Visiting Dublin for the First Time? Here's What to See and Do
Dublin’s storied history, cultural legacy, and lively spirit means there is a seemingly endless number of things to see, do, and experience in the Irish capital. From pub crawls to historical landmarks to literary tours, here are our suggestions for how to get the most out of your first trip to Dublin.
Skip the line at the Guinness Storehouse
Because you can't leave Ireland without learning about Guinness.
Even if you don’t particularly enjoy the taste of Dublin’s beloved stout, it’s worth visiting this 7-story exhibition to learn about the history and production of Guinness. The Guinness Storehouse is among Ireland’s most-visited attractions, so prebook a skip-the-line ticket to avoid a wait.
Delve into history
Because Ireland has plenty of it.
To understand modern-day Dublin, you’ve got to dive into its past. Walking tours and hop-on hop-off bus tours can give you insight into Dublin in times gone by, as well as get you to the top historical attractions, such as medieval-era Christ Church Cathedral and Dublin Castle.
Take a Temple Bar pub crawl
Because nothing beats a real Irish bar.
Dublin’s pub culture is legendary, with copycat Irish pubs found in cities across the globe, but nothing compares to the real thing. Go bar-hopping in the Temple Bar neighborhood to enjoy music and what locals call “craic,” or good times.
Visit Wicklow
Because it's the ideal day trip.
If you can only squeeze in one day trip, make it to County Wicklow. Less than an hour’s drive from the city, this region just south of Dublin is known as the “Garden of Ireland” and both promises and delivers spellbinding scenery and fresh air aplenty.
Take a literary tour
Because Ireland is an island of letters.
Dublin’s literary heritage is impossible to ignore, with plaques, monuments, and statues reminding sightseers of the many writing luminaries who have lived and worked here, from James Joyce to Oscar Wilde. Tour the city with a guide to get the inside story on Ireland’s literary set.
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Mandy Hegarty is a writer who specializes in food and travel. Currently based in Dublin, Ireland, she’s previously lived in New York, London, and Montreal. She has written for the likes of Time Out New York, Air Canada, and Singapore Airlines.