Planning a trip to Dublin can feel a bit overwhelming. With so many iconic sights, historic corners, and quirky local experiences to squeeze in, it’s hard to know where to start.
Most “Dublin bucket list” guides feel generic and miss the real magic, the places locals genuinely love, the experiences that stay with you, and the spots you’d only know about if you’ve wandered the city many times over.
That’s where this list comes in. I’ve spent years exploring Dublin on foot, camera in hand, building a collection of my own favourite places and moments. And because I’ve taken photos in almost all of them, this list isn’t just theoretical, it’s personal.
Below you’ll find 25 must-do experiences, grouped by theme to help you plan a trip that fits your pace. Mix a few from each category and you’ll get a taste of the real Dublin, the history, the greenery, the food, the stories, and the craic.
By the end, you’ll have your own Dublin bucket list ready to tick off, whether you’re visiting for a day or settling in for a longer wander around the capital.
- Plan your Trip With My Favorite Resources
- 1. Kilmainham Gaol
- 2. Dublin Castle State Apartments
- 3. St Patrick's Cathedral
- 4. Christ Church Cathedral
- 5. GPO (General Post Office)
- 6. Trinity College and the Book of Kells
- 7. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
- 8. Chester Beatty Library
- 9. National Museum of Archaeology
- 10. National Gallery of Ireland
- 11. National History Museum ("Dead Zoo")
- 12. Dublinia
- 13. Phoenix Park
- 14. St Stephen's Green
- 15. National Botanic Gardens
- 16. Dublin Zoo
- 17. Grafton Street
- 18. Henry Street
- 19. Walking Tour of Dublin
- 20. Food Tour of Dublin
- 21. Guinness Storehouse
- 22. Jeanie Johnston
- 23. Viking Splash Tour
- 24. Ghost Tour of Dublin
- 25. Brazen Head Pub
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Rich in History & Heritage
1. Kilmainham Gaol
Step into one of Europe’s most significant historical prisons, where the stories of Ireland’s struggle for independence echo through the cold stone corridors.
You’ll walk through the Victorian wing with its impressive skylit central hall, explore the cramped original cells, and stand in the courtyard where the 1916 Easter Rising leaders were executed.
The museum expertly weaves together political, penal, and social history, making this an essential stop for understanding modern Ireland. Just remember to leave time to explore the museum exhibits after your guided tour.

My first trip to Kilmainham Gaol was on a school trip when I was 12. While I can’t remember much of it, I know it stuck with me. And I revisited it in the last few years when my sisters and I spent one day in Dublin as tourists.
Our tour guide was Jonathon, and he made our tour so interesting. His knowledge of the Gaol and its former inmates was incredible.
Top tip: you need to book your tickets in advance for Kilmainham Gaol as it is one of Dublin’s top 10 tourist attractions. Tickets go on sale at midnight (Irish time) 28 days in advance, and they sell out fast. So be quick!
Address: Inchicore Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, D08 RK28
Website: kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie
2. Dublin Castle State Apartments
Explore over 800 years of Irish history at Dublin Castle, which served as the seat of British rule in Ireland until 1922.
You’ll tour the lavishly decorated State Apartments, still used for presidential inaugurations and state functions, featuring stunning hand-painted ceilings, Waterford crystal chandeliers, and priceless artwork.
Don’t miss the medieval undercroft, where you can see the original 13th-century castle walls and the base of the Powder Tower.

Again, my first visit to the State Apartments was on the aforementioned school tour. And during a Dublin walking tour with AB Tours, I revisited them. They were even more stunning than I remembered them, especially now that I could appreciate the history behind it all.
Guided tours of the State Apartments sell out very early in the morning, but you can still enjoy them on a self-guided tour. My favourite place is St Patrick’s Hall, also known as the ‘Blue Hall’. Its stunning deep blue walls are incredible, and this room is still used to inaugurate the Irish Presidents, most recently for the inauguration of Ireland’s 10th President, Catherine Connelly.
Top tip: If you are planning to visit many historical sites on your Ireland trip, get yourself an OPW card, where entry into the State Apartments at Dublin Castle is included.
Address: Dame Street, Dublin 2, D02 P772
Website: dublincastle.ie
3. St Patrick’s Cathedral
Visit Ireland’s largest cathedral, founded in 1191, where Jonathan Swift once served as dean.
You’ll be awed by the soaring Gothic architecture, intricate floor tiles, and over 500 years of monuments and memorials. The cathedral houses fascinating artefacts, including Swift’s death mask, medieval brasses, and the door of reconciliation, a wooden door with a hole cut through it that gave rise to the phrase “chancing your arm.”

