17 Absolute Best Things to do in Dublin for Adults
Dublin, the lively capital of Ireland, blends centuries of history with modern charm. From medieval landmarks to cozy pubs and green parks, the city has something for every traveler. If you are wondering about the best things to do in Dublin for adults, we have some great ideas!
17 Absolute Best Things to do in Dublin for Adults
When traveling to Dublin as an adult, you might be wondering which sites you should prioritize. We’ve been to Dublin a few times, and these are some of our favorite places to visit in the city:
1. Dublin Castle
This unassuming building looks more like a palace than a castle.
It isn’t until you walk along the old castle walls that you see the Medieval architecture.
Dubiln castle was first built in the early 13th century on the site of a Viking settlement, after the Norman invasion of Ireland.
It served as the seat of British rule in Ireland, and once Ireland gained independence in 1922, it was handed over to the new Irish government.
Today, it is a government complex used to host official events.
What You’ll See on a Tour of Dublin Castle
State Apartments
These beautifully decorated rooms were once used by viceroys and royalty, and many of them are featured prominently in the artwork on display.
Your tour will allow you to see many of the rooms that were used to host visitors to Queen Alexandra and Queen Mary centuries ago. and are now used for visits from dignitaries.
You will also be able to tour the Throne room, where you will see the throne that was made for the visit to Ireland from King George IV, in 1821 and was later used by Queen Victoria and King Edward VII when they visited the Castle.
Chapel Royal
The Royal Chapel dates back to 1814, and was designed in a Gothic Revival style with intricate wood carvings and beautiful stained glass.
Medieval Undercroft
Beneath the foundation of the castle lie remains of the original Viking and Norman fortifications.
If you choose, you can see the old city walls and even part of the River Poddle that once flowed under the castle.
Dubh Linn Gardens
The Dubh Linn Gardens are named after the “black pool” that gave Dublin its name and is one of Dublin’s hidden gems!
Located near the Dublin Castle walls, you will find a peaceful green space that has beautiful views of the ancient walls.
You can choose between a guided or self-guided tour (comes with an audio download), and both are reasonably priced. Book Tickets through the castle website.
2. Trinity College
Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592, is Ireland’s oldest university and one of the world’s most prestigious.
Located in the heart of Dublin, the campus features Georgian architecture and one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
Here are two things you won’t want to miss seeing while visiting the campus:
The Book of Kells
This illuminated manuscript depicting the four Gospels of the New Testament was created by Celtic monks around the 9th century and is known for its intricate artwork and layers of symbolism.
The book comprises 340 vellum (calfskin) leaves, totaling 680 pages.
The Book of Kells Experience offers an opportunity to learn about its history, craftsmanship, and symbolism, while showcasing two of its remarkable pages.
Entry to the Book of Kells Experience sells out frequently, so be sure to book your tickets in advance of your trip.
The Long Room (Old Library)
A must-see when visiting Trinity College is the 65-meter-long library lined with over 200,000 of the library’s oldest books.
There are beautiful vaulted wooden ceilings, marble busts of famous writers and philosophers, and rows of ancient books.
Also inside the library is the Brian Boru harp, the oldest surviving Irish harp.
It serves as the national emblem of the Republic of Ireland and is seen on the official coat of arms, passports, Euro coins, and on the Guinness logo.
3. Christ Church Cathedral
Located in the city center of Dublin, Christ Church Cathedral is one of Ireland’s oldest and architecturally impressive landmarks.
Because of its long history, you will see elements of Romanesque, Norman, and Gothic architecture.
You should take time to admire the stunning nave with its vaulted ceilings and intricate medieval floor tiles.
It is nothing short of stunning.
The crypt is one of the oldest and largest in Ireland and houses many of the cathedral’s treasures and artifacts.
You will get to see a rare copy of the Magna Carta and a silver plate set given by King William III in 1697.
Admission on a self-guided tour of the cathedral & crypt includes an audio guide. Book online.
