Dublin is a city filled with history, museums, historic buildings, parks, galleries, pubs and cultural attractions. Whether you are visiting Dublin for a few days, looking for things to do in the city centre, or interested in Irish history, there are plenty of places to explore.
This guide to things to do in Dublin includes some of the city's best-known attractions as well as museums, historic sites, free attractions, parks and places connected with Ireland's history.
If you're planning to explore the central part of the city, see our guide to Things to Do in Dublin City Centre
Best Things to Do in Dublin
1. Trinity College and the Book of Kells
Trinity College is one of Dublin's most famous landmarks and is home to the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript created around 800 AD.
Visitors can explore the historic university campus and see the Book of Kells exhibition and the Long Room library.
Trinity College is located in the centre of Dublin, making it easy to combine with several other attractions.
2. Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle has played an important role in Irish history for centuries.
Visitors can explore the State Apartments, medieval structures and gardens while learning about the castle's changing role in Irish government and history.
Its central location makes Dublin Castle easy to include in a walking itinerary around the city.
3. Kilmainham Gaol
Kilmainham Gaol is one of Dublin's most important historic sites.
The former prison is closely associated with Irish political history and the struggle for independence. Many important political prisoners were held there, including several leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising.
A guided tour explains the history of the prison and the people who were imprisoned there.
4. Guinness Storehouse
The Guinness Storehouse is one of Dublin's best-known visitor attractions.
The experience explores the history of Guinness and its connection with Dublin. Visitors can also enjoy views across the city from the Gravity Bar.
It is located at St James's Gate, west of Dublin city centre.
5. National Museum of Ireland
The National Museum of Ireland has several locations in Dublin, with collections covering archaeology, decorative arts, military history and natural history.
6. Collins Barracks
Collins Barracks in Dublin 7 is a historic former military barracks and now home to the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History.
The museum includes collections covering Irish military history, furniture, fashion, silver, ceramics and decorative arts.
The historic buildings and courtyards are also an important part of the experience.
Admission is free.
7. Irish Famine Exhibition Dublin
If you are interested in the history of the Great Famine of 1845–1852, the Irish Famine Exhibition in Dublin provides a dedicated introduction to this important period of Irish history.
The exhibition explores starvation, disease, death, poverty, evictions and the mass emigration of Irish people during and after the potato famine in Ireland.
It also examines the journeys of Irish emigrants who left Ireland for destinations including Canada, the United States, Britain and Australia.
For visitors with Irish ancestry, the exhibition provides an opportunity to learn more about the experiences of the people who left Ireland during one of the most difficult periods in Irish history.
8. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum explores the story of Irish people who left Ireland and established communities around the world.
The museum is particularly relevant to visitors interested in Irish ancestry and the Irish diaspora.
It is located in Dublin's Docklands, close to the River Liffey.
9. GPO Museum
The GPO Museum on O'Connell Street explores the history of the 1916 Easter Rising and the role of the General Post Office during the rebellion.
The museum uses objects, documents and interactive displays to explain the events of 1916 and their importance in Irish history.
10. Chester Beatty
The Chester Beatty is located beside Dublin Castle and houses an important collection of manuscripts, books, paintings and decorative arts from Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
It is one of Dublin's cultural attractions and admission to the library is free.
Best Museums to Visit in Dublin
Dublin has a large variety of museums covering Irish history, literature, art, archaeology, emigration and design.
Some of the museums worth considering include:
-
National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology
-
National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History at Collins Barracks
-
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
-
GPO Museum
-
Chester Beatty
-
Dublinia
-
Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI)
-
National Gallery of Ireland
-
National Print Museum
-
The Little Museum of Dublin
Dublin's official tourism website highlights the city's wide range of museums, including the National Museum, EPIC, GPO Museum, Dublinia and other specialist museums.
Best Things to Do in Dublin for Irish History
If Irish history is your main interest, several Dublin attractions are particularly relevant.
Irish Famine
The Irish Famine Exhibition focuses specifically on the Great Famine of 1845–1852 and the experiences of the people affected by starvation, disease, poverty, workhouses, eviction and emigration. The period of history is also known as the great hunger in ireland.
Irish Independence
Kilmainham Gaol, the GPO Museum and Collins Barracks all have connections with the history of Irish independence and the events surrounding the 1916 Easter Rising.
