As the Irish capital, Dublin is known for its jolly pub scene and is home to Guinness Beer and Jameson Whiskey, both offer tours. Dublin blends a youthful vibe with buildings that date back to the 13th century. A favorite among Americans, it is also a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties from the UK and the EU. Although it is more than just a boozy destination, it is a vibrant hub rich in museums and cultural attractions. Here are the best things to do in Dublin as a solo traveler.
Why Visit Dublin as a Solo Traveler
For international travelers, Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland. Thanks to its international airport, it is the easiest city to visit in Ireland. For my trip, I was traveling solo and a little hesitant to do so since I didn’t want to go to Dublin’s pubs alone in the evening.
During my time in Dublin, I never felt lonely while exploring the city. The atmosphere was jovial, and the Irish people are some of the friendliest in Europe. As a female traveler, I felt safe my entire visit, even in the evenings. I joined an organized pub crawl and totally recommend this.
For all its modern culture, Dublin is steeped in history, and some of its buildings date back to the 13th century. Walking down the cobblestone streets, I saw ancient stone buildings standing next to brightly painted pubs, with flower boxes overflowing with summer blooms.
My only complaint is the transportation to and from the airport. Dublin lacks a train service to its airport. You must book a private bus service. It was less organized than a subway or train, and definitely more expensive. In fact, during my trip, I never found the bus stop to the airport for my trip back and took a cab instead.
17 BEST Things to Do in Dublin as a Solo Traveler
Visit Trinity College and the Book of Kells Experience
Walk Around Merrion Square Park
Visit the National Museum of Ireland Archeology
Tour the National Gallery of Ireland
Walk through St. Stephen’s Green
Go Window Shopping on Grafton Street
Lunch at The Pepper Pot Cafe
Tour the Guinness Brewery and Storehouse
Do a Dublin Literary Pub Crawl
Walk Through Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
Tour the Dublin Castle
See the Kilmainham Gaol
Walk Through Temple Bar
Stroll along the River Liffey
Walk over the Ha’Penny Bridge
Tour the Jameson Distillery
Get an Irish-made Souvenir
Organizing Your Time in Dublin
There are several must-dos in Dublin, like the Book of Kells and the Guinness Tour. I didn’t want to do the brewery tour too early in the day, so I toured the Books of Kells (reservations recommended) and the free museums first.
Then, I had a filling lunch to offset the beer drinking later in the day. Since I was traveling solo for this trip, I joined a pub crawl, and that was a highlight.
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Visit Trinity College and the Book of Kells Experience
First up, A Trinity College tour and the Book of Kells experience, a must for any trip. Founded on March 3, 1592, it is one of the seven ancient universities of Great Britain and Ireland. Officially named the College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth, it is home to one of the Book of Kells.
The Book of Kells is an illustrated bible from the 9th century, created by monks. It resided in the Abbey of Kells, County Meath, Ireland, for centuries.
Visitors can now see two pages of the highly decorated book at a time in the old library. The pages are turned every twelve weeks to protect them from the damaging light.
The Book of Kells is just part of the experience. Visitors will learn about the creation of this famed book, and there will be illustrations of its more elaborately decorated pages, which are not on display.
My Visit to Trinity College
During my visit, the open pages were lackluster and displayed little of the famed illuminations. However, the overall experience was satisfying.
The tour then visits the Long Room, featuring the Gaia display. This is a floating virtual image of the globe twirling above the main floor. It was mesmerizing.
The majority of the books in the Old Library were not shelved during my visit. However, there were several Irish artifacts, like the harp, which is a symbol of Ireland.
There is a virtual light and sound show in The Book of Kells 360, which reimagines the Book of Kells. There is seating for this show. The Secret Life of the Collections is another interactive show that highlights the library’s collection.
There are several different tours from the Book of Kells Experience that last approximately 90 minutes, starting at €19. The Book of Kells Experience and the Trinity Trails tour walks visitors through Trinity College by an actual student. I took this tour, and it was informative, and my guide was actually an American student. Adult tickets start at €33.50.
A guided tour of the Book of Kells is available, accommodating a maximum of 16 people. This tour starts at €55.
