The Dublin Hidden Gems I Keep Coming Back To

What Are the Best Museums in Dublin?

Dublin’s museums are storytellers. Some are grand, others tucked behind Georgian doors, but each adds a thread to Irish history.

The Little Museum of Dublin

A townhouse on St. Stephen’s Green, this museum tells the story of Dublin Ireland through donated objects. A guided tour here feels like rummaging through your granny’s attic, if your granny happened to be a historian with a wicked sense of humor. Tours are scheduled every 45 minutes, with the first tour starting at 9:15 am and the last tour at 4:00 pm. Tickets cost €8–10 and are worth every cent.

14 Henrietta Street

Dublin's earliest Georgian street, now home to a tenement museum that doesn't sugar-coat the past. The contrast between the grand architecture and the cramped living conditions tells Ireland's story more honestly than any textbook. This is a time capsule. You’ll walk through rooms that still echo with lives lived there.

The museum runs guided tours from Wednesday to Sunday, and you'll need to book ahead. It's become one of Dublin's lesser known attractions that locals are finally talking about.

Chester Beatty: World Renowned Collection of Art and Treasures in Dublin

The Chester Beatty is a must visit destination, tucked behind Dublin Castle. The museum houses one of the world's great collections of manuscripts, sacred texts, and art from across the globe, a testament to Dublin's outward-looking culture. Admission is free, making this fascinating collection accessible to everyone. The modern galleries feel like a sanctuary from the busy city streets, and visitors can even take free tours led by incredibly knowledgeable guides.

Hugh Lane Gallery

Step into the Hugh Lane Gallery on Parnell Square to explore a rich collection of modern Irish and international art. The gallery is perhaps most famous for housing Francis Bacon's reconstructed London studio, a chaotic masterpiece frozen in time, with every paint tube and photograph preserved exactly as the artist left it. The wider collection gracefully spans Irish and European art, including Impressionist works by Manet, Monet, Degas, Pissarro, and Morisot. Be sure to visit the dedicated stained glass room to see Harry Clarke's breathtaking masterpiece, The Eve of Saint Agnes. Admission is free, making this cultural treasure accessible for everyone to explore.

Where Do Dublin Locals Go to Escape the City?

Even in a city of pubs and poetry, sometimes you need a quiet patch of green.

National Botanic Gardens

Just 3 kilometers north of town, these gardens are a great place to walk, relax, and breathe. The National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin are a great go-to spot for some serious plant envy. With over 16,000 species and cultivars from all around the globe, it’s like nature decided to put on its best outfit just for you.

The stars of the show, are the historic glasshouses, Richard Turner’s Curvilinear Range and the Great Palm House. They’ve been beautifully restored, won awards, and in summer, stepping inside feels like you’ve wandered into another world.

It’s not just a pretty face, either. The gardens are a safe haven for over 300 endangered plant species, 6 of which don’t exist in the wild anymore.

And, alright, confession time: on one visit, I decided to impress a date by confidently naming every plant we passed. I was on a roll… until she pointed at a big fern and asked, “What’s that one?” In a moment of pure panic, I blurted out, “Albert.” Let’s just say, Albert the Fern is still a running joke.

The best part? The gardens are open all year, admission is free, and you never know when you’ll leave with a new favorite plant, or a new inside joke.

Iveagh Gardens

Looking for a quiet escape from the city buzz? You'll find it at the Iveagh Gardens, a real hidden gem tucked away behind some buildings near St. Stephen’s Green. This is where Dubliners go to read, relax, and just take a break from the busy streets.

The gardens were designed back in 1865 and they're a cool mix of French and English styles. You'll stumble upon a yew maze, a cascading waterfall, and even a sunken lawn that used to be an archery ground. Fun fact: the waterfall is made with rock samples from all 32 counties in Ireland!

The gardens have a rich history, too. They were once home to the Dublin Exhibition Palace. Then, in 1939, the Guinness family gave them to the state on one condition: that they'd always be a "lung for Dublin." Today, they're a peaceful sanctuary and a protected National Historic Property.

Admission price? Free to enter year round (and the gardens sometimes even host summer concerts).

What Are Some Unique Things to See in Dublin?

If you think you’ve seen Dublin, look again.

The Irish Rock 'N' Roll Museum Experience

The Irish Rock 'N' Roll Museum Experience is a behind-the-scenes, VIP tour that puts you right in the heart of Dublin's music scene. Tucked into Temple Bar, this museum is part studio, part shrine to Dublin’s music scene; past and present. You'll get to walk through a working recording studio where famous Irish artists like Van Morrison and Thin Lizzy have recorded, and visit the rehearsal rooms where rock legends honed their craft. The tour features a wall of fame, vintage instruments, handwritten lyrics, and even a chance to jam out on stage yourself. It's a must for any music lover, offering an immersive look at the legends who have shaped Irish rock.

