After years of exploring Dublin’s coastal walks, hidden corners and cafés, I can confidently say this city is much more than its pubs. Sure, a good pint and live music are part of the charm, but Dublin offers much more, from scenic parks and cultural gems to foodie adventures and sea views.

In this Dublin bucket list, I’ve gathered my favourite top things to do in Dublin, mixing well-known attractions with hidden gems that locals love. Expect a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, foodie adventures, unique museums, coastal hikes, and a few great pubs you shouldn’t miss.

Ready to explore the best places to visit in Dublin? Let’s go! 🍀

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Parks & gardens – Dublin outdoor things to do

1. Get lost in St Stephen’s Green

Probably Dublin’s most visited park. For a good reason! It’s perfect for a city break, right in the heart of Dublin. On sunny days, it’s busy with people enjoying picnics, outdoor activities and relaxation on the grass. If you want to avoid crowds, go as early as you can.

The most charming part of St Stephen’s Green is its serene lake, complete with a charming bridge and resident swans and ducks. If you’re lucky, you can say hi to one of the squirrels.

From spring to autumn, the park showcases a vibrant display of flowers, including cherry and magnolia trees in full bloom.

Local tip!

Squirrels hang out on the northern path, on the side closest to Dawson Street and the Little Museum of Dublin.

2. Admire the colourful doors around Merrion Square Park (and beyond)

Just a short walk from St Stephen’s Green, Merrion Square Park is another favourite of mine. The park is home to many sculptures. The most famous is the statue of Oscar Wilde, reclining on a rock. Consider yourself lucky if you’re there without tourists taking selfies 😛

Merrion Square Park offers a variety of trees, pathways, flower gardens, playgrounds and open green spaces for leisure and relaxation. Keep an eye out for the cute squirrels that occasionally make an appearance. 

Stroll along the garden’s exterior and admire the charming Georgian buildings with iconic colourful doors.

3. Discover the gorgeous plants in the Dublin Castle Garden

This charming garden behind Dublin Castle used to be my favourite hidden gem 5-10 years ago. It’s still one of my favourite places, though it’s not so hidden anymore. 

You can still appreciate the balance of historic and modern design as the garden’s contemporary elements blend seamlessly with its ancient stone walls. 

Wildflowers flourish around the oval-shaped central green area, once designed as a helicopter landing pad and decorated with six interlocking brick pathways inspired by Celtic design. 

You can see the Dublin Castle buildings from the garden, including the rounded tower, chapel and colourful facades. 

4. Spot the deer in Phoenix Park

One of Europe’s largest city parks, so you can wander around wherever your heart desires. As you enter the park, you’ll come across a charming little garden with vibrant flower beds and plenty of benches for relaxation.

The park’s main symbol is the towering obelisk, located closer to the city centre. It’s also home to numerous monuments, the Áras an Uachtaráin (official residence of the President of Ireland) and Dublin Zoo. 

Although my favourite creatures in Phoenix Park are the deer, get ready to take loads of cute deer photos. Deer usually hang around the middle of the park or the southern areas 🦌 

Local tip! 

You can reach further areas in less time by bicycle, as the park is vast. Just grab a Dublin bike. You’ll find more in-depth information about the best parks in Dublin in my other blog post.

5. Wander around the National Botanic Gardens

Located in North Dublin, the National Botanic Gardens are easy to reach by bus and are a must-visit for nature lovers who want a peaceful escape from the city. This green paradise has glasshouses, rock gardens, flower beds, rose gardens and even fruit and vegetable plots. Keep an eye out for squirrels. (I haven’t met one here yet, but my friends have!)

My favourites were the glasshouses, especially the cactus and palm houses. The palm trees and tropical plants completely mesmerised me. You can also see cactuses and desert plants in every size and shape 🌵

Culture & attractions – Indoor activities in Dublin

Here are the best indoor activities in Dublin, from historic landmarks and museums to free galleries, whiskey tours and fun local experiences. Don’t worry about the Irish weather.

