22 things you can’t leave Dublin without doing, as recommended by Dubliners

We've thought long and hard of things we'd recommend for friends to do in Dublin, things we'd happily do ourselves and do so regularly. There are some obvious, classic shouts on the list (they're classic for a reason), sitting alongside some you may not have thought of trying. By all means, get your fill of rubbing Molly Malone's diddies til they're raw and spending €9 for a pint in Temple Bar - but if you're looking for further inspo, you've come to the right place.

Home to over 15,000 plant species from habitats worldwide, the Botanic Gardens provides an oasis of green in the middle of Dublin and is the dream location for a leisurely stroll. Founded in 1795, the Gardens will have you feeling like you're in a promenading scene from Bridgerton with their curvilinear glasshouses, meticulously pruned rose bushes and tasteful water features. A particularly beautiful spot for a date, but also great for a solo ramble. Entry is free.

Boasting lush greenery and unparalleled views of Dublin Bay, this walk isn't to be missed if you're the outdoorsy type, or the type who wants to at least appear outdoorsy on social media. There are multiple trails to follow, the shortest taking around 1.5 hours and the longest taking 3 hours. If you fancy a dip along the way there's the idyllic Balscadden Bay Beach and the famous "hidden" beach on Howth’s southeastern corner (take extreme caution getting to this one, surfaces are slippy, uneven and maybe worth avoiding if you're not confident with unpredictable terrains), and you can treat yourself afterwards to fish and chips at Leo Burdocks - just watch out for the seagulls.

Dublin's famous Phoenix Park is known for its resident herd of wild fallow deer, its multiple walk and cycle trails and being home to the President of Ireland. It's one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European city, and you could easily spend a day getting lost in its many green leafy corners. You can enjoy a guided tour of the park or simply head for a ramble yourself by foot or by bike - pack a picnic and bring the dog if you have one; their dog park is like Disneyland for canines. Phoenix Park is also home to Dublin Zoo if you'd like to meet some larger animals.

@lovindublin Have you done the Howth Head walk? It is arguably one of Dublin's most beautiful trails, boasting incredible views of the rugged coastline and neighbouring headlands. The variety of trails are ideal for a quiet walk away from the city regardless of fitness level #dublintiktok #placestovisit #thingstodo #dublin #topwalks #fyp ♬ original sound - Lovin Dublin

Right around the corner from the Forty Foot, you'll find Dún Laoghaire Pier, the preferred walking route and viewpoint for many a Dubliner. The relatively easy route is just over a kilometre long either way (mark your arrival at the end with the obligatory touch of the lighthouse door, obviously) and is ideal if you want a quick burst of sea air. The pier overlooks Dún Laoghaire Harbour and is known for its oft-Instagrammed Victorian bandstand and its handy proximity to Teddy's - the best place to get a 99 in Dublin, as most locals will tell you.

Another great spot for some seriously impressive views, Killiney Hill is a southside gem with its winding trails and the 'witches hat' that sits proudly on top. Accented with prickly gorse and lush green patches you'll find postcard-esque views of Dalkey Island, the Dublin coastline, Bray and the Wicklow Mountains, with the Irish Sea glistening like one of Beyoncé's bodysuits on a sunny day. Killiney Hill has an off-leash policy for dogs throughout, as well as a great café about halfway up with a tempting selection of homemade cakes and sambos.

Treat yourself to tea from a dainty floral china cup accompanied by some of the best sandwiches you'll find in the city at the always charming Pepper Pot Café inside the Powerscourt Town Centre. The café is best known for its pear and bacon sambo (a must-try) but there's so much more on offer and the surroundings are truly blissful with unmatched people-watching potential. For a real dream day, we recommend a browse around Powerscourt's specialist boutiques and antique jewellers before lunch.

Potentially the result of the mass emigration to and subsequent return from Australia among Irish young people, Dublin's speciality coffee game has been upped significantly in the last decade or so. Independent cafés boasting single-origin brews and locally sourced treats reign supreme over large-scale chains, and the amount of love and care going into each 6oz cup is evident. Head to the likes of Two Boys Brew for a top-notch accompanying brunch, or The Morning and One Kinda Folk for the perfect cup every time.

Anyone who's visited Dublin will know there's a cosy, welcoming pub on pretty much every corner and we all have our favourites, but Grogans is something of an institution as the regular crowds spilling out the front and sides will attest. Located right in the middle of Dublin's creative quarter, Grogans is popular with Dubliners from all generations and walks of life, and one of their creamy pints accompanied by a no-fuss ham and cheese toastie made with the bounciest Brennans sliced pan is a must-try for anyone passing through the city.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Grogans Castle Lounge (@groganscastlelounge)

Coddle is a traditional stew which has been chowed down upon for generations, and at first glance, it might frighten you a bit. The pink, slow-boiled meat and translucent broth might not look the most appetising, but any Dubliner will tell you it's comfort food at its finest - family recipes are passed down and protected under lock and key. If you can't swing an invite into someone's home kitchen to try a bowl, fear not - you'll get an excellent version at the historic Gravediggers Pub in Glasnevin, with generously buttered sliced pan for dipping. The pub was founded in 1833 and famously has no TVs and no music playing - it's all about the conversation.

