Thinking about visiting Dublin?

Great choice, the city is the perfect blend of a busy, bustling city – but still with more rural areas. Dublin has a relaxed and friendly vibe to it, as well as a buzzing nightlife. But what is there to do exactly?

Here’s 10 things to do in Dublin that isn’t just drinking Guinness at Temple Bar!

Visit Dublin Castle and the Castle Gardens

Dublin Castle dates back to the early 13th century, after Ireland achieved its independence from Great Britain, the building became one of the most important in Dublin. This is where the first president of Ireland was inaugurated, and every inauguration ceremony has been held in the building since.

The castle provides a pop of colour with its painted walls, perfect for those Instagrammable pictures for those of you looking to add some colour to your Insta feed!

Dublin Castle is open seven days a week (including bank holidays), from 09.45am to 5.45pm, with last admission at 5.15pm, guided tours are available on a daily basis.

Unfortunately, the castle was in the middle of being refurbished when we went, so we weren’t able to take look inside – but this is something I’m adding to my list for my next visit to Dublin. Saying that, visiting the inside of the castle isn’t necessary for a great visit, we still spent plenty of time walking around the garden (which is free and great fun!)

Go to a concert at Croke Park, Aviva Stadium or the 3Arena

Dublin is great for people who love the music scene, and if there’s one thing about Irish crowds, they’re loud! If you’re a music lover, take a look to see there’s any artists touring, I was lucky enough to get to see Harry Styles play his sold out show at Aviva Stadium for Love on Tour 2022. The Irish crowds were loud, full of energy, dancing along and shouting their famous “Olay, olay, olay” chant.

If big crowds aren’t quite your thing, then you can also catch plenty of great live music around various bars throughout the city centre.

Go for a Guinness… but not at Temple Bar

Yes, Temple Bar is famous and to be honest, have you really gone to Dublin if you haven’t at least taken a snap outside the famous bar? BUT if you’re planning on having a drink, then think about going elsewhere – it costs about €10 for a Guinness at Temple Bar, and it’s a fraction of the price almost anywhere else! 

Sure, the atmosphere is great at Temple Bar, but it’s also incredible across the entirety of Dublin (it is the city with the best craic after all!), so save your money and go elsewhere – Cassidy’s is my favourite.  

Grab a Coffee and Cake at Bewley’s Oriental on Grafton Street

If you’ve been on your feet all day and want to have a quick pit stop, check out Ireland’s longest established and largest café, Bewley’s Oriental. Located on Grafton Street, this café is elegant yet quirky and not ridiculously expensive.

The entire place is decorated with every detail considered, from the outside of the building all the way to the bathroom. With brilliant service and yummy cake – this is the perfect rest stop and you don’t want to miss it.

Watch the buskers at Grafton Street

Grafton Street definitely had a great vibe to it. It’s famous for its great quality of artists busking, the best thing is you never know who you’ll see – only a few weeks after I came back from my visit, Niall Horan and Lewis Capaldi were seen performing!

Grab a Gelato at Gino’s

Safe to say Gino’s was some of THE BEST gelato’s I’ve ever tired! Gino’s is an Italian chain of gelato and dessert parlours, there are loads spread across Dublin. I’d be surprised if you went to Dublin and didn’t notice them. With the bright hanging lights coming down from the ceiling – it’s got a great fun, friendly and quirky feeling to it!

Gino’s was always bursting with people wanting to try their gelato. Once I tried it for myself, I understood why… it’s delicious, a must try during your visit to Dublin!

Take a Picnic to St Stephen’s Green

St Stephen’s Green provides some peace and quiet in the busy city, don’t get me wrong, the atmosphere was still vibrant and thriving with people looking to sit and take in the views across the park. But it’s a great place to rest and recharge or have a picnic in during the warmer months. My favourite spot was on the pavilion looking over the lake!

Visit the Irish Whiskey Museum

Although stereotypically the first alcohol everyone associates Dublin with is Guinness, Irish Whiskey is also one of Ireland’s famous drinks. The Irish Whiskey Museum offers guided tours and whiskey tasting as well as opening up as a bar. If you fancy a visit to the bar but whiskey isn’t quite your thing then don’t worry, there will still be something for you, cocktails, gins, Guinness & lager (including Ireland’s own Hop House), is also available.

Tours take place from 10am-6pm every day. If you’re visiting on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday evening, then you can expect to experience a variety of live traditional music, storytelling and events up until 10.30pm.

Take an evening walk over Ha’Penny Bridge

The Ha’Penny Bridge is Dublin’s oldest pedestrian crossing 43 metres over the River Liffey.

Less busy and arguably offering even more stunning views at night with beautiful illuminations to guide you across during the night. 

Ha’Penny Bridge is one of the earliest cast-iron structures of its kind. Previously a toll bridge, you used to have to pay half a penny to cross when it first opened in 1816. 

Take part in the famous Guinness Storehouse Expereince

Of course, this one had to be saved until last, The Guinness Storehouse experience is one of Dublin’s most iconic tourist attractions. 

Go on the self-guided tour around the Guinness Storehouse, discover it’s history, how it’s made, and learn how to pour a pint of Guinness the proper way!

My favourite part of the Guinness Storehouse experience has to be the taste testing, where you get to not only taste test some Guinness, but also head to the aroma room and smell the Roasted barley, Malted barley, Hops, and Beer esters.

The Guinness Advertising Museum was also amazing, step back in time and take a look at the timeline of Guinness advertising – experience some of their famous interactive displays such as the singing Oyster, or the ‘Fish on a Bicycle’! 

For a small additional, fee you can also print a selfie of you or your travel group on the head of your Guinness (this one was super unique!)

Whatever you do, don’t leave without a visit to The Gravity Bar. Your admission ticket entitles you to a free Guinness or soft drink. What better way to celebrate your trip to Dublin than with a pint of Guinness with a view way above the rooftops of Dublin?

Purchase your tickets for the Guinness Storehouse Experience in advance online to get the best price. 

Grab your free Guinness at the Gravity Bar!