Dublin: what's actually worth it
When James Joyce walked these cobblestones, he didn’t just observe Dublin; he wove it into the fabric of modern literature, turning its quirks into a global cultural touchstone. Today, that same spirit lives in the warm, raucous hum of pubs where conversation flows as freely as the Guinness, making strangers feel like old friends within minutes. This is not a museum piece but a living, breathing neighborhood where history bleeds effortlessly into contemporary life. Come for the stories, stay for the laughter, and let the city’s gentle rhythm slow your pace until you finally understand why so many writers chose to call it home.
Top things to do in Dublin
Phoenix Park
Park · ★ 4.7 (41,927 reviews)
Wild deer, a zoo & a fort feature in this 708-hectare park known as 'Dublin's playground'.
Check tours & tickets →Dublin Zoo
Zoo · ★ 4.6 (29,735 reviews)
The largest zoo in Ireland has African Plain, Fringes of the Arctic and Asian Forests exhibits.
Check tours & tickets →National Gallery of Ireland
Art Gallery · ★ 4.7 (18,362 reviews)
Grand collection of European art spanning the 14th to the 21st-century, covering all major schools.
Check tours & tickets →St Patrick's Cathedral
Church · ★ 4.5 (28,304 reviews)
The Church of Ireland's national cathedral, dating from 1220, with regular musical recitals.
Check tours & tickets →Malahide Castle & Gardens
Castle · ★ 4.6 (17,474 reviews)
Medieval fortress set in 260 acres of parkland features antiques, paintings & a fairy trail.
Check tours & tickets →Guinness Storehouse
Brewery · ★ 4.4 (25,916 reviews)
Brewery experience telling the tale of Ireland's famous beer, with tastings and a rooftop bar.
Check tours & tickets →National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street
Museum · ★ 4.6 (15,204 reviews)
Local archaeological finds from the Bronze Age, Vikings and medieval times with some Egyptian items.
Check tours & tickets →Powerscourt House & Gardens
Garden · ★ 4.7 (11,207 reviews)
Stately 18th-century home & famous landscaped grounds, with themed gardens & a waterfall.
Check tours & tickets →Molly Malone Statue
Sculpture · ★ 4.5 (14,446 reviews)
Bronze statue of a fictional fishmonger named Molly Malone, the star of a well-known Irish song.
Check tours & tickets →Where to eat
The Brazen Head
Irish Pub · ★ 4.5 (21,474 reviews)
Meeting place for historic rebels, this brass-filled, lantern-lit pub hosts live music each night.
Website →Kalabasa Market
Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (9,532 reviews)
Website →The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant
Irish Pub · ★ 4.5 (9,227 reviews)
Original Victorian features dot the spacious interior of this classic Irish bar with live music.
Website →Darkey Kelly's
Irish Pub · ★ 4.7 (6,186 reviews)
Website →The Quays Dublin - Temple Bar
Irish Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (7,418 reviews)
Classic Irish dishes like chowder, stew and boxty cake in a down-to-earth dining room.
Website →Boss Stop Restaurant
Chinese Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (3,422 reviews)
Website →Bunsen Temple Bar
Hamburger Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (5,682 reviews)
Website →The Bank on College Green
European Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (6,809 reviews)
Elegant bar with live piano music and chandeliers hanging from an intricately decorated ceiling.
Website →Tours worth booking ahead
Original Dublin Tours and Experiences Limited
point_of_interest, establishment · ★ 5 (7,899 reviews)
Check tours & tickets →Jameson Distillery Bow St.
Manufacturer · ★ 4.7 (6,572 reviews)
Expert guides tell the story of Jameson in a recreated distillery scene with tastings and dining.
Check tours & tickets →Get outside
Killiney Hill Park
Park · ★ 4.8 (4,893 reviews)
Howth Cliff Walk (Green Route)
Hiking Area · ★ 4.9 (2,248 reviews)
Gentle clifftop hiking route overlooking a landmark lighthouse & bays, beaches & mountains.
Howth Cliff Walk
Hiking Area · ★ 4.9 (1,329 reviews)
Donabate Portrane Cliff Walk
Nature Preserve · ★ 4.7 (1,110 reviews)
Fernhill Park & Gardens
Park · ★ 4.7 (1,000 reviews)
Website →After dark
The Temple Bar Pub
Irish Pub · ★ 4.6 (42,308 reviews)
Irish & international craft beer in a legendary venue with Temple Bar's only licensed garden.
Website →The Brazen Head
Irish Pub · ★ 4.5 (21,474 reviews)
Meeting place for historic rebels, this brass-filled, lantern-lit pub hosts live music each night.
Website →The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant
Irish Pub · ★ 4.5 (9,227 reviews)
Original Victorian features dot the spacious interior of this classic Irish bar with live music.
Website →The Cobblestone
Irish Pub · ★ 4.7 (5,800 reviews)
Pints & free traditional Irish music every night in a rough-’round-the-edges lounge.
Website →More guides
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