Dublin, Ireland is one of the top cities in Europe in my humble opinion. Dublin may not be flashy or full or world-renowned tourist attractions, but it’s the smaller, off-the-beaten-path places in Dublin that make the capital of Ireland so special. I’ve lived in Dublin for the past 10 years and I’m here today to share with you my top 15 picks of hidden gems in Dublin that are off the tourist track.
There are so many different ways that you could spend a day in Dublin. I’ll break down my recommendations for off-the-beaten-path Dublin by interest: history, food and drink, nature, literature, and architecture. Read on and discover Dublin through the eyes of a local.
In my humble opinion, Dublin is a must-visit city during any trip to Ireland in 2022 and beyond.
Non touristy things to do in Dublin: 15 Off the beaten path activities in Dublin, Ireland
Dublin for History Lovers
Dublin boasts over 1000 years of history dating back to the Celts and Vikings. Experience the distant past and more recent history with these things to do in Dublin for history lovers.
14 Henrietta Street Tenement Museum
14 Henrietta Street is a recently restored Georgian building on Dublin’s Northside. The building began life as the opulent city home of a member of Ireland’s ruling class. Later, the mansion fell into disrepair and was subdivided into squalid tenement dwellings.
Poor residents of Dublin lived at 14 Henrietta Street without even having the benefit of running water. This was the condition of the place up to the 1970s. Learn about a fascinating slice of Dublin history by taking a guided tour of the Henrietta Street Tenement Museum.
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Dalkey Castle
Dalkey is a small town along Dublin’s South Coast most famous for being home to Bono. While it’s unlikely that you’ll catch a glimpse of U2’s frontman if you visit Dalkey, it’s still worth taking the local commuter train to Dalkey Town for a tour of Dalkey Castle. Join actors in period costume as you explore the castle’s features.
You can also take a scenic coach tour of Killiney and Dalkey on the outskirts of Dublin. The tour includes a visit to the castle.
Don’t miss the “murder hole” designed to stop invaders in their tracks with boiling liquids cast down upon them. Learn about medicine in the Medieval period and hygiene practices that will leave you turning up your nose in disbelief. You can even make a brief stop in the Medieval toilet. The entertaining period actors are what make this castle tour into something special.
Drimnagh Castle
Drimnagh Castle is located less than 45 minutes from Dublin City Centre and is easily accessible by public transportation. Drimnagh Castle’s claim to fame is that it is the only remaining castle in Ireland with a moat that is actually filled with water. Cross the drawbridge and you’ll find a beautiful 17th century walled garden.
Sign-up for a guided tour of Drimnagh Castle to learn about the history of the castle starting in Norman times evolving through the Medieval period and again into the present day. Drimnagh Castle was recently restored by volunteers. Keep an eye out for the likenesses of those volunteers in the main hall.
Dublin for Foodies and Discerning Drinkers
While the stereotypes of Irish food likely invoke images of boiled potatoes and bacon and cabbage, Irish cuisine has developed its own personality and flavor in recent years. Discover these fantastic places to eat and drink in Dublin city.
Rascals Craft Brewery
Ireland’s craft beer scene has exploded in the past 5 years. Rascals is one of Dublin’s best off-the-beaten-track breweries. Head to Dublin City West and Inchicore for a visit to Rascals brewery and bar.
Sign-up for a tour of the facility and then taste some of Rascals unique selection of craft beer flavors with imaginative names. I particularly enjoyed the Peanut Butter Brown and Ugly Christmas Jumper. Order a pizza and a pint to round out the day.
Pearse Lyons Distillery
Whiskey is known as uisce beatha (water of life) in Irish. Whiskey-distilling has undergone a renaissance in Dublin in recent years, especially in Dublin’s Liberties neighborhood. No distillery is more impressive than Pearse Lyons, one of Dublin’s newest, situated on the grounds of an 800 year old church and cemetery.
It’s clear that a lot of love and care was put into this project. Tour the grounds, steep in the history, and then taste Pearse Lyons whiskey for yourself. The best part about the restored church are the stained glass panels representing the whiskey-distilling process.
Smithfield and Stoneybatter
If you’re looking for great food that is far from the tourist trail, look no further than Dublin’s Smithfield and Stoneybatter neighborhoods. You’ll find fantastic Guinness cake and coffee at Proper Order. Enjoy some of Ireland’s freshest seafood served as upscale fish and chips at Fish Shop Dublin.
No trip to Ireland is complete without a trip to the pub, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice great food in the process. L. Mulligan Grocer and Legal Eagle are two amazing gastro pubs that I recommend located in Stoneybatter and Smithfield respectively.
Dublin for Nature Lovers
Dublin is situated right on the Irish Sea and this seaside location means that there are plenty of things to do in Ireland for nature lovers. Check out these off-the-beaten-path spots if you love a good hike or a spot of birdwatching.
