Dublin, Ireland is a great destination for solo travelers. As a busy and walkable city, traveling solo in Dublin is easy and there’s always somewhere to go.
Back in 2018, I spent 3 days solo in Dublin. In this guide I highlight some of the can’t-miss things to see and do in Dublin, as well as a few hidden gems I loved in the city.
Good to Know for Ireland
Currency: euro
Capital City: Dublin
Primary Languages: English, Irish (Gaeilge)
Bordering Countries: The United Kingdom
Part of Schengen: Yes
Part of European Union: Yes
Best Time to Visit Dublin
First, the timing of the visit can influence your experience in Dublin. The best time to visit Dublin is from late spring to early autumn, particularly between May and September. During these months, the weather is comfortable, with temperatures that range from the mid-50s to the mid-60s Fahrenheit.
May and June usually have smaller crowds and spring flowers in the parks, while July and August bring the warmest temperatures and lively festivals like the Dublin Horse Show and Longitude. Some of the activities in this guide are best during the spring and summer as they are outside.
September is a good choice if you want to avoid peak summer crowds while still enjoying pleasant weather. While winter months can be damp and chilly, December has a charming festive vibe with Christmas markets and plenty of warm, cozy pubs, bookstores, and museums.
Where to Stay in Dublin
The best area to stay in Dublin depends on your preferences, but for most visitors, the city center is ideal. Dublin’s Southside is home to trendy bars and shops, while the Northside is the heart of the city with more local neighborhoods.
Temple Bar is great for nightlife, though it can be noisy. St. Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street are known for shopping, restaurants, and easy access to attractions.
The Docklands has modern hotels with scenic river views. If you prefer a quieter stay, Ballsbridge is a residential area with pretty, walkable parks and easy access to the city center.
Budget: A cool, trendy hostel is Latroupe Jacobs Inn. It is not only one of the top rated in the city, but has thousands of reviews. A great option for solo travel in Dublin, they have pod-style beds and a rooftop terrace.
Mid-range: If you’re okay with spending a little more for more space, an excellent 3.5-star hotel is the Wren Urban Nest. It is located just a few minutes from Grafton Street.
Luxury: An exceptionally rated more expensive option is Zanzibar Locke. It has modern, stylish details and is a short walk from Trinity College and Dublin Castle.
21 Things to Do in Dublin Solo
We’re going to start off with the most popular things to see and do in Dublin, especially for first-time visitors. Then, the last quarter or so of the list are more of locals’ favorites or off-the-beaten path things to do in Dublin solo.
1. Explore Trinity College & The Book of Kells
Founded in 1592, Trinty College played a significant role in Irish and religious history. Whether with others or solo in Dublin, you can visit Ireland’s most prestigious university and see the stunning Old Library.
The library is one of the major draws today. It holds the Book of Kells which contains four Gospels written in Latin on vellum.
You could even visit Trinity College as part of a Dublin walking tour.
2. Walk around Temple Bar
No solo trip to Dublin is complete without some time at Temple Bar. This nightlife hub is filled with pubs and street performers.
Dame Street, leading west from College Green, marks the edge of the Temple Bar quarter. This area is a hot spot for bachelor and bachelorette parties at night, making it quite a lively scene.
If you want to head to a famous pub in Dublin Palace Bar is great value for money on the edge of the Temple Bar District.
3. Visit Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle, located in the city center near Dame Street and tucked behind the City Hall, is a historic site with its origins dating back to the 13th century. It was founded by the Normans and symbolized British power over Ireland for seven hundred years. It served as the seat of British rule in Ireland until 1922 and now hosts government offices and exhibitions.
Visitors can explore the State Apartments, the Chester Beatty Library, the Chapel Royal, and the Viking excavations.
General admission is around €8, with discounts for students and seniors. Access to the courtyard and gardens is free. It’s an easy walk from Temple Bar.
4. Stroll through St. Stephen’s Green
St. Stephen’s Green is a beautiful city park perfect for a relaxing walk, right in the heart of Dublin. You can find an abstract memorial dedicated to Yeats, an Irish artist. There is also a memorial dedicated to the victims of the Great Famine from 1845-1852.
If the weather is nice, it is a great place to read or picnic. Mister Magpie Coffee is a cute coffee shop located just on the corner off the park. This a good spot to grab a pastry and a drink.
5. See Christ Church Cathedral & St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral are two of Dublin’s best known landmarks. Christ Church, founded in 1030 and built between 1172 and 1240, features medieval architecture and a crypt. Among the oddities in the small museum are a mummified cat and rat found in the pipes in the 1860s.
St. Patrick’s, Ireland’s largest cathedral, honors the country’s patron saint. It is justa 5-minute walk from Christ Chruch Cathedral. Here you can find relics of Jonathan Swift, the author of Gulliver’s Travels.
