Choose from 123 Fun Things to Do in Ireland
Dublin Writers Museum
The Dublin Writers Museum features unique works and memorabilia from famous writers heralding from this city. Letters and personal items from such icons as Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett allow visitors to connect with their favorite Irish authors on a more personal level while also admiring their works, which are also on display. Over 300 years of historical memorabilia and literature are displayed in this charming Georgian house-turned-museum, complete with a library, gallery and lecture rooms. There are also an adjoining bookshop and cafe as well as a basement restaurant that all follow the literary theme.
Built as a centre to honor past Irish literary figures, the museum has also become a place for young aspiring writers to gain perspective and inspiration for their own works. The headquarters for these authors, the Irish Writers' Centre, is conveniently located next door to the museum, providing them a respite to work and share ideas. The relationship between these two institutions illustrates that while Dublin has a rich history of talented writers it also has a group of bright and promising authors destined for future literary success.
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Giant's Causeway
The Basics
While the legend surrounding Giant’s Causeway makes for an interesting story, geologists have a different explanation for the creation of the Giant's Causeway: volcanic activity. It’s said that millions of years ago, a volcanic eruption produced a lava flow that cooled quickly from both the top and sides, shaping the lava into hexagonal columns. Over time, the elements have continued to sculpt these columns into various shapes, and some are known to resemble objects. Notable formations include the Chimney Stacks, Giant's Harp, and Honeycomb, all of which are favorites of visiting photographers. Spot these formations and other stunning views framed by the windswept cliffs on your walk over the columns to the edge of the sea.
Although it’s possible to self-drive, many visitors choose to take a round-trip tour from Dublin with transportation and entrance fees to the Visitor’s Center included. Guided Causeway tours, with upgrades such as private tours or luxury coaches, often include stops at other nearby attractions such as the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, the Bushmills Distillery, and Dunluce Castle.
- Wear sensible clothing and footwear, as the stones can be slippery.
- An outdoor audio guide is available, in addition to another guide for visually impaired visitors.
- The site includes three parking lots and a park-and-ride area.
- Paths down to the causeway are partially accessible, as are the grounds.
- The Visitor’s Centre features a number of interactive exhibition; admission fee required.
How to Get to Giant’s Causeway
The Causeway Coastal Route, a popular scenic drive between Belfast City and Londonderry, is a self-drive option through County Antrim that includes a stops at Rathlin Island, Ballintoy, and the Giant’s Causeway. The causeway is about three hours drive north of Dublin and 1.5 hours north of Belfast by car; a variety day trips are available from both departure locations.
When to Get There
Opening times vary seasonally; check the Giant’s Causeway website for opening hours, including the Visitor’s Center opening hours. Expect wind and rain during winter.
Irish Folklore
These rock formations get their name from an old legend stating that Irish warrior Finn McCool built the path across the sea to face his Scottish rival, Benandonner. There are several variations of the story from this point, but each one ends with Finn dressing as a baby and scaring off Benandonner, who thinks the disguised Finn is actually the child of a giant and is too afraid to face his opponent. On his way back to Scotland, Benandonner tears up the path behind him, leaving just what exists today on the Northern Irish coast and the Scottish island of Staffa, which has similar rock formations.
GPO Witness History Visitor Centre
- The GPO Witness History Visitor Centre is a must for anyone who wants to understand Irish history.
- Leave bulky bags at home as there are no storage facilities for visitors to the GPO.
- The facility is wheelchair-friendly, with lifts and accessible toilet facilities on-site.
Cahergall Fort
- Cahergall Fort is a must for history buffs and those traveling with children, who will enjoy running around the open ruins.
- Bring a camera to capture images of the surrounding countryside from atop the fort’s walls.
- Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes so you can easily navigate the uneven stone steps, even in changeable weather.
Gallarus Oratory
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Custom House
- Custom House is a must-see for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.
- Bring a camera to take photos of one of Dublin’s most prominent landmarks.
- Wheelchair users can make advance arrangements to access the visitor center through the main reception on Beresford Place.
Castle Barna Golf Club
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Dublinia
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Derrynane House
- Derrynane House is a must-see for Irish history buffs and families, who will enjoy the trails in the surrounding parkland.
- Guided tours for groups of up to 25 people are available.
- A tearoom at the house is open from Easter through September.
- Derrynane House is wheelchair accessible.
Dalkey Castle
- Dalkey Castle is a must for history buffs and families.
- There is no café on-site, but plenty can be found nearby within the town itself.
- The castle is partially wheelchair accessible.
GAA Museum
Set within the 82,300-capacity Croke Park stadium, the GAA Museum is devoted to Gaelic games and the role of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) in Irish life. Exhibits, audiovisual displays, and interactive zones introduce visitors to Gaelic football and hurling, a fast-paced game played with a hurley (stick) and a sliotar (ball).
The Basics
Visitors can join a Croke Park stadium tour, which includes admission to the GAA Museum, or buy a museum-only admission ticket and explore the exhibits at their leisure.
