Dublin, with its rain, its grey stones and its quiet architecture, may 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 it’s not always the first impression that counts.
Dublin promises you something else. If you give it a little time, it will reveal another side of itself. You’ll see that Dublin pulls you into pubs full of live music, leads you through little lanes bursting with character, reveals lush green parks tucked between stone buildings, and gifts you encounters with genuine people, full of humour and an unpretentious love for music and for life.
Step into a pub where the music starts without a schedule, walk along the River Liffey, listen to the locals’ laughter and let the city reveal itself as it really is: warm, even if usually rainy, human, full of small moments. And then you’ll understand.
This article isn’t a typical guide with lists of “what to do in Dublin” and “what you must see”. It’s a stroll through 10+1 experiences and things to do in Dublin that are worth living. Whether you’re planning your next trip to Ireland or simply looking for a short escape to Dublin over a long weekend, take notes. This city has a way of staying with you, and it might just leave you with something more than memories and photos.
Shall we discover them together?
1. Experience Temple Bar… but do it right
Temple Bar isn’t just a district. It’s the heart of Dublin’s nightlife, a labyrinth 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 find yourself there, you’ll face 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, once you’ve done your stroll through the area, head a little way out of the narrow lanes of Temple Bar. Make your way to 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, ice-cold beer and good company.
Extra tip: If you’re after something special, seek out small pubs like The Stag’s Head or The Long Hall, classic, authentic and far more local.
2. Take a walk through Trinity College and discover a legendary Library
Right 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.
Its courtyard feels like a British academy. But the highlight is inside: the Long Room Library. A wooden, dark, aristocratic hall with endless shelves and busts of famous philosophers. It’s one of the most impressive libraries in the world. It looks like a set straight out of a Harry Potter film! This is also where the famous Book of Kells is kept, a medieval masterpiece, made and decorated by hand by 9th-century monks. You’ll also see a harp from the 15th century, which is Ireland’s cultural symbol, tied to the country’s history, art and identity.
Instagram-worthy? 100%. But a sense of awe takes hold of you too, and that doesn’t come out in the photo.
️ Cost: from €19. It’s a good idea to buy your tickets online and in good time, see here. Better prices apply for group packages.
3. Drink Guinness… at the source
You can’t come to Dublin and not stop by the Guinness Storehouse. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it will be crowded. But it’s worth it.
The experience starts on the ground floor and goes up, literally. You learn everything about Ireland’s most famous dark beer, you see every stage of its production, how it was made centuries ago and how it’s made today, how it’s served. Whether you drink beer or not, the Guinness Storehouse is an experience worth having. The visit peaks on the 7th floor, at the Gravity Bar, with a panoramic view over all of Dublin. Up there, Guinness tastes different. Maybe because it came straight from the factory’s barrel. Maybe because you’re drinking it while gazing at the city from above.
Tip: Don’t rush it. A Guinness takes 119.5 seconds to be poured properly. It’s no joke. For them it’s a ritual. All of this in a living museum.. one you can drink from a glass.
️ Cost: from €22. You should book your tickets online to avoid queues and wasted time. Better prices apply for group packages. Check here.
If you prefer whiskey, there’s also the Jameson Distillery. For more, see here.
4. Howth: A seaside escape with a cliff walk and fish & chips
Craving some fresh air, nature and sea breeze? Take the tram (Luas) or the bus and head to Howth. The cost is 2-6 euros, otherwise by taxi or Uber you’ll need 20-30 euros. Of course, objectively the best way is by van. In just 30 minutes from Dublin, you find yourself in a seaside village just east of the capital’s centre.
This beautiful fishing village is ideal for a day trip. Walk along the harbour, watch the fishing boats, and when you get hungry grab fish & chips from a food stall and sit down to eat with a view of the Atlantic. Once you’ve recharged, climb up the trails of the Howth Cliff Walk. Hiking routes like these, along the cliffs with mesmerising views, will definitely remind you of a scene from Game of Thrones.
And yes, you might even spot seals near the water.
Extra tip: Don’t go on a Sunday at midday. It turns into a mass pilgrimage. Go early or on a weekday and you’ll experience it completely differently.
Eat here: The Oar House, fresh fish without the tourist fanfare in an authentic seafood tavern.
️ Route length: about 6 km. The hike is relatively easy to moderate. You’ll need comfortable shoes, and a little extra care on the trails, especially if it’s damp or raining.
5. Phoenix Park: a vast ecosystem inside Dublin (with deer!)
One of the largest urban parks in the whole world, bigger even than Central Park. Hundreds of deer live here, roaming free. This is not just another green space.
