What are the best things to do in Dublin?
Top picks in Dublin include Trinity College and Book of Kells, Temple Bar, Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle. See the full list and itinerary on this Dublin travel guide.
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Dublin Travel Guide
Things to do in Dublin — Explore Dublin
Photo: 瑞丽江的河水 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Why visit Dublin
thumb | 300px | Ha'Penny Bridge === History === Dublin is in a low-lying, fertile area, not boggy by Irish standards, and with good sea access. It became the core of the Gaelic kingdom of Leinster, and the Vikings established a large settlement by what is now Dublin castle, until ejected by Brian Boru at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014. This set a pattern that Dublin was fought for, not fought in. The Normans colonised the southwest and Leinster from the 12th century, and further out they battled with the Gaels,… (Source: Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA.)
Dublin is a stop in Ireland, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 3 days. If time is short, prioritise Trinity College and Book of Kells, Temple Bar, Guinness Storehouse instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 120–250 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds
Weather
Temperate, with warm summers and cool winters
Experiences
Things to do in Dublin
1
Trinity College and Book of Kells
2
Temple Bar
3
Guinness Storehouse
4
Dublin Castle
5
St. Patrick's Cathedral
6
Phoenix Park
7
Howth cliff walk day trip
8
Traditional music pub session
Budget travel
Free things to do in Dublin
Temple Bar
St. Patrick's Cathedral
Phoenix Park
Howth cliff walk day trip
St Mary's Pro-Cathedral
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Dublin itinerary (3 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit GPO Museum
- Visit St Mary's Pro-Cathedral
- Visit National Leprechaun Museum
- Eat at Bewley's Café
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Hugh Lane Gallery
- Visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
- Visit Green on Red Gallery
- Eat at Butlers Chocolate Café
- 3
Day 3
Markets, parks & hidden corners
- Visit Abbey Theatre
- Eat at Lemon Crèpe & Coffee Company
Prefer a full 13-day trip with costs and FAQs? Read the Dublin itinerary guide.
Budget
Dublin trip cost
Budget
USD 55–90
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 120–250
per person / day
Luxury
USD 290–475+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Dublin, Ireland. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Dublin
Estimated total (USD)
$3,125
≈ $1,563 per person · $446 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $185/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Dublin mid-range ground costs (budget 55–90 · mid 120–250 · luxury 290–475+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $
Leo Burdock
Fish & chips · Dublin's classic chipper since 1913
- $$
The Winding Stair
Irish · Bookshop restaurant overlooking the Liffey
- $$$$
Chapter One
Irish · Michelin favourite below the Writers Museum
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$$
The Shelbourne
St Stephen's Green · Historic grande dame
- $$$
The Clarence
Temple Bar · U2-owned riverside hotel
- $$
The Dean Dublin
Kevin Street · Design hotel tourist favourite
Shopping
- Brown Thomas
- Kilkenny Design
- Hodges Figgis
- Powerscourt Centre
- George's Street Arcade
- Arnott's
Nightlife
- Peadar Kearney's
- The Cobblestone
- Frank Ryans
- O'Donoghue's
- The Barge
- Hartigan's
Museums & culture
- GPO Museum
- St Mary's Pro-Cathedral
- National Leprechaun Museum
- Hugh Lane Gallery
- EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
- Green on Red Gallery
In pictures
Dublin gallery
Photos: 瑞丽江的河水, Giuseppe Milo, https://www.flickr.com/photos/eppofficial, Marie Estel, Charles Nadeau from San Mateo, CA — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Dublin travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Dublin?
May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds.
How many days do I need in Dublin?
Plan at least 3 days in Dublin for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Dublin?
Popular stays in Dublin include The Shelbourne, The Clarence, The Dean Dublin. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Dublin cost?
On the ground in Dublin (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 55–90 per person per day, mid-range about 120–250, and luxury about 290–475+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Dublin, Ireland. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
