The Open Road Travel

When looking at the 10 best things to do in Dublin, you will find a list populated by an incredibly broad range of different activities. From historic breweries to iconic buildings and landmarks, Dublin is a city that has it all.

This may make it seem like Dublin is a city you can arrive in and simply make decisions on the day, as there are plenty of options for people of all tastes.

However, because there is so much to see, it means those without an itinerary or even a rough idea of what they want to see may miss out on some of the best bits of the city.

Well, fear not, as in the following article, I will provide you a list of the absolute best things to do and see in the city, while explaining just why each made the cut.

So, sit back and relax, as I take you on a virtual tour of Dublin, which will help you plan out your dream trip to the Emerald Isle.

Settled by the 7th century at the latest, Dublin is the largest and most populous city in the Republic Of Ireland, as well as its capital. Considered a historical centre for Irish arts, culture, and industry, if often ranks among the most popular cities in the world.

It is a city particularly well-known for the impressive number of literary greats it has produced.

Names such as Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde, and Samuel Beckett all originally called the city home, which has played a great role in Dublin being designated a UNESCO City Of Literature.

Beyond the literature, Dublin is similarly renowned for other cultural institutions, including theatres and art galleries. With their incredible architecture and vibrant displays within, these establishments provide the chance to see some of the best creative talents in Ireland.

Between the historical buildings, iconic attractions, and incredible collection of parks, Dublin has something to offer for everyone. Whether you are interested in architecture, nature, or even just having fun and getting into the Irish culture, Dublin has got you covered.

Surrounding the city, you will then find mountains, rivers, and farmland, creating the sort of stereotypical landscape Ireland is known for. This makes Dublin a prefect destination for those seeking a complete Irish experience.

Ireland in general isn’t a destination known for its weather, with rain and cooler temperatures not uncommon across the island.

That means choosing the best time to visit Dublin is important, to make sure you can fully enjoy every second of sightseeing for the duration of your trip.

With that in mind, the period running from early June to the end of September is the ideal time to take your trip. While rainfall remains fairly consistent throughout the year in Dublin, these are the months when the city experiences its warmest temperatures.

This makes it the ideal window for anyone who doesn’t want to worry about the temperature affecting their enjoyment of the attractions. That said, St Patricks Day is another option for those who want to experience the full breadth of Irish culture.

Falling on March 17th each year, St Patricks Day is the perfect time for a party in Dublin but may not be the best idea for anyone who isn’t particularly fond of crowds.

As we move to our list of the 10 best things to do in Dublin, I am going to suggest a broad range of options. These will include things to appeal to travellers of all different interests, while ensuring you have something to cover everything that Dublin is known for.

The oldest parts of Dublin Castle were built in 1204, so this is an incredible representation of how long the city of Dublin has been growing.

Looming over the surrounding buildings, Dublin Castle is a grand fortress that demands to be a part of any visit to the Republic Of Ireland’s capital.

In addition to touring the various halls and corridors within the castle, there are also two museums inside the castle and another in the grounds, so there is more than enough to see.

Right in the heart of the city centre, it’s super easy to get to Dublin Castle, so you have no excuse not to visit.

Dating back to the 13th century, St Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the top attractions in the city. Built around the same time as Dublin Castle, St Patrick’s Cathedral is a stunning example of the kind of grand, historic architecture you can find throughout Dublin.

In addition to the grand exterior, the interior of the cathedral is stunning and definitely worth exploring. The resplendent stained-glass windows are some of the most intricate and beautiful you can find.

To truly experience St Patrick’s Cathedral’s atmosphere, you should try to be here for the lunchtime music recitals. With the music echoing through the vaulted halls, the cathedral takes on an otherworldly grandeur.

Even older than St Patricks Cathedral or Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral is a must see for anyone whose main goal is to appreciate the history of the city. Just around the corner from the castle, Christ Church Cathedral is super easy to get to.

Whilst the Cathedral itself is lovely, with a grand stone exterior and cavernous halls, the real treat of Christ Church lies below in the crypts.

Down in the crypts you will find exhibits of royal treasures and ancient documents, including a copy of the Irish Magna Carta, dating back to the 1300s.

Make sure to pay a visit to the mummified cat and mouse that call the crypts home. They’ve been locked in an eternal chase since they first got themselves stuck inside a pipe-organ centuries ago.

You can explore the cathedral by yourself or take a guided tour to learn more about the many features and stories of this ancient building.

If you like to explore the darker corners of a city’s history, you should definitely pay a visit to Kilmainham Gaol. Built in 1796, the prison housed dozens of notable figures, many of them revolutionaries and rebels, as well as regular men, women, and even children.

Having closed in 1924, the jail now serves as a museum, with regular guided tours through the cells and common areas, as well as constant temporary exhibitions.

With a dark history and numerous executions taking place within the walls of Kilmainham Gaol, it’s no surprise that the prison has garnered a reputation for being haunted. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for ghosts and ghouls when you’re touring the cells.

Guinness is one of Ireland’s most famous exports, so it’s no wonder there would be a prominent attraction dedicated to the iconic beverage.

