insider tip: Book your tickets online 28 days in advance, as tours often sell out within minutes.
Guinness Storehouse: Explore the history of Ireland’s most famous beer and enjoy a pint with panoramic city views from the Gravity Bar.
Museums:
Irish EPIC Museum and Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship and Famine Museum: Both run by EPIC, these sites offer an immersive look into Ireland's emigrant history. Insider tip: Get a combined ticket for both attractions.
National Museum of Ireland (Archaeology): Discover Ireland's rich history from prehistoric times through to the medieval period. Don’t miss the famous bog bodies exhibit. Insider tip: Admission is free!
Distilleries:
Teeling's Whiskey Distillery: Experience the full process of whiskey making and enjoy a tasting session. Insider tip: Opt for the masterclass tour for a more in-depth experience.
Historic sites:
Christ Church Cathedral: A stunning example of medieval architecture with a fascinating crypt. If you have younger kids, the Dublinia Museum, located within the church, is a fun and educational option on Dublin's Viking history.
St. Patrick's Cathedral: Ireland’s largest cathedral and a must-see for its beautiful interiors and historical significance.
GPO (General Post Office): The headquarters of the 1916 Easter Rising and a symbol of Irish independence. Visit the GPO Witness History Visitor Centre to learn about this pivotal event in Irish history.
Literary experiences:
Literary Pub Crawl: Follow in the footsteps of Dublin's literary greats such as James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, W.B. Yeats and Oscar Wilde on this entertaining and informative tour. Insider tip: Start the tour early in your trip to get great pub recommendations.
Educational institutions:
Trinity College/The Book of Kells: Visit the historic campus and see the beautifully illuminated Book of Kells. Insider tip: Book tickets early to avoid the crowds and get a clear view of the exhibit.
Scenic spots:
St. Stephen's Green: A beautiful park perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
Day trips
Wicklow Mountains & Glendalough: Stunning landscapes and historic monastic ruins. Travel time: Approximately 1 hour by car or bus from Dublin.
Howth: A charming fishing village with beautiful coastal walks and fresh seafood. Travel time: Approximately 30 minutes by DART train from Dublin. Can be a half-day trip.
Kilkenny: Known for its medieval architecture, including the impressive Kilkenny Castle. Travel time: Approximately 1.5 hours by car or 2 hours by train from Dublin.
Newgrange: A prehistoric monument older than the pyramids of Egypt, offering fascinating tours. Travel time: Approximately 1 hour by car or bus from Dublin.
Note: While popular among tourists, I personally do not recommend doing a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher. I strongly believe you should dedicate multiple days to exploring the Wild Atlantic Way in order to truly do it justice.
Places to eat & drink in Dublin
Most historic pubs:
Brazen Head: Dublin’s oldest pub, offering traditional Irish music and hearty meals.
Stag's Head: Known for its Victorian interiors and vibrant atmosphere, located in the heart of Dublin.
The Long Hall: A beautifully preserved historic pub with a cozy ambiance on South Great George's Street.
Best pubs for live music:
The Celt: A local favorite for its lively traditional music sessions, located on Talbot Street.
The Auld Dub: Great for an authentic Irish music experience on Temple Bar's side streets.
The Old Storehouse: Offers fantastic live music along with excellent food in the Temple Bar area.
The Best pub and grub:
Darkey Kelley's: Known for its delicious food and live music, situated near Christchurch Cathedral.
O'Neills: Offers a wide range of traditional Irish dishes in a classic pub setting, right next to the Molly Malone statue.
Hairy Lemon: A quirky pub with great character and a menu full of Irish favorites, located on Stephen Street Lower.
Restaurants:
F.X. Buckley (steak): Renowned as one of Dublin's top steakhouses, frequently awarded for its high-quality steaks and elegant dining experience. Featured in various food guides and ranked the 6th best steak in the world in 2023.
Sole Seafood & Grill: Perfect for seafood lovers, with a focus on fresh, local produce. Recognized as one of Dublin’s best seafood restaurants.
Boxty House: Specializes in traditional Irish potato pancakes (boxty) and other regional dishes. Featured on the Netflix show "Somebody Feed Phil."
The Church: A unique dining experience in a converted church with live music and dance performances. A popular spot featured in various travel guides.
Hatch & Sons: Offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu featuring classic Irish comfort food, located in the basement of the Little Museum of Dublin.
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Dublin. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my itinerary, 3 Days in Dublin, Ireland.