Sandymount Strand and Poolbeg Lighthouse
Sandymount Strand on the Irish Sea is walking distance from Dublin City Centre. The hike from Sandymount Strand to Poolbeg Lighthouse is a local favorite. Built-in 1768, Poolbeg Lighthouse just oozes history and its bright red color is a beacon and landmark for passing ships.
Located at the end of the historic Great South Wall, make sure to check the tides before embarking on this walk. At certain times of the year, the path gets submerged at high tide.
North Bull Island
North Bull Island near Dublin’s Clontarf neighborhood is another hidden gem for a seaside hike. Visit North Bull Island at low tide for some of the best birdwatching in Ireland. Don’t feel like walking? You can also just lay on the beach or play a round of beach volleyball. Bring a jacket though. It’s chilly and windy in Dublin almost year round.
Ireland’s Eye
Ireland’s Eye is a small island and popular nesting site for seabirds located just off the coast of Dublin from Howth. Embark on a 15-minute ferry ride to the island.
Use the historic Martello Tower on Ireland’s Eye to keep your bearings as you wander through the rough grasses. In the Spring and Summer, you might even catch a glimpse of puffins nesting on the rocks.
Dublin for Lovers of Literature
Dublin is most definitely a literary city with famed Irish writers like Oscar Wilde and James Joyce originating in this fair city. Discover these off-the-beaten-path places in Dublin if you love to read.
Literary Statues on the Canal
If you enjoy literature, I recommend taking a walk along Dublin’s Grand Canal and Royal Canal. It’s here that you’ll discover statues of two of Ireland’s most famous writers known for their long standing feud. Patrick Kavanagh sits with legs crossed along the Grand Canal near Baggot St. in Dublin City Centre.
On the opposite side of the River Liffey, bad-boy Brendan Behan sits along the Royal Canal. I can just imagine him knocking back a whiskey or a pint while relaxing on the bench.
Marsh’s Library
Jonathan Swift, of Gullivers Travels fame, was dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin in the early 18th century. Just next door, historic Marsh’s Library features works by Swift and more. These hallowed shelves are a must stop for any literary-inclined visitor to Dublin.
Chester Beatty Library
The Chester Beatty Library is a free museum on the grounds of Dublin Castle and is most famous for its collection of historic works of religion. Explore historic Bibles, Christian texts, and works for Middle Eastern, and Far East religions.
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Dublin for Architecture Lovers
Because of its rich history, Dublin features architecture that spans a wide range of styles. Discover Georgian, Victorian, and modern buildings thrown together in Dublin City Centre. If you love architecture when you travel, Dublin is the place to be.
Dublin Doors
Dublin’s colorful doors are one of the city’s most Instagrammable features. Make your way to Merrion Square or Fitzwilliam Square in Dublin City Centre for some of the best examples from the Georgian period. Explore the side roads around Upper Baggot Street, and surrounding Ballsbridge Village. Keep an eye out not just for unique colors but also intricate columns, stained glass fanlights, and ornate boot scrapers.
Silicon Docks
Visit Dublin’s Docklands for modern architecture at its finest. Check out the Libeskind-designed Bord Gais Energy Theatre on Grand Canal Dock. Dublin’s Convention Centre on the River Liffey looks like a scientific instrument.
Don’t miss the convention centre at night when you’ll find it wrapped in colorful neon lights. The Samuel Beckett Bridge nearby looks like a harp turned on its side. Much of this modern revival in Dublin is due to American Tech companies establishing their European operations here. Dubbed “Silicon Docks”, this area of Dublin is home to companies like Google, Facebook, and Airbnb.
National Botanic Gardens
The National Botanic Gardens on Dublin’s Northside is a beautiful place to visit on a sunny Spring or Autumn day. The National Botanic Gardens is entirely free and features colorful blooms, water features, and an extensive arboretum.
Sculpture in Context places pieces by local artists around the gardens for a period of several weeks in the Fall each year. The grounds of the National Botanic Gardens are of particular architectural interest thanks to several Victorian-era greenhouses that anchor the park.
There you have it! I hope you have enjoyed these 15 off-the-beaten-path things to do in Dublin, Ireland. I’ve discovered and curated this list for the past 10 years. I hope you come to love Dublin as much as I do.
This is a guest post by: Jennifer from Sidewalksafari.com
Author’s Bio: Jennifer (aka Dr. J) is the voice and photographer behind the Sidewalk Safari travel blog. She’s a fortysomething American expat and part-time travel blogger who has been living in Dublin, Ireland for more than a decade. Jennifer aims to inspire people who have a demanding job to see that it is possible to achieve work-life balance and travel extensively, making use of every business trip and vacation day to see the great wide world.
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