Dublin, Ireland was meant to be a layover for us but we are so glad we extended the stay.
Everything about Dublin has us charmed. The architecture is stunning, the pubs are a blast, and the people are wildly friendly. Everyone we encountered here is so nice and we feel like they genuinely want to stop and have a conversation with us. It’s so refreshing to see people value human connection.
Besides all of the great stops listed below, we highly recommend roaming around the Dublin streets and just soaking in the city life. We were pretty touristy on this trip, but honestly… these tourist stops were just too good.
Here’s everything to do in Dublin Ireland!
Guinness Storehouse Factory
This was Andrew’s #1 stop on his Dublin list, my expectations were pretty low. I mean what all can you really see on a beer tour… Turns out a lot. This is honestly one of my favorite experiences. I actually recently read this is currently the top tour in Europe. And fun fact: This was my first Guinness… Also now I can never drink it anywhere else. It really does taste better there.
Arthur Guinness’ story was incredible to me, so inspiring. Did you know he signed a 9,000 year lease on the Dublin Storehouse? Now that is commitment to your goals.
They walk you through the entire process, which is oddly extremely entertaining, and a lot more goes into making one beer than one thought.
We also got a beer selfie, or a #Stoutie, which is your photo in a Guinness weird concept but we couldn’t turn it down. And it was a wildly reasonable price… like maybe $6 US, that would never be a thing in the states it would be like $25. We couldn’t skip out…
And then there was the food, plus the view. You’re basically trapped in here for a full day… could be a worse place to be trapped I suppose. Lots of Guinness on an empty stomach calls for some good food, and their restaurants have just that. We got a table at 1867. Andrew had the short rib and I had the Guinness Stew and both were DELICIOUS!
The lines weren’t bad when we were there in January, but we were told they stretch down the street from May to September.
💡 Travel Tip: You can buy tickets to skip the line:
>> Book your Guinness Tickets in advance to avoid the lines! (Likely to sell out)
You can’t leave here without the top floor view though with a free Guinness on the side.
If you’re in Dublin… 100% go for the Guinness tour!
⏱️ Tour Length: 1.5 – 2 hours
💶 Tour Price: Varies, See Link Above
Christchurch in Dublin
We stayed at a charming hotel right across the street from Christchurch. So we walked around Christchurch quite a bit.
It is really a stunning work of architecture. We showed up to tour on a Sunday and a Wednesday… right in time for mass. FYI: No tours during mass, but you can attend!
We opted to come back later. If you are into stunning architecture, history, and crypts… Weird combo, but if that is your fancy… check out Christchurch! There’s also a copy of the Magna Carta kept in the crypts, pretty cool!
Chirstchurch Admission Tour Information:
⏱️ Tour Length: 1 – 2 hours
💶 Tour Price: €12 Adult, €10 Senior (60+), €4 Child (under 12), Children under 4 (free)
🔍 How to Book: Online or in person
Click here to book your tour online: https://christchurchcathedral.ie/admission-tickets/
Jameson Distillery
Is it weird that I structured this post Alcohol, Church, Alcohol, Church… or kind of perfect for Dublin? Afterall it’s said that every good Irish city has the 3 G’s God, Guinness, and Groceries.
Next stop: Jameson Irish Whiskey Experience
Sadly we didn’t make it in time for the tour here, so instead we sat at the bar and worked through some of their specialty drinks. It was cold outside and they advertised hot cocoa with whisky…Yes, it was just what we needed.
We sat with many people at the bar who said the tour is lovely. One unique thing about this tour is that they start you off with a drink, instead of making you wait until the end. Also many of the them, said they had just come from the Guinness Storehouse, so you can have a lunch and pint, then come to Jameson for dessert!
Sound like the perfect pairing? Then click below!
⏱️ Tour Length: 1 – 2 hours
💶 Tour Price: Varies, See Above
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
Back to church we go!
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is really worth a stop. It’s a quick tour, lasting maybe an hour or less to see Saint Patrick’s Cathedral… in Dublin… I feel like that’s a must do in Dublin.
It is a gorgeous building inside and out and our tour guide was so passionate about sharing the history with us. It’s always a nice extra when a tour guide really loves what they do. Also, the tours are free!
When you arrive simply ask the front desk when the next guided tour is. You can also wonder around by yourself, but if you have time we highly recommend the tour. Lastly, while the tour is free, we offered our guide a tip, which he kindly turned down, but suggested we donate it to the church as the upkeep is quite expensive.
⏱️ Tour Length: 40 – 60 minutes
💶 Entry Price: €10 Adults
🏃♂️ Tour Price: FREE
Trinity College Library and the Book of Kells
Making both of my librarian parents proud, we had to make a stop at the Trinity College Library. 200,000 books surround you as you walk through this space. This was a quick stop for us, as we had a flight to catch the same day, however, we were lucky enough to join a tour last minute.
We were there in January, so as you can guess, with it being cold in Dublin there weren’t a lot of tourists in the city, but the Trinity College tour was packed! Fortunately, if you’re wanting to visit the library and see the Book of Kells, one of Irelands most famous treasures, you can book a smaller guided tour online. These guided tours operate during times the public isn’t allowed in. This allows you to take your time exploring and also gives you an opportunity to take some really good photos without all the people.
