Here’s our Dublin Anti-Tourist Guide to make sure you take the best of it while feeling like a local
Dublin, Ireland’s capital, is a famous European city, but many tourists don’t make it to the capital. Dublin has a great nightlife and a lot of historic sightseeing that you can enjoy for a couple of days. Enjoy Ireland’s cultural jewel as a local and visit the city like no other tourist does! Dublin is a great city to discover with some friends, family, or even alone. The city is very walkable, but it also has public transportation options, so you can easily get around. You’ll see that everything is very well located, which is great for a city trip! Read on for our Dublin Anti-Tourist Guide and to discover the best things to do in town.
How many days should I save to visit Dublin?
This is always a tricky question because there are a lot of other places in Europe where you can spend more time and really get to know the city and all its hidden gems. Dublin is no exception. You’ll have enough time if you only stay for two days, but depending on your interests and how much time you have, you can enjoy the city for more than four days!
What are the main highlights of Dublin?
1. Dublin’s Music Scene
a) Traditional Irish Live Music in Dublin
You’ve absolutely got to check out traditional Irish music when you’re in Dublin. There are tons of places to hear it, like Cobblestone, a pub where you’ll find plenty of Irish musicians. If you’re free on a Sunday afternoon, Devitt’s Pub is another great spot. This family-run joint is close to St. Stephen’s Green. You’ll find some great musicians there, some of whom are still in the early stages of their careers. If you’re looking for a more well-known spot for live music, St. Stephen’s Green is home to O’Donoghue’s Bar, a place that has seen many talented musicians make their start.
b) Open Mic Nights in Dublin
Hey, have you ever thought about going to an open mic night? They’re a lot of fun, and they’re actually pretty popular in Dublin. You can check out local talent and different music styles. The Bleeding Horse is a pub that has open mic nights every Sunday, and the International Bar has them on Mondays. If you’re free during the week, you can also check out Bruxelles Bar on Wednesdays.
c) Clubbing in Dublin
Dublin’s nightlife is pretty diverse, and Club M Night Club is a great place to start. You can grab a drink with friends, dance, and mingle on the dance floor. If you’re looking for a more upscale experience, check out Lavish Nights Dublin. It’s a top spot in Ireland’s capital for a night on the town. And don’t miss The Mezz – Temple Bar, a classic Dublin nightclub. This place is perfect if you love some good beers or cocktails while listening to rock or live music performances!
2. Where to eat in Dublin
Dublin’s got some great food spots. You can get a cheap and lovely meal at Little Dumpling, a Chinese restaurant with some of the best dumplings you’ll ever taste. Everything on the menu is made fresh, and prices are reasonable. If you’re looking for authentic Irish food, check out Quays. This restaurant is right in the cultural center of the city. Here, you can get a taste of the local food culture and enjoy some stews, beef, and of course, all of that with a tasty pint of Guinness.
3. What to do in Dublin
Temple Bar
Temple Bar is one of the city’s most well-known areas. This area on the south side of Dublin is mostly known for its nightlife and cozy streets. One of the most well-known bars in this area is the Temple Bar Pub. You’ll probably recognize the pub thanks to its red exterior and the green bushes on the wall, which are lit up at night. Besides the tourist attractions, there are also some hidden gems!
Book Of Kells Experience
The Book of Kells Experience is an incredible activity that you should definitely check out when visiting Dublin. It’s located in the Old Library of Trinity College, right in the heart of the city. You can take in the stunning architecture both inside and out. This digital exhibition reveals hidden gems in the library that you’d never imagined being there to see!
Guinness Storehouse
If you’re a beer lover, or just curious about beer, you should definitely check out the Storehouse to learn about the history of Guinness. Guinness was first brewed in 1759 by St. James’s Gate Brewery, and it’s a name that’s immediately familiar to anyone who’s anyone when it comes to beer. And the best part? You get a free pint at the seventh-floor Gravity Bar with stunning views of the city to top it off.
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4. Alternative places in Dublin
Kilmainham Gaol
This is one of Dublin’s most popular tourist attractions. Kilmainham Gaol was a prison where many prisoners died. It’s now open to the public, so you can take a look inside and see what life was like back then. The former jail is just outside the city center, close to the Irish Museum of Modern Art, so you can combine the two on the same day!
Viking Splash Tour
This tour is great for kids, but adults will love it too! Hop on board an amphibious vehicle for a tour on the water and see the main highlights of Dublin from the water. During the tour, you’ll get to wear real Viking hats and act the part! It’s the perfect way to take a break while visiting Ireland’s capital.
The Little Museum of Dublin
Dublin’s historic sites are can’t-miss. There are tons of special museums, buildings, and locations to check out. This museum is one of the best in the city. It’ll take you on a journey through Irish history with engaging exhibitions and informative guides.
5. Where to stay?
You know we always come through with the best suggestions so make sure you follow this one. Our friends at the LaTroupe Jacobs Inn are the place to go. They have daily events so you can trust them for fun, amazing staff and the comfiest beds.
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