For more options and insights, check out my blog post Dublin Indoor Activities: What to Do on a Rainy Day in Dublin.

6. Visit the Guinness Storehouse

Touristy? Yes. Worth it once? Also yes. The Guinness Storehouse is Dublin’s No. 1 tourist attraction for a reason. I actually started to like Guinness after/during my first visit there! 

The Storehouse is shaped like a giant glass pint, which would take 14.3 million pints to fill. It has seven floors of exhibits, focusing on different aspects of the Guinness brand, such as ingredients, brewing process, advertising and tasting. All ingredients are displayed, and you can learn fun facts about them. 

It smells amazing inside, and you’ll crave a pint by the end. Luckily, your ticket includes a free Guinness, which you can enjoy at the Gravity Bar, Dublin’s highest bar with a stunning 360° view of the city.

7. Experience an Irish whiskey tour

When travelling to Ireland, one of the essential activities is attending a whiskey tour in Dublin. The challenge? Choosing between so many great distilleries. I’ve done the hard work for you, we’ve visited Jameson, Teeling, Roe & Co, and Pearse Lyons Distillery, and each offers a unique guided experience (with tastings included, of course). 

• Jameson Bow St. Experience: Jameson needs no introduction. The exhibitions are top-notch, and you can smell and touch the ingredients. It’s busy and touristy, but still a classic. A must for Jameson fans.
• Teeling Tasting Tour: A working distillery where you’ll see the whole production process from ingredients to shiny copper stills. The design and atmosphere are impressive, and the cocktails at The Bang Bang Bar are excellent.
• Flavours Experience & Cocktail Workshop in Roe & Co Distillery: My personal favourite! The space is stunning, beautiful machines, thoughtful branding, and a fun, hands-on cocktail workshop. We made our own whiskey cocktails based on our preferred flavours, and our guide shared great mixology tips.
• Trilogy Tour & Tasting Experience in Pearse Lyons Distillery: The prettiest distillery. Located in a renovated church, the stained glass windows and distillery equipment make it unforgettable. The tour was both informative and visually stunning.

For more insights, check out my blog post about the best whiskey distilleries in Dublin.

8. Explore the National Gallery of Ireland or another free exhibition

The National Gallery of Ireland is one of my favourite free museums in the city centre, and it’s perfect for a rainy day. The neoclassical building is home to over 16,000 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and decorative arts. Honestly, I was just as impressed by the vibrant gallery spaces as by the art itself.                    

Luckily, Dublin offers plenty more free museums worth checking out:

• IMMA (Irish Museum of Modern Art): Love its exhibitions and the design shop. Don’t miss its cute garden. 
• National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History: From fashion and ceramics to Irish military history. 
• RHA Gallery (Royal Hibernian Academy): Always something cool and contemporary on display.

9. Visit Trinity College and the iconic library with the Book of Kells

Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university, is the home of the Book of Kells, Ireland’s most famous treasure. This illuminated manuscript was created by Celtic monks around 800 AD, with 680 pages (340 leaves). The pages are turned every six weeks, so it would take around 30 years to see the entire book that way!

Tickets for the Book of Kells Exhibition must be booked online for a time slot. The visit also includes access to the breathtaking Long Room Library, one of my favourite spots in Dublin. The scent of old books is magical. You can literally smell history. Don’t miss the Brian Boru Harp, one of the few surviving medieval Gaelic harps.

Even if you skip the exhibition, Trinity’s main courtyard is worth a wander. The atmosphere is special, with tourists and students mingling among historic buildings. You won’t see anyone walking under the bell tower while it rings because legend says they’ll fail their exams!

If you’re visiting in March, make sure to admire the blooming magnolia tree and colourful flowers in the courtyard. And before you leave, stop by the Golden Sphere (Sphere Within Sphere), a gleaming sculpture symbolising the complexity of the modern world.

10. Dive into Irish history at EPIC, the GPO Museum, or another immersive exhibition

EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum, is an experience! I never imagined emigration, Irish culture, and history could be presented in such an engaging and interactive way. Each room explores a different theme, from leaving the island to religion, conflict, innovation, and culture.

