Dressing Up As A Viking, & 9 Other Things To Do In Dublin, Ireland

Known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, colorful culture, and friendly locals, Dublin is one place you’ll want to add to your bucket list. There are endless things to do and see in the Irish capital city, ranging from dressing up as a Viking and feeling like a leprechaun at the city’s most famous museum, to strolling through the iconic streets and parks that give Dublin its unique character.

There’s no city quite like Dublin, and with all the sights and activities on offer, it’s impossible to be bored here. Keep reading to find out what 10 brilliant things you should do in Dublin.

10 Go On A Viking Splash Tour

Paying homage to the rich history of the Irish capital, the Viking Splash Tour allows visitors to feel like Vikings while also showing them various landmarks and points of interest around the city.

Every participant is given a classic Viking helmet, and as they make their way around Dublin in the iconic yellow bus, they are encouraged to make war noises at passersby, as if they were announcing a Viking raid. The bus also turns into a boat, allowing participants the chance to see a very exclusive part of the city.

9 Explore Dublin Castle

Dublin is the ideal city to visit if you’re a history buff. One of the most historically significant buildings in the city is Dublin Castle, which was constructed on the site of a Viking settlement in the early 13^thcentury. Inside, you’ll get to see the original steps that led down to the moat, the medieval curtain wall, and the stone-covered embankment, which have all been preserved.

In the early 20^thcentury, before the rising of 1916, the castle was headquarters for the British administration in Ireland. After Ireland’s independence, the castle was handed over to the Irish government.

8 Have Fun In The National Leprechaun Museum

You have to make time for at least one leprechaun-themed experience while in Ireland. The National Leprechaun Museum is the best place to get to know local folklore and offers shows that run throughout the day. There are also spooky night shows for those who can handle a little horror.

At the Leprechaun Museum, you’ll get to visit a room where all the furniture is so large that you feel like a real leprechaun. Every room in the museum narrates a story from Irish mythology and features various cinematic effects to bring the experience to life.

7 Be Humbled At The Trinity College Library

If there’s one highlight you must see while in Dublin, it’s the Trinity College Library. The oldest university in the country, Trinity College has been standing since 1592 and is home to one of the finest libraries in the world. Stroll through and you’ll see exactly how the library served as inspiration for J.K. Rowling’s Hogwarts.

The library is home to more than 200,000 books. A number of prominent authors and writers were educated at Trinity College, making the library all the more special. Among them were Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde, and Jonathan Swift.

6 Enjoy A Picnic At St. Stephen’s Green

There’s certainly no shortage of greenery in Ireland. If you’re looking for a patch of green in the Dublin city center, look no further than the charming St. Stephen’s Green. The scenic park is the ideal place for a picnic and is home to a serene pond where you can feed the friendly ducks.

St. Stephen’s Green is full of history and was once the location of a battleground. It’s said that in 1916, the park groundskeeper, James Kearney, convinced both sides to cease their fighting for an hour every day so he could feed the ducks.

5 Sample Traditional Irish Fare

In a busy city like Dublin, you can get just about every type of food available. But sampling traditional Irish fare while you’re in town is a must. To really immerse yourself in the local culture, order some Irish stew and a pint of Guinness while listening to live music in one of the city’s many legendary pubs.

A traditional Irish breakfast is also worth experiencing, especially if you have a big appetite in the morning. They usually consist of eggs, tomatoes, potatoes, bacon, sausages, and black and white puddings fried in butter, served with brown bread.

4 Take A Trip Down Grafton Street

There’s something for everyone on the famous Grafton Street. Whether you’re looking for shopping, stunning architecture, or live entertainment, Grafton Street has the answer. Featured in Ed Sheeran’s song ‘Galway Girl’, the iconic strip often attracts some of the finest buskers from all over the country.

If you happen to stumble across a particularly good busker on Grafton Street, it might be wise to take note of their name and ask for an autograph. It wouldn’t be the first time that a famous musician got their start on the street!

3 Pay A Visit To St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Ireland has a strong Catholic history, and there are still many spectacular buildings standing all over the city which serve as a testament to this. One of the most magnificent is St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which is the largest church in Ireland.

Founded in 1191, the cathedral is said to be the very spot where St. Paddy himself was baptized. The author Johnathon Swift, who penned Gulliver’s Travels, was once Dean of the Cathedral and is buried there. The building is open between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. every day for visitors.

2 Take A Picture On The Ha’Penny Bridge

Perhaps the most famous bridge in Dublin, the Ha’Penny Bridge crosses the River Liffey. It was built in 1816, making redundant the need for ferries to shuttle locals back and forth across the river. Originally there was a toll of half a penny that was required to cross it, which is where the name comes from.

Visiting the bridge won’t take long, but it’s definitely worth doing. Be sure to get a selfie on the bridge with the scenic River Liffey in the background. You can also kayak along the river and go under the bridge with local tour companies.

1 Embark On A Day-Tour To Wicklow Mountains National Park

There’s plenty to see and do in the city of Dublin, but if you’re a real nature lover, it might be worth venturing on a day trip to the nearby Wicklow Mountains National Park. You won’t be disappointed. A place of rolling green hills, tranquil streams, and fields of purple heather, this is one place in Ireland you’ll definitely want to take a photo of.

After soaking up the phenomenal landscape, visit Powerscourt House and Gardens, or stroll through the monastic settlement of Glendalough. You can also take a guided horseback riding tour along the scenic trails of the area.

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