The Ultimate List of Things to Do in Dublin in 2026: Pints, Pubs, and Ireland's History

The story of Dublin is one of invasion, resilience, and cultural fusion. The city's name is derived from the Gaelic phrase *Dubh Linn*, meaning "Black Pool," referring to a dark tidal pool where the River Poddle entered the River Liffey. However, the first true town was established by the Norse settlers—the Vikings. In 841 AD, the Vikings established a *longphort* (ship fortress) here, making Dublin a pivotal hub for trade across the western Viking world, notably as a major slave port. This powerful Norse kingdom, known as Dyflin, lasted for centuries until the defeat of the Vikings by the legendary Irish High King Brian Boru at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014. Despite the battle, the Norse-Gaels remained, cementing Dublin's commercial importance. For a deep dive into this era, the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, Denmark, offers insights into their influence. Later, the city fell under Anglo-Norman rule and eventually became the center of English administration, symbolized by Dublin Castle. It survived famine, rebellion, and fire to emerge as the political and economic capital of Ireland. Understanding this rich history enhances your trip, as many things to see in Dublin directly relate to these historical periods, from medieval cathedrals to Georgian squares.

Dublin is a city of walkable wonders. Whether you’re interested in history, literature, or architecture, these iconic sites are among the quintessential things to do in Dublin Ireland.

Trinity College and the Literary Legacy

No list of things to do in Dublin is complete without a visit to Trinity College. Founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592, Ireland’s oldest university is a breathtaking campus of cobblestones and classical architecture. Its most prized possession is the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript dating back to c. 800 AD. The subsequent visit to the Long Room Library, a towering hall lined with 200,000 of the library’s oldest books, is an almost spiritual experience. This university has educated giants of Irish literature, including James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and Samuel Beckett, making it the heart of Dublin's literary soul.

A Pint of History: The Guinness Storehouse Experience

The aroma of malt and hops hangs heavy in the air around St. James's Gate. A Guinness tour Dublin at the original brewery is an unmissable cultural pilgrimage. The Guinness factory Dublin (now the Storehouse) is a seven-story interactive experience dedicated to the black stuff. You’ll learn about the ingredients, the famous four-part pour, and the history of Arthur Guinness. The tour culminates at the Gravity Bar, where you get a complimentary pint and arguably the best things to see in Dublin—a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire city.

Day Trip: Malahide Castle & Gardens

While many things to do in Dublin are centered downtown, take a short journey north to explore the historic Malahide Castle & Gardens Malahide County Dublin Ireland. This castle was the ancestral home of the Talbot family for nearly 800 years—a testament to history unmatched by almost any other in the country. Touring the castle provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Irish aristocracy, and the surrounding 260 acres of parkland and botanical gardens offer a a tranquil escape from the bustling city center.

Museum & Literary Quarter

Dublin’s wealth of museums is another reason the city ranks high on the list of best things to do in Dublin. The National Museum of Ireland has several branches, including the Archaeology museum, home to stunning Celtic gold and Iron Age "bog bodies." You can pay tribute to the city's celebrated writers at the Dublin Writers Museum, or simply walk along the River Liffey and spot the architectural marvel of the Samuel Beckett Bridge, a harp-like structure designed by Santiago Calatrava. Tip: While Dublin doesn't have a UNESCO World Heritage Site within its direct borders, the spectacular Neolithic passage tombs of Brú na Bóinne are just a 50 km drive north and make for a perfect extension to your list of things to do in Dublin Ireland.

Temple Bar: The Heartbeat of Dublin's Nightlife

Temple Bar is perhaps the most famous nightlife district in Ireland. Known for its photogenic cobbled streets and constant buzz, it is an essential spot for first-timers, though not always the most authentic. If you are seeking genuine, old-school atmosphere, venture slightly outside the immediate Temple Bar area to find quieter, more traditional pubs where conversation and craic (good times) take precedence. However, experiencing the energy of Temple Bar remains one of the top things to do in Dublin—even if it's just for a photo and one quick pint before exploring elsewhere.

Traditional Irish Food: Stews, Seafood, and Guinness

The food scene in Dublin has exploded far beyond classic pub grub, though traditional fare remains irresistible. For the best restaurants in Dublin Ireland, look for modern takes on Irish produce. But you absolutely must try two staples: 1. Irish Stew: Historically made with mutton, modern versions often use lamb or beef, slow-cooked with potatoes and root vegetables. 2. Guinness Beef Stew: A hearty twist where the Guinness stout adds a rich, dark complexity to the gravy. Want to try making it at home? Here is a great Guinness beef stew recipe from a trusted source. Dublin's coastal location also means fresh seafood, especially oysters and smoked salmon, is widely available and a delightful part of your gastronomic things to do in Dublin Ireland.