4. Dublinia
Founded around 1030 by Sitric Silkenbeard, the Norse king of Dublin, Christ Church Cathedral’s ties to Vikings run deep.
Sitting adjacent to the church is Dublinia, a not-to-miss exhibition that delves into Dublin’s Viking and Medieval history.
In this immersive experience, you can travel back in time to see what life was like for Vikings living in Dublin.
You can tour a Viking Vessel, see what they ate, and even where they lived.
This museum also transports you through time to the Medieval Ages, where you can experience the streets of Dublin like a local as you learn about their markets, criminal activity, and even medical treatments!
While tickets are pricier than most other attractions in Dublin, if you love history or Viking culture, this is an unbelievable experience! Book tickets online.
5. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the largest in Ireland.
Its striking Gothic architecture, towering spire, and beautiful stained-glass windows make it a remarkable example of medieval craftsmanship.
Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, the cathedral stands on the traditional site where St. Patrick is said to have baptized converts into Christianity during the 5th century.
The Gothic-style cathedral features soaring vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and an array of monuments and memorials to notable figures from Irish history.
One of its most famous deans was Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels, who is buried there.
The cathedral also has a beautiful choir, dating back to the 14th century, and houses an exhibition about its history.
Take time to explore the gardens outside of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, as they provide a peaceful retreat in the heart of Dublin.
You’ll find open space, walking paths, benches, and even a play area for kids to enjoy.
6. Guinness Storehouse
The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin is one of Ireland’s top attractions!
Here you can take a self-guided tour through how their beer is crafted.
You will learn about its founder, Arthur Guinness and the brewing process that makes this beer so iconic.
There are also exhibits that showcase the brand’s marketing and advertising legacy.
Along the way, you can enjoy interactive experiences, and the tour ends with getting to enjoy a pint of Guinness.
The highlight of the Guinness tour is visiting the Gravity Bar on the top floor.
Here you will find floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views of Dublin!
Book in advance and give yourself about 2 hours to complete the tour.
7. Jameson Whisky Distillery Tour
One of the absolute best things to do in Dublin for adults is to do a whisky distillery tour, and one of the most popular is the Jameson Distillery tour.
You will enjoy a guided tour led by a Jameson Ambassador, who will teach you about the whiskey-making process from grain to glass.
Tours have interactive exhibits that include a comparative taste testing experience that highlights the smoothness of the various types of Jameson whiskey.
The tour concludes with getting to try Jameson in the cocktail of your choice or on its own.
8. Teeling Whisky Distillery
Another great whisky distillery to check out is Teelings.
Teeling Whiskey Distillery is the first new distillery to open in the city in over 125 years.
While new, it produces a variety of award-winning whiskeys, including Small Batch, Single Grain, Single Malt, and Single Pot Still.
You can take a guided tour of the distillery to learn about their whiskey-making process and sample their award-winning whiskeys.
9. National Museum of Ireland (Museum of Archaeology)
In Dublin, you can visit the National Museum of Ireland, which is split between four locations: the Museum of Archaeology, the Museum of Natural History, and the Museum of Decorative Art and History.
All of these museums are FREE.
If you can’t make time to go to all of them, my pick is the Museum of Archaeology.
Here you will find a wide variety of fascinating temporary and permanent exhibits to explore that showcase items that were excavated throughout Ireland.
You will find permanent exhibitions focused on prehistoric-medieval Ireland, along with artifacts from Ancient Egypt.
The Treasury Exhibit has some of the most amazing pieces of Irish antiquity and should be a top priority.
Gallery One is arranged chronologically from the Iron Age to the Medieval Era, and focuses on traditional Irish art and craftsmanship.
This museum also houses iconic treasures such as the Ardagh Chalice & the Tara Brooch.
Gallery Two focuses on an early medieval Book of Psalms known as the Faddan More Psalter that was discovered in a bog in County Tipperary and dates to AD 800.
Gallery Three is an exhibit on Medieval metalwork and showcases excavated items found in Ireland.
Among these are the Cross of Cong that was made for the King of Ireland in the 12th century and the Broighter Collar that is also associated with Kings.
