Ireland is one of my favourite countries in the world to visit.
We visit here several times every year. From road trips around the isle visiting castles and soaking in the magic, through to exploring some of the most vibrant cities.
Each visit to Ireland just gets better and better.
Today, let’s explore Ireland’s magical capital city, Dublin!
Dublin is one of the coolest cities you could possibly visit. It has heaps of quirk and historic charm, so many things to do and see, and some of the best spots for literary fans to swoon over!
The architecture, the penchant for a rainy weather day… well, it’s one of my favourite places.
Here are my favourites things to do in Dublin to keep coming back to.
Also you’ll find a map with all of these Dublin guide pin points at the end of this post too.
Top 25 magical things to do in Dublin
Explore the Long Room at Trinity & the Book of Kells
For mega literary fans or just those who enjoy a good library… entering The Long Room Library is one of those moments that makes your heart flutter.
The vaulted ceiling, the hush, the weight of centuries of scholars and scribes, it feels like something out of a dark academia novel.
It’s one of my favourite libraries to visit in the entire world!
And of course, Trinity College is home to the Book of Kells! If you didn’t know, The Book of Kells is a complete gospels manuscript, it contains the four Gospels of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).
It’s pretty incredible to see in person. And the pages of the Book of Kells are turned once every six weeks, which is so neat as it truly does offer such a differing experience each time you go in!
PS You won’t be allowed to take photos of The Book of Kells, but you can take as many as you like throughout the rest of the exhibit and the Long Room library.
A magical visit to The Book of Kells Experience
Right next to Trinity College is the Book of Kells Experience, an digital exhibit where you can immerse yourself and learn even more.
Go on a journey through the Secret Life of the Collections, The Book of Kells 360 and The Long Room Reimagined. Three immersive digital exhibitions that are so incredibly magical (you can check out my Instagram story highlights to see more too!)
It’s one of the more unexpected and cool things that I can recommend for you to check out as a book lover!
A royal exploration of the city through Dublin Castle & its medieval undercrofts
The castle sits at the heart of Dublin’s history: Vikings, medieval city walls, Tudor intrigue, and modern state functions.
Take a guided tour through the Norman towers, State Apartments, and the underground passageways.
Adult Ticket: €8.00
My favourite secret library you have to see? Marsh’s Library
Marsh’s Library in Dublin is absolutely a must for my fellow literary travellers.
Built by Archbishop Narcissus (great name) Marsh, was the first public library in Ireland. It’s also one of the few buildings left from the 18th century in Dublin that continue serving it’s original purpose.
It’s STILL a library after all!
And the books you see on display are in the spots that were allocated to them back by Marsh and Elias Bouhéreau, the first librarian of Marsh’s Library.
It’s such an incredible library to visit and surprisingly not very busy either, so you can take plenty of time having a good snoop of all the nooks and corners!
Oh and they very much encourage social sharing too – so snap away!
Tickets cost €7 (full price).
A literary visit to Oscar Wilde’s Home
Oscar Wilde’s Home is a must for literary fans!
At One Merrion Square, you can tour the house that Wilde grew up in and learn about his family’s fascinating history. He was such an interesting person and unsurprisingly, so were his parents!
Tickets are €12 per person, you pay at the reception when you go in
The hidden Eden Gardens: the Iveagh Gardens
A “secret garden” in the city, tucked between streets, with cascading waterfalls, a miniature maze, quiet shady paths, statues of gods and naiads.
It feels like a nod to a lost, more romantic era.
Step into a world of Irish folklore at the National Leprechaun Museum
Yes, this is a very real place. No, it’s not located at the end of a rainbow with a pot of gold… or is it?
Follow guided storytelling through rooms of whimsical illusions, folklore, and imaginative sets.
A chance to see Ireland’s fairytale heritage in full technicolor.
Tickets ranging from €11 – €18.
Wander through the secretive corners of St. Michan’s Church (and meet the mummies)
Beneath its floorboards lie crypts that guard mummies from the 17th century, one of which is said to raise a skeletal arm.
It’s eerie, intimate, thrilling. A kind of haunted whisper beneath the city.
Of course, it’s not a trip to Dublin without a little pilgrimage to the most popular tourist destinations:
St. Patrick’s Cathedral Dublin
Founded in honour of Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral offers visitors a rich and compelling cultural experience and is one of the few buildings left from medieval Dublin.
The Cathedral has a history that dates back to 450 AD!!
Tickets are €11.00 per adult.
Grab a drink or two at The Temple Bar
This is the most famous pub in Dublin! And sure, you might say, Kelly this is too touristy to go and do. Except for the beauty of being a tourist is ALSO doing the fun touristy things.
Rock up to The Temple Bar and order a pint of Guinness, enjoy the live music and soak in the Irish charm.
The Guinness Storehouse Experience
Speaking of a pint of Guinness, you’ve got to go on this tour. It’s the home of Ireland’s most iconic beer!
And the tour itself is such an immersive, fun one. You learn all about the history of Guinness and the process of making it.
PLUS at the end of your tour, you can hang out at the Gravity Bar. You’ll find 360° views of Dublin’s skyline from the seventh floor of the Storehouse! And you can enjoy a free pint – well, one that’s included in your ticket!
Tickets from €22 per person
Jameson Distillery Bow St. Dublin
Perhaps rather than pulling pints, you’re interested in a tipple of Irish whiskey?
