Dublin is a city that offers a wealth of cultural and historical experiences. With so many things to do, it can be overwhelming to decide what to see and do in the city. From its charming streets, to its vibrant nightlife, the city is a treasure trove of things to do and see.
To help you make the most of your time in Dublin, we have put together a list of the top tours and activities that will allow you to experience the best that the city has to offer. Whether you’re interested in exploring historical landmarks such as Trinity College and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, or immersing yourself in the local culture by visiting the Guinness Storehouse, we have something for everyone. Our top picks for things to do in Dublin are not only budget-friendly but also provide a unique and authentic way to explore the city, away from the crowds. Join us as we take you on a journey to discover all that Dublin has to offer and make your trip an unforgettable one.
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The best activities inside the city of Dublin
Dublin is a city that is rich in culture and history, and there are plenty of things to do to keep you entertained during your visit. From historical landmarks to local hotspots, we’ve got something for everyone. In this section of our blog, we’ll be sharing our top picks for the things to do in Dublin. These activities are not only budget-friendly but also provide a unique and authentic way to explore the city. So join us as we take you on a journey to discover the must-see tourist attractions, hidden gems, and local favorites that will make your trip to Dublin an unforgettable one
The Four Best Things to do in the city of Dublin
Guinness Storehouse: Immerse yourself in the history of Ireland’s most famous export by taking a tour of the Guinness Storehouse. Learn about the brewing process, the history of the company, and even pour your own pint of the black stuff at the Gravity Bar.
Trinity College: Take a stroll through the historic campus of Trinity College and visit the famous Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript that dates back to the 9th century.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral: Visit this medieval cathedral, the largest in Ireland and one of the country’s most famous landmarks. The cathedral is the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland.
Temple Bar: Take a stroll around the bohemian neighborhood of Temple Bar, known for its lively pubs and restaurants. This area is perfect for sampling traditional Irish food and drink, live music, and soaking up the local culture.
Guinness Storehouse
The Guinness Storehouse is a must-see destination for any visitor to Dublin. As the home of Ireland’s most famous export, the Storehouse offers a unique and interactive experience that allows visitors to learn about the history of the Guinness family and the brewing process of the famous stout. The tour begins at the bottom of the world’s largest pint glass and takes visitors on a journey through the history of Guinness. As you make your way up through the seven floors, you’ll learn about the ingredients that go into making the perfect pint, the history of the company, and the advertising campaigns that have made Guinness a household name.
Skip the Line Guinness and Jameson Irish Whiskey Experience Tour in Dublin
One of the highlights of the tour is the Gravity Bar, located on the top floor. Here, visitors can enjoy a pint of Guinness while taking in panoramic views of the city. We highly recommend buying tickets in advance to avoid the long lines and crowds that can form during peak hours. The tickets can be purchased on the Guinness Storehouse website and will allow you to skip the line and head straight to the tour. This will ensure that you can spend more time exploring the exhibits and enjoying a pint at the Gravity Bar.
River Liffey Sightseeing Cruise
A boat cruise on the River Liffey is a unique and enjoyable way to see Dublin and its monuments. The 45-minute tour will take you past famous landmarks such as the Dublin Docklands and the city’s historic neighborhoods, such as Temple Bar. The all-weather river boat is comfortable and spacious, accommodating the 48-passenger capacity.
The tour is not only a visual treat but also an educational experience. You will learn about the history of Dublin and its river, from the arrival of the Vikings more than 1,000 years ago to the development of the city in the 18th and 19th centuries. You will hear about the iconic Ha’penny Bridge and Gandon’s masterpiece Custom House, the story of Dublin’s Royal and Grand Canals, the landing of Oliver Cromwell in 1649 and Captain William Bligh’s survey of Dublin Bay in 1800. You will also discover how much of present-day Dublin now sits on reclaimed land, including Trinity College and the Spire in O’Connell Street. This tour offers a unique perspective of the city that is not to be missed.
Book of Kells at Trinity College Library
Explore Irish history in a peaceful and intimate setting on this Book of Kells and Dublin Castle exterior tour. You will enjoy early access to Trinity College Library, home to the famous Book of Kells, considered among the most important of all Ireland’s ancient treasures. Your expert guide will bring the medieval era to life and shed light on the Book of Kells’ profound historical significance, artistry, meaning and symbolism.
Afterward, you will take a guided walking tour around Dublin Castle’s mighty exterior. You will visit the gardens and yards and learn about the castle’s role as a court, fortress, treasury and jail. You will hear fascinating stories of its years as a prison, military fortress, and the seat of English Administration in Ireland. This tour offers a chance to avoid the crowds and immerse yourself in Ireland’s rich history and culture, making it a must-see for history buffs and culture enthusiasts.
Fast-track Easy Access Book of Kells Tour with Dublin Castle
The best day trips and activities that you can do outside of Dublin
If you’re looking to explore beyond the city of Dublin and immerse yourself in the breathtaking Irish countryside, then a day tour from Dublin is the perfect option for you. Whether you’re interested in visiting historic sites, natural wonders, or experiencing traditional Irish culture, there’s something for everyone to discover. From the rolling green hills of Wicklow to the rugged Cliffs of Moher, these day tours offer the perfect opportunity to step outside of the city and experience the beauty of Ireland. In this section, we’ll guide you through the best day tours from Dublin, providing you with all the information you need to make the most of your trip. From recommended tour operators to must-see sights, we’ll make sure you have everything you need to plan the perfect excursion.