You can learn about sports, technology and Irish inventions. You can test your Irish step-dancing skills, stamp your “EPIC passport” in every room, and even try a pub quiz! It’s both educational and entertaining.

Local tip!

It’s a lot of information. If you’re the “read everything in the museum” type, you might need 3-4 hours. The 1st part focuses on history, while the 2nd is more fun and interactive, so pace yourself.

Many other places showcase the Irish history from different perspectives: 

• GPO (General Post Office): Discover the 1916 Easter Rising and modern Irish history. 
• Dublin Castle State Apartments: Like a royal palace with chandeliers, gilded furniture, and the unicorn above the throne. The St. Patrick’s Hall still hosts presidential inaugurations.
• Dublinia: Focuses on Viking and medieval times. 
• The Little Museum of Dublin: Packed with fun facts and quirky local stories. 
• Kilmainham Gaol Museum: A former prison turned museum telling the story of Ireland’s struggle for independence through the chapel, cells, central viewing area and yard.

11. Soak up the vibes of Temple Bar (and find the colourful Love Lane)

Don’t go for the overpriced pints, but go for the atmosphere. I actually prefer Temple Bar during the day when it’s more relaxed, with fewer drunk crowds. That’s when you can really take in the charming buildings, colourful flags, flower-filled facades, and that unmistakable Irish vibe.

Temple Bar is more than just pubs. It’s packed with art, music, and food: galleries, theatres, artisan cafés, and street murals. Don’t miss the newly refurbished Love Lane on Crampton Court and the Icon Walk on Bedford Lane. 

And yes… obviously, visit a few pubs too 🍻. The most famous one is The Temple Bar Pub, instantly recognisable with its red walls, overflowing flower baskets, and fairy lights. Even from the street, you can hear live Irish music and the happiness from inside. It gives such a special atmosphere.

12. Go to a pub and enjoy live music

There’s so much more to Dublin’s pub scene than Temple Bar. Venture a little further, and you’ll find local favourites with authentic charm, cheaper pints, and that cosy Irish atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else in the world. 

Every pub has its own soul. Here are a few of my favourites:

• Cassidy’s: Eclectic decor with stickers, red lighting, candlesticks, and random homey details. 
• O’Donoghues Bar: Barrels, drawings, black-and-white photos, antiques, and live music in the courtyard. This pub has it all.
• The Dawson Lounge: probably the smallest pub in the world… It’s tiny, but full of good vibes.  
• Blackbird: A bit outside the city centre, but absolutely worth it for the atmosphere.
• The Cobblestone: Located in Smithfield, this one is legendary for its traditional Irish music sessions.

13. Stroll down Drury & Wicklow Streets, and discover St George’s Arcade

Cute shops, foodie places, indie stores, and good people-watching locations. The area between Dame Lane and Grafton Street (the fancy shopping street) has all the good stuff. You’ll find:

• Irish clothing & international brands: Fresh Cuts Clothing, LOOT, Oliver Bonas, Rains
• Restaurants and street food: SOLE Seafood & Grill, Mani, Bambino, Sprout & Co, Amuri, just to mention a few…
• Specialty coffee shops: Kaph, Clement & Pekoe, Industry & Co, Bear Market Coffee
• St George’s Arcade, with its red-brick architecture and glass roof, gives boho and retro vibes. It’s home to vintage stalls, indie boutiques, record stores, crystals, and cafés. 
• Powerscourt Townhouse Centre is an 18th-century mansion turned into a stylish shopping and dining destination. Under its elegant glass atrium, you’ll find Irish designers, jewellers, vintage shops, cafés, and cocktail bars. 
• Cute design shops (see the next point 👇)

14. Browse Irish design at the Irish Design Shop or Industry & Co

If you want to bring home the best Irish souvenirs (and not the usual keychains or leprechaun hats), check out these gorgeous Irish design shops full of creativity and quality craftsmanship:

