Everyone knows Dublin is renowned for its picturesque charm, vibrant pub atmosphere, and the famously friendly locals. These things alone are more than enough reason to visit, of course, but if you’re on the loo-out for unique things to do in Dublin, then you’ve come to the right place.
Below is a list of our top recommendations of interesting and unique things to do in Dublin.
Literary pub crawl: a quirky way to wet your whistle
Home to the likes of Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, James Joyce, and too many other authors to name, Dublin undoubtedly boasts a rich literary heritage. And where do all good writers love to hang out if not the pub? This laid-back and enjoyable activity is about as typically Irish as they come.
Running since 1988, the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl is a truly unique way to get to know the capital and delve into its fascinating history of letters. Brought to life by professional actors who regale you with stories of the gin palace, the spirit grocer or the long hall, quoting Joyce, Behan, and the like, the tour is more street theatre than traditional pub crawl. Experience the language of the literary greats on the very streets they used to walk. Naturally, alongside the stories, the poems, and the history is the chance to enjoy all kinds of fantastic beers, whiskeys, and more in some of the city’s most beautiful historic pubs.
Camino de Santiago: a curious starting point
You may well be familiar with the Camino de Santiago. So, chances are you’re probably wondering why on Earth it makes this list about Dublin. A lesser-known fact, perhaps, is that Santiago is the Spanish equivalent of Saint James. Indeed, in English, El Camino is also known as St. James’ Way, and Irish pilgrims have long their very own starting point right on the doorstep.
At St. James’s Church, The Camino Society still issues the Pilgrim Passport and will impart the first stamp of your journey. Handily, the very next stamp can be found right next door – at the Guinness Storehouse. There’s a long history between St. James’s Gate and the famous pilgrimage and many a devotee will have sunk a few pints of the black stuff before embarking on their epic trek.
The uniquely charming Little Museum of Dublin
Advertising itself as Dublin’s best museum experience, we might just be inclined to agree. Located in a Georgian townhouse on St. Stephen’s Green, this eccentric little spot offers an alternative glimpse into the history of the city through a collection of artifacts and memorabilia donated by the locals.
What makes this place really special, though, are the entertaining guided tours. Our personal favorite is the “After Hours Tour,” a unique blend of history, humour, and hospitality all washed down with a nice glass of wine. What more could you possibly ask for from your trip to Ireland?
Dublin’s hidden gardens
Nestled among Dublin’s bustling streets and historic landmarks, often ignored by the traditional tourist trails, lie a series of hidden oases. Lush green landscapes are of course synonymous with the Emerald Isle, but are not always associated with fast-paced city life.
These three concealed gems will give you cause for pause on your trip:
- Designed by Ninian Niven in 1865 and popularly known as Dublin’s ‘Secret Garden’, Iveagh Gardens sit a stone’s throw from St Stephen’s Green in the city centre. Many of the original landscape features are still present today – work your way through the yew maze, saunter around the rosarium, and soak up the tranquillity of the various cascades and the fountains that provide a calming soundtrack to the whole experience .
- The National Botanic Gardens are located 3km outside the center of town but are well worth the trip. These exquisitely restored glass houses in Glasnevin are home to a striking array of rare and exotic plants that you’d never expect to find in a town that is hardly known for its clement climate.
- Within the boundaries of the famous Phoenix Park, lies the Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden. This two and a half-acer space in the grounds of Ashtown Castle has been lovingly restored to its original Victorian layout and offers fascinating insights into the horticultural practices of the Dickensian era.
Behind bars: A visit to Kilmainham Gaol
While an old jailhouse may not top your list of sites to see on a city break, we can promise you a visit to Kilmainham Gaol definitely makes for an interesting way to learn about Ireland’s tumultuous history. More than just a unique site in Dublin, however, the former prison, which is now a museum, provides a fascinating look back at the country’s struggles for independence.
The guided tours take you through its bleak corridors and claustrophobic cells, while offering a striking look at the harsh conditions endured by political prisoners during historic moments like the Easter Rising. The Stone-Breakers’ Yard, where leaders of the 1916 uprising were executed, leaves a lasting impression and offers a uniquely sobering experience for those keen to understand more about the country’s complex past.
Folklore & fun: National Leprechaun Museum
Despite its difficult history, Ireland remains well-loved for its whimsy and mischievous national character. Nowhere is that more apparent than at the National Leprechaun Museum. This one-of-a-kind attraction explores the mythical world of leprechauns and fairies using interactive exhibits and world-class storytelling.
Let yourself be whisked away into a magical realm where oversized furniture and enchanting displays help deliver a quirky immersive experience led by a cast of engaging narrative guides. This playful approach is the perfect way to delve into the rich world of Irish legends and traditions and goes some way to helping you understand the country’s mythical culture.
So, as a city that dances to its own unique rhythm, Dublin’s quirkiness can be found in all kinds of places if you only care to look. Stray just slightly off the beaten track and its beautifully offbeat nature will reveal unexpected treasures that make the Irish capital a city break destination like no other.
Dublin food tours
Food tours are an excellent way to immerse yourself in a new place, with a fun blend of culinary and cultural insights. As you eat your way through a city, you gain a deeper understanding of its history and traditions. It’s hard to imagine a better way to explore a new destination!
If you find yourself in Dublin, there are several fantastic food tours that we highly recommend, including our Ultimate Dublin Food Tour. You’ll get to eat your way through the city, learn valuable history and loads of fun facts, and discover why it’s one of the foodie capitals in Europe.
And if you’re really wanting to dive deep into the oddities and must-see things that this vibrant city has to offer, check out one of our walking tours, such as:
