Things To Do Near Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is the capital and largest city of Ireland and it has been a major centre of culture, education, industry and commerce since the Middle Ages. Located on the east coast of Ireland, it is a vibrant and lively city that is full of history and interesting sights. With its many pubs, cafes, theatres, galleries and landmarks, Dublin is an ideal destination for those wanting to explore the city’s rich culture and history.

Home to over 1 million people, Dublin is a cosmopolitan city with a wide variety of attractions and activities to explore. Whether you are looking for a historical tour, an outdoor adventure or a cultural experience, there is something for everyone in Dublin. From its stunning architecture to its vibrant nightlife, there are plenty of things to do near Dublin. Here are some of the best attractions and activities that you can enjoy in and around the city.

Historical Tours

Dublin has a long and fascinating history that stretches back over 1000 years. As the capital of Ireland, Dublin is home to many historical sites, monuments and museums that tell the story of the city’s past. There are several historical tours that visitors can take in order to learn more about Dublin’s history and culture.

One of the most popular historical tours in Dublin is the Dublin Bus Tour. This tour takes visitors around some of the most iconic sights in Dublin such as the Dublin Castle, Trinity College, St Patrick’s Cathedral and the National Botanic Gardens. The tour also includes stops at some of the city’s most famous pubs and cultural attractions. The tour lasts around 90 minutes and provides visitors with an informative and interesting overview of the city’s history.

The Dublin Literary Pub Crawl is another popular historical tour that takes visitors on a journey through Dublin’s literary past. This guided tour visits some of the city’s most famous pubs associated with some of Ireland’s best-loved authors such as James Joyce, W.B. Yeats and George Bernard Shaw. The tour also includes a visit to one of Dublin’s oldest pubs which has been in operation since 17th century. The tour lasts around two hours and is a great way to learn about Dublin’s literary heritage in a fun and entertaining way.

Outdoor Activities

Dublin has plenty of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. There are many parks and gardens located around the city which provide the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The Phoenix Park is one of Dublin’s largest parks which covers an area of 707 hectares. It is home to many different species of wildlife including deer, foxes, badgers and birds. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds and a lakeside restaurant.

The Wicklow Mountains National Park is another great place to explore the outdoors near Dublin. Located just outside the city, the park covers an area of over 20,000 hectares and includes mountains, valleys, forests and lakes. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, cycling routes, horse riding trails and fishing spots. The park is also home to many species of flora and fauna including red deer, Irish hare and red squirrels.

The Dublin Mountains Way is a scenic walking route that stretches from Shankill in South County Dublin to Mount Usher Gardens in Ashford, Co Wicklow. This route offers stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside as it winds its way through forests, country roads and mountain passes. The route can be completed in one day but can be broken down into smaller sections if needed.

Cultural Experiences

Dublin is full of culture and has plenty of activities for visitors to explore. There are many museums located around the city which provide visitors with an insight into its history and culture. Some of the most popular museums include the National Museum of Ireland which houses artefacts from Ireland’s past including archaeological objects and fine art collections; the Little Museum of Dublin which offers a unique look at the history of the city; and the Chester Beatty Library which houses a collection of rare books, manuscripts and artefacts from across the world.

The Guinness Storehouse is one of Dublin’s most popular tourist attractions and offers visitors a unique experience into one of Ireland’s best-known exports. The Storehouse is located in St James’s Gate Brewery where visitors can learn about the history of Guinness brewing, see how Guinness is made and even pour their own pint of Guinness at the Gravity Bar. The storehouse also has a café where visitors can enjoy a pint while taking in views over Dublin City Centre.

The Jameson Distillery Bow Street is another popular cultural experience located in Smithfield Square. The distillery offers daily guided tours which include tastings of Jameson whiskey as well as an interactive exhibition which tells the story behind this famous Irish whiskey brand.

Popular Tours

For an even more unique experience, visitors can take one of several popular tours offered near Dublin. There are several guided tours that offer a fascinating insight into the city’s past such as the Viking Splash Tour which takes visitors on a journey through Dublin’s Viking roots or The Haunted History Tour which takes guests on a ghostly adventure around some of Dublin’s most haunted spots.

For those looking for a more engaging experience, there are several interactive tours such as The Irish Whiskey Experience which allows visitors to learn about Irish whiskey production before sampling some for themselves or The Great Guinness Tour which takes visitors through the brewing process at St James’s Gate Brewery before finishing with a glass of Guinness at the Gravity Bar.

For those looking for something even more adventurous, there is The Wild Atlantic Way Tour which takes visitors on an unforgettable journey along Ireland’s western coastline offering stunning views as well as fun activities such as surfing lessons or kayaking expeditions.

Book An Example Tour on Viator

If you’re looking for an exciting and unique experience near Dublin then why not book Viking Splash Tour? This guided tour takes visitors through some of Dublin’s most iconic sights as well as giving an insight into its Viking past with stories from local guides. As you drive through Dublin you will get to see some amazing sites such as City Hall, Trinity College, St Patrick’s Cathedral and the National Botanic Gardens before finishing up with a drive along the River Liffey in Viking boats!

Book Another Example Tour on GetYourGuide

For something even more exciting why not book Wild Atlantic Way Tour? This guided tour takes guests on an unforgettable journey along Ireland’s western coastline offering stunning views as well as fun activities such as surfing lessons or kayaking expeditions. You will get to explore some amazing sights such as Achill Island, Croagh Patrick Mountain and Connemara National Park before heading back to Dublin with some amazing memories!

At the end of your stay in Dublin make sure you take some time to explore all that this vibrant and exciting city has to offer! With its rich history, stunning architecture and vibrant nightlife there is something for everyone near Dublin!