St Patrick’s Cathedral always eluded me until my walking tour of Dublin with Alan Byrne. This is despite my passing it thousands of times on my way into town on the bus.
But Alan and I popped in during my private walking tour of Dublin, and I was suitably impressed. You can take self-guided tours with audio around the cathedral and enjoy it at your own pace.
The ‘chancing your arm’ door was amazing (see picture above), and it was during this visit that I learned where that saying came from! Alan was also super knowledgeable about the cathedral and explained the meaning behind the lion and the unicorn on some of the flags in the cathedral.
The cathedral is both stunning and a quiet haven in a bustling city, and I highly recommend you try and pay a visit, especially if you are spending a few days in Dublin.
Address: St Patrick’s Close, Dublin 8, D08 H6X3
Website: stpatrickscathedral.ie
4. Christ Church Cathedral
Dublin’s oldest building offers you a journey through nearly 1,000 years of history, from its Viking foundations to its Victorian restoration.
You’ll discover the vast 12th-century crypt, the largest in Britain or Ireland, housing treasures including a mummified cat and rat, caught in chase within the organ pipes centuries ago. These are fondly known as Tom and Jerry to us locals.
The cathedral also features the stunning medieval chapter house and connects via an ornate Victorian bridge to Dublinia (more on this later).

Christ Church was another stop on my school tour at age 12, and I have revisited it twice in recent years, both with my son and alone.
It’s an impressive building, both inside and out, as is the crypt. Queues can be long at peak times for tickets, but once you are inside, it feels peaceful and serene. Make sure you try and include this in your Dublin itinerary.
Address: Christchurch Place, Dublin 8, D08 TF98
Website: christchurchcathedral.ie
5. GPO (General Post Office)
Stand where modern Ireland was born at the GPO, the headquarters of the 1916 Easter Rising. You’ll find the Witness History exhibition, an immersive museum that brings the rebellion to life through artefacts, interactive displays, and a dramatic film experience.
The building’s facade still bears the scars of the uprising (see picture below), with bullet marks visible on the columns, powerful reminders of the six-day siege that changed Irish history forever.

In my mind, the GPO will forever be Dublin’s central post office. I remember going on many Saturday mornings with my mum to get a lottery ticket or post a letter after we had been shopping on both nearby Moore Street and Henry Street.
An Post (Ireland’s postal service body) has moved its HQ to another building in Dublin, but the post office will remain in operation. The offices were returned to the Office of Public Works in July 2025, the body that looks after and maintains most of Ireland’s historical buildings. There are redevelopment plans.
The GPO museum is dedicated to the Easter Rising and is housed in the building. It takes you through key events that led to the creation of the Irish Republic. But even if you don’t have time for the museum, you should check out the façade and see if you can spot the bullet holes which have been there for more than 100 years.
Address: O’Connell Street Lower, Dublin 1, D01 F5P2
Website: gpowitnesshistory.ie
6. Trinity College and the Book of Kells
Experience Ireland’s oldest university, founded in 1592, where you’ll walk the same cobblestones as Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, and Bram Stoker.
The magnificent Old Library houses the world-famous Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript created by Celtic monks around 800 AD, displaying intricate artwork that has survived over 1,200 years.
After viewing the ancient text, you’ll ascend to the breathtaking Long Room Library, home to 200,000 of the library’s oldest books beneath a spectacular barrel-vaulted ceiling.

