Dublin Bucket List: Top 50 Things You Need to Do Around the City

The capital of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin welcomes millions of visitors every year. With so many things to see and do, how do you narrow it down? The top 50 things on our Dublin bucket list should help!

1. When thinking about Ireland, Guinness probably features highly in most people’s thoughts. The Guinness Storehouse is the perfect place to learn about its history, and sample a pint or two at the rooftop bar. 2. As the former county gaol for Dublin, the Kilmainham Gaol Museum tells the story of the gaol and its inmates. 3. Want to learn some more about the history of Ireland? Visit the National Museum of Ireland. 4. A short drive out of the city centre to Malahide brings you to Europe’s largest model railway, construction of which began in the 1920s. 5. The National Botanic Gardens are a peaceful haven from the hustle and bustle of the city.

6. Trinity College’s Old Library is an 18th century oak-shelved room that houses many treasures including a 15th century harp. 7. Discover your Irish roots at the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum, which has no artefacts and makes use of modern technology to tell the stories of Irish immigrants. 8. Are you a fan of James Joyce’s Ulysses? Sweny’s Chemist is a bookshop that was mentioned in his book and regularly has live readings. 9. The Carmelite Church on Whitefriar Street houses some of the remains of St Valentine, and every February becomes a shrine for lovers and those looking for love. 10. Ireland’s best known Victorian public park, St Stephen’s Green, is at the heart of the city and has an ornamental lake, waterfall, sculptures and a children’s playground.

11. Erected in the early 13th century, Dublin Castle is built on the site of a Viking settlement. 12. Enjoy the culinary delights of Dublin on a Delicious Dublin walking tour. 13. Catch a glimpse into the mind of an artist and visit Francis Bacon’s studio among other exhibitions at the Hugh Lane gallery. 14. “Dublin’s best museum experience”, the Little Museum of Dublin tells the story of the Irish capital, through items donated by members of the public. Book in advance as it is extremely popular. 15. Enjoy a walk along the Great South Wall, which stretches 2km into Dublin Bay.

16. Spend a day on Ireland’s most famous shopping and culture street, Grafton Street. 17. Join a tour of the Freemason’s Grand Lodge, the second oldest in the world! 18. Escape the busy streets of Dublin and trek through the mountains in Ticknock forest. 19. For a fantastic family day out, take in the 38-acre Airfield Estate farm, gardens, heritage centre and café. 20. Looking for a rustic Irish pub? The oldest microbrewery pub, the Porterhouse, sells its own label beers and excellent Irish stew, bangers and mash and classic pub food.

21. Experience Dublin like a local and visit Temple Bar. The area has cobblestone streets, bars, cafés, art galleries and architecture. Here you’ll also find Dublin’s only art-house cinema. 22. If you’re in Dublin for St Patrick’s Day (17 March), Dublin’s parade is a spectacle! 23. In July and August, film buffs can enjoy free movies every Saturday night at Jameson Movies on the Square. 24. The Chester Beatty Library is home to a staggering collection of books and manuscripts which includes some of the earliest known biblical texts on papyrus. Afterwards, relax in one of the city’s most peaceful spots, the roof garden. 25. One of the lesser-known green spaces in the city, the Iveagh Gardens are a tranquil oasis. There’s also a maze and a rosarium.

26. Gain an insight into life in Dublin during the Victorian era at the Glasnevin Cemetery Museum. 27. Dublin Zoo is one of Europe’s oldest zoos. Open all year round, your entry is included in your Dublin Pass! 28. Treat yourself to a slice of 19th or 20th century art served on fine china with the Afternoon Art Tea at the Merrion Hotel. 29. Art lovers can admire the grand collection of European artwork spanning the 14th to 20th centuries at the National Gallery of Ireland. 30. Our Dublin bucket list wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the National Leprechaun Museum! This family-friendly museum explores the history of these beloved mythical creatures.

31. Aside from Guinness, Ireland is famous for whiskey and where better to discover its history and have a little tipple than at the Irish Whiskey Museum? 32. As the birthplace of the Dubliners, music is still very much at the heart of O’Donoghue’s Pub. 33. St Patrick’s cathedral is the tallest cathedral in Ireland, with a 43m spire! The medieval building is still used today and regularly hosts musical recitals. 34. Also called the Monument of Light, the Spire is 120m high and stands in the middle of O’Connell Street. 35. Visit Ireland’s best bakery and try Camerino’s award-winning chocolate raspberry cheesecake brownies!

36. Experience Viking and Medieval Dublin at Dublinia, in the place where modern and old Dublin meet. 37. The Garden of Remembrance is dedicated to all those who gave their lives in the cause of Irish freedom. 38. There’s so much history in Dublin and the Ha’penny Bridge is a prime example. Erected in 1816, citizens enjoyed ten toll-free days of crossings. Thereafter, they paid in ha’pennies. 39. Ireland enjoys a significant literary heritage and the Dublin Writers Museum showcases a number of books, letters and personal items of some impressive literary celebrities. 40. Do you love Jameson whiskey? Visit the Jameson Distillery for free with your Dublin Pass.

41. The unofficial anthem of Dublin, “Cockles and Mussels” stars a fishmonger and working girl who died in an outbreak of cholera. Now you can visit her at Molly Malone’s statue. 42. An exciting interactive attraction, the National Wax Museum gives you the chance to learn about the people behind the waxworks. 43. Founded in the early 18th century, Marsh’s library is a hidden gem next to St Patrick’s cathedral. 44. A world first, the Science Gallery Dublin is a place where science and art collide. There’s always something new to see with the exhibitions as there are no permanent collections. 45. Phoenix Park is the largest enclosed public park in any European capital. Originally a hunting park, deer still live here, so be patient and you might catch a glimpse of one or two.

46. Located on North Great George's Street in a beautiful historic Georgian building, the James Joyce Centre is the perfect spot to embrace his literature. 47. Locals love Georges Street Arcade, Dublin’s first purpose-built Victorian shopping centre. There’s a heap of treasures here, including vintage clothing, glassware, jewellery and more. 48. Take a hop on hop off bus tour of Dublin, included with your Dublin pass! 49. Visit the Dublin Port Diving Bell which was in use up until 1958. 50. The Aviva Stadium is home of Ireland’s rugby union and the Republic of Ireland’s football team. Take a guided tour and get a behind-the-scenes look at players’ pre-match routines and rituals and walk through the players’ tunnel to the pitch. There’s so much more we want to include on our Dublin bucket list – we hope it gives you some inspiration for your trip to this beautiful city!