Looking for the best things to do in Dublin? The Irish capital — with its rain, its grey stone and its understated architecture — might not catch your eye at first glance the way other European capitals do. It has no Eiffel Tower, no White Tower, no Venetian canals. But first impressions aren’t always what count.
Dublin promises you something else. Give it a little time and it reveals another side. It pulls you into pubs full of live music, leads you down small lanes brimming with character, opens up green parks between stone buildings, and gifts you encounters with genuine people — full of humour and an unforced love of music and life.
Step into a pub where the music starts with no schedule, walk along the river Liffey, listen to the locals laughing, and let the city reveal itself as it really is: warm, if usually wet, human, full of small moments. And then you’ll understand.
This article isn’t a typical “what to do in Dublin / what to see” checklist. It’s a walk through 10+1 experiences and sights in Dublin worth living. Whether you’re planning your next trip to Ireland or just looking for a long-weekend escape, take notes. This city has a way of staying with you — and it might leave you something more than memories and photos. Shall we discover them together?
1. Live Temple Bar… but do it right
Temple Bar isn’t just a neighbourhood. It’s the heart of Dublin’s nightlife — a maze of pubs, street musicians, vintage record shops, art and non-stop energy. It’s the place every visitor wants to see, and often misunderstands. Whatever night you turn up, you’ll find crowds, live music and plenty of tourists. But there’s another side too.
Secret for a more authentic experience: if you want to truly feel the pulse of Irish music, after your wander through Temple Bar, head a little further out. Make for The Cobblestone in Smithfield. There, local musicians gather spontaneously around a table and play traditional Irish tunes — no stage, no microphones, no big lights. Just music, a cold beer and good company.
Extra tip: for something special, seek out small pubs like The Stag’s Head or The Long Hall — classic, authentic and far more local.
2. Wander Trinity College and discover a legendary library
In the centre of Dublin sits Ireland’s most historic university: Trinity College. It’s not just a campus — it’s a living piece of history. The courtyard feels like a British academy, but the highlight is inside: the Long Room Library. A wooden, dim, aristocratic hall with endless shelves and busts of famous philosophers, it’s one of the most impressive libraries in the world — like a set straight out of Harry Potter. Here you’ll also find the famous Book of Kells, a medieval masterpiece hand-made and decorated by 9th-century monks, and a 15th-century harp that is Ireland’s cultural symbol, bound up with the country’s history, art and identity.
Instagram-worthy? 100%. But it also fills you with a sense of awe that no photo can capture. Cost: from €19. It’s best to buy your tickets online and early. Better rates apply for group packages.
3. Drink Guinness… at the source
You can’t come to Dublin and skip the Guinness Storehouse. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’ll be busy. But it’s worth it. The experience begins on the ground floor and rises — literally. You learn everything about Ireland’s most famous stout, see every stage of how it’s made (centuries ago and today) and how it’s served. Whether you drink beer or not, the Storehouse is an experience worth having. It peaks on the 7th floor at the Gravity Bar, with a panoramic view over all of Dublin. There, Guinness tastes different — maybe because it came straight from the brewery’s barrel, maybe because you’re drinking it while gazing over the city.
Tip: don’t rush it. A proper Guinness takes 119.5 seconds to pour. That’s no joke — for them it’s a ritual. Cost: from €22. Book online to avoid queues. Prefer whiskey? There’s also the Jameson Distillery.
4. Howth: a seaside escape with a cliff walk and fish & chips
Fancy some air, nature and sea breeze? Take the tram (Luas) or the bus to Howth (€2–6; a taxi or Uber runs €20–30 — though the best way, objectively, is by van). Just 30 minutes from Dublin, you reach a seaside village east of the capital. This gorgeous fishing village is perfect for a day trip. Stroll the harbour, watch the fishing boats, and when you’re hungry grab fish & chips from a stall and eat with a view of the Atlantic. Then climb the Howth Cliff Walk — a path along the rocks with a magical view that will remind you of a Game of Thrones set. And yes, you might spot seals near the water.
Extra tip: don’t go Sunday afternoon — it turns into a pilgrimage. Go early or on a weekday. Eat here: The Oar House — fresh fish without the tourist fanfare. Route length: about 6 km, easy to moderate; wear comfortable shoes and take extra care on damp or rainy paths.