From the beginning of 2026, the Long Room Library will be closed for renovation and restoration. During this time, visitors can still enjoy the Book of Kells and exhibitions in the Book of Kells Experience in its new home in the Red Pavillion.
You can also enjoy the Library in The Long Room Reimagined, one of three immersive digital exhibitions that ensure your visit will be a memorable one. Trinity is doing their utmost to ensure visitors still get a unique experience of the Long Room and the Book of Kells.
Address: College Green, Dublin 2, D02 PN40
Website: https://www.visittrinity.ie/book-of-kells-experience/
Museums, Culture & Learning
7. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
Discover why over 10 million people have left Ireland through this state-of-the-art interactive museum.
You’ll journey through 20 themed galleries using your personal passport, exploring how the Irish diaspora influenced the world through politics, science, sports, and arts.
The museum’s cutting-edge technology includes motion sensor quizzes, video galleries, and touchscreen databases that make history come alive in ways you’ve never experienced before.

I visited EPIC with my sister as we played tourists in our hometown one day. Our one day Dublin tour took us to EPIC after lunch, and we were both blown away.
Each exhibition was different from the others, and we learned a lot about the Irish diaspora (of which I am one). If you’d like to learn more about why the Irish emigrated, to where, and their achievements, this unique place to visit in Dublin is for you!
Address: The CHQ Building, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1, D01 Y6E7
Website: epicchq.com
8. Chester Beatty Library
Explore one of Europe’s finest collections of manuscripts, rare books, and decorative arts from around the world.
You’ll find treasures spanning 5,000 years, including ancient Egyptian papyrus texts, illuminated Qur’ans, Chinese dragon robes, and Japanese woodblock prints.
Named European Museum of the Year in 2002, this hidden gem offers free admission and provides fascinating insights into the artistic traditions of Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.

This is one of my absolute favourite places to visit in Dublin, having first visited it with Alan on my Dublin walking tour. I loved it so much, I’ve been back twice to enjoy it even more.
And no matter how many times I visit, I always discover something new to wonder at. The Chester Beatty Library is also the perfect place to visit when it rains in Dublin, as it is free, has two packed floors, and there is a café. Perfect!
Address: Dublin Castle, Dame Street, Dublin 2, D02 AD92
Website: chesterbeatty.ie
9. National Museum of Archaeology
Immerse yourself in Ireland’s archaeological treasures, from prehistoric gold to Viking artefacts.
You’ll marvel at the Ardagh Chalice, the Tara Brooch, and Europe’s finest collection of Bronze Age gold objects.
The museum’s bog bodies exhibition displays remarkably preserved Iron Age human remains, offering haunting glimpses into ancient ritual practices, while the Viking Ireland section showcases everyday objects from Dublin’s Norse settlers.
Now, if you are in any way a bit squeamish, I don’t recommend you see the Bog Men. Thankfully, they are on display behind some partitions, but you can read about them and their discovery on the information boards on the partitions.
For those who aren’t squeamish, I highly recommend you visit them. They truly are a unique thing to see.

Aside from these, the National Museum of Archaeology is full of things to see and discover as you journey through Ireland’s history. Allow a few hours to browse the exhibitions. And, it’s another perfect place to visit in Dublin when it is raining.
Address: Kildare Street, Dublin 2, D02 FH48
Website: museum.ie
10. National Gallery of Ireland
Wander through an exceptional collection of European and Irish art spanning from the 14th to the 20th century.
You’ll encounter masterpieces by Caravaggio, Vermeer, Monet, and Jack B. Yeats, Ireland’s most celebrated painter.
The gallery offers free admission to both its permanent collection and many temporary exhibitions, with the stunning Millennium Wing providing modern exhibition spaces flooded with natural light.