Marsh’s Library

A real throwback to another time, Marsh's Library is just around the corner from St. Patrick’s Cathedral and happens to be Ireland’s oldest public library. You’ll walk among chained books and ghost stories; it genuinely feels like stepping into a different century. One of the coolest parts? The little reading "cages" where readers were once locked in to make sure they didn't steal the books . It's a treasure trove of over 25,000 rare books, some of which are hundreds of years old. Famous names like Bram Stoker and James Joyce even studied here. Keep an eye out for the ghost of Archbishop Marsh himself, who legend says still roams the stacks, searching for a letter his niece hid from him.

Hell-Fire Club

A short trip from the city will take you to the Hell-Fire Club, a ruined hunting lodge atop Montpelier Hill that offers eerie views and a brush with the supernatural. It’s best visited in daylight, unless you enjoy a good scare. Legend has it that the original hunting lodge was built using stones from an ancient burial site, and shortly after, a storm ripped the roof off, which locals claimed was the devil's revenge.

Stories grew even wilder when the building was taken over by the "Hellfire Club," a group of wealthy rakes who were said to indulge in debauchery and black magic. The most famous story tells of a card game where a stranger showed up and was revealed to be the devil himself, disappearing in a ball of fire and leaving the club in ruins.

Want to get a little spooky?

From Pints to Poetry: Hidden Corners of Dublin’s Pub Culture

Dublin’s pubs are places to listen, talk, and remember. The city’s relationship with whiskey and storytelling is inseparable.

Teeling Whiskey Distillery

A newer addition to the whiskey scene, Teeling offers an experience that’s both informative and generous with samples. It’s a great place to start your journey into Irish whiskey. This family-owned and run distillery is particularly unique because it was the first new distillery to open in Dublin in over 125 years. The visit is a full sensory experience, taking you from grain to glass and offering a taste of their award-winning small-batch whiskey.

Jameson Distillery Bow St.

Not to be confused with the larger Jameson’s Whiskey operation in Midleton, Bow St. is where the story began. The experience blends history, tasting, and theatrical flair. You’ll learn how Jameson’s whiskey became a cornerstone of Irish drink culture. The visit, which takes about 45 minutes, includes a comparative whiskey tasting of three different Jameson whiskeys and a complimentary drink at the end. They've were voted the World Leading Distillery Tour for five consecutive years (2018 to 2022).

Mulligan's Of Poolbeg Street

No music, no frills, just history. This pub has been pouring Guinness since before the Storehouse existed. Locals swear it’s the best pint in town. The pub has been in its current location since 1854, but the Mulligan family's pub business dates back to 1782. It was a favorite spot for journalists, writers like James Joyce, and even the future U.S. President John F. Kennedy, who had his first pint of Guinness at Mulligan's in 1947.

The Cobblestone

In Smithfield, this pub is a stronghold of traditional Irish music. You don’t need to pay a ticket—just walk in, order a drink, and let the music find you. The Cobblestone is so dedicated to music that the owner, Tom Mulligan, famously described it as "a drinking pub with a music problem." The pub hosts traditional music sessions seven days a week and has a "listening area" where patrons are respectfully asked to be quiet and appreciate the musicians.

What Are the Most Overlooked Historical Sites in Dublin?

Some of Dublin’s most profound stories are told in whispers.

St. Michan’s Church

You won't believe what's beneath this church, mummified remains resting in ancient limestone vaults! The dry air down there has kept them in amazing shape for centuries. It's a bit eerie but totally fascinating, and you'll see some incredible sights, like a coffin said to belong to a 17th-century nun.

Drimnagh Castle

This is Dublin's one and only moated castle! While you definitely need to book ahead, it's so worth it to see the stunning gardens and the castle itself. The castle was restored with the help of local students and is a fantastic peek into what Dublin was like in medieval times. You'll get to see the great hall and an incredible 17th-century garden. The castle's long history dates back to the 13th century and it was the family seat of the Barnewall family for centuries. Its picturesque grounds have even been featured in films and TV series like The Tudors and Ella Enchanted.

St. Audoen’s Church

Nestled right in the heart of the old city, this is the last remaining medieval parish church in Dublin. If you're visiting between April and October, you have to check it out. You'll hear the centuries-old bells that are still ringing today and can wander through the beautiful stone arches, imagining life way back when. The church is actually dedicated to St. Ouen of Rouen and sits on what used to be the old city walls. Be sure to check out the medieval St. Audoen’s Arch right next to it, it's the last surviving gateway from the old city walls.

Glasnevin Cemetery

Glasnevin is more than just a cemetery, it's a tribute to many of Ireland’s biggest heroes. Walking through here is a truly moving experience, and the museum on-site does an amazing job of bringing their stories to life. You'll be standing among the final resting places of some of Ireland's most important historical figures, like Daniel O'Connell and Michael Collins. It's a powerful history lesson you won't want to miss.

What Are the Traditional Dublin Places to See?

Some places in Dublin don’t need to shout. They’ve stood long enough to let the stones do the talking.

Dublin Castle

The heart of British rule in Ireland for centuries, Dublin Castle is now a place of ceremony and reflection. A visit here reveals layers of history, from Viking foundations to modern statecraft. You can explore the lavish State Apartments, where Irish presidents are inaugurated, and see the medieval Record Tower. Don't miss the tranquil Dubhlinn Gardens, a beautiful spot to relax on the grounds.

Trinity College

Founded in 1592, Trinity is more than a university, it’s a sanctuary of Irish intellect. The Long Room and Book of Kells exhibit are essential stops. The Long Room alone is breathtaking, a library stretching 65 meters with two floors of books and holding over 200,000 of the library’s oldest texts. It’s an awe-inspiring space that will make you feel like you've stepped into a Harry Potter film.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

The largest cathedral in Dublin, St. Patrick’s was founded in 1191. The stained glass windows tell stories in color, and the architecture is a true wonder. The cathedral is also the final resting place of celebrated writer and satirist Jonathan Swift, who served as its Dean. It's a powerful and beautiful space that has stood at the center of Dublin life for over 800 years.

National Museum of Ireland

With multiple branches across the city, the National Museum is free and full of treasures. From prehistoric gold to revolutionary pamphlets, it’s a journey through the country’s soul. In the Archaeology branch, you can see the magnificent Ardagh Chalice and the famous bog bodies, preserved in incredible detail. Or, head to the Decorative Arts & History branch to explore Irish silver, furniture, and military history.

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in the Docklands changed how I understand Irish history entirely. Built in the old Custom House Quay, it traces the journeys of millions who left Ireland and their impact across the world. It was the winner of Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction 2019, 2020 & 2021.

Stephen’s Green

Once the site of fierce fighting during the 1916 Rising, this is now a peaceful place to walk and reflect. The statues tell stories if you stop to listen. You'll find the park's Victorian design is a tranquil oasis, with beautifully maintained flowerbeds and a lake. Take a moment to sit by the Fusiliers’ Arch, a monument to the soldiers who died in the Boer War, and reflect on the park's rich and complex history.

Phoenix Park

This is one of the largest enclosed parks in Europe, and it's a great place to spend a half day. It's home to wild deer, Áras an Uachtaráin (the official residence of the President of Ireland), and the Dublin Zoo. You can also spot the massive Wellington Monument, Europe's largest obelisk, and the historic Papal Cross, a relic from Pope John Paul II's visit in 1979.

Kilmainham Gaol

The cold corridors of Kilmainham Gaol tell the story of Irish independence. The experience is sobering and essential. This is where leaders of the 1916 Rising were executed, and standing in the very yard where it happened is a chilling and powerful moment. It's a place that brings Irish history to life in a way no textbook ever could, making it one of the most important stops in Dublin.

Guinness Storehouse

This journey takes you from grain to glass, ending with a panoramic view of the city. It’s a must-see for anyone curious about how Guinness became a global symbol. You'll learn about the ingredients and brewing process before heading up to the iconic Gravity Bar for a perfect pint with a stunning 360-degree view. It's a fun, interactive experience that really celebrates the craft of Dublin's most famous stout.

Temple Bar (Beyond the Tourist Strip)

Step off the main street and you’ll find quieter corners: bookshops, galleries, and pubs where locals still gather. The Irish Music Wall of Fame and nearby GPO Museum offer glimpses into the city’s cultural heartbeat. This "cultural quarter" is home to independent galleries like Temple Bar Gallery + Studios, as well as the Project Arts Centre. It’s here, just a street or two away from the noise, that you'll discover a more authentic and creative side of the neighborhood.

Just remember to take it easy! One time, I saw a group of lads try to have a race around a pub on barstools, which ended exactly how you'd expect: with a lot of bruised egos and spilled pints (tragic).