Ireland
Dublin
Compact capital; stay 2–3 days for history, museums and pubs. We have mapped 4 sights, 2 outdoor spots and 2 places to eat here, each with a reason to go.
- Places
- 10
- Curated routes
- 1
- Best season
- May – Sep
- Warmest month
- July
- Coolest month
- February
- Wettest month
- November
4 See · 2 Outdoors · 2 Eat · 2 Drink
Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way
from our route notes
18°C / 65°F avg high
8°C / 46°F avg high
about 106 mm rain
Climate: NASA POWER 2001–2025 averages.
Things to do in Dublin
10 places from our curated routes, grouped by what you will do there. Each one has its own page with the address and full notes.
See
The landmarks we would not skip in Dublin across College Green, Kilmainham and The Liberties.
Photo: The Book of Kells Experience · GoogleSeeBook of Kells at Trinity College
9th-century illuminated gospels, followed by the oak-vaulted Long Room library.
Tip First slot of the day is the calmest.
Photo: Colin · CC BY-SA 4.0SeeKilmainham Gaol
Former prison where leaders of the 1916 Rising were executed; guided tours only.
Tip Tickets release 28 days ahead and sell out.
Photo: Steven Lek · CC BY-SA 4.0SeeGuinness Storehouse
Seven floors on brewing history at St James's Gate, ending at the Gravity Bar view.
Tip Book a timed slot online for a lower price.
Photo: Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net). · CC BY-SA 4.0SeeNational Museum of Ireland – Archaeology
Celtic gold, Viking finds and preserved bog bodies. Free entry.
Outdoors
Trails, views and open space in and around Dublin. All 2 are free to visit.
Photo: Dominik Kučera · GoogleOutdoorsHowth Cliff Walk
Loop around Howth Head with sea views and a lighthouse, 30 minutes by DART.
Tip Finish with fish and chips on Howth pier.
Photo: Denzillacey · CC BY-SA 4.0OutdoorsGlendalough
Monastic site and twin lakes in the Wicklow Mountains, about an hour south.
Tip Walk the Spinc trail for views over the Upper Lake.
Eat
2 places to eat across Parnell Square and Christchurch, picked for groups who care about the food.
Photo: William Murphy · CC BY-SA 2.0EatChapter One
Michelin-starred Irish cooking beneath the Dublin Writers Museum.
Tip Book well ahead; lunch is better value.
Photo: antonf · CC BY 2.0EatLeo Burdock
Dublin's oldest chipper, frying cod and chips since 1913.
Tip Takeaway only; eat in nearby Christ Church gardens.
Drink
2 bars & cafés across Georgian Quarter and Merchants Quay for coffee, a round or a nightcap.
Photo: The Long Hall · Google
Photo: Harold Strong derivative work: Nikthestunned · CC BY-SA 2.0DrinkThe Brazen Head
Pub dating its license to 1198, with trad music every night.
Tip Arrive before 8pm for a seat near the music.
How to fit Dublin into a trip
Dublin is stop 1 of 4 on our Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way route. Follow it as-is or lift Dublin into your own plan.
Stop 1 of 4
Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way
Pubs, bogland, sea cliffs and trad music
- Trip length
- 9 days
- Best season
- May – Sep
- Pace
- moderate
- Next: Galway
Getting here and onward
- Dublin to GalwayGalway is about 186 km / 116 mi away in a straight line
Distances are straight-line estimates between destination centers, not road distances.
Dublin month by month
Average daily highs run from 8°C / 46°F in February to 18°C / 65°F in July. November is the wettest month, with about 106 mm of rain. Outlined months fall in the best season on our routes.
- Jan8° / 46°F average high
- Feb8° / 46°F average high
- Mar9° / 48°F average high
- Apr11° / 52°F average high
- May14° / 57°F average high, in our recommended season
- Jun17° / 62°F average high, in our recommended season
- Jul18° / 65°F average high, in our recommended season
- Aug18° / 64°F average high, in our recommended season
- Sep16° / 61°F average high, in our recommended season
- Oct14° / 56°F average high
- Nov10° / 51°F average high
- Dec8° / 47°F average high
Average daily highs, NASA POWER 2001–2025 averages. Dublin weather and the best time to visit →
Near Dublin
7 other destinations from our guides within about 400 km (249 mi), measured in a straight line.
Dublin questions, answered
How many days do you need in Dublin?
Our route notes suggest 2–3 days in Dublin. On our Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way route it is stop 1 of 4 in a 9-day trip. The listed visit times for our 10 places add up to roughly 19 hours, before travel between them, so you will need to choose.
What is Dublin best known for?
Compact capital; stay 2–3 days for history, museums and pubs. Standouts on our list: Book of Kells at Trinity College (9th-century illuminated gospels, followed by the oak-vaulted Long Room library); Kilmainham Gaol (Former prison where leaders of the 1916 Rising were executed; guided tours only); Guinness Storehouse (Seven floors on brewing history at St James's Gate, ending at the Gravity Bar view).
When is the best time to visit Dublin?
Our Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way route is best May – Sep. NASA POWER 2001–2025 averages put the warmest highs in July (18°C / 65°F), the coolest in February (8°C / 46°F) and the most rain in November (about 106 mm).
What are the best things to do in Dublin?
Start with Book of Kells at Trinity College, Kilmainham Gaol, Guinness Storehouse, National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology and Howth Cliff Walk. Our guide lists 10 places in all, from 4 sights, 2 outdoor spots, 2 places to eat and 2 bars & cafés.
Where should a group eat in Dublin?
Our picks: Chapter One (Parnell Square); Leo Burdock (Christchurch). Book well ahead; lunch is better value (Chapter One).
What is near Dublin?
The closest destinations in our guides are Galway (about 186 km / 116 mi), Doolin & the Cliffs of Moher (about 211 km / 131 mi) and Connemara (about 250 km / 155 mi). Distances are straight-line estimates, not road distances.
Plan Dublin with your crew
Open the Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way route in TripsCircle, invite friends with a link, settle which of these 10 places make the cut with a quick poll, then split costs and share one packing list.