Another one that's already probably top of the list for people visiting Dublin, largely due to the colossal success of Normal People and Paul Mescal making becoming a Trinity sexy again. Normal People aside, Trinity College is definitely worth a visit - it's Ireland's oldest university and produced some of the country's greatest minds including Samuel Beckett and Oscar Wilde, and the 47-acre campus is steeped in history. See the Book of Kells, the Old Library and the Long Room, living your best dark academic life all the while.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Trinity College Dublin (@trinitycollegedublin)

If you want to soak up the kind of atmosphere that's only created by people layered up in coats and scarves, shouting for their local team, A League of Ireland match should be right up your street. Usually, on a Friday night with some midweek matches, tickets are affordable and easy enough to come by. Soak up the smell of curry chips, see the Dublin Bus ball carrier at Dalymount Park, find a team to shout for and get involved.

There's live music seven nights a week at The Cobblestone, and some of Ireland's most famous trad musicians have passed the pub threshold over the years. You can expect to experience lively fiddles, Sean-nós singing and dancing, set dancing, céilidh, and you can even try your hand at a bit of Irish music yourself if you fancy - the Balaclava Sessions take place every Wednesday and see two skilled fiddle players teach beginners on a variety of instruments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by The Cobblestone (@cobblestonepubdublin)

Whether you're visiting Dublin or you've lived here all your life, a night at one of the city's comedy clubs is never a bad idea. The Dublin stand-up scene is small but mighty and on any given night you're likely to see established comics like Neil Delamere, David O'Doherty and Deirdre O'Kane performing alongside new up-and-comers, with skilful MCs tying everything together and expertly keeping the crowd under control. It's also an affordable night out with tickets for some great shows for less than a tenner - you can see a list of our favourite Dublin comedy clubs here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Cherry Comedy at Whelan's (@cherrycomedy)

Obviously, the Guinness Storehouse is top of the list for many a tourist but it's not where Dublin's brewing prowess ends. If you're looking for something off the beaten track, why not visit one of our newer, independent breweries like Rascals in Inchicore (bangin' pizza here to accompany), or the Wicklow Wolf just over the county bounds in the lush surrounds of Newtown Mount Kennedy?

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Rascals Brewing Company (@rascalsbrewing)

There's no shortage of incredible museums and galleries to visit across the city, but the Little Museum of Dublin is something truly unique. The small but perfectly formed museum located in a lovely Georgian townhouse just opposite Stephen's Green Shopping Centre is home to carefully curated exhibitions, witty, charismatic tour guides and a whole room dedicated to U2, if that's your bag. The museum chronicles significant changes to the lives of Dubliners over the last century, and after a short 30-minute tour you'll come away feeling you know all you need to know about our fair city.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Little Museum of Dublin (@littlemuseumdub)

If you're going to do a bus tour of Dublin, you might as well do one that travels across land and sea and enables you to scream at unsuspecting passersby as they make their way to work. We're so accustomed to the collective roar that frequently emerges from the passing yellow boat buses at this stage, it's part of Dublin's audio landscape. The Viking Splash is a fun, immersive way to see Georgian Dublin and beyond, and the hats suit nearly all head shapes.

A historic landmark with unmatched levels of wow factor, Christ Church has stood in the centre of Dublin for almost 1,000 years. The imposing structure is one of the most notable parts of the city's landscape, and definitely worth exploring inside if you haven't before. There are plenty of nooks, crannies and architraves to explore - we recommend using an audio guide to provide additional context for the Cathedral and objects within. A tour during the day is great but if you can catch a concert there in the evening, even better.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Christ Church Cathedral (@christchurchdublin)

This Victorian, red-brick market is worth a visit just to look at, but there's also a trove of treasures to discover inside. Standing proud as Ireland's first purpose-built shopping centre, throughout the stalls you'll find vintage clothes and designer bags, superb vegan food, piercing shops, souvenir stands and quirky gift shops. Locals will tell you you can't leave without stopping into Simon's Place, an institution of a café that's stayed true to its roots with old-school, welcoming interiors, carefully cling-filmed sambos and some of the best cinnamon scrolls you'll find in Dublin.

Of all the tourist attractions in Dublin, Kilmainham Gaol is the one that people actually living here would be most likely to spend a day doing. The tours are interesting, and informative and provide thoughtful insight into this hugely important building, which was the location for some of the most significant events in our State's history. If you've ever wanted to learn more about the 1916 Rising, the Anglo-Irish War or the devastation of the Irish Civil War (1922-23) you'll be able to find out all you need to know here, as well as see the cells that held the likes of Joseph Mary Plunkett and have remained untouched since.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Dave Long (@davidlong3653)