The tours depart from several locations, depending on the specific tour. Mine started at Bell Tower in the Front Square of Trinity College Dublin. During my visit, I walked from my hotel.
The address of Trinity College is College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.
Time to Spend: 2 hours +
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Walk Around Merrion Square Park
Close the Trinity College, Merrion Square is a rectangular city park flanked by preserved Georgian homes. Built in 1762, this was when wealthy Dubliners made their way to the south of the River Liffey.
In the northern corner of Merrion Square Park, you’ll find the Oscar Wilde statue. There are several entrances to the park from each side.
It is free to visit Merrion Square and best viewed during the day. It is located near the National Museum of Archaeology.
Time to Spend: less than an hour
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Visit the National Museum of Ireland Archeology
This facility is part of the National Museum of Ireland and is dedicated to antiquities from the Stone Age to the Late Middle Ages. Established in 1877, the permanent exhibitions feature displays of Irish gold relics, like jewelry dating from 2200 BCE and 500 BCE.
I also found the displays of the Vikings in Ireland interesting. Vikings settled in the Dublin area, and the artifacts came from excavated graves of the 9th and 10th centuries and settlement sites of the 10th to 12th centuries.
During my visit, I spent about an hour touring the displays. This museum is close to the National Museum of Art and across the street from Merrion Square Park. Pay attention that you don’t mistakenly try to enter the government building in the area as I did. Its security kindly pointed me in the right direction.
Located at Kildare Street, Dublin 2. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (8 p.m. on Thursday) and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday and Monday. Free to enter.
Time to Spend: 1 to 2 hours
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Tour the National Gallery of Ireland
Founded in 1854, this museum houses the national collection of Irish and European art. Its collection includes top Irish artists like Jack B. Yeats.
The National Gallery of Ireland collection features top European artists like Edgar Degas and Pablo Picasso. Visitors will find The Adoration of the Magi by Juan Miranda and Woman Writing a Letter with Her Maid by Joannes Vermeer.
Located at Merrion Square West, Dublin 2. Open Sunday and Monday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday from 9:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. on Thursday). Free to enter.
Time to Spend: 1 to 2 hours
Walk through St. Stephen’s Green
Another park set aside over 100 years ago, St. Stephen’s Green, features a Victorian design. Literary fans will find the James Joyce Memorial Sculpture.
As a bonus for families, there is also a playground. It features lovely landscaping and benches.
It is free to visit St. Stephen’s Green and best viewed during the day.
Time to Spend: less than an hour
Go Window Shopping along Grafton Street
Close to St. Stephen’s Green, this is one of the main shopping streets in Dublin. It is a pedestrian-only area line with shops with Irish products and international brands.
There is a vibrant street scene, and during my visit, I saw numerous musicians and performers along Grafton Street. I also found flower stalls in the summer.
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Lunch at The Pepper Pot Cafe
With all the walking, I recommended a hearty lunch. I found this quaint spot after a tip from a local before I left for my trip.
The Irish pride themselves on their baking heritage, so I wanted to try some of their baked goods, especially scones. The Pepper Pot was perfect.
Inside a multi-level shopping center, the Powerscourt Town Centre offers an interior courtyard. On my visit, I found a table for two overlooking this area.
Since I visited during lunch, I ordered a ham and pear sandwich, made on freshly baked bread. It was delightful, some of the best bread I’ve had in a long while.
One of the Pepper Pot Cafe employees recommended its Victoria Sponge. It was a delightful mix of perfectly baked sponge, indulgent whipped cream, and berry jam. Paired with a cup of tea, it was the perfect lunch dessert.
I couldn’t possibly eat another thing, but I wanted to sample its scones. I got one to go. The Pepper Pot Cafe serves coffee and assorted baked goods along with an all-day breakfast.
Located at 59 William St S, Dublin 2. Open Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Tour the Guinness Brewery and Storehouse
If you’re not a beer drinker, go to Guinness for its famed tour. Not knowing what to expect, I was shocked; Guinness in Ireland tastes different.
This immersive experience traces the beginning of Guinness in Dublin. I learned about the components of the iconic beer, including the rain show that had water droplets forming the Guinness harp (don’t miss this).