I visited the National Gallery for the first time on a recent visit home and loved the gallery. I’m not usually an art lover, but there were some beautiful paintings to see.
One of my favourite places was that pictured above. The atrium, staircase and blue walls just called out to me. What do you think?
The National Gallery of Ireland off Merrion Square is a great free thing to do in Dublin, ideal if you are trying to watch your budget.
Address: Merrion Square West, Dublin 2, D02 K303
Website: nationalgallery.ie
11. National History Museum (“Dead Zoo”)
Step into a Victorian cabinet of curiosities where taxidermied animals have remained largely unchanged since 1857.
You’ll be surrounded by floor-to-ceiling displays of Irish mammals, birds, fish, and insects, plus exotic species from around the globe.
The museum’s old-world charm, complete with creaky wooden floors and handwritten labels, offers a nostalgic journey through natural history that feels frozen in time.

I’ve visited the ‘Dead Zoo’, as we locals call it, many times, both as a child and later with my nephew and son. Although not all of the museum is open these days, the two floors that are open house great specimens that kids will love seeing.
My favourite exhibit is the Giant Deer skeleton, a species that once roamed Ireland but is now extinct.
Note: The Natural History Museum is currently closed for extensive renovations, but there is a temporary exhibition at Collins Barracks where some of the collection is on display (click here for location).
Address: Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2, D02 F627
Website: museum.ie
12. Dublinia
Travel back to medieval and Viking Dublin through interactive exhibitions that bring history to life.
You’ll try on Viking clothing, experience the sights and smells of medieval streets, and climb the 96 steps of St. Michael’s Tower for panoramic city views.
The museum features archaeological finds from Wood Quay, life-sized reconstructions, and hands-on activities that make this particularly engaging for families while remaining fascinating for adults.

Dublinia was another stop on my school tour, all those years ago, and I have revisited twice, once with my son and once on my own. I can highly recommend it for those visiting Dublin with kids.
I love the interactive displays, especially the ‘medicine’ drawers in Medieval Dublin and the Viking clothes and house in Viking Dublin.
The 96 steps are tough when your fitness isn’t great, but worth it for the views on a clear day.
And even better, you can combine your visit to Dublinia with Christ Church Cathedral, as they are linked by a bridge.
Address: St Michael’s Hill, Christchurch, Dublin 8, D08 DT63
Website: dublinia.ie
Parks, Nature & Outdoor Dublin
13. Phoenix Park
Explore Europe’s largest enclosed urban park, spanning 1,750 acres of green space just minutes from the city center.
You’ll encounter wild fallow deer roaming freely, visit the Victorian People’s Garden, and see Áras an Uachtaráin, the President’s residence.
The park also houses Dublin Zoo, the Papal Cross, and the Victorian Magazine Fort (where my husband’s family once lived), offering endless opportunities for walking, cycling, or simply picnicking on vast lawns.

I have spent many, many days in the Phoenix Park with my family. On a Sunday morning, my Dad used to put the dogs in the car, and we’d take them to the park to enjoy a walk, making sure they were on the lead if we spotted the deer.
I’ve also visited Dublin Zoo so many times and have been very impressed by the changes and improvements made since I was a child. The zoo is larger now with bigger enclosures for many of the animals.
I will happily continue to visit with my son and extended family when we have time during our visits home.
Address: Phoenix Park, Dublin 8
Website: phoenixpark.ie
14. St Stephen’s Green
Find tranquility in this 22-acre Georgian garden square, Dublin’s beloved green lung in the heart of the shopping district.
You can stroll along the lake watching swans and ducks, discover hidden sculptures and monuments, and enjoy the colorful Victorian flower beds that change with the seasons.
The park features a playground, a bandstand for summer concerts, and numerous benches perfect for people-watching or enjoying lunch outdoors.

My fondest memories of enjoying St Patrick’s Day as a teen are heading into St Stephen’s Green with my friends after watching the parade and enjoying a picnic. I’m sure this was a rare warm day in March in Ireland, but that memory always sticks in my mind.
Much like the Phoenix Park, I’ve spent many a Saturday strolling the paths in the park with my family when we went into town, sometimes feeding the ducks. It’s a real haven in the centre of the city, and somewhere you can find a quiet moment.
Alan Byrne also brought me into St Stephen’s Green during our tour and opened my eyes to the information boards dotted around the edge and their story and significance, something I never knew before. It really goes to show that sometimes there is more to your hometown than you realise!
Address: St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2
Website: ststephensgreenpark.ie
15. National Botanic Gardens
Wander through 19.5 hectares of plant collections featuring over 15,000 plant species from around the world.
You’ll explore stunning Victorian glasshouses, including the restored Curvilinear Range and Palm House, discover the rose garden, alpine yard, and arboretum, all while learning about conservation efforts for endangered plants.
Entry is free, making this a perfect escape for nature lovers seeking respite from city life.