The galleries also highlight Ireland’s Viking and Medieval past, showcasing artifacts that reveal how people lived, worked, and worshipped.
10. National Gallery of Ireland
The National Gallery of Ireland is home to a collection of European and Irish artworks produced in the period from the Middle Ages through the 20th century.
The gallery houses works by world-renowned artists such as Caravaggio and Picasso, alongside masterpieces from Ireland’s own celebrated painters like Jack B. Yeats.
Admission is free,
11. Oscar Wilde House & Monument
If you are a fan of Oscar Wilde, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to step foot in the Georgian townhouse where the famous writer spent his childhood.
The house spans four floors and includes his father’s library, a room displaying medical instruments he invented, and elegant rooms where Wilde’s mother hosted literary gatherings.
You’ll also be able to see the childhood bedroom of Wilde.
The tour also features a short film about the Wilde family, offering insight into their artistic and intellectual world, making it a fascinating glimpse into the environment that shaped one of Ireland’s greatest literary figures.
The park just adjacent to the townhouse features a memorial sculpture that consists of three statues: one of Wilde, one of his wife in the nude, and one of the Greek God, Dionysus.
12. Irish Immigration Museum (EPIC)
The EPIC Irish Emigration Museum walks you through the story of Irish emigration and its global impact.
Through the use of interactive galleries, digital displays, and immersive experiences, the museum fully engages you in the Irish experience of immigration.
You will see why they left Ireland and how they influenced politics, culture, science, and society throughout the world.
If you know you have Irish ancestry, there is also a chance for you to research that lineage at the Irish Family History Center.
13. Saint Stephen’s Green
St. Stephen’s Green is a beautiful public park in the heart of Dublin that both locals and visitors enjoy.
Covering over 20 acres, it is filled with landscaped gardens, colorful flowerbeds, ornamental lakes, and open green spaces. It is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
While it is best explored on foot, you should also take a moment to rest your feet and take in the scenery.
Pack a picnic lunch and a blanket to enjoy this beautiful oasis!
14. Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park is one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital.
Spanning over 1,700 acres of open green space, woodlands, and gardens, it was originally a royal hunting ground.
You can easily spend half a day exploring the park on foot or by bike. There are bike rentals on-site.
This park is also home to the Victorian Flower Gardens, the Dublin Zoo, the Wellington Monument, and Áras an Uachtaráin, the residence of Ireland’s president.
15. Ha’penny Bridge
The Ha’penny Bridge is the white cast-iron arch that spans the River Liffey.
Officially opened in 1816, it was the first pedestrian bridge across the river and got its nickname from the half-penny toll once charged to cross it.
You can cross it for free now and will find it a popular place for both locals and tourists due to its proximity to Temple Bar.
16. Temple Bar District
Temple Bar is Dublin’s vibrant cultural quarter, known for its lively streets filled with pubs, restaurants, and nightclubs.
Located on the south bank of the River Liffey, it’s one of the city’s most famous nightlife hubs, and where you will find plenty of pubs, including the famous Temple Bar.
This bar, which dates back to the mid-19th century, is popular amongst tourists and boasts the largest collection of whiskies in Ireland.
Beyond its lively pub scene, the Temple Bar District also has a creative side, with street art, quirky shops, and weekend markets adding to its charm.
17. Irish Rock n Roll Museum
The Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum Experience is an immersive attraction that celebrates Ireland’s rich musical heritage.
On the guided tour, you will learn about the history of rock n roll in Ireland.
You can see rehearsal spaces, recording studios, and memorabilia from famous Irish musicians, like U2, Phil Lynott, Rory Gallagher, and Sinéad O’Connor.
This unique museum also allows you to go on stage and rock out in a rehearsal room like an icon!
While this list is geared more toward adults, most of the places and experiences on the list are open to families traveling together.
Looking for day trips to take from Dublin?
Dublin makes a perfect base for exploring Ireland’s east coast, with trips to Howth, Glendalough, or Newgrange.
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