Both charge entry fees, though services are free. Visit early or late in the day to avoid crowds.
6. Visit Kilmainham Gaol
Kilmainham Gaol is a historic former prison in Dublin, offering a walk through Ireland’s independence fight. Visitors can see its eerie cells and hear stories of famous revolutionaries held here.
The jail has been featured in movies like The Italian Job (1969).
Tickets cost around €8 for adults and should be booked in advance.
7. Wander through the Little Museum of Dublin
The Little Museum of Dublin is a charming museum showcasing the city’s history. It is located within walking distance of the pleasant Merrion Square and aims to be anything but boring.
Located in a Georgian townhouse on St. Stephen’s Green, it offers fun guided tours. Admission is around €10–€15.
A highlight is the U2 exhibition, celebrating the famous Irish band. Nearby, you’ll find St. Stephen’s Green Park, perfect for before or after your visit.
They also offer a Walk of Shame walking tour through Dublin, featuring ghost stories, and rumors that persisted through history.
8. Shop and explore Grafton Street
Pedestrain-friendly Grafton Street, Dublin’s premier shopping street, is home to popular stores like Brown Thomas (luxury fashion), Weir & Sons (jewelry and watches), Bewley’s Café (historic coffeehouse), and various international brands like H&M, Zara, and Tommy Hilfiger.
For Irish gifts, Avoca and Kilkenny Design are great options.
Nearby landmarks are Trinity College and St. Stephen’s Green. Running parallel to Grafton Street is Kildare Street which hosts Leinster House, Duke Leinster’s townhouse and now the seat of the Irish Parliament (the Dail).
9. Tour the Guinness Storehouse
The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin offers an immersive tour through the history of Ireland’s most famous beer. Located at St. James’s Gate Brewery, it explains the brewing process, advertising history, and the legacy of Arthur Guinness, who signed a 9,000-year lease in 1759.
As of 2025, tickets start around €26, and hours are 9:30 AM–7 PM (last entry 5 PM). It’s busiest midday, so visit early or late. You can book your tour in advance.
The tour ends at the Gravity Bar, offering panoramic city views with a pint of Guinness. While the bar was a bit crowded, the views from the Gravity Bar were one of the highlights of this experience. Even with a crowded bar, being solo makes it easy to find an open seat and just enjoy the drink and view!
10. Take a day trip to Howth
Howth, a pretty fishing village roughly 30 minutes from Dublin by DART train (€5–€7 round trip), is perfect for a day trip. Explore the Howth Cliff Walk for sea views, visit Howth Castle and Gardens, and walk the harbor to see seals.
The Howth Market sells crafts and treats, while seafood lovers can enjoy fresh catches at waterfront restaurants. If you go, be sure to see Ireland’s Eye, a small island accessible by boat. The Dublin day trip is generally budget-friendly. I missed this on my visit to Dublin, but would have loved to try it given how close to Dublin it is.
11. Visit the Jameson Distillery
The Jameson Distillery Bow St., located in Dublin’s Smithfield area, offers a great tour. The standard tour start at €30 and includes a guided tasting of Jameson whiskeys.
Visitors learn about the distillation process, the brand’s history since 1780, and can try whiskey blending or cocktail-making. I really enjoyed this tour as it was less crowded than the Guinness tour.
12. Day Trip to Cliffs of Moher
A day trip from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most breathtaking natural sights, takes about 3 to 3.5 hours by car or tour bus. These dramatic cliffs rise 702 feet (210+ meters) above the Atlantic Ocean and go on for 9 miles (14 km) along the coast.
Something fun to know is that the cliffs is that they appeared in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and The Princess Bride.
I used one of my days in Dublin to do this day trip and see Galway. It was one of the highlights of the visit. You should expect strong winds and lots of seabirds, including puffins in summer. You may even see nearby grazing sheep.
13. Day Trip to Galway
A day trip to Galway from Dublin takes about 2.5 hours. This city is known for its colorful Latin Quarter and street music. If you go, be sure to see Eyre Square, the Salthill Promenade, and the Galway Cathedral.
Galway is called the “City of Tribes” after the 14 merchant families who once ruled it. It’s also famous for oysters, the Claddagh ring, and hosting festivals.
14. Walk along the Liffey
The River Liffey runs through Dublin, dividing the city into north and south. The Liffey Boardwalk offers a good place for a riverside stroll or early morning jog.
Famous bridges like the Ha’penny Bridge and Samuel Beckett Bridge cross the river, The walk from Phoenix Park to the Docklands follows the Liffey’s path, providing great city views and people watching opportunities from cafes or benches.
You could also cruise the Liffey to get a new vantage point of the city.
15. Bookstore and Coffee Shop Hang
Dublin is filled with charming small bookstores and cozy coffee shops. I spent a good bit of time just bouncing from one to another eating small treats and sipping coffees throughout the day.
One of my favorite things to do when I travel solo is wander through bookstores. The cover art of popular books is often different in different markets (US vs European). For me, a new book from a place I’m visiting is kinda like a little souvenir.
The Bookstór offers a selection of new and used books in a cozy atmosphere. Chapters is another popular independent store with a wide range of titles.
If you’re looking to pick up a book as a Dublin souvenir, The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is a great option. Set in late 19th-century Dublin, Wilde’s famous novel explores themes of vanity and morality.
For coffee, Third Space is known for its relaxed vibe, while Bean & Goose serves handcrafted chocolates alongside great coffee. Both would be great options to spend an afternoon solo in Dublin just reading or people watching.
Related: Around the World in 27 Books
16. Spend Time in a Butterfly Garden
Located on the outskirts of Dublin, Malahide Castle is home to a butterfly garden and botanical gardens. It is an 800-year-old castle. Many plants from the southern hemisphere, notably Chile and Australia, are maintained in the botanical garden. There are over 20 species of butterflies.
The admission ticket includes access to the castle, gardens, and butterflies.
17. Drink at Pearson Lyons Distillery on a Tour
While Jameson is the world-famous whiskey tour in Ireland, a more local and less well-known gem is the Pearson Lyons Distillery. Home to award winning whiskeys, the one-hour tour takes you through some history and of course includes samples.
If you’re not a fan of whiskey, they also distill gin and offer a gin tour too.
18. Visit the National Galley and IMMA
Located just off Merrion Square is the National Gallery. It has a collection of artwork done by primarily Irish artists, the Old Masters, and French impressionists. It has a great collection by Ireland’s best known painter Jack B. Yeats. On Sunday afternoons, the gallery admission is free.
The IMMA is Dublin’s modern art museum. Admission is free every day and they are closed on Monday.
20. Visit Merrion Square Market
One of the best plazas in Dublin is Merrion Square. Here you can find a statue of Oscar Wilde draped over a rock. On Sunday the square is full of vendors selling art and trinkets.
On Thursday, you can also grab some great international food at the pop-up vendors at the midday market.
21. Eat at open air markets like Cowtown and Eatyard
Based where an old cattle market used to be, the summer favorite Cowtown is a great open aire market.
Eatyard hosts not only food vendors, but craft sales and festivals too. The street food market has burgers, pizza (i.e. Rustic Pizza in their green food truck), BBQ, and more. On Saturdays you can catch a drag brunch and visit a flea market.
How to Get to Dublin
Dublin Airport (DUB) is the main gateway for most people, serving direct flights from major cities across Europe, North America, and beyond, Popular airlines like Aer Lingus and Ryanair offer frequent connections.
From the airport, you can reach the city center in about 30 minutes by taxi or bus services.
If traveling from the UK or France, ferries operate from Holyhead, Liverpool, and Cherbourg to Dublin Port.
If you’re coming from another part of Ireland you can take a train via Irish Rail or long-distance buses like Bus Éireann, both offering easy access to the city.
How to Get Around in Dublin
Getting around Dublin is easy with a mix of public transport, walking, and cycling options. The city center is compact and highly walkable, making it the best way to explore many attractions.
For longer distances, Dublin Bus covers most areas, while the Luas tram system has two main lines. I mostly used the bus to get around solo in Dublin. It was easy to use and reliable!
The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) is useful for reaching coastal areas like Howth and Dun Laoghaire. This is something I wish I had taken advantage of, but there’s always next time!
Taxis and ride-hailing services like Free Now are available but can be expensive which is not ideal for solo travelers.
For a budget-friendly and fun option, DublinBikes offers a bike-sharing service with lots of stations around the city. This is not only a way to get around, but can be a fun way to explore Dublin solo.
Wondering if your phone will work?
Nowadays, most travelers have smart phones with either a physical or electronic sim card. Your local carrier (ie: AT&T, Verizon, etc.) may offer you an international plan or daily rates of $5-10 for using data overseas. This can add up very quickly and become shockingly expensive depending on the length of your trip. You may even be visiting a place that your domestic carrier does not cover.
To resolve this, it is usually cheaper to change your sim card. If you have an unlocked phone, you can typically switch out your sim card for better rates.
For years I switched out physical sims from my iPhone. I usually had to find a local carrier (ie Movistar, Vodaphone, Orange, etc.) in whatever place I was traveling and spend sometimes an hour in the shop setting up my new plan.
Finally, eSims have changed the game. I now can purchase an eSim from the comfort of home and have it set up for immediate use upon arrival to a new country for a fraction of what AT&T would charge me. There are several companies out there that offer eSims for travel, but the one with the greatest variety of plans, multi-country coverage, and wide regional options is Airalo.
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