Dublin Travel Guide: The best things to do, see, and eat
Dublin is one of the most legendary European capitals—and for good reason. This historic city has no shortage of gorgeous public parks, live music, rich culture, and so much more.
Dublin, Ireland, is buzzing with culture, history, and festivals, making it a favorite destination to visit again and again. With so much to see and do, deciding what to do in Dublin can feel a little overwhelming—lucky you, our experts have weighed in on where you need to go, what you need to see, and everything in between. From the city’s delicious food (think: fish and chips and Irish breakfast) to its famous landmarks (hello, Guinness Storehouse!), here’s how to experience what Dublin is known for.
Dublin travel basics
Currency: Ireland uses the euro, but international credit cards are widely accepted in Dublin. We always recommend having a little cash on hand—you never know when you’ll want to leave a tip for a busker!
Language: English is the predominant language spoken in Ireland, although there is a resurgence of Irish Gaelic within the country.
Getting around: Dublin is an easy city to navigate on foot or by public transportation.
Phrase to know: “What’s the craic?” (pronounced “crack”) is how you ask, “What’s happening?” or “What’s up?” in Ireland. The word “craic” refers to fun or a good time.
Best time to visit Dublin
The best time to visit Dublin depends on what you want to see and do. Here’s what you can expect during different times of the year for when you’re planning your Dublin itinerary.
Visit Dublin in the spring for blooming flowers and St. Patrick’s Day
Mild weather, magnolia trees in bloom, and St. Patrick’s Day are the best reasons to visit Dublin in the spring. Plus, enjoy fewer crowds and lower prices than in the summer. Pro tip: Join our St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland: Traditions of the Emerald Isle tour and let us do all the party planning for you.
Visit Dublin in the summer for festivals and the longest days
From Bloomsday Festival, which celebrates James Joyce’s “Ulysses,” to Taste of Dublin, which showcases the city’s vibrant food and drink scene, there are plenty of festivals to enjoy during Dublin’s summer. You’re not the only one who wants warm weather and longer days—expect more crowds and higher prices in the summertime.
Visit Dublin in the fall for autumnal colors and cultural celebrations
Dublin’s shoulder season means comfortable temperatures, picturesque scenery, cultural events, and better value than summer months. One of our favorite things to do in Dublin in the fall is to attend Culture Night. This epic evening features more than 300 events and shows popping up across public spaces in just one night. Plus, you can expect more autumnal fun with celebrations like the Bram Stoker Festival, honoring one of the many Dublin-born authors.
Visit Dublin in the winter for a festive atmosphere and the best prices
Winter in Dublin is ideal for someone looking for cozy pubs and the magical glow of an ancient city illuminated by holiday lights. There are Christmas markets at places like Dublin Castle, and plenty of other indoor activities to try. (We recommend taking a tour of the Guinness Storehouse or enjoying a game of rugby!) Winter in Dublin is the best time to visit for lower prices, fewer crowds, and the most authentic local experiences.
Discover Dublin in every season
What to see in Dublin
From St. Patrick’s Cathedral and St. Audoen’s Church to statues of Molly Malone and Oscar Wilde, countless attractions make up what Dublin is known for. The city is easy to get around, so no matter where you stay in Dublin, it won’t be difficult to find these landmarks. If you’re on tour with us, transportation on a private motor coach to planned stops and optional excursions is already built into your Dublin itinerary. Here are some of the best things to see in Dublin.
Kilmainham Gaol
This former jail is a must-see for anyone interested in political history. Dating back to 1796, it once housed several revolutionaries and political prisoners, including leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising like Patrick Pearse and James Connolly. Use your free time on our A Week in Ireland: Dublin to Belfast tour to explore this piece of Dublin’s history.
Guinness Storehouse
Join our Ireland for Solo Travelers tour to step inside St. James’s Gate—site of the legendary brewery behind Guinness dry stout—and take a self-guided tour of the Guinness Storehouse. Finish your day with a pint at the Gravity Bar while taking in breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. Slainte!