While I had visited the Botanic Gardens as a child, I didn’t really remember them, so in September 2024, while in Dublin with my son for a family gathering, we met my sister-in-law at the Botanic Gardens and enjoyed lunch and a fabulous stroll around them in the sunshine, something that does sometimes happen in Ireland in September.
The glasshouses impressed me again, and my son and I even spotted a few plants we recognize from Portugal.
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre, I highly recommend a visit to the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin. Just watch out for the squirrels in the arboretum. One tried to climb up my leg and scared the life out of me!
Address: Glasnevin, Dublin 9, D09 VY63
Website: botanicgardens.ie
16. Dublin Zoo
Meet over 400 animals from around the globe in one of Europe’s oldest and most popular zoos.
You’ll journey through different habitats, including the African Savanna, Orangutan Forest, and Sea Lion Cove, while learning about vital conservation programs protecting endangered species.
The zoo’s commitment to education and conservation, combined with spacious enclosures and engaging keeper talks, creates an experience that delights visitors of all ages.

Dublin Zoo has undergone a radical change since I was a child, visiting all those years ago. While I always enjoyed my visits, some of the enclosures were tired and dated, but over the years, this has been improved.
The African Savanna and the entire back part of the zoo are new additions over the years and are very impressive. It has been lovely watching the transformation of Dublin Zoo from my youth, and I’m sure we’ll be visiting again soon.
Address: Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, D08 WF88
Website: dublinzoo.ie
Shopping, Streets & Local City Life
17. Grafton Street
Experience Dublin’s premier shopping street, where buskers provide a soundtrack to your retail therapy.
You’ll find everything from Brown Thomas (Ireland’s luxury department store) to high street favorites, plus the famous Bewley’s Café with its stunning Harry Clarke stained glass windows.
The pedestrianized street buzzes with energy day and night, offering prime people-watching opportunities and leading directly to St Stephen’s Green.

Little known fact, my Mum used to work in Bewley’s Café, so I had to revisit it on my last trip to Dublin for old times’ sake. However, things have changed in there. Gone are the queues for the breakfast counter and then finding your own table; you are now seated with service at your table!
And Grafton Street is a great place to visit if you are in Ireland in December, with its Christmas light displays and festive atmosphere in full swing.
And if you are on the hunt for some cheap Irish souvenirs to bring back home, pop into Carroll’s for budget-friendly souvenirs. I regularly go in for a browse if I’m in town.
Address: Grafton Street, Dublin 2
18. Henry Street
Discover Dublin’s other major shopping thoroughfare, where locals actually shop.
You’ll find better prices than on Grafton Street, with department stores like Arnott’s and Penneys (Primark) alongside the modern Jervis Shopping Centre.
The street maintains a more authentic Dublin feel, with Moore Street’s traditional fruit and vegetable market just steps away, where traders still call out their wares in distinctive Dublin accents.

Henry Street was a regular trip into town for us with our Mum on a Saturday morning. We’d start with breakfast in Ann’s bakery before going into Penneys and then browsing the other shops. I’ve been in many times since, and it always brings me back to my younger years.
Address: Henry Street, Dublin 1
19. Walking Tour of Dublin
Join a guided walking tour to uncover hidden stories and secret spots you’d never find alone.
You’ll learn about Dublin’s literary giants, revolutionary history, and colorful characters while exploring cobbled streets and hidden alleyways.
Popular options include the free walking tours (tip-based), historical tours focusing on 1916, and literary pub crawls that combine storytelling with traditional Irish pubs.

