6 Things to do in Dublin

You’ll find plenty of fun things to do in Dublin during your stay, from exploring the historical sights and family fun at the zoo, to experiencing the nightlife of Temple Bar and sampling freshly brewed Guinness. Visiting the Irish capital is guaranteed to be a trip to remember.

Places to go

In Gaelic, Dublin is known as Baile Átha Cliath, which translates as ‘Town of the Hurdled Ford’. The city straddles the river Liffey, and on both sides you’ll find lots of different neighbourhoods to explore, each with its own distinct personality. Taking a walk to the Medieval Quarter is one of the best things to do in Dublin if you fancy immersing yourself in some history.

The north side of the city is home to the popular shopping districts like O’Connell Street, Henry Street and Talbot Street. On the south side is where you’ll find St Stephen’s Green, Grafton Street, Trinity College, Christ Church cathedral, and a wealth of other historic attractions.

Attractions

Don’t forget to visit the oldest part of the city, it’s where you’ll discover the magnificent Dublin Castle, the old city walls, and St Patrick’s cathedral. Then there’s the charming Georgian Quarter, which you won’t want to miss. If you’re a fan of pretty Georgian architecture, beautiful cobbled streets, and you want to see the famous Trinity College, you’ll just love it here. Make sure you look at the Book of Kells en route to Merrion and Fitzwilliam Square.

Another one of the best things to do in Dublin is to pay a visit to the world-famous Guinness Storehouse. There’s a museum housed within a seven-storey building in the shape of a huge pint of Guinness, and you’ll have the chance to take a tour before finishing up with a free pint of the good stuff while you enjoy panoramic views.

Places to visit

Elsewhere in the city, you’ve got the vibrant cultural quarter. It’s the beating heart of the city, and it’s the place to go to find all the liveliest Dublin attractions. The nightlife of Temple Bar is located here, and it’s a buzzing spot when the sun goes down. You can take your pick from traditional Irish pubs, elegant restaurants and comedy clubs, and you can stay on the dancefloor all night if you fancy it.

If you’re lucky enough to be here in mid-March, there’ll be an even better atmosphere in this part of town and throughout the city. That’s because the St Patrick’s Day parade takes places every year from 17th March, and as you’d expect in Ireland, it runs for four days. Expect world-class entertainment, top street performers, and the drinks are sure to be flowing, too.

Things to do

Best hotels in Dublin

Cassidy's Hotel

Cassidy's Hotel

Republic of Ireland, Dublin

Staycity Dublin Mark Street

Staycity Dublin Mark Street

Republic of Ireland, Dublin

Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Centre

Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Centre

Republic of Ireland, Dublin, O'Connell Street

Trinity City Hotel

Trinity City Hotel

Republic of Ireland, Dublin

Staycity Aparthotels City Quay

Staycity Aparthotels City Quay

Republic of Ireland, Dublin, Trinity College

Clayton Hotel Charlemont

Clayton Hotel Charlemont

Republic of Ireland, Dublin

Jurys Inn Parnell Street

Jurys Inn Parnell Street

Republic of Ireland, Dublin

The Morrison Dublin, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Morrison Dublin, Curio Collection by Hilton

Republic of Ireland, Dublin, Temple Bar

Wren Urban Nest

Wren Urban Nest

Republic of Ireland, Dublin, Temple Bar

Temple Bar Hotel

Temple Bar Hotel

Republic of Ireland, Dublin

The Plaza Tallaght

The Plaza Tallaght

Republic of Ireland, Dublin, Tallaght

Maldron Hotel Newlands Cross

Maldron Hotel Newlands Cross

Republic of Ireland, Dublin

Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin

Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin

Republic of Ireland, Dublin, O'Connell Street

Clayton Hotel Liffey Valley

Clayton Hotel Liffey Valley

Republic of Ireland, Dublin

Crowne Plaza Dublin Blanchardstown

Crowne Plaza Dublin Blanchardstown

Republic of Ireland, Dublin