Irish Emigration
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum explores the history of Irish emigration around the world.
The Irish Famine Exhibition also examines the huge wave of emigration that occurred during and after the Great Famine, including migration to Canada and the United States.
Free Things to Do in Dublin
Dublin has many attractions that can be visited without paying an admission charge.
Free or largely free options include:
-
National Museum of Ireland
-
Chester Beatty
-
National Gallery of Ireland
-
St Stephen's Green
-
Phoenix Park
-
Merrion Square
-
Iveagh Gardens
-
Walking around Dublin's historic streets and Georgian squares
The National Museum of Ireland confirms that admission to its four museum sites is free.
Parks and Green Spaces in Dublin
Dublin has many parks and gardens where visitors can take a break from sightseeing.
St Stephen's Green
Located in the centre of Dublin, St Stephen's Green is a historic Victorian park with gardens, paths, a lake and sculptures.
Its central location makes it easy to combine with shopping and other city-centre attractions.
Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park is one of Europe's largest enclosed urban parks.
Visitors can walk or cycle through the park, see the resident deer and visit attractions including Dublin Zoo and Áras an Uachtaráin.
National Botanic Gardens
The National Botanic Gardens of Ireland in Glasnevin contain extensive plant collections and historic glasshouses.
They are a good option for visitors interested in gardens, plants and architecture.
Iveagh Gardens
The Iveagh Gardens are located close to St Stephen's Green and provide a quieter green space in the city centre.
Marlay Park
Located in Rathfarnham, this suburban park spans over 300 acres. It features woodland trails, ponds, and a walled garden. The park also hosts a weekly farmers' market and serves as a venue for various concerts and events.
Dublin's Historic Streets and Areas
Some of the best things to do in Dublin do not require an admission ticket.
Walking through the city's historic streets can reveal Georgian architecture, old churches, historic buildings, monuments and traditional pubs.
Areas worth exploring include:
-
Dublin's Georgian Quarter
-
Temple Bar
-
The Liberties
-
Dame Street
-
O'Connell Street
-
The Docklands
-
Merrion Square
Temple Bar
Temple Bar is one of Dublin's best-known districts.
The area is famous for its cobbled streets, pubs, restaurants, music and nightlife.
Although it is particularly busy with visitors, it is also close to attractions such as Dublin Castle, the Chester Beatty and the Ha'penny Bridge.
Dublin's Bridges and River Liffey
The River Liffey runs through the centre of Dublin and divides the north and south sides of the city.
The Ha'penny Bridge is one of Dublin's best-known landmarks and provides an easy walking route across the river.
The river and surrounding streets are also a good way to see different parts of central Dublin on foot.
Dublinia – Viking and Medieval Dublin
Dublinia explores Dublin's Viking and medieval history.
The museum uses reconstructed scenes and interactive displays to explain what life was like in Dublin during the Viking and medieval periods.
It is located beside Christ Church Cathedral.
Dublin Port and the Docklands
Dublin's Docklands provides a very different experience from the historic centre.
The area has been transformed over recent decades and combines the River Liffey, modern architecture, offices, restaurants and cultural attractions.
It is also an important part of the story of Irish emigration and Dublin's connection with the wider world.
Things to Do Near Dublin
If you have several days in Dublin, you can also consider places outside the city centre.
Howth
Howth is a coastal village on Dublin Bay with a harbour, seafood restaurants and coastal scenery.
The area is easily accessible from Dublin by public transport.
Malahide
Malahide is a coastal town north of Dublin and is home to Malahide Castle and its gardens.
Wicklow
The Wicklow Mountains offer mountain scenery, walking routes and historic sites within reach of Dublin.
Powerscourt Estate and Gardens
Located in Enniskerry, County Wicklow, Powerscourt features beautifully landscaped gardens, a historic house, and the impressive Powerscourt Waterfall, Ireland's highest.
Brú na Bóinne
Brú na Bóinne, in County Meath, is a UNESCO World Heritage site containing prehistoric passage tombs including Newgrange.
These are better considered as day trips from Dublin rather than attractions within Dublin itself.
How Many Days Do You Need in Dublin?
A two- or three-day visit gives you time to see several of Dublin's major attractions.
With two days, you could concentrate on the city centre, Dublin Castle, Trinity College, the National Museum, the GPO and one or two major visitor attractions.
