if you’re looking for inspiration to make the most of your city break in Dublin, we’ve been busy doing the groundwork, so you get to see the best bits while you’re here. we have loads of ideas on our blog, with a few sample itineraries thrown in to give you that city break experience.
the Gibson hotel is in a prime location to explore Dublin, with the Luas red line on our doorstep it couldn’t be easier!
whether you’re thinking of heading to the city for a romantic getaway or a family holiday with teenagers, there are lots of fun Dublin Activities to do! the Gibson guides have put together some of “our favourites” to get you into the right frame of mind. these are just a selection of places to go in and around Dublin city, some are free and some have an entrance fee. check out our suggestions of local walks to help you get excited about exploring Dublin.
Croke Park Skyline Tour
what better way to experience Dublin sightseeing than from the skyline of Croke Park? a must-do if you’re a first time visitor and feeling adventurous! enjoy a 90 minute guided tour of one of Dublin’s most loved landmarks. located right in the heart of the city you’ll get to enjoy some breath-taking views from 17 storeys high.
be sure to look at their schedules and book ahead!
Jameson Distillery Bow Street
located in historic Smithfield is a great place to visit with a few friends. it’s on the red Luas line so you can just hop off at Smithfield and you’re right there. they have several tasting experiences which you can book. our favourite is the whiskey cocktail making class. so not only do you get to make the cocktails, you also get to drink them! what’s not to love about this?
as an added incentive (like you need one!) you can avail of 20% discount off adult admission for their flagship tour The Bow St. Experience by entering HOTEL20 in the promo code when you book.
Walking Food Tours
explore the city by foot with a difference. sightseeing, local knowledge and delicious delights – what more could you want? stop off at the best food stalls and pick and choose yourself what you do or don’t want to try! a great way to merge eating and sightseeing in the one go if you’ve a jam-packed schedule (tours are approximately 3 hours). walking food tours offer both food and drinks tours so choose whichever takes your fancy. their advice is to come along hungry (well for the food tour anyways..).
The Science Gallery
located off Pearse street (the nearest dart is Pearse street station) this is an amazing place to visit, and of one the top Dublin activities for families especially if you have curious minds to keep engaged. it’s part of Trinity College Dublin so they have fantastic resources at their fingertips. they have various exhibitions running and even have some of these available online with engaging podcasts available. even if you don’t get a chance to get inside it’s still worth walking by the Science Gallery to have a look at their window as they tend to put some exhibitions on show for you to see.
The Vintage Tea Trips
this is a quirky addition to your Dublin city break. ok, we know, this is a bit of a girlie activity so it’s perfect if you’re escaping the domestic shackles for a night or two and want to catch up and chat with your besties. all you have to do is hop on the vintage bus and get waited on hand and foot while enjoying some delightful Dublin sightseeing. it takes about 2 hours, so plenty of time to relax and take it easy!
Iveagh Gardens
this is like a secret park in Dublin and definitely on our hit list to check out on your Dublin city break. located on Clonmel street just off Harcourt street it’s close to St Stephen’s green and is one of those hidden gems that needs to be explored. it has hosted several live music events over the years and is surrounded by buildings, making it a bit secluded from the city buzz. it’s a great spot to wander around and see some of Georgian Dublin.
George’s Street Arcade
is one of those busy spots that oozes ambience and is worth investigating on your Dublin city break, especially if you want to get off the main shopping drag in Dublin. it’s an enclosed victorian market and is one of Europe’s oldest city markets. it’s home to a selection of quirky independent boutique shops and artisan eateries and this whole area around George’s street is alive with quirkiness.
Teelings Whiskey Distillery
unlock Dublin’s Spirit in the Capital’s First new operational distillery in 125 years. located within the lively inner-city liberties neighbourhood, experience the world of the Teeling’s Distillery and discover the secrets behind their global success! choose from a range of self-guided tours and memorable experiences, from whiskey tastings to cultural heritage, it’s one of the perfect Dublin activities you can enjoy with friends or in groups.
experience first-hand the sights, sounds and smells, of a fully operational distillery. all tours are hosted by a Teeling Whiskey Ambassador who will talk through the complete whiskey making process. each tour concludes with a tasting of award winning Teeling Whiskey, with a selection of tasting options to suit the novice and aficionado alike.
be sure to take a look at their experiences online and book ahead of time! And the best part, if you book here using the code GIBSON15 you can get 15% off your tour!
Pat Liddy’s Walking Tours of Dublin
for Dublin sightseeing sometimes it is worth getting on board with an expert! Pat Liddy is the man in the know when it comes to getting under the bonnet and seeing the hidden parts of Dublin that are just a bit off the beaten track. most of his tours are 2 hours and it’s a great way to spend a morning or afternoon. we love the Dublin highlights & hidden corners but have a look at his website to see the options.
get into the groove with our inspired packages
if you’re planning a romantic city break, check out our packages and blog for ideas of things to do.
or if it’s a girlie escape you’re planning, have a look at the top tips of things to do in Dublin city.
planning a family city break with teenagers, have a look at our best of dublin guide with great info on a selection of Dublin activities for the whole family to enjoy!