• Irish Design Shop: Elegant and natural style, showcasing Irish-made goods like prints, ceramics, soaps, books and tasty local treats.
• Industry & Co – Home: Just walking in is already a pleasure! You’ll find beautiful home decor, games, gifts for plant lovers, pet owners, and even beauty and wellness products.
• Maktus (in George’s Street Arcade): Hilarious and totally random. The best spot for finding weird and wonderful gifts your friends didn’t know they needed.
• Article (in Powerscourt Townhouse Centre): Elegant, chic items like stationery, ceramics, toys and homeware with a refined touch.
• Avoca: Multiple locations across Dublin and Ireland, all looking gorgeous. Expect high-quality Irish products: beauty, clothing, homeware, books, kids’ gifts, and their chocolate selection is unreal 🍫.
• Kilkenny Design: A go-to for souvenirs that suit every budget and taste, from clothing and books to art, beauty, and Irish-made crafts.

Foodie, coffee & matcha adventures 

15. Brunch at Alma, Bibi’s, The Cake Café, or other cool spots

Dublin knows how to do brunch right! You’ll find countless delicious coffee and brunch places across the city. Here are a few of my absolute favourites:

• ALMA: Cosy, stylish interior, delightful coffee and brunches that combine Argentinian flavours with Irish produce. You can thank me later. 
• Bibi’s: Both Portobello and Dún Laoghaire locations are charming and cosy. Great coffee, unique dishes, and don’t skip their peanut butter brownie.
• The Cake Cafe: A cute café hidden in a small courtyard. They serve generous portions on vintage plates and have irresistible sweets on the counter.
• SLICE: You’ll always see a queue outside this Stoneybatter gem! Beautifully presented dishes with creative flavour combinations.
• Tang: With four locations, Tang is one of my go-tos for brunch and coffee. My favourite is the mushroom toast with poached eggs. 

👉 For more photos and brunch spots, check out my best brunches in Dublin South guide. 

I’ve also challenged myself to eat at 50 brunch places in Dublin. I’m almost there! Stay tuned for the blog post and video, and make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and/or newsletter for updates.

16. Go café hopping in the city centre, Portobello, or Stoneybatter

Whenever I travel, I have to include specialty cafés in my itinerary. Testing the local coffee scene is kind of my thing (a weird habit, I know 😅). 

If you’re like me, this Dublin bucket list point is for you! Here are some of my favourite Dublin coffee shops:

• Cloud Picker Cafe: Just perfect. 
• 3fe: Multiple locations around Dublin, some also serve brunch. Always satisfies. 
• Brew Lab Specialty Coffee: I’m always excited to return for their exceptional flavours.
• Groundstate Coffee: Excellent coffee, friendly staff and lovely latte art. 
• Clement & Pekoe: Great atmosphere, stylish interior and top-notch coffee and tea.
• Shoe Lane Coffee: Cute, cosy and full of character.

17. Sample the quality matcha at Matcha Bar or at the Omma pop-up

As matcha becomes more popular, Dublin’s matcha scene is seriously growing. Here are my go-tos:

• The Matcha Bar (Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, top floor): Everything here is delicious, from creamy hot lattes to seasonal iced pistachio matcha. 
• Omma pop-up (Brown Thomas Planet Beauty, open till the end of 2025): A next-level matcha spot offering seasonal matcha drinks and Japanese sweets. My favourite? The yuzu matcha tonic.
• Matcha Matsukawa: The 1st Japanese-owned matcha place in Ireland knows how to do matcha and desserts.
• 3fe: They serve Omma matcha, so you know it’s quality.
• Brew Lab Specialty Coffee: Not only a coffee heaven, their cloud matcha is unforgettable.

18. Eat seafood chowder and other Irish seafood dishes

If you’re a seafood lover and want to try more than fish and chips, go for a seafood chowder. It’s creamy, comforting, and filled with salmon, cod, mussels and more,  usually served with Guinness bread and Irish butter. Hmmm… perfect combo. 

