Destination guideDublin · Ireland
36 Things to Do in Dublin (2026)
Dublin is the capital of Ireland, with a history originating from ninth-century Viking settlements and subsequent Norman and English administrative developments.
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The city's architectural landscape includes the medieval Christ Church and St. Patrick’s Cathedrals, as well as Dublin Castle, which contains structures ranging from medieval fortifications to eighteenth-century Georgian state apartments. Much of the central city’s layout is characterized by the Georgian style of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, visible in the red-brick terraces and squares such as Merrion Square and Fitzwilliam Square.
- 36 spots
- 5 must-try dishes
- Researched October 2026
- 24 sources
Must-try in Dublin5 dishes
Northern Thai BBQ Where to order it in Dublin
Boxty (Potato Pancakes) Where to order it in Dublin
Irish Seafood Chowder Where to order it in Dublin
Pastries Where to order it in Dublin
Victoria Sponge Where to order it in Dublin
The short answer
- The top things to do in Dublin, from 24 sources researched October 2026, start with:
- EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum (North Wall)
- MoLI – Museum of Literature Ireland (Saint Kevin's)
- Phoenix Park (Dublin 8)
- Poolbeg Lighthouse (Poolbeg)
- Bolands Mills (Dublin 4)
- 5 must-try dishes are on the map, each with the places to order them.
36 places worth your time in Dublin
Things to see and do
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
Why it’s on the map
A fully digital, immersive museum located in the historic CHQ vaults, it explores the global impact of the Irish diaspora through 20 interactive galleries.
The Chq Building, Custom House Quay, North Wall, Dublin 1, Ireland
MoLI – Museum of Literature Ireland
Why it’s on the map
Located in the historic UCD Newman House, this museum celebrates Ireland’s world-renowned literary heritage through immersive, story-led exhibitions.
86 St Stephen's Green, Saint Kevin's, Dublin, D02 XY43, Ireland
Phoenix Park
Why it’s on the map
One of the largest enclosed recreational spaces in any European capital, this expansive parkland is a historic royal hunting ground that remains home to a massive wild herd of fallow deer.
Dublin 8, Ireland
Poolbeg Lighthouse
Why it’s on the map
Standing as a vibrant red beacon at the end of the Great South Wall, this 18th-century lighthouse provides a striking contrast against the deep blues of Dublin Bay.
S Wall, Poolbeg, Dublin, Ireland
Bolands Mills
Why it’s on the map
Originally a 19th-century flour mill, this landmark has been transformed into a massive mixed-use campus that opened its public realm and commercial spaces in late 2025 and 2026.
Barrow St, Dublin 4, Ireland
Art Gallery · Dublin 2
Premise · South-East Inner City
Place to see
Tourist Attraction · Kilmainham
Garden · Park
Place to see
Corporate Office · Temple Bar
Hiking Area · Tiknock
Library · Dublin 8
Place to see
Tourist Attraction · Sandycove
Park · Clontarf West
Museum
Tourist Attraction · Rathfarnham
Hiking Area
Tourist Attraction · Stoneybatter
Premise · Dublin Docklands
Finance · Citywest Business Campus
Where to eat
See the full Dublin food guide: where to eat and what to order.
Thai Restaurant · Temple Bar
Bakery
Restaurant · Dublin 4
Bistro · Mount Merrion
Coffee Shop · Rotunda
Irish Restaurant · Temple Bar
Seafood Restaurant
Bakery · Dún Laoghaire
Cafe · Dublin 2
Restaurant · Dublin 2
Restaurant
Shops and markets
Shopping Mall
Shopping Mall
31 more places on the map
11 to eat · 18 to see and do · 2 to shop · 5 must-try dishes with where to order each
Start
When is the best time to visit Dublin?
- The best time to visit Dublin is during the shoulder seasons of May to June or September, which offer a balance of milder weather and fewer crowds than the peak summer months. While July and August provide the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours, they also bring the highest prices and largest tourist influxes. For those on a budget, the off-peak winter months (November to February) are the most affordable, though you should expect chilly, damp conditions and shorter days.
How do I get around Dublin?
- Dublin Airport (DUB) and Express Coaches Dublin Airport serves as the primary international gateway; travelers can reach the city center via the Aircoach or Dublin Express bus services, which run 24/7 and offer frequent departures to major hubs.
- Dublin Bus and Leap Card System The extensive Dublin Bus network covers the entire city and suburbs; visitors should use a prepaid Leap Card to significantly reduce fares and enjoy seamless transfers between buses, the Luas tram, and DART trains.
- Luas Light Rail and DART The Luas tram system consists of Green and Red lines connecting key districts, while the DART coastal train provides a scenic and efficient way to travel from the city center to beautiful seaside towns like Howth and Bray.
What should I know before visiting Dublin?
- Purchase a Leap Card for discounted and integrated fares across all public transport networks including the DART, Luas, and Dublin Bus.
- Always carry a compact umbrella or a light waterproof jacket, as the weather in Dublin is notoriously unpredictable and can change multiple times a day.
- When crossing the street, remember that traffic flows on the left side of the road and always look right first.
What’s new in Dublin in October 2026?
- Dublin Festival of History: Running until October 11, 2026, this annual free festival features high-profile talks and debates across the city, including a full 'European History Day' at the Royal Irish Academy of Music.
- Salama Lama: A family-run Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food truck in Tallaght that has recently gone viral on TikTok, drawing massive crowds for its 'Dinosaur Box' sharing platters.
Research receipt
How this Dublin guide was researched
- Live web search, 14 of 14 research areas completed.
- Places verified against real place data — address, hours and coordinates come from the place record, not the article.
- Researched October 2026. A newer build for Dublin replaces this page automatically.
Sources checked
Planning questions
What are the top things to do in Dublin?
Start with EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, MoLI – Museum of Literature Ireland, Phoenix Park, Poolbeg Lighthouse, and Bolands Mills: the places Varedelo's research (from 24 sources researched October 2026) puts first, each with its reason in the list on this page. All 36 places are pinned on the Dublin map.