Top 10 things to do in Dublin in 2026
- Apr 20
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 22
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Dublin is one of those cities that feels easy the moment you arrive. It’s compact, friendly and full of things to see. But that’s also where people get caught out because while everything looks close together, it’s surprisingly easy to waste time doubling back, queuing in the wrong places or missing what’s actually worth doing.
If you plan it properly, you can see the best of Dublin in a couple of days without rushing. If you don’t, you could spend half your trip walking in circles.
Here are ten things to do in Dublin in 2026 that are genuinely worth your time and how to experience them properly.
1. The Guinness Storehouse
This is the big one. Everyone goes and for good reason, it’s immersive, well-designed, and the view from the Gravity Bar alone makes it worthwhile. Where most people go wrong is timing. Turning up late morning or early afternoon often means standing around for longer than expected and it can easily eat into half your day. It works much better as an early start or a late-afternoon visit, especially if you’re pairing it with other nearby stops. It’s also slightly outside the main tourist area, which is why it makes far more sense when it’s part of a planned route rather than something you squeeze in randomly.
2. Trinity College Dublin and the Book of Kells
The Long Room library is exactly what you imagine, quiet, atmospheric and visually impressive in a way that photos don’t quite capture. The mistake here is treating it as a quick stop. Between queues and the exhibition itself, it needs proper timing. It fits best at the start of a day when you can move straight on to nearby areas like Grafton Street without breaking up your day.
3. Temple Bar
Temple Bar is lively, colourful and exactly what most people picture when they think of Dublin. It’s also busy and expensive. It’s still worth seeing, walking through, taking in the atmosphere and stopping for one (or several) drinks is a compulsory activity in Dublin.
4. Dublin Castle and the Historic Core
Dublin Castle isn’t the kind of place that overwhelms you at first but it’s far more interesting when you see it in context. The surrounding area is packed with history and it makes far more sense to explore it as part of a continuous route that includes nearby landmarks rather than visiting each one separately. When you move through this part of the city in a logical order, everything feels closer, more connected and far less rushed.
5. Walk down O'Connell street and see the spire & portal
O’Connell Street is one of the main arteries of Dublin and while it’s not as polished as other European cities, it has an everyday energy that feels more representative of modern Dublin. Right in the centre you’ll find the The Spire, a towering stainless steel monument that’s become one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. It’s the kind of thing you’ll pass multiple times without planning to but it’s worth actually stopping for a moment rather than just walking by.
More recently, the area has also become home to the Dublin Portal, a live video link connecting Dublin with other cities around the world. It’s a slightly unexpected addition but one that gives the street a more contemporary feel and tends to draw a curious crowd. This part of the city works best when it’s on your natural route rather than a destination in itself. When you pass through with purpose on your way between other stops it feels like a snapshot of Dublin as it is today, rather than just another place to tick off.
This is exactly the kind of insight we’ve included in the Dublin Travel Toolkit. It’s a practical, downloadable guide designed to help you make the most of your time in the city without endless research. Inside, you’ll find maps, suggested itineraries and checklists for packing and planning. The Toolkit isn’t about taking away from exploring, it’s about giving you a head start so you can focus on enjoying Dublin without having to worry what's coming next.
6. Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park feels like a complete contrast to the rest of the city. It’s wide, calm and spacious with wild deer roaming freely if you’re lucky enough to spot them. Dropping in casually can feel like a detour, but including it as part of a broader route makes it a perfect reset between busier attractions.
7. St Patrick's Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral
These two are often treated as separate visits but that’s not really the best way to see them.
They’re close enough that it makes far more sense to experience them together, giving you a deeper sense of Dublin’s history without unnecessary travel in between. Taking your time here, especially inside Christ Church’s crypt, adds a completely different story to the city.
8. Walking the River Liffey
The River Liffey quietly ties Dublin together. It’s not just a scenic feature, it’s a natural break through the city. Following it with a bit of intention allows you to move between key areas without constantly checking directions and crossing at the famous Ha'penny Bridge gives you one of the most recognisable views in Dublin.
9. Grafton street and the City Centre atmosphere
Grafton street isn’t just about shops. It’s where Dublin feels most alive with street performers, busy cafés and people all throughout the day. It works best when you pass through it naturally as part of your route rather than making a special trip. When it fits into your day properly, it feels effortless.
10. The one thing most people skip: A proper plan
This is the part that makes the biggest difference, even though it’s not a “sight” in itself. Most trips to Dublin don’t fall short because there isn’t enough to do, they fall short because the plan doesn’t quite work. People underestimate queues, overestimate how much they can fit in and end up spending more time moving between places than actually enjoying them.
That’s exactly why the Dublin Travel Toolkit exists. Instead of trying to piece everything together yourself, it gives you a structured way to see the city with routes that make sense and a layout that fits into a realistic timeframe.
If you’re only in Dublin for a couple of days, that difference is noticeable. You’re not rushing, you’re not backtracking and you’re not constantly checking where to go next, you’re just moving through the city in a way that is achievable. It is also full of restaurant recommendations and even day trips if you've got longer in Dublin.
Here is some additional information that may help with your trip to Dublin:
How do I get to Dublin?
Dublin is easily accessible by air, with flights to Dublin from many major cities around the UK. The flight time from the UK varies, but is normally within the region of one hour and often occur several times a day from most airports using Ryanair.
Where should I stay in Dublin?
Every time we have stayed in Dublin, we have stayed in StayCity Aparthotels. We think they are incredible and love to arrive to our own little studio. There are several StayCity hotels across Dublin, so pick one that has the best location for you but do note everywhere in Dublin is walkable.
There are plenty of other options for accommodation in Dublin. Have a look for something that will suit your group size and budget on booking.com.
Do I need a visa to visit Dublin?
Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Dublin for a stay of up to 90 days. Read our Schengen Agreement post to find out more details about this rule. Dublin is part of the Common Travel Area for the UK. To find out what this means, read Gov.uk.
What's the currency in Dublin?
The currency of Ireland is the Euro. You can change money when you arrive or withdraw from ATMs, but be aware of high conversion fees! Some ATMs may charge you to withdraw money, even if your bank doesn't. It's always best to pay in local currency, but we had no issues paying by card in Dublin.
What languages are spoken in Dublin?
The official language of Ireland is English or Gaelic. Just have to appreciate the accents!
What's the time zone in Dublin?
Dublin is in the London/Dublin The time is the same as the UK, but an hour behind most of mainland Europe e.g. France, Spain, Germany, Italy.
What are the best things to do in Dublin?
We always try and give you a few great recommendations of things to do on our Sightseekr Inspiration posts. If you're looking to fill your itinerary, have a look for the best activities, excursions and other things to do in Dublin on GetYourGuide.
However, if you want to skip the hours of research, and hand it over to an expert, we have good news! We've put together a full, downloadable Dublin Travel Toolkit with everything you need to know about Dublin, all in one easy to navigate document which you can keep saved to your phone.