As I went from one level to the next, I saw vintage Guinness ads and walked through neon and strobe-lighted displays. The floors are connected via glass escalators, and the atmosphere is jovial.
Of course, samples of Guinness beer are included, from the tiny mug at the beginning of the tour to the whole pint in the Gravity Rooftop Bar overlooking Dublin, a tour highlight.
Guiness Tours
There are several tours, and I took the self-guided 90-minute Storehouse Experience. Adult tickets start at €26, kids (5 to 17) are €10, and those under 5 are free. There is also a student discount of €19.50. The drinking age in Ireland is 18, and soda is available.
Visitors will find lots of add-ons for their tour. The Stoutie experience adds your selfie on the pint foam. There is a Guinness Academy that teaches participants how to pull a perfect pint.
For beer connoisseurs, there is a beer-tasting experience and a guided factory tour. These premium tours start at €95 per person. Don’t miss the gift shop, where you can find all things Guinness.
Located at St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8. Open Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday). Reservations are recommended, especially late in the day. If you don’t secure a reservation, the morning is the easiest time to get in.
Time to Spend: 2 hours +
Do a Dublin Literary Pub Crawl
I was traveling alone for this trip and wanted to enjoy the Dublin pub scene. As a seasoned solo traveler, tours during the day are easy. It’s night when it gets lonely, especially in bars.
I joined the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl, which toured four pubs as the hosts (and actors) acted out famous scenes from Irish literature.
As a writer and avid reader (plus a college degree in Literature), this was ideal. During my tour, the pair of tour guides featured James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, Oscar Wilde, Brendan Behan, Mary Lavin, Eavan Boland, Paula Meehan, Seamus Heaney, Michael Longley and Brendan Kennelly.
We started upstairs at the Duke Pub, where we got an introduction to Irish literature (and no, you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy this experience). From there, we walked to several other pubs and ordered a drink at each (I might have lost track).
This tour attracts travelers who are both jovial and friendly. My tour guides were excellent hosts and very engaging.
Starts at The Duke Pub, 9 Duke St., Dublin. at 7:15 p.m. and runs to 10 p.m. Online reservations are required.
Time to Spend: 2 hours +
Walk Through Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
Founded in 1191 as a Roman Catholic cathedral, it is the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland. The building is made of limestone and uses Gothic architectural elements.
With a building this old, it has seen fires and periods of neglect. Both Queen Mary of Scots and Benjamin Lee Guinness, the founder of the beer, spearheaded major restorations.
Inside, visitors can tour the nave with its stained glass windows. Be sure and see Saint Patrick’s Window, which tells his life in 39 different episodes, beginning with his kidnapping from Wales to his death and burial in Ireland.
Inside, the remains of Jonathan Swift are buried at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral along with 500 other notable Irish people. Check the calendar for morning and evening choral sessions.
Located at St Patrick’s Close, Dublin, D08. Open Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 to 10 a.m., then 1 to 2:30 p.m. with breaks for services. Adult tickets are €11, and kids (6 to 11) are €5.50. You can book online; however, I just walked up during my visit.
Time to Spend: 1 Hour
Tour the Dublin Castle
The motte-and-bailey castle was built in 1204 at the highest point of central Dublin. This building is now part of a government complex, and the State Apartments are open for tours.
During my visit, I saw the Grand Staircase, a series of State Apartment Galleries, including the James Connolly Room, an important landmark in the story of the 1916 Easter Rising.
The State Drawing Room is the most elaborate room with the most significant paintings in Dublin Castle by Sir Anthony Van Dyck. The President of Ireland uses this room for official visits.
Another not-to-miss room is the Throne Room, constructed in 1788 as an audience chamber in which the Viceroy received guests on behalf of the British monarch. It includes a throne used by England’s King George IV, Queen Victoria, and King Edward VII, all of whom were visiting monarchs.
St. Patrick’s Hall is one of Ireland’s greatest ceremonial rooms and is primarily used as a ballroom. This is also where the inauguration of the President of Ireland takes place.
Other rooms worth a visit include the Portrait Gallery and the Gothic Room. The Wedgewood Room was built in 1777 in the neoclassical style and later became the Castle’s billiard room.
