Discover Dublin’s highlights through our interactive tourist map, featuring links to the best attractions and official transport websites to help you plan your visit.
Don’t miss the iconic Trinity College Library, home to the famous Book of Kells. Its stunning Long Room has inspired scenes in a Star Wars movie, making it a must-visit for both history and film enthusiasts.
The Temple Bar area is the heart of Dublin’s nightlife, known for its lively atmosphere filled with pubs, restaurants, and live music. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a pint while soaking in the local culture. Among the many pubs, the famous Temple Bar Pub is a popular choice, but there are plenty of other options to explore in this district.
Kilmainham Gaol is a historic prison that tells the story of Ireland’s struggle for independence. The museum offers a moving glimpse into the lives of revolutionaries imprisoned here. It’s also a famous filming location for In the Name of the Father starring Daniel Day-Lewis. Tickets must be purchased well in advance.
Walk along the River Liffey, cross the historic Ha’penny Bridge, and explore pedestrian-friendly streets like Grafton Street – Dublin’s premier shopping destination, lined with street performers and high-end stores – and Henry Street: a bustling area with shops and buskers adding to its charm.
Beer lovers will enjoy a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, where guided tours unveil the process behind Ireland’s most famous brew. End your tour with a pint at the Gravity Bar, offering panoramic views of Dublin.
Dublin has lots of lovely green spaces where you can escape the city buzz and enjoy some history and nature. St. Stephen’s Green, right in the city centre, is a beautiful Victorian park with a lake, colourful flowers, and a fancy bandstand – perfect for a relaxing walk. Phoenix Park, one of the biggest city parks in Europe, is huge and home to wild deer. You can walk or cycle, visit Dublin Zoo, or see the gardens at the President of Ireland’s house.
While not exactly parks, the areas around St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral are also really nice and historically important. These amazing cathedrals show off Dublin’s medieval past. Besides these, Dublin has loads of museums and libraries that tell the story of the city and Ireland. The National Museum of Ireland has different parts covering everything from old Irish artefacts to nature and art. IMMA shows modern art in a gorgeous old building, and the Chester Beatty Library has incredible old books and artwork from all over the world.
For a real trip back in time, you can also visit Dublinia, a fascinating living history museum that recreates Viking and medieval Dublin.
Dublin is famous for its pub culture and vibrant nightlife. Beyond the well-known pubs in Temple Bar, consider:
- The Cobblestone: A hub for traditional Irish music, located in Smithfield.
- O’Donoghue’s: Famous for hosting live Irish folk music and its historical ties to iconic musicians like The Dubliners, located near St. Stephen’s Green.
- The Brazen Head: Ireland’s oldest pub (established in 1198), renowned for its hearty Irish meals like Guinness stew, bacon and cabbage, and roast of the day.
- The Long Hall: A Victorian-era pub with a charming, timeless atmosphere.
- The Bank on College Green: Stylish pub in an old Bank building with a great selection of Irish whiskey.
- Fibber Magees: Perfect for heavy metal lovers with live music bands.
- The George: The most famous gay nightclub with drag queens, contests and live music.
Amongst some other unique experiences, consider EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, an interactive museum about Irish diaspora stories and the Little Museum of Dublin: quirky and intimate, showcasing Dublin’s history through engaging exhibits.
The Wicklow Mountains National Park offers stunning landscapes just a few minutes outside the city. The scenic R115 route through Sally Gap winds through a plateau dotted with grazing sheep.
The highlight of this area is Glendalough, a picturesque valley with two lakes and hiking trails for all levels. Parts of Braveheart were filmed around Glendalough and the series Vikings were filmed at Lough Tay, also known as Guinness Lake.
On your way back to Dublin, stop by The Blue Light Pub in Sandyford for a pint and spectacular city views. For a more traditional Irish experience, visit Johnny Fox’s Pub in the nearby village of Glencullen. Known as one of Ireland’s most traditional pubs, it’s famous for its cosy ambience, traditional music sessions, and “Hooley Nights” with Irish dancing.
Just a 20-minute drive from Dublin, Howth offers a slice of Irish coastal charm. This peninsula is perfect for a scenic walking trail along small cliffs, descending from the hilltop to the village, picturesque beach and a quaint fishing village. Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many local restaurants. During the weekends the bar at Beshoffs fish market is our top pick. Keep an eye out for seals basking near the harbour.
Cruises alongside the cliffs and Ireland’s Eye Island are also available for affordable prices.
Nearby, Portmarnock Beach offers wide stretches of sand – a favourite spot for summer swimming (despite the chilly waters).
About an hour from Dublin, Bray is similar to Howth but offers its own charm. Stroll along the promenade, explore the pebble beach, or enjoy a leisurely walk with stunning sea views.
Located 45 minutes from Dublin, Malahide features a beautiful beach and the historic Malahide Castle, surrounded by lovely gardens. It’s a great spot for history lovers and families.
Hotels recommendations:
Anantara the Marker
Clayton Hotel Charlemont
The Gibson Hotel
The Alex Hotel
Clontarf Castle Hotel
Blooms Hotel Temple Bar
The Glendalough Hotel
Howth – King Sitric
Bray – The Strand Hotel