I’ve taken a few walking tours of Dublin in recent years to get an insight into my hometown from a tourist’s perspective and have always learned something new each time.
I’ve done both regular walking tours and a private walking tour, and of course, the private one is highly personalised and in-depth, taking into account what you want to see/learn and your interests. Whichever you choose to do, I’m sure you will see Dublin through a new lens.
Various operators and starting points – check providers like dublinfreewalkingtour.ie or dublinwalkingtours.ie
Discover my roundup of the best walking tours of Dublin here.
20. Food Tour of Dublin
Taste your way through Dublin’s evolving food scene, from traditional Irish fare to modern culinary innovations, on a food tour of Dublin.
You may sample artisan cheeses, fresh oysters, craft beers, and Irish whiskey while learning about Dublin’s food history and meeting passionate local producers.
Tours typically include 8-10 tastings at various establishments, providing enough food for lunch while introducing you to neighborhoods beyond the tourist center.

My son and I have done a Donut Walking Tour of Dublin and thoroughly enjoyed it.
We visited four different donut places (I never knew Dublin had). We enjoyed donuts and churros of all shapes and sizes while learning about the streets we were walking through. I can highly recommend this food tour of Dublin, and our guide kept the tour light and engaging enough for my son, who was 9 years old at the time.
Various operators – check providers like fabulousfoodtrails.ie or dublintastingtrail.ie
Read my review of the Underground Donut Tour of Dublin here.
Unique Experiences & Offbeat Fun
21. Guinness Storehouse
Ascend seven floors through the world’s largest pint glass-shaped building, learning how Ireland’s most famous export is made.
You’ll discover the four ingredients of Guinness, learn to pour the perfect pint at the Guinness Academy, and enjoy 360-degree city views from the Gravity Bar while savoring your complimentary pint.
The self-guided experience includes interactive exhibits on advertising history and the Guinness family’s impact on Dublin.

The Guinness Storehouse had always eluded me while I lived in Dublin, but Alan soon changed that on my tour of Dublin with him.
He whizzed me through the floors, stopping at what he believes are the most important and interesting exhibits, taking photos of me at some of the best points and then up to the Gravity Bar we went. Unfortunately, it was a grey and miserable day in Dublin so the views weren’t great, but I was still glad to tick off this Dublin bucket list place.
Address: St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8, D08 VF8H
Website: guinness-storehouse.com
22. Jeanie Johnston
Board this replica of a 19th-century Famine ship to understand the desperate journey of Irish emigrants to North America.
You’ll descend into the cramped quarters where up to 250 passengers spent seven weeks at sea, guided by costumed actors sharing true stories of passengers and crew.
Remarkably, the original Jeanie Johnston never lost a single passenger or crew member during its 16 voyages, earning it a legendary reputation among emigrant ships.

I was eager to visit the Jeanie Johnston, having visited the Dunbrody Famine Ship in County Wexford a few years ago, and visited it with my son and family.
The hour-long tour was brilliant, and character actors helped to keep the kids engaged and interested. The replica is a great place in Dublin to visit with kids and can be combined with EPIC, which is just across the road from the ship.
If you are looking for something unique to do in Dublin, make sure to visit the Jeanie Johnston.
Address: Custom House Quay, Dublin 1, D01 KF84
Website: jeaniejohnston.ie
23. Viking Splash Tour
Experience Dublin by both land and water aboard an amphibious World War II vehicle.
You’ll drive through the city streets learning about Viking and medieval Dublin (with encouraged Viking roaring at pedestrians), before splashing into the Grand Canal Docklands for a water-based tour of Dublin’s modern development.
While touristy, it offers a unique perspective and plenty of fun, especially for families or those seeking something different.