⏱️ Tour Length: 1 – 2.5 hours
💶 Tour Price: Varies, See Below
Here’s the link to guided tour times and prices: https://indefinitetravel.com/trinitycollege
Grafton Street
Fancy doing some shopping? What about seeing the next up and coming Ed Sheeran performing live? Then Grafton Street will make for a good stop. Walk along Grafton street in the afternoon or evening and it will be filled with street performers. You’ll the see buskers or musicians, however, you’ll also see everything in between from magicians, comedians, mimes and even poets.
If that’s not your thing, then you can admire the historic buildings or stop in a cafe or pub. Or if want an Irish Mickey Mouse souvenir the Disney store can be found on Grafton Street, along with Weir & Sons, and a multitude of other shops.
Much like on this blog post, Grafton Street is located between Trinity College and St Stephens Green, so it’ll be a quick detour.
St Stephen’s Green
There’s a beaitful and lush park in the heart of Dublin, right across from Grafton St. It’s only 22 acres, however, it offers a way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you’re a history buff, there are monuments all around the park commemorating Irish leaders and sharing the history of the Irish Rebellion.
This is a great place to have a picnic, or simply rest your feet if you’re walking the city and trying to see everything there is to do in Dublin.
Kilmainham Gaol Prison
Someone told us, you must go visit the prison… okay strange. Now every time someone asks me Dublin tips I say, I know this is strange, but you have to go visit the old prison!
Kilmainham Gaol was built in 1796, and is full of Irish history and a little bit spooky.
⏱️ Tour Length: 1 – 1.5 hours
💶 Tour Price: €8 Adult 18+, €6 Senior (60+), €4 Children 12 – 17, €12 Adult, Children under 12 (free)
Tickets are VERY limited and they must be bought online in advance at the museums official website site; https://kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie/.
If you are here in the winter it is COLD, in all capitals. Especially for us summer chasers. There’s something about the way the wind whips through the stones. So if you’re visiting in the winter, make sure to bundle up in layers.
The Temple Bar
Mostly because it’s ‘The Temple Bar’. If you don’t know about the Temple Bar, allow me to catch you up. It’s modern day claim to fame is that it boasts over 450 different kinds of rare whiskies, the largest collection in Ireland. It was also established nearly 200 years ago, in 1840. We walked by it a couple times in hopes that it wouldn’t be too crowded, however, we quickly found out that it’s always busy. So eventually one night we fought through the crowd to have a seat and glass of whiskey.
Chester Beatty
Chester Beatty, originally from New York, was a well know collector, who purchased items and artifacts from all over the world. In 1950 he relocated to Dublin, Ireland and brought his entire collection with him. He wanted his collection to be available for everyone so he built what we call today, the ‘Chester Beatty’, which houses a library, museum and cafe. They host activities, group tours, or you can simply wander in and look at artifacts from all over the world.
It’s 3 floors, and you could spend an entire day in here and still not see everything, however, realistically, I’d give yourself 1 – 2 hours to walk through all the exhibits.
It’s located behind the Dublin Castle gardens and the admission is FREE.
The Hungry Tree
This may not be a “must see”, however we thought it was pretty unique. This is the “Hungry Tree” and it’s been slowly consuming this iron chair over 80 years. It’s slightly out of the way from most of the other places on this list, however, it’s closest to the Jameson Factory or Temple Bar. So if you need to burn off some calories before a couple drinks, here you go.
It’s located in King’s Inns Park. Admission is free.
Bonus section… Dublin Places to Stay, plus Food and Drink!
Places to stay in Dublin, Ireland:
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a full week, choosing the right place to stay in Dublin can make your trip even more memorable. Below are some of the best places to stay in Dublin Ireland, from newly renovated hotels in the city center to unique and luxurious 5-star stays perfect for couples and special occasions.. All options are highly rated and conveniently located for exploring the city.
1. The Leonardo Hotel – A modern hotel in a prime location across from Christchurch Cathedral, newly renovated in 2025.
Perks: On-site restaurant and bar, air conditioning, private parking (perfect if you’re renting a car)
⭐ 4.5 | 💰 Affordable | 📍 5 – 8 min walk from Temple Bar, Dublin Castle, and St. Patricks Cathedral
👉 Check Availability
2. Moxy Dublin City – Trendy, social vibe near great pubs and transport.
⭐ 4.3 | 💰 Mid-range | 📍 O’Connell Street area, 5 minute walk to Trinity College
👉 View Prices on Booking
3. The Merrion Hotel – One of Dublin’s top 5-star hotels, ideal for a luxury getaway or romantic trip.
⭐ 4.7 | 💰 Luxury | 📍 8 min walk to Grafton Street and Trinity College
👉 See Prices
💡 Tip: Dublin books up quickly during festivals and weekends, so it’s best to book your accommodation early, especially in spring and summer.
A good local Dublin pub…
Ask a local for a spot to grab a pint and listen to some local music.
Darkey Kellys
Our hotel concierge sent us to ‘Darkey Kellys’ and it did not disappoint. We enjoyed live music and out of this world stew and burgers. The energy of this live music in Ireland was so new to us!
When in Dublin, we recommend simply taking a night or two to wander through the streets and just pop into some of the pubs and enjoy the music. A lot of people really hate on Irish food, but we really enjoyed it! Fish and Chips, yes please. Amazing burgers, YES. And the stews are delicious.
We cannot wait to come back to Dublin and explore more of what Ireland has to offer. Like we said at the beginning, according to locals everyone else’s hometown was the best, so we can’t wait to see who was right.
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