The Book of Kells at Trinity College
Created in 800 A.D. and considered one of the greatest cultural treasures Ireland has to offer, the Book of Kells is a manuscript containing the four Gospels in Latin. It resides in Trinity College’s library and, on our Ireland, England & Scotland for Women: Dublin to Edinburgh tour, we’ll take you to admire it.
Christ Church Cathedral
Built by a Viking king in 1030, this church is Dublin’s longest-running operating building—which is saying a lot in this ancient city! Use your free time on any of our Dublin tours to admire the sturdy stone architecture and learn the history. Pro tip: Don’t miss out on visiting the crypt. It’s the largest in Ireland and houses statues of 18th-century kings, as well as the famous mummified cat and rat, who make an appearance in Joyce’s “Finnegans Wake.”
Abbey Theatre
Founded by W.B. Yeats and Lady Gregory in 1904, this theatre has been an arena for art and ideas since the doors opened. Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, and Sean O’Casey are just a few of the famous names whose stories have come to life on this stage. Use your free time on any of our Dublin tours to take a tour of the working sets.
Get inspired for your Dublin trip
What to eat and drink in Dublin
If you’re wondering what Dublin is known for, one of the answers to that question is its dining culture. Hundred-year-old restaurants and pubs decorate the streets, frequently showcasing live musicians to add to the ambience. Here are some local dishes to try and places to visit in Dublin for a top-notch meal.
Full Irish breakfast
Bacon, black and white pudding, eggs, tomatoes, and beans—oh my! A full Irish breakfast is for those who wake up hungry. This high-protein meal was crafted for physical laborers who needed plenty of fuel to get them through their morning. Today, you can enjoy it in most pubs and restaurants that serve brunch in Dublin—and we really recommend that you do!
Irish stew
Ideal for cooler months, an Irish stew contains meat (traditionally lamb), potatoes, and carrots. Lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, the stew is even better when enjoyed with a thick slice of brown soda bread to soak up the broth as you go. Pro tip: Enjoy this at Brazen Head in Dublin. It’s been open since 1198 and is known for its live music and traditional (delicious) food.
Afternoon tea and treats
The perfect pause after a morning of exploring Dublin is to sit down with your new travel friends and have afternoon tea and cake. Expect jam tarts, barmbrack (aka Irish tea bread), and scones paired with lemon curd. Do as the Dubliners do and enjoy an Irish breakfast tea, too. You’ll appreciate the burst of caffeine when you’re up and exploring again.
Fish and chips
This dish is an Irish staple—and you need to try it either in one of Dublin’s world-famous pubs or via takeaway from a “chipper” (a takeout-only fish and chips spot). Enjoy your fish and chips with salt and malt vinegar, curry, or tartar sauce. Our recommendation? Give all the sauces a try—when in Dublin, after all!
Irish soda bread
While most bread is made with yeast, Irish soda bread relies on the chemical reaction between buttermilk and baking soda, resulting in a loaf that is similar in texture to a scone. It’s great with rich Irish butter, dipped in a Guinness stew, or smothered in jam.
Fun things to do in Dublin
Distilleries, supernatural locations, city parks, and more—Dublin has a little something for everyone to love. Here are a few ways to spend an afternoon on tour in Dublin.
Enjoy traditional live music and dance
Dublin’s pubs and squares are no strangers to live music, but if you want to be sure to catch an authentic show, add our Traditional Irish Dinner & Show optional excursion when you join our Highlights of England, Scotland & Ireland tour. You’ll dig into traditional food before being treated to a live show of Irish music and dance—with the option to join in!
Stroll through Phoenix Park
First established as a royal hunting ground in 1662, Phoenix Park is now a 1,750-acre public space that houses the presidential residence. Join our A Week in Ireland: Dublin, Cork & Galway tour, and we’ll take you right to this expansive park. Pro tip: Keep your eyes open for wild fallow deer, descendants of a non-native herd that was transplanted there in the 1660s for hunting.
Get spooked in ancient alleyways and beyond
If you enjoy getting a touch of the heebie-jeebies, you have to join our Haunted Halloween Tour: Dublin, Edinburgh & London. Led by a local guide, you’ll experience a side of Dublin steeped in mystery, where history and horror intertwine after dark. Hear spine-tingling stories of restless spirits and supernatural sightings that have haunted Dubliners for generations while you stroll through eerie alleyways and shadowy streets. Next, we’ll take you just outside the city to the Puca Festival for a guided tour of the Hill of Ward, believed to be the birthplace of Halloween and the site of the ancient Samhuinn fire ceremony. Attending the Puca Festival is one of the best day trips from Dublin you can take.