I did the Viking Splash Tour as a teen and returned a few years ago to experience it with my son. It was brilliant fun, and he loved roaring at the poor pedestrians we were passing. He was a bit anxious about the water part of the tou,r but was soon enjoying the scenes around the Docklands.
If you want something fun to do in Dublin, then book yourself onto the Viking Splash Tour!
Address: St. Stephen’s Green North, Dublin 2
Website: vikingsplash.com
24. Ghost Tour of Dublin
Explore Dublin’s darker history through tales of ghosts, graveyards, and gruesome executions after nightfall.
On a ghost tours of Dublin, you’ll visit haunted locations while professional storytellers recount chilling tales of body snatchers, tragic spirits, and mysterious occurrences that have plagued Dublin for centuries.
The combination of historical facts, theatrical performance, and atmospheric locations creates an entertaining evening that reveals a different side of the city.

And don’t worry, if you are visiting Dublin with kids, why not book the Dublin Ghostbus Kids tour, a slightly less scary version of the adults’ one. I took my son and his cousin on this, and we laughed and howled our way around Dublin on it. The kids absolutely loved it!
Various operators and routes – check providers like dublinsghosttour.ie or ghostbusdublin.ie
Discover the best Dublin Ghost tours here!
25. Brazen Head Pub
Raise a glass in one of Ireland’s oldest pubs, dating back to 1198, where revolutionaries once plotted and literary giants gathered.
You’ll find traditional Irish music sessions most nights, hearty pub food, and walls steeped in over 800 years of history.
The pub’s courtyard and various rooms each tell different stories, from Robert Emmet’s rebellion planning to James Joyce’s drinking sessions, making this a living piece of Dublin history.

I enjoyed a lunch in the Brazen Head one day while I played tourist in Dublin. I was in the area at opening time, so I decided to pop in, see the pub for myself, and I enjoyed traditional bacon and cabbage with mashed potato. Oh, it was delicious.
If you want to eat somewhere with plenty of options on the menu and a place that is steeped in history, add the Brazen Head to your Dublin itinerary.
Address: 20 Lower Bridge Street, Dublin 8, D08 WC64
Website: brazenhead.com
Read about my visit to the BrazenHead, Dublin’s oldest pub.
Final thoughts on my Local’s Dublin Bucket List
Dublin is a city that rewards wandering; every lane, museum, café, and green space has its own story.
This Dublin bucket list brings together my favourite spots from years of exploring, so you can experience the city the way locals do.
Whether you tick off a handful or tackle all 25, you’ll leave with memories that stay with you long after the last pint of Guinness. Enjoy the adventure.
Before you go, you might also enjoy these:
- Things to Do When It Rains in Dublin
- Best Free Things to Do in Dublin
- Best Free Museums and Galleries in Dublin
- Top 10 Dublin Attractions
- 1 Day Dublin Itinerary
- 3 Day Dublin Itinerary
- 4 Day Dublin Itinerary
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Other Tips for Ireland
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET AROUND IRELAND?
If you are in a city, use the local public transportation system, especially in the Irish capital. Here is my guide to getting around Dublin.
If you’re going between cities or to smaller towns, you can usually take the train (I buy my tickets through Eurail or RailEurope).
In rural areas, train stations are rarer so you might want to rent a car, which is easy in Ireland (I use Rentalcars or Discovercars).
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR IRELAND?
It depends. If your travel insurance already covers you in Ireland, then you’re all set. If not, head for VisitorsCoverage for everything travel.
WILL MY PHONE WORK IN IRELAND? WHAT ABOUT MY CHARGER?
You can use your roaming plan in Ireland. If you don’t have one, you can do one of several things (just make sure you have an unlocked phone).
You can order a SIM card before you get to Ireland.
You can buy a SIM card from a shop in Ireland.
You can buy an e-SIM.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR IRELAND?
Here are a few essentials you should NOT leave home without:
Comfortable walking shoes. You’ll be on your feet a lot, and… cobblestones and mud.
Plugs are different in Ireland. So pack a universal travel adapter.
An anti-theft purse (this is the bag I use).
A good rain jacket (for summer) or coat (for winter) because rain is frequent in Ireland. It isn’t called the Emerald Isle for nothing!
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO BOOK A PLACE TO STAY IN IRELAND?
I use booking.com for my own travels around Ireland. Listings are extensive, including apartments, and cancellation policies generous.