Things to Do in Dublin Ireland
Dublin may be famed for its Guinness, music-filled pubs, and rich literary history, but beneath its popular landmarks lies a city full of quirks, curiosities, and lesser-known gems. For those seeking unusual, alternative, or hidden experiences, Dublin has plenty to offer. From underground crypts to Viking adventures, here’s a guide to exploring the Irish capital with a twist.
Before we start, note that The Irish Famine Exhibition is a temporary summer exhibition located on the 2nd floor of the Stephens Green Shopping Centre. It tells the story of the Great Irish Potato Famine (1845-1852).
1. Visit the Crypts of St. Michan’s Church
Beneath the 11th-century St. Michan’s Church lies one of Dublin’s most eerie yet fascinating sites: a series of ancient crypts that house naturally mummified remains. Some of these mummies are over 800 years old, their preserved skin and bones visible through open coffins. One of the most unusual traditions allowed visitors to shake the hand of a mummified crusader—although this has since been restricted due to vandalism. Still, it’s a chilling but captivating place that’s truly one of a kind.
2. Tour the Casino at Marino
Despite its name, the Casino at Marino has nothing to do with gambling. Instead, it’s one of Europe’s finest examples of 18th-century neoclassical architecture—and a masterclass in illusion. From the outside, it appears to be a small garden temple with just one room. Step inside, however, and you’ll find 16 rooms spread over three floors, hidden behind trick doors, false walls, and optical illusions. It's a mind-bending space that blends artistry with architectural sleight of hand.
3. The Forty Foot Sea Swim
If you’re brave enough, take a plunge into the chilly waters of the Irish Sea at the Forty Foot, a historic swimming spot in Sandycove. Once reserved strictly for men (and immortalized by James Joyce in Ulysses), it’s now open to all and especially popular among hardy locals for a morning dip—even in the dead of winter. No wetsuit? No problem. Just embrace the shock and enjoy the adrenaline rush.
4. Go Urban Kayaking on the River Liffey
Seeing Dublin from the water offers a completely different perspective. Kayaking along the River Liffey, right through the city’s heart, is both serene and thrilling. You’ll paddle under historic bridges, past iconic buildings, and hear the sounds of the city from a calm and often overlooked vantage point. Some tour companies even offer night kayaking for an even more magical experience.
5. Step Inside the Freemasons’ Hall
Tucked away on Molesworth Street, the Freemasons’ Hall is an ornate and mysterious building rarely noticed by passersby. Free guided tours reveal its labyrinth of rooms filled with Masonic symbols, Egyptian-themed décor, and even an elaborate temple chamber. Whether or not you’re intrigued by secret societies, it’s a fascinating insight into one of the world’s oldest fraternal organizations.
6. Take a Viking Splash Tour
Sure, it may seem touristy—but dressing up in a Viking helmet and roaring at pedestrians while riding an amphibious WWII vehicle through Dublin is, frankly, a lot of fun. The Viking Splash Tour offers a humorous and historically themed ride through the city that ends with a splash into the Grand Canal Basin. It’s quirky, interactive, and a definite break from traditional sightseeing.
7. Explore the Hellfire Club on Montpelier Hill
Perched in the Dublin Mountains, the Hellfire Club is a ruined hunting lodge with a dark and mysterious history. Built in the 18th century, it became infamous for tales of occult rituals, debauchery, and even satanic gatherings. Legend says the Devil himself once appeared there during a card game.
Hike up Montpelier Hill for stunning views over Dublin, and explore the eerie ruins with stories of haunted happenings. Go at dusk if you're feeling brave—just bring a flashlight and a healthy dose of skepticism!
8. Wander Through the Irish Jewish Museum
A little-known gem in Dublin’s Portobello district, the Irish Jewish Museum is housed in a former synagogue and offers a poignant, personal look at the Jewish community’s history in Ireland. You’ll find religious artifacts, immigration documents, and moving exhibits detailing Irish-Jewish life over the centuries. The museum is modest in size but rich in heritage, offering a unique perspective on Ireland’s multicultural past.
9. Catch a Show at The Smock Alley Theatre
While most visitors flock to the Abbey or the Gaiety, The Smock Alley Theatre offers a more intimate—and historic—experience. Built in 1662, it was the first custom-built theatre in Dublin and one of the oldest in Europe. Today, it hosts experimental performances, spoken word, and indie productions in a beautifully restored space that retains its old-world charm.
10. Visit the Grave of Dracula’s Creator
Bram Stoker, the creator of Dracula, was a Dubliner, and you can trace his legacy throughout the city. One particularly unusual stop is his family plot at St. John the Baptist Church in Clontarf. While Bram himself is not buried here (he’s interred in London), fans of Gothic horror often visit the site to pay homage to his roots. There's also an annual Bram Stoker Festival in October, featuring themed events, performances, and nighttime tours.
11. Explore Henrietta Street’s Tenement Life
14 Henrietta Street is a museum unlike any other in Dublin. This Georgian townhouse has been painstakingly restored to reflect its multiple lives—from a luxurious residence of the 18th century elite to a crammed tenement home for working-class families. The guided tours are deeply moving, full of personal stories and social history, offering a window into a rarely told chapter of Dublin’s past.
12. Stroll the Blessington Street Basin
Once a city reservoir, this quiet park tucked away in the north inner city is a local secret. Complete with swans, fountains, and winding paths, the Blessington Street Basin feels far removed from the bustle of Dublin. It’s a peaceful place to read, meditate, or enjoy a quiet moment amid your travels.
13. Attend a Céilí Dance at The Cobblestone
The Cobblestone in Smithfield isn’t just a pub—it’s a hub for traditional Irish music and dance. On some nights, you can join in a céilí, an Irish social dance session complete with live musicians, enthusiastic instructors, and plenty of craic. You don’t need experience—just a willingness to try and probably laugh a lot.
14. Experience a Silent Disco at Wigwam
For a modern twist, join a silent disco night at Wigwam, where partygoers wear wireless headphones and dance to one of several DJ channels. To outsiders, it looks like a crowd dancing in silence—but once you're in it, it’s immersive and bizarre in the best way. It’s an unexpected Dublin nightlife option that feels both surreal and fun.
Conclusion
Dublin’s unusual side offers endless delight for those willing to look beyond the usual tourist trails. Whether you’re descending into ancient crypts, sipping whiskey in a secret society’s temple, or plunging into the Irish Sea, these lesser-known experiences paint a richer, more unpredictable portrait of the city. So go ahead—explore the hidden, the weird, and the wonderful. Dublin, after all, is a city that thrives on stories, and some of the best are tucked away just out of sight.