5. Phoenix Park: a vast ecosystem inside Dublin (with deer!)
One of the largest urban parks in the world — bigger even than Central Park. Hundreds of deer roam freely here. It’s not just another green space; it’s a living heart of the city, full of life and history. The old towers, monasteries and monuments give you a taste of the past. A walk here makes you feel like you’ve left the city behind, as if you’re in a small wild corner of nature inside Dublin. Ideal for cycling or a gentle walk.
Tip: if it’s sunny, grab a coffee to go or simply sit on the grass and enjoy the sunset.
6. Step into Dublin Castle — the history behind the walls
In the heart of the city, Dublin Castle is more than an old building — it’s one of the most historic spots in town. With over 800 years of history, its walls and underground chambers are worth a wander. The whole atmosphere carries you to another era — ideal for a relaxed morning stroll. If you’re a little more into history and art, the Chester Beatty Library next door holds manuscripts and artworks revealing more of Dublin’s hidden story. For a simple morning walk you need nothing more, but if you’d like a guided tour, prices start from €8.
7. Wander Stoneybatter — Dublin’s alternative side
To feel the pulse of modern Dublin, head for Stoneybatter. Once a working-class neighbourhood, today it’s the city’s unofficial “Brooklyn”: unpretentious, cool and full of surprises. Stylish little cafés, spots for brunch or local gin, vintage shops, lovely streets and spontaneous open-air cultural events. You won’t find a single famous landmark in Stoneybatter — and yet it’s one of the most real things you can do in Dublin. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon walk, and if you stumble onto a street market or pop-up event, don’t pass it by. Right nearby you’ll also find the Guinness Storehouse, the Irish Museum of Modern Art and Phoenix Park.
8. Walk along the river Liffey, day or night
The Liffey runs through Dublin, splitting it and joining it with bridges every few metres. The best known is the Ha’penny Bridge, wrought iron, like something off an old postcard. A walk along it is simple but magical. By day you watch the city at work; by night you watch the lights reflected in the water. With company it’s romantic; solo it’s almost cinematic.
Small tip: go down to the riverbanks — you’ll get nicer photos and fewer crowds. Best time for photos: just after sunrise or before sunset.
9. Discover St Patrick’s Cathedral — a Gothic story at Dublin’s heart
St Patrick’s Cathedral isn’t just impressive — it’s the largest church in Ireland, dedicated to the country’s patron saint who, legend says, drove the snakes off the island. The building, Gothic and imposing with striking stained-glass windows, carries centuries of stories. A fun fact: St Patrick, Ireland’s patron, wasn’t Irish! Born in Roman Britain, he came to Ireland as a slave before returning later as a missionary.
10. The last Guinness in a pub with no tourists
After you’ve seen, walked, eaten and photographed… it’s time for the last beer. Don’t look for the “perfect” place. No plan, no Google Maps. Find a small pub that isn’t built for Instagram, with no tourist menu — just Guinness, a wooden counter, and maybe two steps away a spontaneous night of music starting up. Not for the show. For the company. Maybe you’ll sing without knowing the words and meet the locals. Maybe none of that. But you’ll feel you were really there.
Last tip: if you catch music with no stage and a crowd singing along, stay. It might be the highlight of your trip. Don’t search for the “right” place — let your feet lead you. That’s where you’ll find the real Dublin.
10+1. Live St Patrick’s Day as it deserves — on the ultimate Ireland road trip
There’s no better time to be in Dublin than St Patrick’s Day, and no more authentic way to live it than a road trip into the heart of Ireland — from the wild landscapes of Connemara to the green valleys of Kerry and the little villages where every pub becomes a party. The crowning moment? The finale in Dublin on 17 March: a parade, streets full of people in green hats and smiles, live music everywhere, dancing with no schedule.
And you won’t be alone. You’ll be with a group of people who started out strangers and became friends — because that’s what travelling with Altervan is like: you don’t just see places, you live experiences. You step into a van and end up writing stories. If you’d like to experience all of Ireland in one unforgettable road trip, take a look at our 7-day tour of Ireland.
Your own trip starts here
Every March we run an epic road trip around Ireland, climaxing with St Patrick’s Day in Dublin. It’s not just a trip — it’s experiences, company, laughter and unforgettable moments. If you feel something pulling you toward Ireland, listen to it. If you picture your next trip alive and authentic, with music in the van, stops at castles and towers, breathtaking cliffs and pubs in villages that aren’t on any map — then you know where to find us. Don’t just go on holiday. Live a trip you’ll remember forever.
For opening hours, tickets and events, see Visit Dublin, the official tourism site.
With love for travel, road trips and adventure,
The Altervan team.