I had my best one at Johnnie Fox’s, but I’m still searching for the best chowder in Dublin’s city centre. Another favourite is The Seafood Café, though for the ultimate seafood experience, head out to Howth (more on that below).

19. Try an Irish steakhouse for its top-quality beef

For special occasions, we always celebrate with a good steak. Ireland’s grass-fed beef is some of the best in the world, and Dublin’s steakhouses do it justice. Here are a few I highly recommend: 

• F.X. Buckley Steakhouse: The best steak in Dublin. Perfectly cooked with top service.
• Bovinity: Hmmm I still dream about that tender steak… and the side dishes were just as good.
• The Butcher Grill: Cosy spot outside the city centre with excellent steak and sides. 
• Hellfire Steakhouse: We had a feast here, everything was delicious. 
• FIRE Steakhouse: Stunning space, perfect for a Sunday roast or special dinner. The steak and sides were excellent, and the atmosphere felt truly special.

Walks, hikes & the best views of Dublin

If you prefer nature and gorgeous panoramas over pubs and tourist attractions, then grab your comfy shoes and let’s go for a walk or hike to reconnect with nature. The following Dublin walks and hikes are my favourites.

For more options and insights, check out my blog post Best Dublin Walks and Hikes Accessible by Public Transport.

20. Enjoy the panorama from Killiney Hill

Killiney Hill might still be within the city, but it feels like an escape to the forest. It’s easy to reach, and you don’t need to hike too far to get to the obelisk and take in the gorgeous panorama of Dublin, the Irish Sea, Killiney Beach and Bray.

You can wander through the woodlands. The trails are peaceful and surrounded by lush greenery. Continue your walk to Dalkey Hill, or grab a coffee at Mister Magpie for a break. 

This area has a lot to offer: 

• Enjoy the hot box sauna and sea dip at Killiney Beach 
• Chill at White Rock Beach or take another dip at Vice Bath
• Explore Sorrento Park and stroll through the charming Dalkey 

🎥 Check out my Short video about Killiney Hill: 

21. Go on a day trip to Howth

Cliff walks, sea views, seals and seafood… You can get all these in Howth. Just hop on a bus or train from the city centre (I prefer the bus for the coastal views) and enjoy your seaside adventure.

Here are the best things to do in Howth: 

• Howth Cliff walk: I like to take the bus to Howth Summit and walk back to the village along the cliffs. You can also visit the lighthouse and the Tiny Secret Beach.
• Seal spotting at Howth Pier: Watch near the fishing boats!
• Boat trip to Ireland’s Eye: If you like boat trips and dramatic cliffs, this is a great way to see the Howth coastline from a different angle or to circle around Ireland’s Eye.
• Seafood restaurants: My favourites are Abbey Tavern and Octopussy’s. Both serve delicious seafood chowder.
• Beaches: Relax at Balscadden Bay Beach or Sutton Beach.
• Howth Castle Cookery School: If you have extra time, join a class! We’ve been twice, once for a Steak Night and once for a Sunday Brunch. Both were incredible and super fun.

For more information, read about the 6 Things You Can’t Miss in Howth – Day trip from Dublin, Ireland, and watch my YouTube video to find out how to spend a day in Howth.

22. Walk out to Poolbeg Lighthouse

Get ready for a windy, wild and wonderful adventure. 

We started our walk from Sandymount Beach, where you’ll already get beautiful coastal views. Along the way, you’ll pass the iconic Poolbeg Chimneys, visible from many parts of Dublin. They make such a cool photo spot!

The seawall leading to the bright red lighthouse is almost 2 km long, so the full route (there and back) is around 4 km, plus the walk from the beach… Plan a few hours for the whole trip. However, the views will be amazing, and just seeing the red lighthouse and the chimney from close by is an amazing experience. 

Local tip!