Located at Dame St, Dublin 2. Open 9:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Adult admission is €8, teens (12 to 17) are €4, and free for those 11 and younger.
Time to Spend: 1 Hour
See the Kilmainham Gaol
This is the Kilmainham Prison in Dublin, operated by the Office of Public Works, an agency of the Government of Ireland. If you are interested in Irish history, then this tour is for you.
Revolutionaries, including the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising, were imprisoned and executed in the prison by the orders of the UK Government. Opened in 1796 as the new County Gaol for Dublin, The Gaol was closed in 1924 but was preserved as a national monument in the 1960s.
Now one of the top tours in Dublin, visitors take a guided tour through the facility, including the West Wing with seventy-nine cells (the original section). The East Wing was built in the 1860s and featured in a few movies.
Tours also go through the Stonebreaker’s Yard, the most famous yard where hard labor was performed. It is here that the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were executed.
Located at Inchicore Rd, Kilmainham, Dublin 8. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Adults are €8, teens (12 to 17) are €4, and those 11 and younger enter for free. Reservations are required and only available through the official site.
Time to Spend: 2 Hours
Walk Through Temple Bar
For first-time visitors, Temple Bar is a beacon, with pubs, restaurants and shopping throughout the area. The River Liffey bounds it to the north, Dame Street to the south, Westmoreland Street to the east and Fishamble Street to the west.
From retirees on their Irish grand tour to bachelorette parties from across Europe, Dublin and especially Temple Bar is on everyone’s list. I walked down Temple Bar and stayed in a hotel in the Temple Bar area.
It is lively well into the night. If you want a quieter base, then stay outside the area. If you plan on doing a DIY pub crawl, then this is the place to stay.
This is also where you will find the most picturesque pub exteriors for photographs, both day and night. They are brightly colored and, in the summer, dripping in window boxes.
Stroll along the River Liffey
This artery starts in eastern Ireland, and by the time it gets to Dublin, it’s a wide river. It dumps into the Dublin Bay, then into the Irish Sea. The River Liffey divides Dublin into two.
Most travelers spend their time just south and north of the River. Walking the area is the best way to absorb the sights and sounds.
Walk over the Ha’Penny Bridge
The Ha’Penny Bridge is a pedestrian bridge built in 1816 that started as a toll bridge. It replaced the ferry service that took people across the river.
Other bridges across the River Liffey include the O’Connell Bridge, a central wayfaring point. The Millennium Bridge offers lights at night and just north of Temple Bar.
Tour the Jameson Distillery
John Jameson founded this whiskey distillery in 1780 in Dublin, north of the River Liffey on Bow Street. He was Scottish and four of his sons joined in the family business.
At the time, over 100 distilleries operated in Dublin; however, the original John Jameson rose above the rest. His sons and their sons continued the tradition.
During my tour, I took the Bow Street Experience, a guided 45-minute tour that takes visitors from the beginning to today. I learned about the grain-to-glass philosophy at Jameson. During the tour, I also sampled three different Jameson whiskeys. The tour starts with a welcome cocktail too and starts at €26.
For those who want a more immersive experience, there is a cask draw add-on for €41. The Secret Whiskey Tasting, where you will taste two whiskeys only available at the distillery in the former office of John Jameson. This tour starts at €40. For the ultimate whiskey connoisseur, the Taste Table Experience is held at the maturation warehouse for a guided whiskey tasting. This experience starts at €140. Engraved Jameson bottles are available at the distillery as well.
Note, for those with limited time or interest and trying to decide between the Jameson Distillery and the Guinness Brewery. The Guinness Brewery is the one to choose for its immersive multi-sensory experience and stunning rooftop bar.
Located at Bow St, Smithfield, Dublin 7. Open Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5:30 p.m.
Get an Irish-made Souvenir
I found Ireland to be one of the best places to buy authentic souvenirs.
Irish Made Sweater
Before my trip, I wanted to get an Irish sweater. During my trip, I found the Aran Islands Market had several stores in Dublin.
The group of three islands in Galway Bay is where the sweaters have been made for generations. First by hand, now machine-made in a rainbow array of colors and styles.
