Dublin, Ireland is one of the most iconic cities in the world! It's both historic and playful at the same time. One minute you’re standing in front of centuries-old architecture, and the next you’re stumbling upon something totally unexpected (like a live portal to another country). If you’re short on time or just want to hit the highlights without feeling rushed, these are the eight must-see spots I’d recommend adding to your Dublin itinerary. Watch the full vlog above to see how fun these hotspots are!
Dublin Portal
This was one of the coolest, most unexpected things I saw in Dublin. The Dublin Portal is basically a giant circular screen that connects you to a live feed of another city around the world. Currently these cities include...
Dublin, Ireland (of course 😁)
Vilnius, Lithuania
Lublin, Poland
Philadelphia, U.S.A
Ipswich, UK
Manila, Philippines
Piauí, Brazil
(And Tokyo, Japan is coming soon!)
You can wave at people, dance, or just awkwardly smile. Cedric did a funny worm dance for the Brazilian viewers (see below) 😅. It’s such a fun, modern contrast to all the historic sites, it draws a crowd in the best way.
Dublin Castle
Right in the heart of the city, Dublin Castle dates back to the 1200s and has been used for everything from a Viking settlement to British rule headquarters. The outside grounds are nice but the inside is really gorgeous! The same royal paintings, architecture and furniture are still intact. We did a self guided tour which is a nice activity for a rainy day in Dublin.
Self-Guided Tour Cost: Adult Ticket €8.00 per person (or $9.37)
Belvedere Irish Nights Show
If you want that classic Irish music and step dancing experience, then the Belvedere Irish Nights Show is a perfect way to start your Ireland adventure! Think live music, Irish dancing, and lively atmosphere with delicious food! They even have a vegan dinner option! We had a BLAST here!
Hot Tip: Get there about 15 minutes early so you get seated in the front AND offered a chance to dance onstage! I did this and although I'm not the best dancer 😅 , it was still so fun to learn the famous Irish "broom dance". You can see my dancing in the Dublin vlog above.
Belvedere Irish Nights Show is full of step dancing fun!
Love Lane
Tucked away in the Temple Bar district is Love Lane. This is a tiny alley filled with colorful street art and cute quotes, created by the artist Anna Doran. (There are even a few Taylor Swift quotes on there!) It’s easy to miss, but definitely worth finding. It gives major “hidden gem” energy and is perfect for photos if you want something a little different from the usual Dublin shots.
Hot Tip: Visitors are encouraged to write their names on the tiles of this alley. Bring your own sharpie when you visit to mark you or you and your lover's names on the walls!
Saint Patrick's Cathedral
St. Patrick's Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Ireland and has been standing since the 1100s. The outside is beautiful, but the inside is what really got me! The stained glass, the details, everything just feels really grand and peaceful at the same time. Even if you’re not super into history, churches or religion, this is still a great site to see. It’s also a little bit away from the busiest areas, so it can feel like a calm break from the city.
Admission Cost: Adult Ticket €11.50 per person (or $13.47)
Trinity College
Trinity College is lovely. Even if you don’t go inside the library to see the 1,000 year old manuscript, the Book of Kells, just walking through the campus is so nice. It feels peaceful, historic, and right in the middle of the city chaos. It's one of those places where you naturally slow down a bit.
Book of Kells Tour Costs: Tours start at €25 up to €65, check out all the options here
Molly Malone Statue
You’ll probably hear about the Molly Malone Statue before you even arrive. She’s a legendary figure in Irish folklore. Snapping a picture with her is a must-do in Dublin!
Reminder: Be respectful with your poses when taking photos with Molly Malone!
Temple Bar (Both the Bar and the District)
Temple Bar District is exactly what you’ve probably seen online: bright red pubs, live music spilling into the streets, and lots of energy. Is it touristy? Definitely. Is it still worth walking through at least once? Also yes. Even if you just pass by, the vibe is unmatched, especially at night.
Fun fact: The area gets its name from the Temple family (not actual temples), and the famous The Temple Bar Pub is known for having one of the largest collections of whiskey in Ireland. If you’re into whiskey, this is kind of the place to try it 🥃
Dublin's Iconic Temple Bar
Bonus Spot: Guinness Storehouse
This experience is essential if you are a beer lover. See the entirety of this seven-story museum in my What to Expect at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland 🍺 and my blog article about visiting the Guinness Storehouse.
More Dublin Travel Tips!
Live Street Musicians
One of the best parts of Dublin is all of the live street musicians, from bagpipes to marching bands, Dublin has entertainment on every corner! Two of our favorites musicians featured in this vlog are the Mr. Wilson’s Second Liners and Alberto Pysa.
TFI Ireland Transportation
My last piece of wisdom for visiting Dublin is to order your Leap Card months before your Ireland trip! You can see us riding the bus at the end of the vlog. The buses are clean double decker rides that even have USB charging spots built in! I thought it would work out fine to grab the card while we were in the city. But the cards are actually only available in select locations. That left Cedric and I running around the city trying to find one when we arrived haha!
Have a TFI Leap Card is a Dublin must!
Final Thoughts
Dublin is one of those cities where you don’t need a packed itinerary to enjoy it. These spots give you a mix of history, culture, and fun little surprises! You can realistically see most of these in a day or two without feeling rushed.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll end up loving the random moments in between just as much as the landmarks, but these eight locations are a great place to start. See more videos in my Iconic Ireland Video Playlist on YouTube. Read more of my Ireland travel articles here. Subscribe to my blog so you don't miss out on fabulous tips for Dublin and Galway!
