Things to do

One of the biggest benefits of living in Dublin is that you’ll never be bored. No matter how you like to spend your free time, you’ll find plenty of things to do right on your doorstep.

From festivals and nightlife through to sports and outdoor activities, Dublin has it all. It’s no wonder almost 9 million visitors came in 2019. As the capital city, Dublin is home to world class galleries, museums and tourist attractions – many of which are completely free to enjoy.

Art lovers can browse the National Gallery or the Hugh Lane, which house everything from Impressionist paintings to Caravaggio masterpieces. Whereas history buffs head to the National Museum to check out Viking remains and megalithic rock art.

For nature lovers, Dublin’s surrounding mountains and coast provide a getaway from city life. And, for the foodies out there, let’s not forget Dublin’s wonderful pubs, markets and restaurants. There is truly something to suit every taste.

Discover the vast selection of things to do in Dublin below.

Dublin Castle

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Attractions in Dublin

The Big Hitters One of the biggest benefits of living in Dublin is the huge choice of world-class galleries, museums and cultural attractions located right on your doorstep. Dublin’s rich history and culture means you’ll never run out of interesting places to visit. Best of all, many of them are free. Below, we run through some of the best attractions in Dublin.

new years eve festival Dublin

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Festivals in Dublin

Dublin's festivals are many and varied, spanning every season and a broad range of interests. Some of the biggest are ones you might guess; but there's a whole host of more unusual – and no less enjoyable! – festivals on offer, just waiting to be joined.

Chester Beatty Library Museum

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Museums in Dublin

Dublin's museums are a treasure trove of the city and the country's history.

couple looking at view of wicklow mountains

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Mountains and sea

Perfectly positioned with the sea to the east and mountains to the south, Dublin’s spectacular natural sights are never far away. This makes the city an ideal location for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. Many locals enjoy surfing, sailing, sea swimming, climbing and biking. Others simply sit back and enjoy the scenery. The beautiful Dublin coast and mountains provide a break from urban life. Having access to nature, as well as all the amenities that come with city living, is one of the most enticing reasons to live in Dublin. Dublin Bay Driving from the city centre, you can make your wa

George's Street Arcade Dublin

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Markets in Dublin

If you want an authentic taste of the originality, creativity and variety the city has to offer, you have to make a trip to your local Dublin market. From farmers markets to street food stalls, there's always some exciting events taking place throughout the city.

Dublin pub

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Nightlife

As anyone who has ever been to Dublin will tell you, we’ve got a vibrant nightlife. As the sun sets on the Liffey and darkness sets in, pubs, late bars and nightclubs fill with people looking for a great night out. You can also visit our dedicated Night-Time Economy page Dublin Nights. Bars and pubs There are around 772 pubs in Dublin, so you won’t have a hard time finding somewhere to have a jar. (That’s

Restaurant Seafood

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Food and drink

While the city has always been internationally known for its liquid exports, Dublin’s food scene has also come along in leaps and bounds in recent years. The delicious and reasonably priced food on offer is just one of the many perks of life in the city. For newcomers, here’s an introductory guide to food and drink in Dublin. The Dublin food scene With four Michelin-star restaurants, Dublin has its fair share of fine dining experiences. However, you don’t need to go to top-class eateries to g

St. Stephen's Green Dublin

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Parks and gardens

Dublin city is no concrete jungle: it’s dotted with open spaces where you can stretch your legs, get some fresh air and soak up nature. It’s just one of the many perks of Dublin life. Here’s an introduction to just a few of the city’s best parks and gardens. Dublin Parks The city’s most notable outdoor space is the Phoenix Park, which is one of the largest urban parks in Europe. Its 11km long perimeter wall encloses 1,752 acres of parkland. (This is more than twice the size of New York’s Central Park.)

Dublin Literary Pub Crawl

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Walking tours

One of the big benefits of living in Dublin is that there’s always something to do. Even a stroll through the streets can be entertaining. Thanks to the city’s compact size, rich history and beautiful built heritage, there is something to see around every corner. Here we run through some of the best walking tours Dublin has to offer. Pat Liddy’s Walking Tours of Dublin As an award-winning tour operator, you know you’re in safe hands with