Dublin offers a fantastic culinary scene, blending modern global cuisine with traditional Irish produce. Don't miss these five top spots:

• **The Greenhouse:** A Michelin-starred experience focusing on contemporary European cuisine with Irish ingredients. Perfect for a refined dinner.
• **Etto:** Known for simple, seasonal Italian-inspired dishes and an excellent wine list. It’s a favorite among locals for its relaxed atmosphere and quality food.
• **L'Gueuleton:** French bistro dining right off Drury Street, offering timeless classics with a lively, Parisian feel. Great for lunch or a bustling evening meal.
• **Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen:** Located in Parnell Square, this is one of Dublin’s premier fine dining venues, celebrated for its creative tasting menus and flawless service.
• **Fish Shop:** A casual spot near Smithfield that serves fresh, perfectly battered fish and chips, alongside an incredible selection of natural wines. Ideal for a high-quality yet laid-back seafood meal.

While Temple Bar gets the fame, the real Dublin experience lies in these traditional, welcoming pubs, perfect for finding the true 'craic':

• **The Gravediggers (John Kavanagh):** Located next to Glasnevin Cemetery, this pub has been family-run for generations and is famous for its strict no-music policy in the front bar, ensuring quiet conversation. It’s known for serving one of the best pints of Guinness in the city.
• **The Palace Bar:** An ornate Victorian gem located near the River Liffey. It's known for its literary connections and beautifully preserved interior, making it a favorite for journalists and writers.
• **Grogan's Castle Lounge:** A wonderfully unassuming spot near Grafton Street, popular with artists and students. It offers a great atmosphere and is famous for its perfect ham and cheese toasties.
• **The Long Hall:** True to its name, this pub features a spectacularly long Victorian bar and intricate wooden interiors. It’s one of Dublin's most photogenic and historically rich drinking establishments.
• **Kehoe's Pub:** Tucked away just off Grafton Street, Kehoe's retains an authentic old-world feel with snug booths and separate little rooms, perfect for a cozy, intimate chat.

Finding the right accommodation is key to enjoying all the things to do in Dublin. We've curated three options for each price point to help you plan your stay, all with convenient access to Dublin's best attractions. **Note:** Since I do not have the specific phone numbers/addresses, I am using placeholders based on common information for these hotels. **The hotel names are in bold as requested.**

Budget-Friendly Stays

Perfect for travelers prioritizing experiences and looking for clean, central, and affordable rooms.

• Astra Hostel (Address: 1-2 Lower Gardiner St, Dublin 1 | Phone: +353 1 878 0666)
• Premier Inn Dublin Airport (Address: Airside Retail Park, Swords | Phone: +353 1 895 2400)
• Generator Dublin (Address: Smithfield Square, Dublin 7 | Phone: +353 1 247 7611)

Mid-Range Comfort & Convenience

These hotels in Dublin Ireland offer a balance of comfort, quality, and location, providing excellent value for money.

• Pembroke Townhouse (Address: 90 Pembroke Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 | Phone: +353 1 660 0277)
• Beresford Hotel (Address: Store St, Dublin 1 | Phone: +353 1 878 0700)
• Talbot Hotel Stillorgan (Address: Stillorgan Rd, Blackrock | Phone: +353 1 200 1800)

Luxury and Indulgence

For a truly indulgent experience in the capital of Ireland, these luxury hotels in Dublin Ireland provide impeccable service and prime locations.

• Leevin Studios (Address: 6-7 Parnell Square W, Dublin 1 | Phone: +353 1 873 0000)
• Anantara The Marker Dublin (Address: Grand Canal Square, Docklands, Dublin 2 | Phone: +353 1 687 5100)
• The Morrison Dublin, Curio Collection by Hilton (Address: Ormond Quay Lower, Dublin 1 | Phone: +353 1 887 2400)

Can’t decide? Compare all your options and find the perfect stay among the best Hotels in Dublin now!

Planning the logistics helps you maximize your time enjoying all the things to do in Dublin.

When is the Best Time to Visit Ireland?

While Dublin is lovely year-round, the best time to visit Ireland is typically from May to September. This period offers the warmest weather in Dublin city and the longest daylight hours for sightseeing. July is the warmest month, with an average high of $20.1 \text{ °C}$ ($68.2 \text{ °F}$). Dublin's sheltered location on the east coast makes it one of the driest parts of Ireland, though rain is possible any day of the year (always pack a light waterproof layer!). For specific climate data, consult the weather in Dublin city via official sources.

