DUBLIN - What to see and do?

February 5, 2026

Planning a weekend in Dublin? Here are some tips and recommendations for your upcoming stay!

Where to stay?

Temple Bar / City Centre South: This is the most famous and central district. Ideal if you want to be a stone's throw from the bars, restaurants, and shops of Grafton Street.
St Stephen’s Green / Portobello: South of the center, this is a more elegant and peaceful area. Portobello, the "hipster" district by the canal, is full of brunch cafes and charming boutique hotels.
Smithfield / Stoneybatter: North of the Liffey, these neighborhoods offer a more local and authentic atmosphere.
The Docklands: The modern, high-tech district (the "Silicon Docks"). Perfect for contemporary hotels with river views, near the Grand Canal Theatre.

Walking: Everything is walkable; you can cross the city center from east to west in under 30 minutes.
Bus (Dublin Bus): The network is very dense. Yellow double-decker buses are everywhere. Use the Leap Card (prepaid card) to pay less than with cash.
The Luas (Tram): There are two lines (Green and Red). Very convenient for crossing the city quickly, especially to get to the Jameson Distillery or Heuston Station.
The DART (Coastal Train): This train runs along the bay and takes you to Howth (in the north) or Dalkey (in the south) in 20-30 minutes.

Trinity College & The Book of Kells: Visit Ireland's oldest university and its magnificent "Long Room," a library that looks like it's straight out of a movie.
Guinness Storehouse: An interactive seven-story experience tracing the history of the famous black beer. The little extra: a free pint at the Gravity Bar with a 360° view of the city.
O'Connell Street: A central avenue lined with iconic landmarks.
Kilmainham Gaol: A former prison steeped in history, useful for understanding Ireland's independence. (Tip: Book in advance)
St Stephen’s Green & Phoenix Park: St Stephen's Green, one of the oldest public parks in Ireland, is located in the center of Dublin, at the end of the shopping street Grafton Street.
Phoenix Park is one of the largest urban parks in Europe, where you can spot wild deer. The park covers 707 hectares, consider renting bikes!
Temple Bar: Famous for its nightlife. Its narrow streets are packed with pubs and restaurants and are always bustling with tourists and locals.
National Gallery of Ireland: Houses the national collection of Irish and European art.
Molly Malone Statue: The legendary figure from the Irish song, located near St. Andrew's Church.

Gaelic Sports (GAA): This is the soul of Ireland. Go see Hurling (a team sport played with a stick) or Gaelic Football at Croke Park stadium. The atmosphere is unique and passionate.
Rugby: Ireland is currently one of the best nations in the world. International matches and those of the Leinster province are played at the Aviva Stadium, as well as the famous Six Nations Tournament.
Greyhound Racing: A very popular local tradition at Shelbourne Park for a typically Dublin evening.

The Irish Stew: The traditional stew made with lamb, potatoes, and carrots. Perfect for rainy days.
Boxty & Coddle: Boxty is a stuffed potato pancake, and Coddle is a typically Dublin dish made with sausages, bacon, and potatoes.
Seafood: Take the DART to Howth to enjoy fresh Fish & Chips or clam chowder at the harbor.
Full Irish Breakfast: Sausages, bacon, eggs, black and white pudding, tomatoes, and soda bread.

Traditional Pubs: To escape the crowds of Temple Bar, head to The Cobblestone (for traditional music), The Stag’s Head, or Mulligan’s.
Live Music: Almost every pub has a musician with a guitar. For an authentic "trad music" session, Smithfield is the ideal neighborhood.
Whiskey Distilleries: Visit Jameson (Bow St) or newer ones like Teeling or Roe & Co in the Liberties district.
"Snugs": Look for these small wooden booths inside old pubs, once reserved for women or private confessions, perfect for a drink in complete privacy.