10 Must-Do Experiences in Dublin

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Ireland's capital—from a literary pub crawl to a classic Riverdance performance. Famed for its literature, music, and wit, Dublin combines the ancient with the modern. These top 10 experiences show Dublin at its authentic best.

1. Sit in on an Irish Traditional Music Session

The Cobblestone pub, a hub for Irish music since 1988, hosts traditional music sessions every night. Fiddlers, flautists, and accordion players sit in a circle and play tunes together, offering an authentic Irish cultural experience. The pub was saved from hotel developers by a petition in 2021, ensuring joyful jigs and reels continue every evening.

2. Cheer on Ireland’s Gaelic Sports

The GAA Museum in Croke Park showcases the history of Ireland’s Gaelic sports, hurling, and football. These sports played a significant role in the Irish independence movement. From April to July, tourists can catch a live match at Croke Park or watch on big screens in Dublin pubs as Ireland’s counties compete for the All-Ireland Championship.

3. Tap Your Toes to Riverdance

Catch Riverdance at the Gaiety Theatre from June to September. The blockbuster show, which debuted during Eurovision 1994, captivates with its percussive clicks and euphoric melodies, ensuring a mesmerizing performance until its showstopping finale.

4. Bite into a Chicken Fillet Roll

Sample genuine Irish comfort food with a chicken fillet roll: hot breaded chicken in a baguette with lettuce and mayonnaise. This quintessential Irish lunch is available in convenience stores citywide and offers a true taste of modern Ireland.

5. Stroll the North Dublin Seafront

North Dublin is experiencing a renaissance. A walk along Clontarf Promenade to Bull Island offers unique views over Dublin Bay. The recently refurbished Clontarf Baths, dating from 1886, now open to the public, provide a dreamy dip in the Irish Sea.

6. Gallivant Down Grafton Street

Grafton Street is Dublin’s main shopping area. Enjoy buskers, browse a mix of chain stores and local businesses, and savor treats at Bewley’s or Avoca café. In the evenings, explore the restaurants and pubs branching off the main street for a taste of Irish craic.

7. Learn About the Famine on Board the Jeanie Johnston

The Jeanie Johnston, a replica of a ship that carried Irish emigrants during the Famine, offers guided tours that highlight the emigrants’ experiences. Across the street, the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum shares stories of Irish emigrants worldwide.

8. Play Chess Like a Viking

Explore Dublin’s Viking past at the Dublinia Museum, where you can learn about Viking life, try on Viking clothes, and play Viking chess. Continue the theme with a Viking Splash Tour, an amphibious vehicle tour around Viking Dublin ending with a Grand Canal cruise.

9. Raise a Glass to Irish Authors

The Dublin Literary Pub Crawl celebrates Irish literature and well-known watering holes. Led by professional actors, the tour covers literary greats like James Joyce and Samuel Beckett. Conclude at the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI) for a fitting literary coda.

10. Explore Dublin’s Theaters

Dublin boasts great theaters like the Abbey, the Gaiety, and the Gate, presenting plays by classic and contemporary Irish playwrights. From immersive performances to historical narratives, Dublin’s theater scene is a cultural treasure trove.

These experiences offer a glimpse into Dublin's rich cultural tapestry, making your visit unforgettable.