If you are continuing your travels in Ireland, Dublin is still the best place to buy a sweater if you are interested in a particular style or color. The shops also sell hats, scarves and socks, all made in Ireland.
Irish Jewelry
A Claddagh ring is another top Irish souvenir. Also, you can find clan-inspired jewelry if your heritage is Irish. Celtic knots is another top Irish motif found in jewelry. All can be found in gold, sterling silver and even pewter.
During my visit, I found a bracelet made of green marble sourced in Ireland. The Connemara Marble is found on the western shore of Ireland in the Wild Atlantic Coast. It is considered the gemstone of Ireland.
Whiskey and Guinness
Both are integral parts of the Irish culture. A bottle of Irish Whiskey is a favorite souvenir, so look for varieties that can only be bought in Ireland. Alternatively, an engraved bottle is another nice keepsake.
Hauling cans of Guinness itself might be a waste of valuable luggage space. However, there are plenty of Guinness products, from Christmas ornaments to t-shirts to pint glasses blazoned with theGuinnessss Harp and logo.
Other Irish Gifts
For those who collect, Waterford Crystal is another top souvenir from Ireland. There are also other Irish crystal brands, offering beauty and a lower price point.
Irish shortbread draws on the rich culinary history of the island. It can be found in easy-to-transport souvenir tins. I found lots of items with shamrocks, and if your favorite color is green (like me), there is no shortage of merchandise.
Top Tips for Traveling to Ireland
Ireland features five international airports; Dublin International Airport (DUB) is the largest. However, there are airports in Shannon and Cork in Southern Ireland. Ireland West Airport Knock is located in County Mayo in Western Ireland. Belfast also features an international airport in Northern Ireland (part of the UK).
Since Ireland is not part of the United Kingdom, the new UK visa requirement doesn’t apply. It is also not part of the Schengen Agreement.
Most U.S. travelers can stay up to 90 days on a tourist visa with a valid U.S. Passport. There is a U.S. Embassy in Dublin.
Like the majority of Europe, Ireland uses the euro. Most places in Dublin prefer cashless payment. However, pubs and restaurants accept cash, just ask in advance.
Tipping from 10% to 15% is common in Ireland. In pubs, rounding up is common. Remember, if someone buys a round in Ireland, it is considered rude not to reciprocate.
English is spoken throughout Ireland. However, learning an Irish Gaelic greeting or toast will add to your experience. Dia duit is hello, Fáilte is welcome and frequently used by shopkeepers, and Sláinte is a toast to your health.
It will rain so pack rain gear, like a small umbrella and a rain jacket. I visited in late June, and it felt cold along the Wild Atlantic Way, so I wore my sweater and hat I purchased in Dublin. So it’s unnecessary to pack a bulky sweater and grab one as a souvenir.
Getting Around
While renting a car isn’t necessary for touring Dublin, it is the easiest way to get around outside the larger cities. I picked up a car at the Dublin Airport and found driving easier in Ireland than in England, with fewer roundabouts. I found all the North American rental car agencies, and I have a valid IDP from AAA (International Driver Permit.
While in Dublin, I walked everywhere. However, Dublin doesn’t feature a train service from the airport to the city center.
I had to take private transport, which is less convenient and more expensive than a train. On the way back to the airport, I never found the bus stop and took a taxi to the airport.
Where to Stay in Dublin
The Morgan Hotel is south of the River Liffey in the sought-after Temple Bar area of Dublin. Conveniently located close to the top sites in Dublin, travelers can walk to Trinity College and the Book of Kells or Grafton Street for shopping.
This four-star property features 168 rooms across five floors and offers both an elevator and air conditioning. The rooms use Egyptian cotton bed and bath linens.
My room faced Fleet Street and offered a glass-enclosed shower with a marble surround and rain showerhead. There is also a TV mounted on the wall and an occasional chair, plus a work desk with a desk chair.
There is a beverage bar with a Nespresso machine and a hot water kettle, plus pods, tea bags, milk and sugar. Guests will also find complimentary water and enjoy free Wifi.
There is a restaurant on site: The 10 Fleet Street Restaurant and Bar.
It is located at 10 Fleet Street, Temple Bar, Dublin.
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