With seven floors dedicated to celebrating Guinness, there is plenty to do here to make it well worth venturing outside of the city centre.

There are numerous exhibits and activities to enjoy within the store house, from tastings to a look at the production and development process. Have you ever wanted to have your face printed in the foam of a pint of Guinness? Well, this is your chance.

The Guinness Storehouse also boasts several bars and a restaurant, so you will have plenty of opportunity to indulge in the dark stuff along with delicious food pairings.

One of the bars is even on the roof and offers stunning 360° views of Dublin, allowing you to take in the city as you eat and drink.

Another of Ireland’s top alcoholic products, Jameson Whiskey is enjoyed around the world. Visit the Jameson Distillery to learn about the process of distilling from grain to whiskey, or just to learn how to better appreciate the popular drink.

There are numerous activities to take part in, from whiskey tasting to cocktail mixing, and even blending your own unique bottle of Jameson.

Whether you are a whiskey connoisseur or are just trying to get a taste for it, this is a comprehensive whiskey experience that has something for everyone.

Awarded the title of ‘World’s Leading Distillery Tour’ in 2018, this is an absolute must visit for anyone even slightly curious to learn more about whiskey.

The National Museum of Ireland is separated into four separate buildings. Two of them, the National Museum of Archaeology and the National Museum of Natural History, are both right next to one another, between St Stephen’s Green and Merrion Square.

Each houses thousands of fascinating, historic artefacts and exhibits for you to discover. Just a short walk from the prestigious Trinity College, you can really immerse yourself in the academic atmosphere that saturates the area.

A third of the four museums, the Museum Of Decorative Arts And History, is also located in Dublin, in former military barracks in Arbour Hill.

Adding collections of paintings, sculptures, and artefacts dedicated to military history into the mix, the entire National Museum Of Ireland is a fabulous opportunity to experience the best of the country’s culture and history first hand.

Phoenix Park is the perfect place to go when you need a little break from the press of the concrete jungle. One of the largest urban parks in the world, Phoenix Park is a massive expanse of green space to be taken advantage of when you need a breath of fresh air.

The park itself is lovely, with ponds, woods, and numerous monuments to discover. If you are looking for somewhere to enjoy a picnic on a sunny afternoon, this is your best bet. Make sure to keep an eye out for the herds of deer that roam the park.

There are also some great historic buildings to discover. The Magazine Fort is a great old structure to explore. Phoenix Park is also where you will find Dublin Zoo. If you are looking for family friendly attractions, this is ideal.

A bit of a quirkier one, the National Leprechaun Museum is located just a short walk away from bustling O’Connell Street. If you are tired of all the stuffy, formal museums of art and history, this is a fun alternative.

The Leprechaun Museum presents exhibits on the rich and varied myths and legends of Ireland. The museum will introduce you to folktales and mystical creatures you may never have heard of and it’s a super fun cultural and educational experience.

Those looking to learn about the darker side of the legends may also enjoy the late-night showings. An over 18s only event, those who want to hear every gory detail can hear guides regale them with some of the most twisted tales from Irish folklore.

Officially known as The Monument of Light, the Spire is a 120-metre-tall sculpture of stainless steel. Whilst clearly impressive, as it holds the record as the tallest sculpture in the world, it is pretty plain, so may not be deemed worth travelling to see for some.

However, it is conveniently located along O’Connell Street, one of the main streets of central Dublin. As such, you will surely be able to easily squeeze in a quick selfie with The Spire as you browse the shops and cafes.

It is also right next to the General Post Office, which is known as being the exact centre point of the city.

The Merrion Hotel is a fabulous, 5-star hotel, boasting grand, luxurious décor, both inside and out.

The Georgian architecture and furniture are perfectly combined with Italian marble bathrooms and landscaped gardens, to create a destination ideal for those seeking the finer things in life.

The hotel features one restaurant that has been awarded 2 Michelin stars and serves gourmet French cuisine, as well as another providing traditional Irish fare. You then also have wonderful bar, with an expansive menu of creative and stylish cocktails.

Other features located throughout the hotel include a fully equipped fitness centre, infinity pool, steam room, and a full-service spa, offering a range of beauty and relaxation treatments.

You then have the rooms themselves, which all boast a similar level of style and décor to the rest of the hotel, while boasting amenities such as a flat screen satellite TV, mini bar, refrigerator, and luxury bathrobes and toiletries.

Each room also offers views of either the gardens of the city.

When you add all of this to its convenient location, which is within walking distance of many of Dublin’s most prominent attractions, it should be clear why The Merrion Hotel is undoubtedly the place to stay while visiting the city.

While this list is by no means a comprehensive breakdown of the city’s attractions, it should give you a good idea of some of the options available that are simply too good to miss.

Whether you want to see a couple or tick off the entire list, you now have a great place to start when it comes to planning your own trip.

So, all that’s left now is to start booking things like attractions, hotels, cars, and flights. That way, you can look forward to experiencing everything the city has to offer for yourself, as soon as possible.