It’s a living heart of the city, full of life and history. The old towers, the monasteries and the monuments give you a taste of the past. A walk there makes you feel like you’ve left the city behind. As if you’re in a little wild corner of nature right inside Dublin.
Ideal for cycling or a leisurely walk
Tip: If the sun is out, grab a coffee to go or simply sit on the grass and enjoy the sunset.
6. Step inside Dublin Castle, see the history behind the walls
In the heart of the city, Dublin Castle is more than just an old building. It’s one of the most historic spots in the city. With over 800 years of history, its walls and underground spaces are well worth a visit. All that historic atmosphere transports you to another era. An ideal place for a relaxed morning stroll. If history and art interest you a little more, right next door is the Chester Beatty Library. A library of manuscripts and works of art, if you want to see more of the history Dublin hides.
For a relaxed morning stroll you don’t need anything more. But if you’d like a guided tour, check for more information here. (price from 8 euros)
7. Wander around Stoneybatter, the alternative side of Dublin
If you want to feel the pulse of modern Dublin, set your course for Stoneybatter. A former working-class neighbourhood, today it’s the city’s unofficial “Brooklyn”: unpretentious, cool and full of surprises. Small stylish cafés, spots for brunch or local gin, vintage shops, lovely little streets and spontaneous open-air live cultural happenings and events.
In Stoneybatter you won’t find a single famous sight. And yet it’s one of the most genuine things you can do in Dublin. Ideal for a relaxed afternoon stroll, and if you stumble upon a street market or a pop-up event, don’t walk past it.
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 River Liffey runs through Dublin. It divides the city and unites it, with bridges crossing it every few metres. The best known is the Ha’penny Bridge, made of wrought iron, as if it stepped out of an old postcard. The walk along the river is simple yet magical.
By day, you watch the city at work. By night, you watch the lights reflecting on the water. If you go with company, it’s romantic. If you go solo, it’s almost cinematic.
Small tip: Go down lower, to the banks. You’ll get better photos and fewer people.
Ideal time for photos: just after sunrise or just before sunset.
9. Discover St Patrick’s Cathedral, a Gothic story in the heart of Dublin
St Patrick’s Cathedral isn’t just impressive. It’s the largest church in Ireland, dedicated to the country’s patron saint. In fact, according to legend, he’s the one who drove the snakes out of the island. The building, Gothic and imposing, with striking stained-glass windows, carries centuries of stories.
St Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint, wasn’t Irish! Born in Roman Britain, he came to Ireland as a slave before later returning as a missionary.
10. The last Guinness in a pub with no tourists
After you’ve seen, walked, eaten, photographed… the time comes for one last beer. Don’t go looking for the “perfect” place. No plan. No Google Maps. Find a small pub that isn’t there for Instagram photos. The kind with no tourist menu. Just Guinness, a wooden bar and, maybe two steps away, a spontaneous evening of music about to begin. Not for the show. For the company. You might sing along without knowing the lyrics and get to know the locals. Or maybe none of that. But you’ll feel like you were truly there.
Last tip: If you come across music without a stage, with people singing along, sit down. 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 authentic Dublin.
10+1. Experience St Patrick’s Day the way it deserves, on the ultimate roadtrip in Ireland
There’s no better time to be in Dublin than St Patrick’s Day. And there’s no more authentic way to live it than a roadtrip that brings you into the heart of Ireland. From the wild landscapes of Connemara to the green valleys of Kerry and the little villages where good company turns every pub into a celebration.
The best part? The finale in Dublin on the 17th of March. The parade, streets full of people in green hats and smiles, live music everywhere, dancing with no schedule. See here to get a taste.
And you won’t be alone. You’ll be with a group of people who started out as strangers and became a crew. Because that’s what travelling with Altervan is like, you don’t just see places, you live experiences. You get into a van, and you end up writing stories.
And if you want to experience the whole of Ireland in one unique roadtrip, take a look at the 7-day tour of Ireland here.
Your own journey starts here
Every March, we organise an epic roadtrip around Ireland, culminating in St Patrick’s Day in Dublin. It’s not just a trip. We’re talking about experiences, company, laughter and unique moments you’ll never forget.
If you feel something pulling you towards Ireland, listen to it. If you picture your next trip alive, authentic, with music in the van, stops at castles, towers, breathtaking cliffs and pubs in villages that aren’t on the map, then… you know where to find us. Don’t just go on holiday. Live a journey you’ll remember forever.
See here our upcoming trips and if you want to be among the first to hear about them, sign up for our newsletterbecause the seats fill up before you can say “Guiness!”
Dublin is waiting for you. Ireland is calling. And we’re holding a seat for you.
With love for travel, roadtrips and adventure.
The Altervan team.
