There are endless things to do in Dublin that will fight for your attention when you visit Dublin’s capital. When you start planning your itinerary, you’ll discover Dublin activities that will interest people of every age and hobby—art aficionados, history-lovers, beer and whiskey connoisseurs, architecture admirers, and music fans all won’t want to leave Dublin when their trip has come to an end. Dublin tourism is also very family-friendly, so bring the kids along and let them explore the parks, zoo, and every nook and cranny of historical attractions along the way.

Museums

While it has a reputation for being an expensive city, there are still many free things to do in Dublin. Both the National Gallery of Ireland and the National Library are free and open to the public. The National Gallery has an outstanding exhibit of colorful paintings by historic figure Jack B Yeats and an adorable café to boot. If you’re looking to escape the rain, the National Gallery is the perfect place to kill some time. The National Library of Ireland has an incredibly detailed exhibit of the poet WB Yeats. Learn about his life, see hand-written poems, and discover details about the time in which Yeats lived.

Dublin Map

Visit the Guinness Brewery

Of all the things to do in Dublin, one of the most popular is a tour of the Guinness Storehouse. Buy your tickets online in advance to save on the admission fee, and cut the line when you arrive. This incredible museum gives you a full appreciation of how the Irish stout is made, and at the end of the self-guided tour you will find yourself in the fantastic Gravity Bar. The views over Dublin are sweeping and a free pint is included with your admission ticket. One of the best Dublin activities is experiencing the atmosphere of local pubs. So go ahead, pull up a stool, order a pint of Guinness, and listen to the traditional music that will be found in most city center pubs.

Bicycle Rides

The heart of Dublin tourism is the pedestrian avenue Grafton Street. Street performers provide free entertainment almost all day, and the peaceful park St Stephen's Green is located at one end of the shopping street. If you’re traveling on a budget, grab a sandwich and head into the park for a picnic. A popular and affordable way to explore is by bicycle. Dublin Bikes is a bike-sharing program with bike stands throughout the city. You will need to register with a credit card, which will be charged if you don’t return the bike, but the first half hour of cruising around the city is free. Do beware of traffic, however.

Historical Attractions

There are many historical things to do in Dublin. A trip to Kilmainham Gaol reveals fascinating facts about Ireland’s struggle for independence. Visit the General Post Office on O'Connell Street after your visit to the Kilmainham Gaol to see where the 1916 Easter Rising took place. The Chester Beatty Library is a great museum within the grounds of Dublin Castle, and be sure to take a stroll through charming Georgian Dublin. Other historical sites include former homes of Dublin residents such as James Joyce and Patrick Kavanagh.

Extras: Bus Tours, Shopping, Theater, and Temple Bar

Dublin tourism offers bus tours throughout the city that are a great way to get around to the major sites. Humorous commentary makes these bus tours worth the small price tag. Other favorite Dublin activities include going to the theater, shopping in the city’s many boutiques, and taking a stroll through historic Temple Bar. Just around every corner in Dublin there is another bookstore, another café, or another pub that is worth discovering.