Dublin, Ireland for the Ignorant Traveler — 9 Things to Know & Do

Before you go to Dublin, Ireland, know this: The Vikings made it a major city in the 800’s due to its strategic location at the mouth of the River Liffey for trade between Scandinavia and Ireland. In 1170, the Normans captured it, and established Dublin Castle as their administrative center. Later on, the English Crown solidified it as the capital of “the Pale” — another name for their English-controlled territory. And so if you are going to Dublin, know that you are walking streets and traversing areas that are steeped in this history.

As with every place you go to, you should have a 50,000-foot view of where you are in the world when you go. And so have this map in mind — it will help illustrate the bullet points above as well:

The River Liffey flows through the heart of Ireland out to the sea; Dublin was built on either side of it at its mouth.

Understanding that, let’s get to the business of what to do in Dublin.

1. Walk Dublin’s Cobblestone Streets in the Temple Bar Section

The heart of Dublin is the Temple Bar section of town, with narrow cobblestone streets, pubs, cafe’s, and street musicians. This is where I would head to first to get the vibe of the city.

As you walk the streets of the Temple Bar section — most of them narrow and cobblestoned — you are a block away from the River Liffey.

Find a cafe — I found a Starbucks — have a brew, and watch the people go by on the streets outside. I pulled out my laptop and got some work done, with the buzz of the people around me. Pure bliss.

The Temple Bar section is also a nice place to walk at night. Temple Bar is the center of Dublin’s cultural universe. Street-music buskers, street artists, open-air markets and exhibitions make for an energetic, creative atmosphere.

In the Temple Bar section you can walk along the banks of the River Liffey and watch the boats go to and fro. It is kind of like Paris with its River Seine.

2. Stop in The Temple Bar Pub

The Temple Bar section is named for The Temple Bar Pub — very confusing since Temple Bar would seem to be the name of the bar — but they have to add the Pub on the end since the area is named Temple Bar.

So if you are going to meet someone at the Temple Bar Pub — say that — don’t just say we’ll meet you at Temple Bar.

The Temple Bar Pub itself is typically packed with tourists, but it also is known for good music — traditional Irish music — and boasts the largest whiskey collection in Ireland — so it is worth a stop in to take in the atmosphere at least, if not to have a drink (which you can also do).

3. Have a Drink at Non-Tourist Pubs

Dublin has many non-tourist pubs that you might want to stop in for a drink — but then of course you being a tourist — will make it more touristy while doing so. So don’t stay long.

Here are some:

• The Palace on Fleet Street — in Temple Bar

And then in other parts of Dublin:

• Mulligans on Poolbeg Street
• Hogan’s on George’s Street
• Anseo on Camden Street
• J O’Connells on Richmond Street
• Grogan’s Castle Lounge on South William Street
• Walsh’s in Stoneybatter

4. Watch Street Musicians

The main streets for street-music busking in the Temple Bar area are Fleet Street, which runs through the heart of the district, and nearby streets like Essex Street, with music spilling out from pubs and performers gathering in pedestrian-friendly spots, in the afternoons and evenings. 

The most known street in Dublin for music busking is Grafton Street — which is about 10-12 blocks to the south of the Temple Bar section and the River (see red marker below).

5. Visit Guinness Storehouse and/or Jameson Distillery Row Street

If you’re still in a drinking mood — another touristy thing to do is:

• Visit the Guinness Storehouse, where you can see the factory where they make Guinness, and take in some city views from its Gravity Bar, and then also,
• Visit the Jameson Distillery, which focuses on whiskey tasting.

You have to pay to go into each place — taking a tour. There are combined tours available. The two places are within walking distance of each other, and walking distance from the Temple Bar area — although Jameson’s is on the other side of the River Liffey.

6. Visit Dublin Castle

The Dublin Castle website says, “Constructed in the early 1200’s on the site of a Viking settlement, Dublin Castle served for centuries as the headquarters of English, and later British, administration in Ireland. In 1922, following Ireland’s independence, Dublin Castle was handed over to the new Irish government.”

In other words, the English subjugated the Irish for centuries via this castle. The Irish must have HATED this castle with a passion.

Now it’s a tourist spot.

It is only a few blocks walk from the Temple Bar area, so it is recommended that you go see it.

A Dublin Castle tour offers a mix of history, art, and architecture. You can choose between a guided tour led by knowledgeable guides or a self-guided visit that lets you explore ignorantly. Prices at this writing in 2025 are 12 Euros per adult for a Guided tour, and 8 Euros for a self-guided visit.

For the Ignorant Traveler there is only one way to go — self-guided.

7. Visit Free Museums in Dublin — Including One at Dublin Castle

Alternatively, you can walk by and take a picture of Dublin Castle from the outside, and then take in some free museums.

• The Chester Beatty museum is actually located within the grounds of Dublin Castle and is free, and recommended. It has a large collection of manuscripts, rare books, and artworks from around the world.
• The National Museum of Ireland (Archaeology) showcases Celtic treasures and prehistoric gold.
• The National Gallery of Ireland houses impressive Irish and European art collections.

8. Visit the Blue Light Pub for an Amazing View of Dublin

For something a little different, take a ride out to The Blue Light pub, which is built among the foothills of the Dublin Mountains — for a nice view of Dublin City.

The Blue Light Pub has live music seven nights a week, good food and a superb range of craft beers and Irish whiskey.

You need to take a cab to The Blue Light (unless you have rented a car for your stay in Dublin). It is a 30 minute drive (see map below to understand the distance).

It takes an hour and a half by public transport — from Dublin city center, you can take the Luas Green Line to the Sandyford stop. From there, Dublin Bus route 44B will drop you near The Blue Light (Monday to Friday).

9. Visit the Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are a must see if you are in Ireland — but if you only have a few days in Dublin you may not be able to see them as they are — on the other side of Ireland.

That said, they are about 3.5-hours drive from Dublin, so you can do this if you have rented a car or have a day at hand to book an all-day bus tour (see below).

The winding, scenic drive to get to them, along Wild Atlantic Way — is amazing as well. You drive alongside breathtaking coastal scenery, towering cliffs, and quaint villages through a narrow, winding road.

If you don’t have a car, you can book a tour on a tour bus that leaves early in the morning (just before 7am) — gets you out there before noon; it’s an all-day thing.

Check the popular travel sites — Expedia, Trip Advisor, etc — for best rated bus tours. I didn’t get to see the Cliffs of Moher while in Dublin — but wish I could have.

That’s all I’ve got to say about Dublin this time around. I had a few-days stay there during a busy Sales Kick Off Meeting and had just enough time to explore the city in the evenings and one of the afternoons.

Dedicated to Nelson

This article is dedicated to Nelson, my one-time compadre who I traveled the streets of Dublin with. An amazing graphic artist and amazing person and father of 2, whose life ended abruptly due to heart attack. An amazing man.