The Really Long List of Things to do in Dublin

A UNESCO City of Literature, Dublin has been home to many greats like James Joyce and Oscar Wilde, but the city boasts more than just books, though the literary influence is still felt.

Here we bring you some of the best plans for your trip to Dublin (both typical must-sees and original ideas) and if you want to start planning your trip to the capital of Ireland, take a look at the best flight offers provided by Aer Lingus.

Let’s start the tour of things to do in Dublin with a list of stops you must include on your itinerary that would please even Oscar Wilde, self-proclaimed nit-picker…

“I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best.”

1. The Guinness Storehouse

Located in St. James’s Gate Brewery, it’s the number one tourist attraction in Ireland, making it the first “to do” on our list.

Tip: Try a Guinness-Cola!

2. Dublin Castle

The Castle has served many functions over the years: a defensive fortification, royal residence, military garrison, and now the location of the European Presidencial election every 10 years.

Tip: It’s open from 9:45 AM to 17:45 PM from Monday to Sunday and the tickets cost €7 for an adult, €6 for students or seniors, and €3 for childs between 12 and 17 years old.

3. Phoenix Park

It’s one of the largest urban parks in Europe and a great place to spot the wild Fallow Deer that have been roaming the grounds since the 17th century.

Tip: Free entrance and open 24 hours per day, all year round. The duration of an average visit can last up to 4 hours.

4. Kilmainham Gaol

It’s an eerie, yet intriguing visit as it was a prison which operated from 1796-1924. Many of Ireland’s most “rebellious” criminals were incarcerated here as well as children as young as 7 years old for petty thefts.

Tip: The entrance costs €8 for an adult and €4 for students. The prison is open the 7 days of the week, from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

5. Trinity College Library

It’s the largest library in Ireland and famous for being the home to the Book of Kells, written by Celtic monks circa 800.

Tip: The “Book of Kells” exhibition is a must-see. It’s the most popular manuscript in the world from the medieval times.

6. Christ Church Cathedral

It was founded circa 1030, is the oldest structure in Dublin and one of city’s two impressive medieval Cathedrals.

Tip: The Christ Church Cathedral is open from 9:30 AM to 18:00 PM and the tickets cost €6,50 for adults.

7. The National Gallery of Ireland

It’s free year-round and houses Irish works of art as well as that of Italian Baroque and Dutch masters.

Tip: There are workshops that inspire children and adults to learn how to draw.

8. National Leprechaun Museum

A trip to Ireland isn’t complete without a visit to the National Leprechaun Museum, the only museum in the world dedicated to the mythical figures.

Tip: The tickets cost €14 for adults or €12 for students and seniors. The guided tour takes 456 minutes and it’s open from 4 July to 23 December.

9. St. Stephen’s Green

First opened to the public in 1880, is a great place for a stroll when the weather is nice or if it’s rainy you can get a bit of shopping in at the Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre which are located on the park grounds.

Tip: It’s open from Monday to Saturday, from 7:30 AM until dusk and on Sundays from 9:30 AM until dusk.

10. St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Built in 1220, is the largest church in Ireland and one of the most emblematic structures in Dublin.

Tip: The tickets cost €6,50 per adult, or €5,50 for students and seniors. It’s open from 9:30 AM to 17:00 PM from Monday to Friday. In

11. Temple Bar Food Market

Every Saturday from 10am-4:30pm the Temple Bar Food Market (@ Meeting House Square) is open to foodies looking for local delicacies.

12. George’s Street Arcade 

It was built in 1881 and is the first purpose built Victorian Shopping Centre in Dublin. It is also said to be the oldest shopping centre in all of Europe and has an eclectic mix of stores from clothes to antiques.

13. The Church Bar & Restaurant

It’s located in the former St. Mary’s Church built during the 18th century. Today you can go for a cup of tea at the Café, dance away afterhours at its Night Club or enjoy a barbecue on the terrace.

14. Dawson Lounge

If you’re not claustrophobic have a drink at the Dawson Lounge, it’s the smallest pub in Dublin.

15. Whiskey Tasting tour at the Jameson Distillery

If you’re over 18, don’t miss the Whiskey Tasting tour at the Jameson Distillery. If you’re not of legal drinking age, or just not a fan of whiskey, you can still visit the distillery to see exactly how the famous drink is made.

16. Temple Bar Pub

Head to the Temple Bar Pub if you want to mingle with people from all over the world looking to have a good time. There is live Irish music most nights and of course, plenty of Guinness on tap!

17. The Brazen Head

Established as a coach house in the late 12th century, the Brazen Head is the oldest pub in Dublin. It was even mentioned in James Joyce’s novel Ulysses.

18. General Post Office

Stop by the General Post Office on O’Connell Street and marvel at the Greek revival style architecture.

19. Queen of Tarts

If your sweet tooth is looking for something decadent, head to Queen of Tarts for a slice of their famous Bailey’s cheesecake.

20. Gallagher’s Boxty House

Try a typical Irish “boxty” (poor-house bread) at Gallagher’s Boxty House. These traditional potato pancakes are sure to hit the spot while touring Dublin.

21. Oscar Wilde’s Statue

Stop by Oscar Wilde’s statue at Merrion Square, one of Dublin’s most famous squares.

22. Cornucopia Vegetarian Restaurant

If you’re looking for a meat-free option while in Dublin, head to Cornucopia Vegetarian Restaurant and try a healthy helping of whatever’s on the menu. You’re sure to be impressed even if you’re a carnivore!

23. Marsh’s Library

Head inside Marsh’s Library, the first public library in Ireland, and take in the characteristic smell of the old books.

24. Moore Street Market

If you want a cheap place to eat, head over to Moore Street Market: a food and flower market bursting with color in the Dublin city center.

25. Irish Film Institute

Make a stop at the Irish Film Institute and watch a classic movie. A tip, don’t leave without trying a snack or two at the café

26. Grafton Street

Go shopping along Grafton Street with the street musicians as the soundtrack to your each and every step.

27. National Museum of Ireland

Visit the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology and check out the Irish antiquities as well as treasures from Egypt, Rome and the rest of Europe.

28. Croke Park Stadium

If you get the chance, go see two sports unique to Ireland: hurling and gaelic football. These games are always played at Croke Park Stadium and tickets sell-out fast!

29. National Botanic Gardens

Take a stroll through the National Botanic Gardens and admire a large variety of flowers and plants as well as the Victorian architecture that pops up across the gardens.

30. Glasnevin Cemetery

Dublin is full of mysteries and legends, some of which you can uncover at the Glasnevin Cemetery (Prospect Cemetery). If you dare that is…

31. Wicklow Mountains National Park

Get a breath of fresh air at the Wicklow Mountains National Park, located 46km outside of Dublin.

32. The International Bar

7 days a week there is a party at The International Bar. Go in, order up a pint and enjoy the live music, karaoke or the monologues. Every night there is something different going on.

33. Flea Market

If you find youself in Dublin on the last Sunday of the month, walk around the Flea Market where you’ll find just about anything and everything.

34. The Little Museum

Head over to The Little Museum, Dublin’s people museum, where an exhibition was recently inaugurated dedicated to U2.

35. Hugh Lane Gallery

Go to the Hugh Lane Gallery and don’t miss Francis Bacon’s studio, which was moved from London to Dublin, over 7,000 items included.

36. St. Patrick’s Day

And if you’re looking for an official Irish celebration, the best time to visit Dublin is during St. Patrick’s Day. In 2015 the Patty’s Day festival will take place from March 14-17.

Have you been to Dublin and visited any of these places? Leave us a comment and tell us all about it!