Getting Around and Practicalities

The central area where most Dublin Ireland attractions are located is highly walkable. For longer distances, utilize the efficient public transport network: The DART, suburban rail linking the coast; The Luas, two cross-city tram lines (Red and Green); and Dublin Bus, an extensive network covering the greater metropolitan area. Did you know? The population of Dublin city Ireland (city council area) is approximately $592,713$, but the greater Dublin region houses nearly $1.5$ million people, making the city a significant cultural and economic powerhouse. [Source: Central Statistics Office (CSO)]

Beyond the famous sites, these lesser-known spots offer a quieter, more unique look at the city:

• **Marsh's Library:** Located next to St. Patrick's Cathedral, this is the oldest public library in Ireland, opened in 1707. It's a beautifully preserved piece of history, complete with three original wire-mesh 'cages' where rare books were kept.
• **Iveagh Gardens:** Often called 'Dublin's Secret Garden', this beautiful park near St Stephen's Green features a unique cascade, rosarium, and labyrinth. It's a peaceful oasis often overlooked by tourists.
• **Dublin City Farm:** A small, working city farm in St Anne’s Park, Raheny. It's a charming spot for families and provides a pleasant contrast to the urban center.
• **The Chester Beatty Library:** Located in Dublin Castle, this museum is free to enter and houses an astonishing collection of manuscripts, rare books, and art from across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.
• **The Winding Stair:** More than just a literary-themed restaurant, this building houses a brilliant independent bookshop on the ground floor, offering views over the River Liffey. It's a perfect cozy corner for any bibliophile.

  

Enhance your knowledge about the capital of Ireland with these quick facts:

1. Dublin is home to more than $1,000$ pubs, meaning there is roughly one pub for every $590$ residents in the city.
2. The city has produced four Nobel laureates in Literature: W. B. Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett, and Seamus Heaney.
3. The world-famous Ha'penny Bridge, built in 1816, was originally a toll bridge that charged half a penny for pedestrians to cross the River Liffey.
4. Dublin is classified as a 'Global City' due to its importance in commerce, banking, and culture.
5. The entire city of Dublin was officially divided by the River Liffey into Northside and Southside, which traditionally carry different social perceptions.
6. Dublin Castle, a key national building, was built on the site of an earlier Viking settlement.
7. The Irish currency, the Euro, replaced the Irish Pound (Punt) in 2002.
8. Dublin's Phoenix Park is one of the largest enclosed recreational parks in any European capital city, home to wild herds of fallow deer.
9. The General Post Office (GPO) on O'Connell Street was the headquarters for the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising, making it a pivotal historical building.
10. The temperature in Dublin rarely drops below freezing in the winter due to the warming influence of the Gulf Stream.

To help you sound like a local while exploring the things to do in Dublin, here are a few common phrases you might hear:

• **What's the craic?** - This is the most common greeting, meaning "What's going on?" or "How are you?" The word 'craic' refers to news, gossip, fun, or a good time.
• **Sure, lookit.** - Used to express resignation or acceptance, often meaning "It is what it is" or "What can you do?"
• **G'wan!** - Short for "Go on!", often used as encouragement or a gentle way of saying "I don't believe you!"
• **A press** - The word for a cupboard or cabinet.
• **Grand** - A highly versatile word meaning "fine," "okay," or "good." If someone says, "I'm grand," they are fine.
• **Yer man/Yer one** - Used to refer to a person whose name you can't recall or who isn't present. ("Yer man was over at the bar.")
• **Sláinte** - Pronounced 'slawn-cha,' this is the traditional Irish toast meaning "Health."
• **I'm only after getting a pint** - This uses a specific tense (the "after" structure) and means "I have just finished getting a pint."
• **Scarlet** - Used to mean "mortified" or "very embarrassed." ("I was scarlet when I tripped.")
• **Deadly** - A term of praise, meaning "excellent," "fantastic," or "brilliant." ("That Guinness tour Dublin was deadly!")

Dublin is a city that captures the heart with its unique mix of history, literary genius, and undeniable fun. Whether you're ticking off the top 10 things to do in Dublin, seeking out hidden Viking ruins, or simply enjoying the unparalleled pub culture, you'll quickly realize why Ireland’s capital of Ireland is one of the world's most beloved destinations. Start planning your itinerary today—the best things to do in Dublin are waiting for you!