Things to Do Across County Dublin: Go Beyond the Tourist Traps

Beyond the city centre, County Dublin runs from coast to mountains. Walk the Howth cliff path over Dublin Bay, roam Phoenix Park, one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital and home to wild deer, visit Malahide Castle, home to the Talbot family for centuries, and the coastal villages of Dalkey and Killiney.

Sure County Dublin is home to the capital but don’t confine yourself to the city centre! When exploring County Dublin, you’ll quickly discover it’s a place of stark contrasts. Within minutes, you can journey from bustling city streets to tranquil coastal villages and rugged mountains. This diversity sets Dublin apart from its neighboring counties.

County Dublin Attractions

Dublin Castle

Built in the early 13th century on the site of a Viking settlement, this fortress served for centuries as the headquarters of English, and later British, administration in Ireland until it was handed over to the new Irish government in 1922.

Visitor Info: The castle puts the average guided tour at about 1 hour, including the State Apartments and the Viking Excavation (reached by stairs only). Mornings typically see fewer crowds, especially on weekdays. The Chester Beatty Library within the castle grounds deserves an additional hour.

Howth Head Peninsula

A great spot for a run or hike, this stunning headland offers some of the most spectacular coastal walks in Leinster. The Howth Cliff Path provides panoramic views across Dublin Bay that rival even Wicklow’s famous cliff walks. You’ll spot Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island offshore.

Visitor Info: Visit Dublin lists the Cliff Path Loop at 7.8km and about 2 hours, and shorter options are available. Morning visits offer the best lighting for photography, while sunset views are particularly magical. The village of Howth itself deserves another hour for exploring.

Phoenix Park

The Office of Public Works describes Phoenix Park as one of the largest enclosed public parks in any capital city in Europe. Unlike the manicured formal gardens of Powerscourt in Wicklow, it keeps a wilder character, with a herd of wild fallow deer. Don’t feed or approach them; the OPW asks visitors to keep their distance.

Visitor Info: You could spend an entire day here. The park houses Dublin Zoo, Áras an Uachtaráin (the President’s residence), and the Victorian People’s Flower Gardens. Renting bikes is the best way to cover the vast grounds. Weekday mornings offer the most peaceful experience.

Malahide Castle and Gardens

The Talbot family held Malahide from the 12th century, expanding an Anglo-Norman tower house over the centuries until the castle took its current form; the castle describes it as the family’s home for over 800 years.

Visitor Info: Plan for 2-3 hours to tour the castle and explore the botanical gardens. The gardens are awe-inspiring in late spring, but the castle’s interior is fascinating year-round. Weekday visits are considerably less crowded.

Dalkey and Killiney

These adjacent coastal villages offer a glimpse into Dublin’s wealthy maritime past and present. The area combines historical sites with stunning sea views and has been home to numerous Irish literary figures and celebrities. Killiney Hill provides views that locals often compare to the Bay of Naples.

Visitor Info: Dalkey Castle requires about an hour, while a walk up Killiney Hill takes another hour. The DART train service makes this area easily accessible.

The National Botanic Gardens

The gardens in Glasnevin, about 3km from the city centre, hold over 16,000 plant species and cultivars and a set of historic glasshouses.

Visitor Info: Admission to the gardens is free. They open seven days a week, with shorter winter hours, and close on Christmas Day; check the OPW listing for current times. Spring and early summer showcase the most blooms, but the glasshouses are impressive year-round.

Hidden Dublin Gems

Poolbeg Lighthouse Walk

The Great South Wall extends 4km into Dublin Bay, ending at the distinctive red Poolbeg Lighthouse. Most tourists never venture here, but it offers unparalleled views of Dublin Bay and the busy shipping lane into Dublin Port. On windy days the spray off the wall is spectacular. Bring a flask of tea.

The Forty Foot Swimming Spot

This historic sea-swimming spot in Sandycove features in the opening chapter of James Joyce’s “Ulysses” and draws hardy swimmers all year round. The Irish Sea is cold in every season, so go in carefully and know your limits.

Marino Casino

This 18th-century neo-classical garden building is one of the finest in Ireland, yet many Dubliners have never visited. Despite its name, it was never used for gambling: “casino” here means “small house”, and from outside it looks far smaller than it is.

Visitor Info: Access is by guided tour only. The OPW listing gives opening days and prices.

The Hell Fire Club

Sitting atop Montpelier Hill in the Dublin Mountains, this ruined shooting lodge was built around 1725 by the Speaker of the Irish House of Parliament. Tradition links it to a club of “wild young gentlemen” known for bad behaviour, which gave it the Hellfire name, and it has gathered legends of occult goings-on and appearances by the Devil ever since. Coillte’s Montpelier Loop (4km, about 1 hour) takes you up to the ruin.

Event Calendar

Spring

St. Patrick’s Festival (March) - Beyond the famous parade on 17 March, the festival runs events across the city over several days.

Howth Maritime & Seafood Festival (May in 2026) - A celebration of Howth’s seafaring heritage and seafood, which in 2026 ran on 22 to 24 May after moving from its old September slot.

Summer

Bloomsday (June 16) - The Bloomsday Festival builds up to 16 June (11 to 16 June in 2026). This celebration of James Joyce’s “Ulysses” sees literary enthusiasts dressed in Edwardian attire retracing the novel’s route through Dublin, with readings at locations featured in the book.

