31 unique things to do in Dublin, Ireland in 2026

Last Updated on April 21, 2026 by Ioana

Dublin may be smaller than other European capitals, but that’s part of its charm. It’s walkable, full of character, and packed with experiences that go beyond the usual tourist checklist.

Yes, you can visit the main landmarks, but some of the best things to do in Dublin are the ones that feel a little different. Like forging your own silver ring, taking a folklore tour, or seeing the city from the River Liffey.

In this guide, I’m sharing the most unique things to do in Dublin, including quirky attractions, local experiences, hidden gems, and unforgettable day trips. This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.

Quick picks: best unique things to do in Dublin

• Best overall experience → Guinness Storehouse
• Most unique souvenir → Silver ring forging workshop
• Best cultural experience → Irish music and dance show
• Best way to explore the city → Dublin highlights and hidden gems walking tour
• Best relaxing activity → River Liffey sightseeing cruise
• Best food experience → Dublin walking food tour
• Best day trip → Cliffs of Moher, Burren & Galway

If you’re planning your trip, and want a day-by-day breakdown, check out my 4 day Dublin itinerary.

Unique experiences in Dublin

1. Forge you own silver ring

This is easily one of the most memorable things you can do in Dublin.

You’ll create your own silver ring from scratch and keep it as a souvenir. Even if you’re not into crafts (I’m not either), the process is surprisingly fun and very beginner-friendly.

The workshop is small and intimate, so it’s also a great way to meet other travelers.

This was one of my favorite experiences because you leave with something you actually made yourself, not just something you bought.

If you’re thinking about what to bring home, I also put together a guide to the best Irish souvenirs to buy in Dublin.

2. Tour the Guinness Storehouse

If there’s only one activity to include on your Dublin itinerary it’s to visit the Guinness Storehouse.

It’s an immersive experience where you learn everything about how they make Guinness, you do a beer tasting, and you get a free pint of Guinness at their rooftop bar, which has some of the best views of Dublin.

If you want to see your selfie on a pint of beer, then opt for the Stoutie ticket. Stout + selfie = Stoutie. This experience costs an additional 8 euros.

The experience spans multiple floors and every single part of it is super instagrammable. My personal favorite was a cycling fish which had a quote next to it saying: “A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle”. Facts!

3. Take a Dublin highlights and hidden gems walking tour

If it’s your first time in Dublin, this is one of the best ways to understand the city beyond just sightseeing.

This small-group tour takes you through the heart of Dublin while sharing stories you’d never pick up on your own. You’ll walk through areas like Temple Bar, pass by Dublin Castle, and explore parts of the city tied to Viking and medieval history.

What makes it stand out is the storytelling. Dublin is a city built on stories, and having a local guide explain them completely changes how you experience the place.

If you’re building your itinerary, this is also one of the first things I recommend doing in my 4 day Dublin itinerary, since it helps you understand the city layout from day one.

4. See Dublin from the water on a River Liffey sightseeing cruise

Dublin looks completely different from the water, and this is one of the easiest ways to slow down while still seeing the city.

The cruise takes you along the River Liffey, passing under historic bridges and giving you a different perspective of landmarks you’ll likely walk past later.

Along the way, you’ll hear stories about Dublin’s history, architecture, and how the river shaped the city’s development.

If you’ve been walking a lot (which you will in Dublin), this is a really nice break that still feels productive.

5. Ride around the city on a vintage afternoon tea bus tour

This is one of the most unique and fun experiences you can have in Dublin.

You’ll hop on a retro double-decker bus and drive through the city while enjoying afternoon tea with sandwiches, pastries, and desserts.

It’s a mix between sightseeing and a food experience, which makes it perfect if you want to do something a little different from the usual walking tours.

The atmosphere is relaxed, slightly quirky, and very Instagrammable. Definitely not your typical city tour.

6. Watch an Irish music and dance show

If you want to experience Irish culture in a fun and interactive way, this is a great option.

The show combines traditional Irish music with energetic dance performances, and in many cases, you’ll even get a chance to learn a few steps yourself.

