Search icon

Dublin

28th Jan 2020

Things to do in Dublin: 21 amazing ways to spend your time in the capital

lovindublin

Things to do in Dublin

Luckily for you, there’s no shortage of things to do in Dublin.

You could spend hours scrolling through the results of your ‘What to do in Dublin’ but we’ve done the research for you and given you our list of the 21 best things to do in Dublin.

1. Get a cheese toastie in Grogans

Grogans, located on South William Street, has become such an iconic part of the city that it has been immortalised in Lego, which is the true mark of a Dublin staple.

Also, a toasted cheese sandwich goes much better with a pint than you’d ever imagine.

544851 397595070268425 1321852865 N

2. Go see a show at Pantibar

Come meet the most glamorous landlady ever to exist, and see she and her many fabulous friends perform!

Paired with some of the most beautiful barkeeps, and excellent drinks promos, you’re guaranteed a night to remember.

3. Sunny day cans at The Pav

So, it’s internationally accepted that when the sun comes out in Ireland, we collectively lose our minds.

Where better a place to find ourselves again than this haven?

4. Drink a pint of Guinness in O’Donoghue’s

Boasts the best pint in Dublin (not an easy feat) and could sell and bottle its atmosphere for billions.

Also, you know you’re in good company as everyone from The Dubliners to none other than Justin Bieber himself has hit up this Merrion Row hotspot.

A pint of Guinness in O'Donoghue's is one of the best things to do in Dublin

5. Order The Restoration cocktail at The Shelbourne

The Shelbourne is a five-star luxury hotel, right in the heart of the city, and boasts some of the highest standards with regards to food and drink around.

The Restoration cocktail is a gin-based drink made with elderflower and cucumber and isn’t even on the menu. It’s all kinds of refreshing and is made for those of you who’ve had a seriously long day/week/month. Trust us.

A cocktail at The Shelbourne must be on your list of things to do in Dublin

6. Irish dance at The Cobblestone

The Cobblestone is known for good craic and better tunes, not to mention that it’s the local watering hole for some of Ireland’s best musicians.

No instrument necessary, get yourself there to witness some of Ireland’s most talented in their natural habitat.

A trad session at The Cobblestone is one of the most entertaining things to do in Dublin

7. Bump ‘n’ grind at Workman’s

With some of Dublin’s finest DJs at the helm, you’re guaranteed a cracking night. And their vast cocktail menu doesn’t hurt either.

One of the only clubs in the country, nay world, that you can hear Craig David, Fleetwood Mac and Nirvana in the space of ten minutes.

A night out in The Workmans is one of the best things to do in Dublin

8. Treat yourself to some Burdock’s

One of the oldest and the best chippers in the city. Their fish and chips is the stuff of dreams.

Fish and chips from Leo's is a must when it comes to things to do in Dublin

9. Pan out in the Iveagh Gardens

The Iveagh Gardens are actually among Dublin’s best kept secrets, despite being smack bang in the middle of the city. A perfect spot to chill out after a day of wandering, or a dreamy venue for a gig or festival.

Note: The Vodafone Comedy festival is held here every year, and is the definition of a good day out.

10. Browse The Temple Bar Markets

Pick yourself up a €2 copy of Ulysses and check out the petting zoo on the square on Saturdays, and then stroll down towards Meeting House Square for the food market, to view Dublin’s freshest and tastiest food all set up and ready to be sold.

Perfect for those of you feeling a little fragile, and those of you looking to try new things.

A visit to the Temple Bar Markets is a great way to spend your Saturday

11. Witness some of Ireland’s brightest talents at Smock Alley

Smock Alley was the first Theatre Royal built in Dublin, in 1662. And, to this day, it’s still as impressive as ever.

There are wildly talented performers entertaining the masses there on what seems like every night, and the standard is always impressively high.

A play in Smock Alley is one of the best things to do in Dublin

12. Get an earful at Whelan’s

One of Dublin’s most intimate venues for music as well as comedy; Whelan’s boasts quality tunes and is of an incredibly high standard, every day of the week.

Also, they’re not afraid to engage with reviewers.

A night out in Whelan's is a must for those looking for things to do in Dublin

13. Drink Lilt and pet flamingoes at Tropical Popical

Dublin’s favourite nail salon, as referenced so effortlessly by Saoirse Ronan, is the ultimate pick-me-up, and nothing short of an experience.

The staff are super sound, so gas and will go above and beyond to make your visit something special. Worth it to witness the interior alone.

14. Mend your broken heart at Whitefriar Street Church

Not many people know that Saint Valentine himself is residing in Ireland, let alone in a church a stones throw away off Aungier Street.

Make a trip out to the original cupid, and maybe your love life will thank you.

Valentine1
Photo cred: www.carmelites.ie

15. Expand your mind at IMMA

Situated in Dublin’s Royal Hospital of Kilmainham, the Irish Museum of Modern Art boasts world famous exhibits on the regular, as well as showcasing Ireland’s artistic generation better than anyone else.

Also, it’s absolutely beautiful.

The IMMA should be on your list of things to do in Dublin

16. Find your very own Bambi at Phoenix Park

Phoenix Park is one of the largest walled city parks in Europe, and has several herds of deer inhabiting the area, attracting tourists and animal lovers alike.

On a quiet day, you can get quite close, but these cervines will make you work for it. An experience you won’t forget any time soon.

A herd of deer in Phoenix Park

17. Catch a game at Croke Park

If you ask anyone in Ireland, most will say that Croke Park is holy ground to anyone who has grown up here.

Big game tickets are near impossible to get, but if you find yourself at any form of competitive outing in Croker – you’ll soak up more atmosphere than you can shake a hurl at.

18. Visit Trinity’s Science Gallery

After you’ve spent the day gazing at the historic campus, head towards the Science Gallery to further your intellectual meander.

The Science Gallery is the coolest of the cool, as well as being genuinely interesting with different, thought-provoking exhibits every few weeks.

19. Have a Sunday rollover at Pyg

You’re not really hungover; you’re just having fun withdrawals.

View this post on Instagram

#twoforonepygtails 7 days a week for #2020 #pygmalion

A post shared by Pygmalion (@pygmaliondublin) on

20. Chow down at Zaytoon

Zaytoon kebabs are pretty much the national dish past 3am.

They are a rite of passage for anyone out for the night in the city, and boast enough food to fuel you for the next week, or until the afters anyway.

577021 437039556307959 539343473 N

21. And finally, get into the VIP section of Copper Face Jacks

How could we comprise such a list without highlighting the big dog of Harcourt Street? Let me first say that Coppers is not for the fainthearted, nor for the faint-wallet-ed might I add.

The VIP area is usually reserved for senior county players or big dogs staying in the hotel, but it can be done if you keep the head down and look important.

And even if you don’t succeed and get kicked out, all the Gardaí in the country are inside, so you’re not likely to get into any trouble…

576946 426902584014408 1300321844 N

Topics: