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Things to do in Dublin

Ashedonistic as it is historic, Dublin brims with landmarks atevery turn. From Dublin Castle and the mouth of RiverLiffey toGeorgian squares andthe mountains ofGlencullen, there’s no shortage of worthy sights gracing the Irish capital –but don’t let the city’s centuries-old buildings fool you. While the country’s long heritage seems to line every street, the soul of the citygrowsyounger by the day, with pubs, clubs and restaurantsgiving the city a distinctly cosmopolitan edge.

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Dublin Attractions

Guinness Storehouse

Covering a whopping seven floors, the Guinness Storehouse is a must-see attraction for visitors to the Irish capital. Interactive exhibits across the brewery display everything you need to know about the beer, while the tour’s grand finale at the Gravity Bar rewards visitors with a free pint and panoramic views of the city.

Giant's Causeway

Located on the coast of Antrim, the Giant's Causeway is an area of approximately 40,000 interlocking hexagonal stone columns. Once thought to be the handiwork of giants, these unique basalt rock formations are Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage site, drawing more than 850,000 tourists each year.

Christ Church Cathedral

Founded in 1030, the Christ Church Cathedral is known for its flying buttress, Victorian floor tiles and 12th-century crypt – the oldest in Britain and Ireland. Guided tours will take you up to the belfry, where visitors can take turns ringing the cathedral bells.

Kilmainham Gaol

Since its completion in 1795, this imposing structure has played a crucial part in Ireland's fight for independence. Resistance fighters from the country's numerous uprisings were all held at Kilmainham Gaol – and in many cases, executed. Decommissioned in 1924, the first of the political prisoners to be detained at the site was Henry Joy McCraken in 1796, while the prisoners from the Civil War in 1922 were among the last.

Trinity College

Ireland's oldest and most prestigious university, Trinity College's cobblestone paths and Georgian buildings are a perennial attraction in Dublin – but the jewel in the campus’ crown is its Old Library. Home to more than six million books, including famed medieval manuscript, the Book of Kells, a guided tour of this historic building is truly a sight to behold.

Dublin Restaurants

While travellers can find traditional Irish stew on menus across the capital, Dublin's bourgeoning food scene is no longer limited to the classics.

Bookshop and eatery The Winding Stair is best known for its home-style Irish cuisine, including cider-braised pork cheeks and black pudding scotch eggs, while The Pig's Ear marries honest Irish fare with French techniques to offer a modern take on tradition.

If you’re in the mood for a seaside escape, head to The House – a café, restaurant and deli where hungry hikers can tuck into seafood platters as the waves roll in. After something more sophisticated? Skip the waterside views and splash out on a one-of-a-kind dining experience at Heron & Grey instead. A hole-in-the-wall restaurant with a Michelin star, this locally-inspired eatery places fresh seasonal produce at the heart of its ethos.

Dublin Pubs

No visit to Dublin is complete without a visit to an Irish pub, and in the city’s lively Temple Bar district, thirsty travellers are never too far from a pint.

The Porterhouse, while comparatively young when compared to its counterparts, still earns a spot in Dublin's history as the first brewpub in the city. Sample a classic beer or opt for one of the venue’s more adventurous ales, like the chocolate truffle stout. Looking for something with a bit more character? A few blocks away lies one of the oldest family-owned pubs in the capital, Doheny & Nesbitt, where almost all of the original fittings have remained untouched since the 19th century. Away from the crowds in Glencullen, travellers will find the highest pub in the country, Johnnie Fox. Located approximately half an hour from the city centre, this local watering hole and tavern is where tourists can catch regular shows of folk music and Irish dancing with frothy pints of Guinness to match.

Dublin Weather

While Dublin is a great travel destination all year round, temperatures are known to dip below five degrees Celsius in winter, which can leave unprepared travellers out in the cold. For the warmest and driest conditions, plan to visit Dublin between June and August, when the summer lends itself to long days of exploring and relaxing in beer gardens. During September and November, some of the city's best art and theatre events take place, so be sure to pack a jacket and scarf to make the most of the festivities. Don't mind the cold? Take advantage of the off-peak season between December and February to experience all the same attractions without the crowds.

Dublin Transport

After you touchdown at Dublin Airport, it's easy to get in and around the city centre. For fast and affordable access, buses from the airport terminal will take you to the CBD and beyond, while taxis and rental cars are available for those who would rather go at their own pace. Planning on sightseeing? Take advantage of Dublin's extensive public bus and rail system and purchase a Leap Card or experience other parts of the island using the city's well connected Irish Rail and Bus Eireann network.

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