It’s lively, entertaining, and gives you a deeper appreciation for Ireland’s musical traditions.

This is especially great if you don’t want to rely on random pub sessions and prefer a more structured experience.

7. Join a Dublin walking food tour with a local guide

If you want to go beyond typical restaurant hopping, this is one of the best food experiences in Dublin.

You’ll explore the city with a local guide while stopping at different spots to try a mix of traditional Irish dishes and modern favorites.

It’s a great way to discover places you might not find on your own, while also learning about Dublin’s food culture and how it has evolved over time.

If you’re short on time, this is one of the easiest ways to try multiple dishes without having to plan everything yourself.

Quirky landmarks and unusual attractions

8. Snap a photo with the Molly Malone statue

One of the coolest things about statues in Dublin is that they have a QR code you can scan and then your phone will ring. When you pick up, the statue will tell you their story.

It’s an initiative that’s called Talking Statues Dublin. There are 10 statues in Dublin that have this feature. It’s such an awesome initiative!

My favorite talking statue was Molly Malone, a symbol of Dublin on Suffolk Street. It is also the name of a song that became Dublin’s unofficial anthem.

The song is about a fishmonger, Molly Malone, who was selling “cockles and mussels” on the streets of Dublin. She died of a fever when she was very young, but her ghost can be found on the streets of Dublin.

There’s also a legend that there was a real Molly Malone in Dublin in the 17th century. The legend goes that she was a hawker, but she was getting paid for other services too.

Yes, the other services are exactly what you’re thinking about. Hence why the artist decided to give the statue a nice cleavage.

People also say that if you touch the statue’s breasts it will bring you good luck. So don’t be shocked if everyone is cupping her breasts when you visit. Now you know why.

Nobody really knows if Molly Malone was real or not. But it’s a great tale and it’s fascinating how it became part of Ireland’s culture.

9. Walk across Ha’Penny Bridge

What better way to explore the capital city of Ireland than with a walk by River Liffey? It’s the main river in Dublin that cuts the city into two banks.

There are many bridges along River Liffey so you can go from one side to the other. Ha’penny Bridge is the most famous one.

Before the Ha’penny Bridge, people could only cross the river by ferry. The ferries were in a bad condition, so they built this bridge.

The people crossing the bridge had to pay a toll. The toll used to be a penny-ha’penny (1.5 pence), hence the name of the bridge.

They got rid of the toll in 1919 (crazy to think that’s only 105 years ago!). The bridge used to have turnstiles while they had the toll in place.

10. Admire the Oscar Wilde statue in Merrion Square

Oscar Wilde is one of the most famous Irish authors. The statue was unveiled in 1997 and you can find it at 1 Merrion Square, very close to his childhood home.

11. Spot the colorful Doors of Dublin

In Merrion Square you can see the famous doors of Dublin. These doors are Georgian, and they all have bright colors. You can find them all over the city, but there’s a high concentration of them in Merrion Square.

12. Find the hidden Hungry Tree

The Hungry Tree is a hidden gem and one of the most unusual things you can see in Dublin. It’s an 80-120 year old tree located at King’s Inns, the oldest law school in Dublin.

What makes this tree unique is that it’s basically eating up the bench in front of it. Somehow it was able to grow over that bench. You don’t see that every day.

13. Check out the Leprechaun Museum (yes, it exists!)

Dive into Irish folklore and myths in this interactive museum dedicated to leprechauns. It’s perfect for both solo travelers and families.

If you love quirky cultural experiences and Irish legends then this is the perfect place for you.

14. Explore the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship & Famine Museum

This is a full-scale replica of a 19th-century famine ship. You can learn about the hardships faced by Irish emigrants back in the day.

The museum offers guided tours where you will hear fascinating stories of survival and hope. It’s both educational and deeply moving.

15. Discover Marsh’s Library (a hidden literary treasure)

Step into Ireland’s oldest public library and explore shelves filled with rare 17th-century books. The wood-paneled rooms feel like stepping back in time. It’s a quiet spot for book lovers and history enthusiasts.

16. Visit St. Michan’s Church crypt and mummies

Discover centuries-old crypts with naturally mummified bodies. It’s an unusual attraction that combines history and folklore in an eerie setting.

17. Take some pictures on the Umbrella Street

Head to Anne’s Lane to see the famous Umbrella Street. More and more places have umbrella streets, and Dublin is part of this trend. This spot is super cute, colorful and it’s such a great place for an Instagram picture.

18. Explore the Casino at Marino (quirky 18th-century gem)

Discover a tiny 18th-century “pleasure house” full of architectural secrets and hidden passages. Moreover, the intricate design makes it a hidden gem for architecture enthusiasts.

You can go on a guided tour to learn more about the clever use of space and illusion in its construction.

Food and drink experiences in Dublin

19. Tour the Jameson Distillery Bow St. experience

Jameson is one of the top Irish brands. Even someone who is not a big drinker, like me, still heard about Jameson whiskey. The brand is well-known internationally and they have expanded tremendously to keep up with worldwide demand.

While the Dublin distillery is no longer operational, they offer a guided tour of the old distillery. It’s basically a cool, interactive Irish whiskey museum.

It’s a great way to learn everything about Jameson whiskey production, and you will also do a tasting. The tour was a lot of fun and I highly recommend it.

20. Get a pint at the iconic Temple Bar Pub

Dublin has an impressive pub culture. There are so many amazing traditional Irish pubs in the city.

Temple Bar Pub is probably the most famous one and I’m sure you’ve seen it in pictures online or on Instagram.

It has been operating since 1840, they play traditional Irish music, and they have the largest collection of whiskies in Ireland.

It’s beautifully decorated and the ambience is fantastic. I think it’s worth a stop. After all, popular places are popular for a reason, right?

If you’re deciding where to stay, this area is covered in my guide to the best neighborhoods in Dublin, including pros and cons for each area.

21. Try a spice bag

Since we had two people that were locals at the silver ring forging workshop I asked them for food recommendations in town. Both of them told me to try a spice bag.

I had no idea what that was. It turns out it’s an Irish Chinese dish you can find in all Chinese restaurants in Dublin. It’s basically fried chicken and potatoes tossed in a mix of spices.

Hence the name of spice bag. It sounded intriguing, so I tried it one day for dinner. It was actually really good.

It’s the perfect meal during the winter since it’s hot and hearty. If you’re visiting in winter, I also created a guide to the best hotels near Dublin Christmas markets to help you stay close to the festive areas.

22. Grab a latte art coffee at Beanhive Coffee

Coffee is always a good idea. Especially when you’re jetlagged. I love coffee! I’m a cappuccino and cortado person. I love drinking coffee when I’m traveling. I find it so fascinating how different cultures have different coffee habits.

I’m also a sucker for latte art. So naturally, my first stop in Dublin was at Beanhive Coffee. I ordered a cappuccino, and I asked them to surprise me with a cute design. And boy, did they deliver!

Look how adorable that cat is. And it’s a nerdy cat with glasses and curly hair, just like yours truly. This was the perfect start to my Dublin adventure.

They also serve the traditional Irish breakfast, sandwiches of your choice on a ciabatta or wrap, and other egg dishes. Prices are around 10-15 euros.

The café is small, so there might be a short wait if you plan to sit there. They have both indoor and outdoor seating. 

23. Visit Temple Bar Food Market on Saturday

Browse a variety of local foods, from fresh produce to artisanal treats. The market is only open on Saturdays, so plan your visit accordingly.

24. Hear folklore over drinks at The Brazen Head

Enjoy food, drinks, and Irish folklore storytelling in Dublin’s oldest pub on Bridgefoot Street. Storytellers bring myths and legends to life in a cozy setting.

It’s a memorable experience combining history, culture, and entertainment.

25. Try Irish craft beer at The Porterhouse

Sample a wide selection of Irish craft beers in one of the city’s oldest pubs. The lively atmosphere and knowledgeable staff make it easy to explore new flavors. It’s a must for craft beer lovers.

