Things to Visit in Dublin: Pubs, History, and Literary Charm
Explore Dublin's Viking roots, Georgian architecture, and legendary pub culture in one visit. Covers Trinity College, Temple Bar, historic sites, coastal walks, and the best food and music.
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Historic Landmarks
Visit Trinity College and the Book of Kells
The 9th-century illuminated manuscript is displayed in the Old Library, which also features the stunning Long Room with 200,000 of the library's oldest books. Timed-entry tickets cost about €18 and sell out by mid-morning in summer. Book online.
Tour Kilmainham Gaol
This former prison held leaders of every major Irish rebellion from 1798 to 1923. The guided tour (about 70 minutes) is one of Dublin's most powerful experiences. Tickets are €8 and release online 4 weeks in advance — they sell out fast.
See St. Patrick's Cathedral
Ireland's largest church dates to 1220 and features Jonathan Swift's (Gulliver's Travels author) tomb and memorial. Entry is about €9. The choir performs evensong most weekday evenings at 5:30 PM — free to attend.
Explore Christ Church Cathedral
Dublin's oldest medieval building, founded around 1030 by Viking King Sitric. The crypt below stretches the full length of the cathedral and contains a medieval exhibition. A combo ticket with Dublinia (Viking museum next door) saves about 20%.
Walk through Dublin Castle
The castle served as British rule headquarters in Ireland for over 700 years. The State Apartments are open for guided tours (about €8). The Chester Beatty Library inside the castle grounds is free and houses an extraordinary collection of manuscripts from across Asia and the Middle East.
Museums and Cultural Attractions
Visit the National Museum of Ireland — Archaeology
Home to stunning prehistoric gold artifacts and bog bodies preserved for thousands of years. Located on Kildare Street, completely free to enter. The Treasury room with the Ardagh Chalice and Tara Brooch is the highlight.
Tour the Guinness Storehouse
Seven floors of exhibits on brewing history, culminating in the Gravity Bar with a 360-degree panoramic view of Dublin. Tickets start at about €26 online (more at the door). Book the first slot of the day to avoid crowds and enjoy the Gravity Bar pint in relative peace.
Explore EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
An interactive museum covering the story of Irish emigration across 1,500 years, housed in the CHQ building in the Docklands. Takes about 90 minutes. Tickets are around €16.
Visit the National Gallery of Ireland
Free admission to a collection spanning Caravaggio, Vermeer, Jack B. Yeats, and a dedicated Irish art wing. The gallery café in the atrium is a good lunch spot. Allow 2-3 hours.
Neighborhoods and Walks
Wander through Temple Bar
Dublin's cultural quarter is packed with pubs, restaurants, street performers, and galleries in a compact cobblestoned area. It's the most touristy (and expensive) part of the city — have one drink here for the atmosphere, then head to less crowded pubs nearby.
Walk the Georgian squares — Merrion and Fitzwilliam
Dublin's best-preserved Georgian architecture lines these two connected squares. The colorful doors are iconic. Oscar Wilde's childhood home is at 1 Merrion Square, and his statue reclines in the park across the street.
Explore the Liberties neighborhood
Dublin's oldest working-class neighborhood, home to both cathedrals, antique shops, and a growing food scene. The Digital Hub and Fumbally Lane area has excellent independent cafés and restaurants.
Walk along the Grand Canal
A pleasant 3 km towpath walk from Portobello to Grand Canal Dock passes colorful houseboats, waterside pubs, and the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. The bench with Patrick Kavanagh's statue near Baggot Street is a popular photo spot.
Pubs and Traditional Music
Hear live traditional Irish music in a pub
The Cobblestone in Smithfield and O'Donoghue's on Merrion Row both have nightly trad sessions that start around 9:30 PM. Arrive 30 minutes early to get a seat near the musicians. These sessions are free — no cover charge.
Visit one of Dublin's historic pubs
The Long Hall on South Great George's Street has Victorian-era interiors virtually unchanged since 1881. Mulligan's on Poolbeg Street (1782) and The Stag's Head (1770) are equally atmospheric. A pint of stout costs €6-7.
Try a whiskey tasting
Ireland produces over 40 whiskey brands. Several distillery experiences in the city center offer guided tastings for €20-30 that cover the differences between Irish and Scotch whisky. The Liberties area has multiple distilleries within walking distance.
Day Trips and Coastal Walks
Walk the Howth Cliff Path
A 6 km loop trail along dramatic sea cliffs, starting from Howth village (30 minutes by DART train from the city center, about €3.50). The full loop takes 2-3 hours. Grab fish and chips at the harbor when you finish.
Visit Dalkey and Killiney Hill
Take the DART south to Dalkey, a charming coastal village with a medieval castle and excellent restaurants. Killiney Hill park (15-minute walk from the station) offers views often compared to the Bay of Naples.
Day trip to Glendalough
A stunning 6th-century monastic site set in a glacial valley in the Wicklow Mountains, about 90 minutes by bus from Dublin. Hike the upper lake trail (about 1 hour) for the best scenery. No direct public bus — book a tour or rent a car.
Food and Practical Tips
Try a full Irish breakfast
Bacon, sausages, black and white pudding, eggs, toast, tomato, and beans — served until noon in most cafés. Expect to pay €12-16. It's a heavy meal; skip lunch afterward.
Eat fresh seafood at Howth Harbor
Multiple fish restaurants and takeaway spots line the harbor. A fish and chips portion costs €10-14. The fish market on the west pier sells the catch of the day if you're cooking.
Get a Leap Card for public transit
Dublin's transit card works on buses, DART trains, Luas trams, and some commuter rail. A visitor Leap Card costs €10 for 72 hours of unlimited travel. Tap on and off — fares are capped daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Dublin?
Three to four full days covers the highlights including historic landmarks, museums and cultural attractions, neighborhoods and walks at a relaxed pace. Five or more days lets you dig into local neighborhoods and take day trips. Most first-time visitors find four days strikes the right balance between seeing enough and not feeling exhausted.
What is the best time of year to visit Dublin?
Spring and early autumn typically offer the best weather with manageable crowds. Summer brings peak tourism pricing and longer queues at popular spots. Shoulder season travel saves 20-30% on accommodation and gives you shorter lines at top attractions.
How much should I budget per day in Dublin?
A mid-range daily budget of $100-180 per person covers a comfortable hotel, two restaurant meals, and attraction tickets. Street food and local markets cut food costs significantly. Pre-booking tickets for popular sites online often saves 10-15% and lets you skip long queues.
What is the best way to get around Dublin?
Public transit handles most tourist routes efficiently and cheaply. Walking between central attractions is often faster than waiting for buses or trains during peak hours. Multi-day transit passes pay for themselves after 3-4 rides per day and remove the hassle of buying individual tickets.
Do I need to book attractions in advance in Dublin?
Top-tier attractions and museums frequently sell out during peak season so book 2-4 weeks ahead for guaranteed entry. Lesser-known sites and neighborhoods rarely require advance tickets. Morning time slots (before 10:00) are the most popular; afternoon slots after 14:00 often have shorter waits.