I’ve lived in Dublin for a long time and, believe me, Ireland’s capital never stops surprising me. Whether you’re coming for a language stay or a longer city break, here are the ten experiences I always recommend to our students… and to my friends when they land!
1. Raise your pint at the Guinness Storehouse
It doesn’t get more iconic! In this former brewery turned interactive museum, you follow the rise of the world’s most famous stout before enjoying your pint (included in the ticket) at the Gravity Bar, a 360° panorama over the city.
Useful link: https://www.guinness-storehouse.com
Good to know: last entry 5 pm on weekdays, 6 pm at weekends
2. Marvel at the Book of Kells & Trinity College’s Long Room
A medieval manuscript illuminated by hand, displayed in Ireland’s most prestigious university: a winning combo! After the book, the vaulted gallery of the Long Room (65 m of towering oak shelves) feels like walking into a Harry Potter scene. And not only that! The Long Room was used for filming the sci-fi series “Foundation.” Yes, in the show this library also “belongs” to Trantor, capital of the Galactic Empire!
Useful link: https://www.tcd.ie/visitors/book-of-kells/
3. Travel without moving at EPIC – The Irish Emigration Museum
163,000 km of journeys told through interactive installations: EPIC makes you feel the mass departures of the Irish and their global influence (music, sport, politics…). Ultra-immersive and perfect for practising your English thanks to multilingual touchscreens.
Useful link: https://epicchq.com
4. Fill your lungs on the Howth Cliff Walk
Just 25 minutes by DART (Dublin’s commuter train), this 7.8 km coastal path runs along spectacular cliffs with views of Baily Lighthouse. Finish with fish and chips at the harbour, seagulls included. And seals too—who love being fed by passers-by!
Useful link: https://www.visitdublin.com/howth-cliff-path-loop
5. Rent a bike in Phoenix Park
Bigger than New York’s Central Park, it’s home to free-roaming deer, Dublin Zoo, and XXL picnic spots. Good news: entry is free!
Useful link: https://www.phoenixpark.ie
6. Decode local humour at the Little Museum of Dublin
A “pocket-sized” museum in a Georgian townhouse: 5,000 objects tell the city’s story since 1900. A 29-minute guided tour, jokes included.
Useful link: https://www.littlemuseum.ie
7. Raise a glass (responsibly) at the Jameson Distillery Bow St.
A sensory tour, blending workshops, and a cocktail-making class in the original 1780 distillery. You finish with a tasting… obviously.
Useful link: https://www.jamesonwhiskey.com/en-us/visit-our-distilleries/jameson-bow-street-distillery-tour/
8. Step back in time at Kilmainham Gaol
This 19th-century prison held leaders of the Irish independence movement. The guided tour (booking essential; tickets go online 28 days in advance) gives you chills and sheds light on 100 years of history in 1 hour 15.
Useful link: https://www.kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie
9. (Re)discover ancient Ireland at the National Museum – Archaeology
This museum traces the epics of Ireland’s origins—from Vikings to Celts—and it’s free! Perfect for a rainy afternoon.
Useful link: https://www.museum.ie/museums/archaeology
10. Feel the buzz in Temple Bar with pubs and live music
Yes, it’s touristy and a pint can top €10! But you should still go. The area never goes out of style: cobbled lanes, red façades, and trad sessions from 2 pm. Try The Temple Bar Pub or head to the Workman’s Club for an indie set.
Useful links:
- Temple Bar guide: https://www.visitdublin.com/guides/things-to-do-temple-bar
- The Temple Bar Pub: https://www.visitdublin.com/the-temple-bar
See you soon on the other side of the Celtic Sea—and don’t forget your umbrella, even in July.
5 bonus ideas to keep exploring Dublin
| # | Why it’s cool | Quick info & useful link |
|---|---|---|
| 11. The Church (Dublin 1) | 17th-century church turned pub-restaurant: stained glass, original organ… and one of the city’s best terraces. On Sundays, gospel brunch! | https://thechurch.ie |
| 12. St Stephen’s Green | The Victorian “lung” in the very centre: lawns for picnics, swans on the lake, free summer concerts. Perfect for a pause after shopping on Grafton Street. | https://www.heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/st-stephens-green |
| 13. Dublin Castle & Chester Beatty | Visit the State Apartments, then pop into the (free) Chester Beatty to admire manuscripts and Persian miniatures. A hit of history a stone’s throw from Temple Bar. | https://www.dublincastle.ie |
| 14. Croke Park Skyline Tour | Climb onto the roof of the legendary Gaelic games stadium: walkways at 44 m, 360° views, and a guide full of stories about Ireland’s sporting passion. | https://crokepark.ie/skyline |
| 15. Marsh’s Library | Ireland’s first public library (1707): wooden stacks, chained books, and the scent of old ink. Harry Potter vibes guaranteed for €5. | https://www.marshlibrary.ie |
Insider tip: combine St Stephen’s Green ➜ Grafton Street ➜ Trinity College into a 100% walkable loop; everything fits within an 800 m radius.
Well, you now have 15 reasons to fall (back) in love with Dublin. Enjoy!
