Top Things To Do In Dublin

Tailoring each experience to your wishes by locals who love their city

Tourist posing in a green hat and yellow jacket in front of a tourist attraction in Dublin

Top things to do in Dublin

From exploring cool neighborhoods to eating with the locals to seeing iconic sites, these are some of our favorite experiences

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Wondering what to do in Dublin? The best private tours & experiences with locals

Dublin is a beautiful blend of heritage and hedonism – a city with history dating back to the times of Vikings and Victorians, but with a startlingly modern, multicultural appeal. Charismatic and convivial, the locals are always up for a pint of Guinness at the pub and happy to share their take on the best things to do in Dublin. A few recommendations are bound to come up again and again: From soaking up 9th-century architecture and uncovering the city’s literary heritage to exploring breathtaking cliffs and castles along the pristine coastline, the most incredible things to do in Dublin are those that center around the city’s history, culture, and natural beauty.

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Ian

Dublin

Cultural connoisseur and hidden gems whiz with an insider’s guide to Dublin’s theatres, music venues, and hidden artistic treasures.

A living museum

Dublin can trace its origin back more than 1,000 years, and its storied past reads like an epic novel. Stepping back in time in a city with so much tangible history is easy, and exploring the centuries-old landmarks are some of the most enchanting things to do in Dublin. Stroll along the 200-year-old Ha’Penny Bridge stretching across the River Liffey, and discover medieval castles and cathedrals proudly on display between other architectural treasures from the city’s Georgian heyday. No matter which of the city’s eras you encounter, the history of Dublin is truly captivating.

Local guide showing tourists around Temple Bar in Dublin

Drinking in Dublin

If there’s one thing the Irish capital is known for, it’s the city’s iconic drinking culture. Red-bricked pubs are at the center of socialization, and some of the most memorable things to do in Dublin involve downing a pint or two. Perhaps you’ll explore the historic Temple Bar district, the soul of the city’s nightlife, or maybe you’ll bar-hop between century-old institutions echoing with laughter and festive Irish fiddles. Wherever you go, you’ll soon learn that music, beer, and whisky are the cornerstones of the Irish pub culture, and grabbing a drink after dinner is a must.

Tourists admiring the street art on a building in Dublin while exploring the city with a local guide

Scenic splendor

Just outside the compact city, natural beauty reigns supreme. Charming seaside towns (some with tales from the days Dublin had its hands full with Vikings) are dotted along the sparkling coastline, existing peacefully in the shadow of cliffside castles. Planning a day trip to one of these beautiful locations should be high on the list of things to do in Dublin. But the city itself isn’t lacking in nature. Exploring the sprawling central park, St Stephen's Green, and the 300-year-old Iveagh Gardens – fondly referred to as Dublin’s “Secret Garden” – are two more brilliant things to do in Dublin.

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Find essential city info, travel tips and the best things to do in Dublin and around the world recommended by our local hosts

Latest reviews from our guests

We had an amazing day walking around Dublin with our awesome guide, Tony. He planned a lot of great places for us to visit, but was also very open to our suggestions. It was a wonderful way to learn about the city, and gave us ideas for where to revisit on our own, when we had more time. Highly recommended!

February 2025

Andrew A
Our tour guide, Dave, was so friendly, knowledgeable, nice and energetic that it made for an absolutely terrific day ! Make sure you ask for him when you book a tour.

February 2025

Eric G
Paddy blew away our expectations. His knowledge of history added amazing context to our tour. From Viking history to The Troubles, Paddy did a fantastic job combining history with a compelling walking tour that showed us all of central Dublin on our 4-hour tour. I would definitely recommend Paddy to anyone looking for a rich, enlightening walking tour of Dublin.

January 2025

Arturo M
Great tour in Dublin.

January 2025

Michael R