Longitude Festival (summer) - Marlay Park hosts this music festival; the 2025 edition ran on 5 and 6 July. Check the site for the next dates.

Dalkey Book Festival (June) - Attracting literary stars to this coastal village; the 2026 festival ran on 18 to 21 June.

Autumn

Dublin Theatre Festival (September-October) - An annual festival of theatre, music, dance and family events across Dublin, running 24 September to 11 October in 2026.

Bram Stoker Festival (autumn) - Celebrating the Dublin-born author of “Dracula”, this festival combines literature, film and gothic events across the city. Check the site for this year’s dates.

Family Activities

Dublin Zoo

Dublin Zoo in Phoenix Park is a conservation-focused attraction with naturalistic habitats, and its entrance, the Cottage Orné, is believed to be the oldest surviving zoo entrance in the world. Keeper talks, such as the sea lion talk, are a highlight for families.

Age Suitability: All ages, though children 3-12 will get the most enjoyment.

National Aquatic Centre

For all-weather fun, this massive indoor water park in Blanchardstown features slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. The AquaZone area offers more thrilling water slides for older children. Adults can enjoy the 25-50 meter swimming pool.

Age Suitability: Toddler areas are available for the youngest visitors, while teenagers will enjoy the more adventurous slides.

Airfield Estate

This working farm and gardens in Dundrum offers a taste of rural life just minutes from the city centre. Children can join the egg and farm talks, and at weekends watch the Jersey herd being milked.

Age Suitability: Best for ages 4-12, though the gardens and café appeal to all ages.

Explorium National Sport & Science Centre

This interactive science centre on Blackglen Road in Sandyford combines science exhibits with activities such as climbing and VR, which particularly appeal to active children.

Age Suitability: While designed for ages 6-15, specific areas cater to different age groups, including teenagers.

Local Business Highlights

The Old Spot

This gastropub on Bath Avenue in Dublin 4 keeps the cosy atmosphere of an Irish pub while serving serious food, and names its suppliers, such as Kish Fish, on its own site.

Howth Market

This market on the Howth seafront opens on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays from 9am to 6pm, with up to 25 stalls selling fresh food, artisan produce, baking, jewellery and gifts.

The Library Bar

Upstairs in the landmark redbrick building on the corner of South Great George’s Street and Exchequer Street, the former Central Hotel, the Library Bar has been brought back by The Hoxton, which now runs the hotel. It is a quieter alternative to the tourist pubs of nearby Temple Bar.

Visit County Dublin

County Dublin delivers experiences that extend far beyond its famous capital city. From ancient castles to wild coastal walks, secret swimming spots to thriving local businesses, this diverse county offers both the expected tourist attractions and the hidden treasures that make a visit truly memorable.

Check out our guide about things to do in County Carlow.

Swim safety right now

25 Dublin beaches are monitored by the EPA through the bathing season. 1 has a bathing restriction in place right now. See live water-quality status for every Dublin beach →

Heritage sites in Dublin

Dublin has 4,224 recorded archaeological monuments, and 9 are set up to visit. See the historic sites in Dublin worth visiting →

Walking trails in Dublin

Dublin has 18 waymarked walking trails on the national register, graded and mapped. See the walking trails in Dublin worth lacing up for →

Nature reserves in Dublin

Dublin is home to a national park and 3 nature reserves open to the public. See the wild places worth visiting in Dublin →

Historic buildings in Dublin

Dublin has 7,535 recorded NIAH buildings, 246 of them rated of National or International importance, from Georgian houses and churches to bridges and mills. See the historic buildings in Dublin worth seeking out →

Top things to do in Dublin

Airfield Estate, At Airfield Estate, Dundrum, Dublin, explore the Overend family home and vintage car garage to learn more about the estate’s historic importance and original artefacts.

Arboretum Urban Green, In Dublin City, is a serene haven for city gardeners and visitors alike.

Blessington Street Basin (Dublin’s Secret Garden), Blessington Basin is a real secret garden, only a 15-minute walk from Upper O’Connell St.

City Assembly House, Dublin’s City Assembly House is an 18th century building of artistic and architectural importance.

Dublinia, Travel back to the city in Viking times.

Eamonn Ceannt Park, Named after one of the executed leaders of the 1916 Rising.

Graphic Studio Gallery, The Graphic Studio Gallery in Dublin’s Temple Bar was opened in 1988 and works to educate the public about fine art printmaking and to exhibit and sell fine art prints.

Irish Famine Exhibition, The Irish Famine Exhibition in Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre provides a moving and immersive journey through the Great Hunger.

What’s on

Live Aid Exhibition
Mon 29 June · National Photographic Archive · Free

Dún Laoghaire Walking Tours, The Dublin Riviera
Mon 29 June · Meeting Place: Harbour Plaza, Dún Laoghaire

James Joyce Walking Tour
Mon 29 June · James Joyce Centre

Artist-Initiated Projects 2026
Mon 29 June · Pallas Projects/Studios · Free

The Hunt Dinner Party
Mon 29 June · Malahide Castle & Gardens

Quizhost Ireland Big Screen Movie Quiz
Mon 29 June · Cleary’s Pub

Events & attractions: Fáilte Ireland Open Data (failteireland.ie), CC BY 4.0.