
Visiting Dublin for the First Time? Here's What to See and Do
Here's where to go to get the most out of your first trip to the Irish capital.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Likely to Sell Out
Based on our booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, this experience is likely to sell out through Viator.
Promoted
This experience is showcased by Viator and has met our quality standards. The operator whose product is featured here may pay Viator more.