See legendary players in the Hall of Fame, learn about the role of the GAA in local communities, and see the original Sam Maguire Cup (awarded to the winners of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship) and the original Liam MacCarthy Cup (awarded to the winners of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship). The interactive Games Zone allows visitors to try their hand at the sports themselves.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The GAA Museum is a must for sports enthusiasts and anyone with an interest in Irish culture.
- There is a café on the stadium grounds.
- The museum and stadium are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The GAA Museum is at the Cusack Stand in Croke Park, a 15-minute walk from Dublin city center. Alternatively, ride the train to Drumcondra station, which is just five minutes away on foot, or take any one of a number of buses from the city center.
When to Get There
The GAA museum opens daily year-round. On match days, the museum’s regular opening hours are sometimes altered; most matches take place on weekend days, so go midweek if possible.
Learning About Ireland’s National Games
Traditional Gaelic games are at the center of Irish sporting life. The most popular and most played among them are Gaelic football, hurling, and camogie (women’s hurling). Their origins can be traced back centuries—the mythical Irish warrior Cú Chulainn is said to have carried a hurley and sliotar. To this day, local GAA organizations play a key role in Irish community life, particularly in rural locations.
Dunguaire Castle
- The castle is not wheelchair accessible.
- The roof terrace is small and accessible only via a narrow spiral staircase that may not be suitable for those who may get claustrophobic.
- It’s best to wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven surfaces.
- Banquet experiences must be booked in advance.
Dingle
- Though Dingle is part of an Irish-speaking area known as a Gaeltacht, English is widely spoken.
- Like most of County Kerry and Ireland as a whole, Dingle’s weather can be unpredictable, so rain gear is a must.
- Book a boat tour from Dingle during summer and you might spot killer whales, minke whales, or even humpback whales, all in addition to several species of dolphin.
Galway Atlantaquaria
It’s not only the colorful sea creatures that draw in the crowds - the aquarium’s unique displays and hands-on approach has proven a hit with all ages. Visitors can help out at feeding time, delve into the waters inside a model submarine and visit the aquarium’s popular ‘touch tanks’ for the chance to hold starfish and spider crabs. The enlightening exhibits include the chance to experience a waterfall from a ‘fish eye view’ or follow a Galway Salmon on its journey from the Corrib River to Galway Bay. There’s even an enormous skeleton of a Fin Whale on display.
Castletown House
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Bunratty Castle and Folk Village
- Bunratty Castle is a must for families, with lots of fun, interactive activities on offer.
- Food and drinks are available at the pub in the folk park and at the tea room in the castle.
- Bunratty Folk Park is wheelchair accessible. Only the basement level of the castle is wheelchair accessible; the other four floors are not.
Glasnevin Cemetery Museum
- Glasnevin Cemetery Museum is a must for history buffs.
- Glasnevin Cemetery is a functioning graveyard so be respectful when burial ceremonies are taking place or people are visiting the graves of loved ones.
- The museum is fully wheelchair-accessible.
Grafton Street
The pedestrian-friendly Grafton Street stems off of the western end of Trinity College and runs down to the main entrance of St. Stephen's Green. Acting as a direct link between these famous landmarks, Grafton Street is a main thoroughfare but is also a popular destination in itself. Both locals and visitors to Dublin come to Grafton Street to peek in the high-end shops and grab a bite at one of the eateries. At the end of the street, across from the entrance to the park, there's also St. Stephen's Green Shopping Centre, which adds to the wide selection of stores down at street level.
Those meandering the broad boulevard will find entertainment along their way as well. The fact that most of Grafton Street is closed to cars makes it a prime location for street performers to set up their acts. In good weather, these buskers, as they're called, station themselves at various points along the path to perform for passersby and try to impress them with their talents. Go ahead and throw them a few coins if you like what you see and hear!
Glendalough Monastic Settlement
The monastery was founded by the hermit monk St Kevin around 618AD and by the 9th century was among the leading monastic cities of Ireland, up until its destruction by the English in 1398. The ruins remain impressive today, with a collection of ancient churches, burial sites and monastic buildings sprawled around the Upper and Lower lakes. Most famous is the 112-foot-tall round tower, measuring 52 feet in circumference and featuring a conical roof, rebuilt with its original stones in the late 19th century. Other key sights include a 10th-century cathedral, the largest building on the plot, home to granite ‘St Kevin’s Cross’; St Kevin’s church with its conical capped belfry and a monumental gateway, unique in Ireland with its two-storied granite arches.
A huge part of Glendalough’s appeal lies in its spectacular surroundings, with the two lakes encircled with woodlands, verdant pastures and the hilltops of the nearby Wicklow Mountains National Park. Make the most of a visit by hiking around the lakes and following the marked trails between the ruins, then head to the Glendalough Visitor center, where a video and exhibition details facts and background information on the monuments.
Dublin Zoo
- Dublin Zoo is a must for families, with lots of kid-friendly activities available.
- Cafés, snack kiosks, and a restaurant can be found within the zoo’s grounds. Alternatively, pack a picnic to enjoy on the lawns or at picnic tables.
- Bring rain gear as much of the zoo is unsheltered and Dublin’s weather can be unpredictable.
- The majority of the zoo is wheelchair-accessible.