Wondering what to do in Dublin during your next visit? With so much on offer, it can be hard to choose what tours, experiences or sites to spend your precious time on. We’ve put together this list which features some of the absolute best things to do in Dublin, including informative tours, exciting day trips, food and drink experiences, historical sites, plus much more!
The Best Tours in Dublin
Discovering Dublin is easy, but a guided tour can give you access to the hidden and historic parts of Dublin that you would never see. It’s hard to pick between so many great options, but I’ve chosen three that you are sure to find entertaining.
Roe and Co Whiskey Tour
Ireland is well known for its Guinness, and don’t worry it’s on the list. We’re also world famous for our Whiskey. In the capital there are a handful of tours you could choose. You should go to Roe & Co first. With two interactive tours for different types of people. Each tour will bring you through the state of the art distillery.
The Blending experience is perfect for those who love whiskey neat. It culminates in Room 106, home of blend 106, which is the tasting room for some of the finest whiskeys Roe & Co have ever produced. The Flavours experience is suited better for those who love to shake it up. The cocktail workshop is delivered in the Power House bar.
City Tour
Known lovingly as the Big Red Bus; the city sightseeing tour bus is a must for me in every city. Jump aboard an open topped City Sightseeing bus and take in the sites with the top Dublin sightseeing tour provider in the city. Offering 24 hour and 48 hour ‘hop on, hop off’ tickets, a Do Dublin city tour is the perfect way to see Dublin city at your own pace.
Two kids go free with every adult ticket bought. Kids are between 4-12 years old. Check the City Sightseeing website for the most up to date ticket prices. There are 31 stops on the tour starting on the bottom of Dame St. The tour goes from Trinity College, towards the Guinness Storehouse in the Liberties, followed by the Phoenix Park before heading to the Northside. Finally, you will finish at the Mansion House home to the Lord Mayor of Dublin.
GPO Museum Witness History Tour
The GPO is one of the most historic buildings in Irish history. This is where Padraig Pearse and his comrades led the 1916 Easter Rising. The award winning GPO museum is a must see, step inside to see a place that changed Irish history forever.
The GPO Witness History tour is immersive and completely interactive. It tells the story of the 1916 Easter Rising and follows through to modern Irish history. When you visit the GPO, there is an incredibly immersive video that puts you in the centre of the Rising as it happened back in 1916.
The iconic GPO building, originally opened in 1818 and was destroyed during the 1916 Easter Rising, stands today as an enduring symbol of freedom. It is still the headquarters of the post office in Ireland.
For those wishing to explore the Easter Rising and events of modern Irish history in greater depth, the Rebel Rising Tour is the perfect choice. This special tour will delve into the events that led to the Irish Republic. You can try your hand at sending morse code messages. While playing interactive games.
Food and Drink Experiences in Dublin
Dublin’s warm welcome certainly makes up for the lack of warm weather. Our hospitality is kind and caring and never leaves you wanting for more. Unless it’s another night that is! The Crowne Plaza Hotels will captivate you with professional friendly staff and excellent locations in Blanchardstown and Dublin Airport, offering you access to all that Dublin City has to offer.
Visit Temple Bar
Temple bar is on every list of the Best Things to do in Dublin; in 2023 it’s not much different. While you will have so much more to explore in Dublin like the quirks of Smithfield and Stoneybatter. If it is your first time in Dublin, you must go to Temple Bar.
For good food, drinks, music and atmosphere, Temple Bar is just the place. With this area of Dublin being a haven for tourists, you can expect to pay more for drinks and food than in other areas of the city, that said, it’s still definitely worth a visit.
For food, try Gallagher’s Boxty House, where you can dine on authentic Irish boxty. If it’s drinks, music and dancing that you want, then the Auld Dubliner and The Temple Bar are both very popular spots.
Don’t forget to snap a photo under the famous Temple Bar pub sign. If you come to Dublin and a photo here isn’t on your list of things to do while you’re here…, did you really holiday in Dublin?
Drink a proper pint of Guinness at the Guinness Storehouse
For the absolute best Guinness in Dublin, there really is only one place to go…the Guinness Storehouse. As this is Ireland’s top tourist attraction, we recommend booking your tour in advance. Once you have spent some time exploring all that the storehouse has to offer, you can look forward to the creamiest pint of Guinness in Ireland, which you will enjoy in the Gravity Bar, surrounded by the best views of Dublin.
Check out the full low down of Everything You Need to Know about the Guinness Storehouse in 2024
Day Trips from Dublin
It’s hard for us to say; but Dublin isn’t the only place to visit in Ireland. I’ve added two bonus things to do to the list! Just because you are staying in Dublin, doesn’t mean you can’t explore some more of the beautiful Emerald Isle.
Take a Day Trip to the Cliffs of Moher
Hire a car, hit the road and head for the Cliffs of Moher in stunning Co. Clare. See the majestic cliffs up close and personal by taking a Cliffs of Moher cruise with Doolin Ferry Co. Don’t forget your camera – this really is an unforgettable experience!
If a car isn’t on your itinerary, you can find day trip coaches from the City Sightseeing above that bring you to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway all in one day!
Game of Thrones Locations Tour
If you are a Game of Thrones fan, then this is the day trip for you! Operated by Wild Rover Tours, this unique day trip will take you from Dublin towards the north of Ireland, where you will visit some iconic Game of Thrones filming locations including the ‘Dark Hedges’, the City of Braavos, and much more.