The Four Best Things to do near Dublin
- Visit the Cliffs of Moher and take in the awe-inspiring views of the Atlantic Ocean while experiencing the natural beauty of the Cliffs, which rise 702ft above the ocean.
- Explore the Wicklow Mountains and see the stunning scenery of the Garden County, take a hike to the top of the Wicklow Mountains and enjoy the breathtaking views.
- Visit the ancient city of Glendalough, where you can see the 6th-century monastic settlement, founded by St Kevin, and learn about Ireland’s rich monastic history and culture.
- Take a tour of the Ring of Kerry and see the charming villages, stunning landscapes, and breathtaking coastal views, this tour is a must for those who want to discover some of the most beautiful landscapes in Ireland.
Award winning tour of the Cliffs of Moher
Explore Ireland on this full-day Cliffs of Moher tour from Dublin and experience some of the country’s most breathtaking sights. This tour, which has won awards with both Tripadvisor and Viator, offers a unique opportunity to avoid the crowds and see the “real” Ireland while also getting to see the famous Cliffs of Moher.
On this tour, travelers will journey along the Wild Atlantic Way and make an exclusive stop at the 1,000-year-old Kilmacduagh Monastery. This unique stop provides the opportunity to take pictures of a 12th century Round Tower located among this abundance of early Christian buildings dating back to the 11th century. After the visit to the Monastery, the tour will continue to the Cliffs of Moher, where visitors will be surrounded by beauty and captivated by nature. The cliffs offer the chance to spot colonies of rare birds soaring above the cliff-face, see and hear the full force of the wild and wonderful Atlantic Ocean from below, and follow the many trails for stunning views that will take your breath away. The tour also includes a visit to the Burren National Park, which is almost 1500 hectares of uplands in the southeast of the Burren. This park is home to Mediterranean, Arctic and Alpine plants growing next to each other and offers numerous ancient monuments, megalithic tombs, fairy forts and famous Celtic crosses.
Cliffs of Moher, Kilmacduagh Abbey, Wild Atlantic way and Galway
Finally, the tour will make a stop in Galway, a charming little city that is known as Ireland’s cultural capital. With at least 1 hour to explore the city, travelers will have the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Galway’s speciality shops, boutiques, and cafes while also experiencing the free-spirited, artistic, and bohemian atmosphere that the city is known for. This tour offers a unique opportunity to see the best of Ireland while also avoiding the crowds and is the perfect choice for travelers who want to make the most of their time in the country. With the tour’s focus on smart travel and avoiding crowds, travelers can rest easy knowing that they won’t miss out on any of the must-see sights while also experiencing the “real” Ireland. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore Ireland and see the famous Cliffs of Moher on this award-winning tour.
The Giants Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce & Belfast Tour is an ideal way to experience the best of Northern Ireland’s natural and cultural heritage. The tour is designed to give travelers an opportunity to explore the iconic Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Dark Hedges, an avenue of beech trees that have been made famous by the Game of Thrones series.
The tour starts with a visit to the picturesque ruins of Dunluce Castle, a must-see destination for history buffs and photography enthusiasts. The castle is a stunning example of medieval architecture and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. From there, the tour continues to the Giant’s Causeway, where travelers can admire the formation and beauty of the area, and learn about its folklore and history. With at least 2 hours at the site, travelers can take their time to explore the columns and take in the stunning views of the Irish Sea.
Next, the tour takes a 20-minute drive along the romantic avenue of beech trees known as the Dark Hedges. Planted in the 18th century by the Stuart family, the Dark Hedges have been used in popular films and TV shows and offer an ideal photo opportunity. The tour concludes with a visit to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, where travelers can explore the city, do some shopping, and grab a bite to eat before continuing the journey home. With a duration of around 8 hours, this tour is perfect for those who want to make the most of their time in Northern Ireland.
Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, Sheep Dog Trials
Explore the rich history and culture of southern Ireland on a day trip from Dublin. This tour takes you to some of the most beautiful and historic places in the region, including Kilkenny Castle, the Wicklow Mountains National Park, and Glendalough.
The tour begins with a visit to Kilkenny Castle, an impressive structure that dates back to the 13th century. The castle has been a fortress, a palace, and a prison over the centuries, and it is now open to the public as a museum. Visitors can explore the castle’s grand halls, towers, and courtyards, and learn about its rich history.
From Kilkenny, the tour takes you to the Wicklow Mountains National Park, one of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in Ireland. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and badgers, as well as many species of birds. The tour will take you through the park on a scenic route, stopping to admire the views and take photos.
The next stop is Glendalough, a medieval monastic settlement that is considered one of the most important historical sites in Ireland. The settlement is home to several ancient buildings, including a round tower and a cathedral, as well as several grave slabs and crosses. Visitors can explore the site on their own or take a guided tour to learn about the history and archaeology of the area.
After visiting Glendalough, the tour will make a stop at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains, where you will be able to see border collies corral sheep across the fields. This is a unique and exciting experience that will give you an insight into the traditional way of life in the region.
Finally, the tour will return to Dublin, with a drop-off at your hotel or a convenient location. This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the best of southern Ireland in just one day. With round-trip transport by luxury, air-conditioned coach and knowledgeable guide, it is an easy, comfortable, and fun way to explore this beautiful part of the world.
