10 Best Things to Do and See in Dublin
Exploring Dublin on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Dublin, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Dublin. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park in Dublin is one of the largest urban parks in Europe, offering a vast green escape in the heart of the Irish capital. Visitors can enjoy wide lawns, walking and cycling paths, wooded areas, and often visible wildlife, including deer roaming freely. The park is also home to several monuments, leisure areas, and points of interest, making it a popular walk for both locals and visitors. It is an ideal place to enjoy peace, nature, and wide open space close to the city center.
2. Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle is one of the iconic landmarks of the Irish capital, in the heart of the old city. A visit reveals a vast architectural complex blending different eras, with inner courtyards, official rooms, and historic spaces linked to the country’s administration. The site also lets visitors admire defensive features and more elegant buildings, evidence of its evolution over time. Today, it attracts visitors for its heritage value, grand atmosphere, and central location, making it an ideal cultural stop on a trip to Dublin.
3. Saint Stephen’s Green
Saint Stephen’s Green is one of the most pleasant parks in central Dublin, Ireland. This large landscaped garden offers tree-lined paths, well-kept lawns, flower beds, and a pond frequented by birds. You’ll also find several statues, bridges, shelters, and plenty of benches for a peaceful break. Popular with both walkers and locals, the park is a great place to enjoy a touch of greenery just steps from the lively streets, with a mix of relaxation, wildlife spotting, and views of the surrounding architecture.
4. Dublin Zoo
Dublin Zoo, located in the vast Phoenix Park, is one of the Irish capital’s most popular attractions. Visitors can discover a wide variety of animals from around the world, displayed in areas designed to reflect their natural habitats. The visit offers the chance to observe iconic species, explore several themed zones, and learn more about conservation and protecting biodiversity. It is an enjoyable outing for families and curious visitors alike, in the heart of a green and peaceful setting.
5. St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin is one of the city’s most iconic religious landmarks. As you explore it, you can admire a grand Gothic church with imposing lines, featuring stained-glass windows, arcades, and a solemn interior that invites both sightseeing and quiet reflection. The site also appeals with its heritage features, areas designed for discovery, and the peaceful atmosphere that contrasts with the lively center of Dublin. It is a must-see stop for anyone looking to appreciate Ireland’s history and architecture.
6. The Book of Kells Experience
The Book of Kells Experience, in Dublin, offers an immersion in one of the most famous treasures of Irish heritage. Visitors discover a richly illuminated medieval manuscript, presented in a setting designed to highlight its refinement and cultural significance. The visit also includes an exhibition dedicated to the work of monk scribes, calligraphy techniques, and the symbols that adorn these remarkable pages. Located at Trinity College, this attraction offers a fascinating insight into the art of the ancient book and Ireland’s intellectual history.
7. National Botanical Gardens
In Dublin, the National Botanic Gardens offer a beautiful immersion into the plant world, with vast lawns, flower beds, and many plant collections from Ireland and beyond. Visitors can discover remarkable glasshouses, areas dedicated to rare species, and paths ideal for strolling and observing. This botanical garden is a peaceful place to admire the diversity of shapes, colors, and seasons, while enjoying a well-kept setting in the north of the city.
8. National Gallery of Ireland
The National Gallery of Ireland is one of Dublin’s key cultural landmarks. Near Merrion Square, it brings together a rich collection of Irish and European paintings, from Old Masters to more recent works. Visitors can see portraits, landscapes, religious scenes and paintings that reflect major movements in art history. The galleries offer a clear view of styles, subjects and techniques, while temporary exhibitions add focused insight to the permanent collection.
9. National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street
The National Museum of Ireland, on Kildare Street in Dublin, is one of Ireland’s major national museums. It is best known for its collections dedicated to archaeology, Irish history, and decorative arts, offering a comprehensive insight into the country’s heritage. Its galleries display prehistoric artifacts, medieval treasures, objects from everyday life, and remarkable examples of craftsmanship. A visit here offers a better understanding of Ireland’s evolution through diverse collections, beautifully presented in a central and easily accessible cultural setting.
10. Molly Malone Statue
The Molly Malone statue is one of Dublin’s most recognizable sights. Located on Suffolk Street, it depicts a figure deeply tied to the city’s imagination, with her cart and fish in a bronze that is familiar to passersby and visitors alike. The site appeals through its simplicity and what it evokes of old urban life. It is a popular Dublin landmark in a lively city centre, where local memory meets the modern streetscape.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