Sip whiskey at a local distillery
Ireland is known for many things, and few are as iconic as its whiskey. Join our Food Tour of Ireland: Dublin, West Cork & County Kerry for many included distillery tours across the Emerald Isle. In Dublin, we’ll take you on a guided tour of the Teeling Whiskey Distillery in the Liberties neighborhood of central Dublin—Dublin’s first new distillery in 125 years, which opened in 2015. Learn about its history and the distillation process before enjoying a tasting of whiskey neat, along with a cocktail.
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Souvenirs to buy in Dublin
It’s always fun to pick up unique souvenirs that remind you of your travels, but sometimes it’s hard to know what’s as unique as the city, region, or country you were in. Here are some of the best souvenirs to pick up on a Dublin tour.
Lemon soap from Sweny’s Pharmacy
This is the same pharmacy that Joyce features in “Ulysses,” and is the place to go if you’re a book lover—or if you’re shopping for one! In the novel, the main character visits the pharmacy and takes lemon soap with him as a talisman for his journey. Today, that same lemony scent fills the air at Sweny’s and brings Dublin’s rich literary history to life. It’s no longer an active pharmacy, but you can still purchase the soap and pick up a secondhand book while you’re there.
Whiskey, whiskey, and more whiskey
There are plenty of local whiskey distilleries in Dublin, and bringing home a bottle of your favorite—from Jameson, Teeling, Roe & Co., and beyond—is a great way to remind you of your trip to Dublin. Plus, you can share this with your friends back home (if you’re feeling generous!).
An Aran sweater
Aran products (which range from sweaters and scarves to hats and gloves) are wool garments made near the Aran Islands. While they’re not produced in Dublin, they have been a symbol of Irish clan heritage for generations. Aran garments are highly sought after and made to last, so if you live somewhere with brisk winters, don’t pass up bringing this Irish souvenir home.
Irish breakfast tea
Stronger than English breakfast tea and maltier, Irish breakfast tea is a staple in Dublin (and the entire country). It’s often mixed with milk to soften the strong flavors and—speaking of strong—it’s a heavily caffeinated tea intended to be paired with a full, hearty breakfast. Breakfast tea is a great souvenir to bring home because it will add almost no weight to your bag and goes a long way in reminding you of those beautiful Dublin mornings and afternoon tea and pastries.
What to pack for a trip to Dublin
Dublin is a walkable city with a varying climate, which means it pays to plan ahead when visiting. You’ll be happy that you’ve packed these items for any of our Dublin tours.
A travel umbrella
Dublin days can often contain scattered rain (which keeps the Emerald Isle emerald!), so we recommend bringing a small, travel-size umbrella. Bring it along when you’re out and about so you don’t need to slow your exploration and wait out a rain shower.
Comfortable walking shoes
Dublin is a very walkable city, and one of the top things to do in Dublin is wander around and see everything. Most of the sidewalks are paved, but there are some old cobblestone streets, so bringing comfortable walking shoes is extremely important—especially if you’re on our high-activity Grand Tour of Ireland.
A raincoat
Rain in Dublin happens—don’t be caught without a rain jacket while you’re out and about. We recommend a lightweight coat that can easily be folded or rolled up and put in your pocket or purse.
A crossbody bag
If you’re wondering, is Dublin safe? The answer is yes, Dublin is very safe, but like any busy city, crowded areas attract pickpockets. That’s why we recommend packing a crossbody bag or an anti-theft backpack to keep essentials close without having to keep constant watch.
Layers
Throughout the year, temperatures in Dublin can range from the low 40s F in the winter to the high 60s F in the summer. No matter the time of year, early mornings and evenings can be a little chilly, so we recommend packing layers for your Dublin trip. Think: a light jacket or a cardigan, and any other garments that can be layered on in the morning and removed as the day warms up.
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