Wear layers because it can be extremely windy out there! 🌬️

23. Take a sea dip at Vico Baths or Dún Laoghaire Baths

Spoiler alert: the Irish Sea is cold. Very cold. But that’s what makes it such a thrill! I felt so proud after my first sea dip. It’s definitely an achievement. Even if you don’t fully submerge, test the water, breathe in the sea air, and enjoy the sound of the waves.

• Vico Bath: A magical spot, especially after a walk on Killiney Hill. After your dip, enjoy the sea views from the cliffs or relax by the grassy area near the Éire Sign 7.
• Dún Laoghaire Baths: Perfect for a quick dip! There’s a staircase and shower, and you can warm up afterwards with a coffee from Happy Out or Bibi’s. 

24. See Dublin from above in the Dublin Mountains

If you’re looking for a balance between city life and nature, the Dublin Mountains are calling! Many trails are accessible by public transport and reward you with stunning views. 

• Hell Fire Club: A short and easy hike with gorgeous panoramas. You can pick from several trails, though reaching it by public transport can be tricky… Expect a few changes along the way.
• Ticknock and Fairy Castle Loop: Dreamy views, beautiful forest trails, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even rent a mountain bike and ride along the MTB-dedicated path. 
• The Scalp Loop: My favourite! The views are incredible. We followed this AllTrails hike, starting from Shankill (accessible by bus or DART), passing the Ballycorus Lead Mines Chimney and Carrickgollogan Hill. The panorama along the way was breathtaking, and it was especially gorgeous thanks to the yellow gorse bushes (blooming from spring to autumn) 💛. At the chimney, you’re surrounded by golden flowers and endless views. But from the top of Carrickgollogan Hill, the 360° panorama is mind-blowing. You can spot Howth, Dublin Bay, the Irish Sea, Sugarloaf Mountain, and even the Wicklow Hills. It’s out of this world. 🎥 Watch my short video for proof: 

25. Just wander around the city

Sometimes, no plan is the best plan. (I’m still learning this myself 😄)

Dublin has such a warm vibe with colourful buildings, friendly faces and little surprises around every corner. My favourite finds while wandering:

• The famous colourful doors
• Painted electrical boxes by Dublin Canvas
• Flower-filled balconies and streets
• And yes, the abandoned umbrellas after a storm

So slow down, grab a coffee, and let the city surprise you.

26. Go beyond Dublin, discover the beauty of the rest of Ireland

Dublin is wonderful, but Ireland is more than Dublin, so if you have a few days, go exploring:

• Co. Wicklow: For lush hikes, waterfalls, and nature trails in the Wicklow Mountains National Park.
• Kilkenny: A lovely medieval town that’s perfect for a day trip. Read my blog post about it.
• Wild Atlantic Way: My absolute favourite! Dramatic cliffs, ocean views and charming coastal towns. We often rent a car and spend 2–3 days by the sea, soaking in the ocean breeze and Irish charm.

If you don’t want to rent a car, you can also choose from many day trips from Dublin: 

• Giant’s Causeway & Northern Ireland
• Galway & Cliffs of Moher (more in this blog post)
• Ring of Kerry

Whichever you choose, Ireland will take your breath away, again and again. 💚

And that’s my Dublin bucket list! I hope it inspires you to explore beyond the tourist spots and discover the little things that make this city so special, from colourful doors to hidden cafés and sea views. Whether you live here or just visit for a few days, Dublin always has something new to surprise you. 💚

If you enjoyed this post, check out my other Dublin and Ireland guides, or subscribe to my newsletter so you won’t miss new blog posts and YouTube videos about my adventures.

For more travel tips about Dublin and Ireland, check out the following posts:

• How to spend a day in Kilkenny, Ireland? – Perfect day trip from Dublin
• Dublin Whiskey Tours – Which whiskey distillery to visit in Dublin, Ireland?
• Top 5 things to do in Co. Mayo, Ireland – From Downpatrick Head to coastal hikes
• 2 days in Co. Clare, Ireland – Top things to do in County Clare along the Wild Atlantic Way
• 4-day Wicklow travel itinerary – Best places to stay, eat & explore

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