With three or more days, you can add attractions such as Kilmainham Gaol, Collins Barracks, EPIC, the Irish Famine Exhibition, Phoenix Park or a trip to Howth.
The best itinerary depends on your interests. Visitors interested in Irish history may want to spend more time exploring museums and historic sites.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Dublin for First-Time Visitors?
For a first visit, popular choices include:
-
Trinity College and the Book of Kells
-
Dublin Castle
-
Kilmainham Gaol
-
Guinness Storehouse
-
National Museum of Ireland
-
Collins Barracks
-
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
-
GPO Museum
-
Irish Famine Exhibition
-
St Stephen's Green
-
Phoenix Park
You do not need to visit all of them. Choosing attractions based on your interests can make your visit much more enjoyable.
What Can You Do in Dublin on a Rainy Day?
Dublin has many indoor attractions, making it possible to enjoy the city even when the weather is poor.
Museums and indoor attractions include:
-
National Museum of Ireland
-
Collins Barracks
-
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
-
GPO Museum
-
Chester Beatty
-
Dublinia
-
Guinness Storehouse
-
National Gallery of Ireland
-
Irish Famine Exhibition
Dublin's museums are particularly useful on wet days because many are located in or close to the city centre.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Dublin for Irish-American and Irish-Canadian Visitors?
Visitors with Irish ancestry may be particularly interested in Dublin's museums and attractions connected with Irish history and emigration.
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum explores the global Irish diaspora, while the Irish Famine Exhibition focuses on Ireland and the potato famine and the mass emigration that followed.
For people whose families left Ireland during the 19th century, the Famine period can be an important part of understanding Irish family history.
The National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, GPO Museum and Kilmainham Gaol also provide opportunities to explore different periods of Irish history.
Is Dublin Good for History and Museums?
Yes. Dublin has a particularly strong concentration of museums and historic attractions.
The city's museums cover archaeology, military history, decorative arts, emigration, literature, art and the history of Dublin itself. Visit Dublin currently describes the capital as having more than 40 museums.
For visitors mainly interested in Irish history, a combination of the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Kilmainham Gaol, the GPO Museum, EPIC and the Irish Famine Exhibition can provide a broad introduction to Ireland's past.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Dublin
What are the best things to do in Dublin?
Popular attractions include Trinity College, Dublin Castle, Kilmainham Gaol, Guinness Storehouse, the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum and the GPO Museum.
What can I do in Dublin for free?
Free options include the National Museum of Ireland, Chester Beatty, the National Gallery of Ireland, St Stephen's Green, Phoenix Park and walking around many of Dublin's historic areas.
What are the best museums in Dublin?
Dublin has many museums, including the National Museum of Ireland, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, GPO Museum, Collins Barracks, Dublinia, Chester Beatty and the Museum of Literature Ireland.
What are the best things to do in Dublin for Irish history?
Kilmainham Gaol, Collins Barracks, the GPO Museum, Dublin Castle, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum and the Irish Famine Exhibition are all relevant to visitors interested in Irish history.
Where can I learn about the Irish Famine in Dublin?
The Irish Famine Exhibition in Dublin explores the Great Famine of 1845–1852, including starvation, disease, death, poverty, eviction and mass emigration.
What can I do in Dublin if it rains?
Dublin has many indoor museums and attractions, including the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, EPIC, the GPO Museum, Dublinia, Guinness Storehouse and the Irish Famine Exhibition.
How many days do you need in Dublin?
Two or three days gives many visitors enough time to experience several of Dublin's major attractions. Visitors with a particular interest in Irish history may want to spend longer exploring the city's museums and historic sites.
Plan Your Visit to Dublin
Dublin offers a combination of Irish history, museums, historic buildings, parks, culture, food and entertainment.
Whether you are visiting for the first time, tracing your Irish ancestry, interested in Irish history or simply looking for things to do in Dublin, there is a wide range of attractions to explore.
For the latest opening hours, admission information and temporary exhibitions, check the official website of each attraction before visiting.
A Comprehensive Guide on Things to do in Dublin
Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, is a city that seamlessly blends its rich history with a contemporary flair. From its charming cobbled streets to the lively atmosphere of its pubs, Dublin offers a plethora of experiences for locals and tourists alike. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the diverse range of things to do in Dublin that makes the city a must-visit destination. Get ready to immerse yourself in the culture, history, and charm of this enchanting city.