Dublin, Ireland is a bustling city with stunning architecture and historical significance. The capital city of Ireland is lively and full of character, making it a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world. If you’re a first-time visitor or have been before, there’s always something new to explore in Dublin. This complete travel guide to Dublin covers everything from the best places to stay to what to see and where to eat.
Top 6 Things to Do in Dublin
There are many fantastic things to do in Dublin from learning about the history and culture at the museums or catching some Irish musicians playing “trad” tunes. If you want to spend an afternoon taking a walk, or biking through Phoenix Park, or hopping between pubs (make sure to stop at the infamous Temple Bar), use this complete travel guide to Dublin to help you find some of the best things to see and do in this beautiful Irish city.
The Temple Bar Pub
Take a Tour of the Guinness Storehouse
Pubs and drinking culture are a big part of Irish life and one of the most popular attractions in Dublin is the Guinness Storehouse. The tour is truly one of the best things to do in Dublin and a favorite for most visitors!
This iconic brewery tour will teach you about the process of making the Guinness Stout, some history of Dublin, how influential Guinness was in driving Dublin’s economy, and showcases some fun Guinness artifacts and advertisements.
At the end of the tour, sample some of the beer in the impressive rooftop bar with stunning 360° views of the city.
Guinness Storehouse
View the Book of Kells
No trip to Dublin would be complete without a visit to Trinity College. This prestigious university is home to the famous Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript believed to be created around the year 800AD and painstakingly hand drawn by the monks in a monastery off the coast of Scotland.
Visitors can view the manuscript in the magnificent Old Library (built in 1732), which also houses over 200,000 other ancient texts.
Trinity College
Experience the Dublin Castle
The old stone walls of Dublin’s castle provide a scenic background as you explore the city’s history. The castle was built in the 13th century by King John of England and from 1204 until 1922 it was the seat of English rule in Ireland.
Today there are interesting permanent exhibitions chronicling some powerful moments during this period and demonstrating Ireland’s turbulent political history. There are always fascinating rotating exhibits throughout each month as well. Plus, visitors can walk through the stunning gardens and enjoy exploring the castle tower.
Dublin Castle
Visit Dublin’s Churches
One of the best ways to learn more of Ireland’s important religious history is to visit one of the popular churches in Dublin: Christ Church Cathedral or St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Both are located in the heart of Dublin’s city center and are open to the public for church services or self-guided tours.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Many find Christ Church Cathedral to be more impressive of the two. The site is a treasure trove for those wanting to learn more about Ireland’s important religious figures and view ancient artifacts in the fascinating crypt. The outdoor labyrinth provides a sanctuary to meditate and reflect.
Explore the Surrounding Countryside
While Dublin is a fascinating place to experience, there is also a lot of surrounding countryside that shouldn’t be missed. Many people use Dublin as a base for exploring this part of the country by taking trips to other attractions around Ireland.
Just outside of the city and a quick DART ride away, you can find the adorable town of Howth situated along some of the most incredible beaches. It has impressive cliffside hikes and some of the best seafood in the country.
Wicklow Mountains
Just south of Dublin, take some time to explore the Wicklow Mountains (AKA Dublin Mountains). There is plenty of opportunity to hike or climb and they are also home to the popular Glendalough Monastic Settlement, a 6th-century monastery in a beautiful valley and near two lakes.
Take A Day Trip
One of the top day trips to take from Dublin is a tour of the Cliffs of Moher. The gorgeous and impressive sea cliffs are one of the top attractions in Ireland. The Cliffs of Moher run for about 14 kilometers and reach 214m in height at their highest point.
Cliffs of Moher
Best Places to Stay in Dublin, Ireland
There are plenty of great places to stay in Dublin for all budgets. It’s best to stay in the city center to be able to easily access all the top attractions in Dublin.
Portobello is the neighborhood just south of Trinity College and is a popular area to search for accommodation. It’s very trendy and the streets are lined with many popular pubs and restaurants.
For those looking for a luxurious experience, the Shelbourne Dublin is a perfect choice. This elegant property offers 5-star accommodations, including an on-site spa and fine-dining restaurant.
For a truly unique experience, look to stay outside of the city at a real Irish Castle hotel.
For visitors wanting to be in the heart of the action, the Temple Bar Hotel is an excellent option. Situated in the lively Temple Bar district, this hotel is within walking distance of many of Dublin’s popular attractions.
Those on a tight budget will find good value at properties like the Hotel 7 and the Belvedere Hotel. Both hotels offer comfortable rooms at reasonable rates.
Unique Restaurants in Dublin
Ireland is not typically praised for its incredible food, but there are actually some great finds and unique restaurants in Dublin because it’s such an internationally diverse city. From casual pubs to Michelin-starred eateries, there’s something to suit every taste and budget.
Of course, visitors should try some traditional Irish dishes. The best places to go for traditional food (such as stews, Guinness Pie, or a full Irish breakfast) are The Winding Stair and Sheehan’s Pub.
For a fine dining experience, check out Chapter One. It’s a French-inspired, Michelin-star restaurant located in the basement of the Dublin Writer’s Museum.
For delicious vegetarian food in Dublin, try the Colombian-inspired food at Veginity. For incredible nourish bowls and smoothie bowls, Kale + Coco is a fantastic choice.
How to Get Around Dublin
Dublin is a very easy city to get around in by walking. All the top sites and best things to do within the city center are accessible in under 20 minutes by foot.
Otherwise, Dublin has an excellent public transportation system that’s both safe and affordable. The buses and trains are reliable, and they can take you just about anywhere you want to go within the city or between the major cities.
If you’re in a hurry, you can always take a taxi. They’re plentiful and relatively inexpensive.
Public transportation does stop late at night (usually around midnight), so if you plan to be out late you will likely need to take a taxi.
Best Time of Year to Visit Dublin
Luckily, there’s really no bad time of year to visit Dublin. However, the best time to enjoy all that this lively city has to offer is during the spring or fall. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring Dublin’s many outdoor attractions. In addition, the city comes alive with a variety of festivals and events.
The summer is also a great time to visit Dublin. The weather is at its warmest and there will be the most sun during the day and the least chance of rain. However, you will be fighting the summer crowds of tourists and families on summer vacation.
Dublin is a wonderful city that has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to explore the history and Irish culture or just take in the lively atmosphere, there are plenty of things to do in Dublin. From great places to stay and wonderful dining options, your visit to Dublin will be one of your most memorable experiences as you explore Ireland and hopefully this travel guide to Dublin will be very helpful!
Huge thanks to Janelle Axton for this guest post. After traveling to over 25 countries and living in Dublin, Janelle created Make the Trip Matter – a travel blog dedicated to helping budget travelers and remote professionals travel more, live abroad, and discover a more meaningful experience from their travels.