Discover Dublin
Are you still in the stage of Planning your holiday to Dublin? Take advantage of the Crowne Plaza’s Discover Dublin offer and save on your trip to Ireland today!
Rediscover the city and make lifetime memories with your loved ones. Embrace a day trip in the city by exploring the winding streets to soak up the culture and the history of one of the oldest and coolest cities in Europe.
Dublin is renowned for its rich literary history or its ties with the arts – it is so worth taking a stroll about to remind yourself what is truly special about the city.
Book your stay at The Crowne Plaza
Package Includes:
- 2 nights’ accommodation in one of our Superior King or Twin rooms
- Welcome drink in our Bar
- 3 course dinner on an evening of your choice
- High speed WIFI and use of our gym facilities
- 24-hour free cancellation policy
- Complimentary car parking for the duration of your stay
Historical Dublin Sites and Attractions
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Visit Kilmainham Gaol
Undoubtedly one of the most important sites in Irish history, for over 100 years Kilmainham Gaol imprisoned thousands of children, men and women (many for minor offences). Kilmainham Gaol played a key role in many monumental events in Irish history including the 1916 Easter Rising and the Irish Civil War.
After the Easter Rising, that you may have learned about in the GPO, the leaders were sent to Kilmainham Gaol. Along the way around you will visit the chapel, the many famous cells and finally to the stonebreakers yard. In here is where 14 of the Irish leaders were executed for their role.
In 1924 after the Irish Civil War, Kilmainham Gaol was closed. In the 1960s it was restored and preserved to the level it is today. If you are interested in learning more about Ireland’s history, and the fight for independence, then this is one of the top things to do in Dublin.
Molly Malone Statue
As the famous song says, “In Dublin’s fair city, where the girls are so pretty, I first set my eyes on sweet Molly Malone”. Molly Malone was a fishmonger who died in 1699 during a Cholera outbreak in Dublin. Molly’s memory lives on in her statue, found on Suffolk Street in Dublin, just a short walk from Grafton Street and Dame Street.
You won’t spend the day here, or even 15 minutes. However, it’s as iconic as a pint of Guinness in Dublin. When you’re passing from Trinity College to Grafton st, make a detour to see Molly, endearingly named the ‘Tart with a Cart’
Visit the Theatre in Dublin
Ireland has a rich history of Playwriters, Theatre and Acting. Our stages are always bustling with talent. Why not take a seat in the stalls and watch something truly amazing.
Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
One of Dublin’s newest theatres, the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre has welcomed over 5 million visitors since it opened in 2010. Welcoming shows such as Swan Lake, The Lion King, Sister Act, Beauty and The Beast and Lord of the Dance, this Dublin theatre is the ultimate venue for a night out in Dublin. Check the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre website for the most up to date show listings and ticket prices.
Abbey Theatre
The Abbey Theatre is Ireland’s national theatre, which is audience-focused and artist-led. This historical theatre was founded in 1904 by Lady Gregory and W.B. Yeats. As well as attending the theatre to enjoy one of the current show listings, you can also take part in a unique walking tour of the city which promises to help you ‘discover Dublin’s dramatic side’. Find out more on the Abbey Theatre website.
The Abbey is guided by two directors, who seek to answer two questions in their programme. “Who we were, and who are we now?” On stage, you will find new voice with new ways of portraying stories. This alone makes a show at the Abbey unmissable on your trip to Dublin.
Out of the Ordinary
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Culture Night
2024’s edition of Culture night falls on Friday 24th of September. In Dublin alone there are 232 events. Across the country Culture Night brings the community together in a wide range of events from food, music, art, drama, climate, and design. The list doesn’t not stop there, you can get a full list of events for Culture Night 2023 on their website > culturenight.ie
Culture Night invites everybody from all corners of the country to celebrate everything that Ireland has become today. If you’re holidaying in Ireland, get involved in celebrating the culture that you bring with you on your stay in Ireland. Discover some of the free events near you this year and get involved.
The Nightmare Realm
You may not know this, but Dublin has Europe’s best scream park. The Nightmare Realm is tucked away in the old Smithfield veg market. It’s an already eerie place, without a bunch of scary creatures coming after you!
The World’s number one Halloween event takes place from October 6th to November 3rd. You’ll find five haunt mazes inside the Smithfield venue and three scare free zones for respite. Each night there will be the Banshee experience and the new Funeral Parlour. Added to the fun of the street theatre. If you’re planning an autumn trip to Dublin, make sure this is one of the things you do.
Open House Festival
This festival of Architecture brings Dublin to life with over 100 tours, films and exhibitions across the city every year in October. The Irish Architecture Foundation celebrates great design, urban areas and the people that help to create it. This Dublin event is part of a world-wide catalogue.
All of these are free of charge, but you should really try to plan ahead and book your visits to Open House Dublin.
The Wrap Up
Dublin has so much on offer every time. It really is hard to pick the 12 Best things to do in Dublin. Last year, we saw an incredible run of events, this year is no different. Booking a stay at Crowne Plaza gives you flexibility to see all sides of the city. No matter if you want to Shop in Dublin, Explore the City on a Budget, Play Golf with your Friends, or simply relax. The Crowne Plaza has something in store for everybody.
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