Hidden gems and local spots

26. Get lost in the Iveagh Gardens (Dublin’s secret park)

This serene Victorian garden is often overlooked by tourists. Stroll along its paths, admire fountains, and enjoy peaceful greenery in the heart of the city. It’s perfect for a calm break from the busy streets of Dublin.

27. Wander through Blessington Street Basin

This is hidden lake park tucked away in Dublin’s north city center. Walking the perimeter offers views of swans and ducks on the water. It’s a simple but cute place to relax.

28. Walk along the Grand Canal

Stroll along the Grand Canal and enjoy views of Dublin’s historic waterway. The path passes bridges, waterside cafes, and even occasional art installations.

29. Relax along Sandymount Strand

Spend quiet time at Sandymount Strand, a long sandy beach east of the city center. Enjoy walking, picnics, and coastal views here. It’s more of a local spot, so you’ll also run into cute puppies taking their daily walks here.

30. Explore Bull Island’s beach and nature reserve

Visit Bull Island for sandy beaches, birdwatching, and walking trails. The island is a designated nature reserve with diverse wildlife. It’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

31. Browse George’s Street Arcade

Browse George’s Street Arcade for quirky shops, artisan goods, and vintage finds. Even without purchases, it’s a lot of fun to explore the historic indoor market.

Best day trip from Dublin if you have extra time

While Dublin itself has plenty to offer, some of the most memorable experiences in Ireland are actually outside the city.

If you have at least one extra day, I highly recommend taking a guided day trip. It’s the easiest way to see more of Ireland without worrying about transportation or logistics.

If you’re planning a longer stay or visiting with family, you might also find my guide to Dublin hotels with connecting rooms helpful.

Cliffs of Moher, Burren & Galway day trip

This is the most popular day trip from Dublin, and for good reason. You’ll see the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, explore the unique landscape of the Burren, and spend time in Galway, one of Ireland’s most charming cities.

Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough & Kilkenny

If you prefer something closer to Dublin, this is a great option. You’ll visit the Wicklow Mountains, see the monastic site at Glendalough, and explore Kilkenny, a small medieval city with a lot of character.

Giant’s Causeway & Belfast tour

This is a longer day trip, but it’s worth it if you want to see Northern Ireland. Highlights include the Giant’s Causeway, the Dark Hedges, and a stop in Belfast.

Game of Thrones Studio tour

Perfect for fans of the show, this experience takes you behind the scenes with original sets, costumes, and interactive exhibits. It’s one of the most unique day trips you can take from Dublin.

If you’re not sure which one to pick, I’d recommend the Cliffs of Moher for first-time visitors, or Wicklow if you want something more relaxed and closer to the city.

FAQs about unique things to do in Dublin

What are the most unique things to do in Dublin?

Some of the most unique things to do in Dublin include forging your own silver ring, visiting the Guinness Storehouse, taking a River Liffey cruise, joining a folklore or hidden gems tour, and exploring places like Marsh’s Library or St Michan’s crypt.

What are the best non-touristy things to do in Dublin?

Some of the best non-touristy things to do in Dublin include visiting Iveagh Gardens, walking around Merrion Square, browsing George’s Street Arcade, exploring Marsh’s Library, and trying a spice bag.

What is the most unique experience in Dublin?

For me, one of the most unique experiences in Dublin was the silver ring forging workshop. It’s hands-on, memorable, and you leave with a Dublin souvenir you actually made yourself.

Is Guinness Storehouse worth it?

Yes. Even if you’re not a big beer drinker, the Guinness Storehouse is one of the most interactive and well-done experiences in Dublin. The panoramic view from the Gravity Bar is worth it alone.

Are there good day trips from Dublin?

Yes, Dublin is an excellent base for day trips. Some of the best options include the Cliffs of Moher, Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough, Giant’s Causeway, and the Game of Thrones Studio Tour.

How many days do you need in Dublin?

I think 3 to 4 days is ideal for Dublin. That gives you enough time to see the main landmarks, try a few unique experiences, and take one day trip outside the city.

Check out my 4 day Dublin itinerary to help you plan your trip.