Founded by John Jameson in 1780, today the former factory stands as a monument to Irish Whiskey!
Pop in to check out their distillery tours, cocktail-making classes, premium whiskey tasting sessions or to learn how to blend your own whiskey.
Of course, complete with a Jameson to finish.
Tours start from 26 EUR.
Pause at the Ha’penny Bridge at golden hour
Did you know that name once meant a half‑penny toll to cross?
Now the arching white iron bridge is one of the most romantic crossing points of the River Liffey. Visit to take a look at sunset views over the city.
PS. Mind you, the last time I was here the bridge was covered in gum…. but it’s still quite a famous spot!
Climb (…or maybe just gaze up at) the Spire of Dublin
This sleek 120 m stainless steel needle (also called the Monument of Light) juts into the sky above O’Connell Street.
Visit Kilmainham Gaol
Dark, powerful, haunting! Access to Kilmainham Gaol is by guided tour only, so make sure you book ahead as slots fill up quite quickly.
You will walk the corridors where revolutionaries were once incarcerated, hearing stories of sacrifice… it leaves an echo in your bones!
Tickets are €8.00 for adults.
Follow the River Liffey boardwalks & sunset strolls along the quays
Walk the quays (especially at dusk), cross bridges, listen to distant church bells, the city pulses quietly along that water’s edge.
The Liffey boardwalk along Eden Quay is especially atmospheric.
Find the “Hungry Tree” and other whimsical oddities
In the grounds of the law school, there’s a tree that appears to be creeping around and swallowing an iron bench. A little extra touch of magic in the city!
Also wander lanes for hidden murals, tucked-away archways, and the old gate of St. Audoen’s, a remnant of medieval Dublin.
Bonus Points:
Ballinastoe Woods
In Wicklow mountains, just 45 minutes outside of Dublin, you’ll find my favourite woodland.
Welcome to Ballinastoe Woods. It is downright magical here and I can’t recommend planning a hike in the area enough.
🍽️ Café & Restaurant Recommendations (for magical meals)
The Fumbally — A café with character and soul: soft, earthy interiors, artisan food, farmland‑inspired menus. Ideal for a late brunch or slow lunch.
Hugo’s Restaurant – We LOVED this restaurant and had one of the best meals in here. The staff are incredible and the food was delicious, featuring Irish dishes with a French influence, 10/10 recommend!
777 – The best Mexican restaurant to visit in Dublin. It kind of feels like a NYC dive bar in the absolute best way. We loved it here!
he Dining Room at Fallon & Byrne – The Dining Room restaurant at Fallon and Byrne — a beloved gem in the heart of Dublin City where contemporary Irish dining shines.
Brother Hubbard — Known for its Middle Eastern‑inspired breakfasts and inventive dishes.
The Woollen Mills — Overlooking the Liffey, a blend of classics and contemporary Irish fare in a warm, ambient space.
Chapter One — For a touch of elegance and fine dining, elevating Irish ingredients to art.
Klaw — If you love seafood (and who doesn’t want a little ocean magic), this intimate place serves oysters, crab, and small delights.
The Winding Stair — A super cute restaurant located right above a bookshop?! SIGN ME UP! They serve up homemade, local food, sourced from Irish artisan producers.
🏨 Hotels & Magical Stays to Book
When choosing where to stay, I love places with stories!
I’m always seeking out historic buildings, quirky interiors, the kinds of places you’ll hesitate to leave to go exploring (but of course, you’ve got to explore too)!
🏨 The Shelbourne
We stayed here during our most recent visit! It is such a beautiful luxury hotel. It’s certainly one of the best hotels in the city – they even have a LIBRARY BAR!
So truly, don’t miss the member’s library bar called, 1824 (which is SUCH a vibe) as well as the beautiful paintings of the square, St Stephen’s Green in the No. 27 Bar and Lounge.
Stauntons on the Green
An absolutely delightful stay right next to the park! It’s a hotel that’s full of charm and character without necessarily breaking the bank to stay.
Also, for neighborhoods: Portobello, Merrion Square, and near the National Concert Hall offer a more residential, quieter vibe while still being quite connected.
🧭 A Magical Day in Dublin Itinerary
Morning
- Begin with a gentle walk through Iveagh Gardens and grab a coffee
- Head to Trinity College early to beat the crowds, linger in the Long Room and marvel at the Book of Kells. Be sure to pop to the Book of Kells Experience too!
Midday
- Lunch at Brother Hubbard
- Cross the Ha’penny Bridge, explore the quays, pause at reflections on the water.
Afternoon
- Step underground at St. Michan’s, then walk through the castle and its undercrofts.
- Visit the National Leprechaun Museum for a playful dose of folklore.
Evening
- Dine at 777 for Mexican and margarites or Chapter One for an more elevated Irish meal experience.
- It’s touristy, but head to The Temple Bar for a last Guinness of the day!
Overnight
- Choose a hotel that feels like a story you want to live! We loved The Shelbourne but so many others are great! Including The Merrion, or even Carton House (if you don’t mind a short escape outside the city centre).
If you’ve got extra time check out more of Ireland…
I love Dublin so much!
It has that rare kind of alchemy: city noise softened by poetry, history breathing in every stone, and an underlying hum of music and laughter.
Soak in every moment and have the most enchanting visit to the city of literature!
Kelly xoxo