Between the Parks, Pubs, and Coast - Non Touristy Things to Do in Dublin

Green Spaces Where Locals Unwind

If you're looking for the real Dublin, the one locals experience, it's all about finding those hidden spots. The city is full of places where people just live their lives, and getting to know those is how you really feel a part of the city.

Hidden Green Spaces

Forget about the more crowded parks like St. Stephen's Green. Dubliners have other favorite green spaces that feel like a true escape.

Phoenix Park is one of Europe's largest enclosed parks, and you could easily spend a whole day here. It's a world away from the busy city streets. You'll often see wild deer roaming freely while people ride their bikes down the long, tree-lined paths. Near the Papal Cross, it's common to see families having a picnic or grabbing a coffee. It's much more peaceful than the typical tourist spots, and it offers a chance to see a more authentic side of Dublin.

Another spot is the Iveagh Gardens, a secret Victorian garden right in the city center. On a sunny day, you'll find locals just relaxing. You can explore the small maze or just sit by the fountain for a quiet moment. The sunken lawn is perfect for anyone who wants to sit and read, and you might even catch the local archery club practicing in the evenings. It’s also where some street performers go to rehearse their acts in the quieter corners during warmer weather. It's a place where you can simply slow down and feel the city's rhythm.

For a more peaceful walk, there are the War Memorial Gardens by the River Liffey. This is a calm memorial dedicated to Irish soldiers. It's a place where the city's energy really slows down, giving you a quiet moment for reflection—something you don't always get with standard sightseeing.

Uncovering Irish History in Quiet Corners

Dublin's history whispers in unexpected places, and these discoveries offer far richer stories than the usual tourist trail. While most people rush to see the Book of Kells with their expensive adult ticket, a more personal journey into Irish History awaits in the city's overlooked corners.

The Marsh's Library, founded in 1701, holds Ireland's oldest public library in its original building. This museum offers an incredible glimpse into the past. Step inside to find dark oak bookcases and original reading cages, where Jonathan Swift once researched.

It's a gem that feels a world away from the busy street outside. I once thought exploring here briefly was enough, but barely scratched the surface. Look for the small entrance marker on St. Patrick's Close.

Another quiet location to learn is Glasnevin Cemetery, where Irish History is carved in stone. Figures like Michael Collins and James Connolly rest here. Wandering the paths offers a profound sense of history without the crowds, a true Dublin City experience that most visitors miss. The cemetery provides fascinating guided tours, but you can easily explore independently.

The Chester Beatty Library on the grounds of Dublin Castle houses one of the world's finest collections of manuscripts, including ancient New Testament texts and illuminated Korans. This incredible cultural institution provides free admission and represents the kind of off the beaten path Dublin experience that rewards curious visitors. It's an excellent spot to escape Dublin's busier attractions.

Coastal Escapes from the Capital City

Hike Howth Head's Forgotten Paths

While many visitors to Howth Head walk the popular cliff trail, a network of less-traveled routes exists for those seeking a different experience. These paths offer an alternative to the crowded coastal walk and provide a more intimate look at the peninsula's unique landscape.

You can start at the Howth DART station and follow a path that winds away from the sea. This route leads through areas of gorse and heath, giving you a chance to explore the quieter, elevated parts of the headland. While these paths eventually connect back to the well-known coastal trails, they provide a sense of solitude often missing from the main route.

The fishing village below offers early morning fishing trips (no pre booked arrangements needed, just arrive at the harbor by 6am and ask around). Local fishermen often welcome extra hands in exchange for sharing their catch. Spend one hour at Balscadden Bay, is considered a hidden gem, often used by locals for swimming and its relative tranquility compared to more popular beaches.

Another wonderful destination is Dún Laoghaire, with its elegant Victorian harbor and granite piers that stretch into Dublin Bay. It's perfect for a leisurely walk, especially on Sundays when the popular farmers market is in full swing.

For the truly adventurous, the Great South Wall offers an unusual walk reaching out toward the Poolbeg Lighthouse, one of those unique moments you simply can't get on standard tours. The journey begins at a marker that points the way to the lighthouse.

Finding Great Food and Genuine Atmosphere

Navigate Temple Bar Food Market Like a Local

On Saturday mornings, many of Dublin's cobblestone squares are transformed into bustling food markets. Arrive around 10 am, when vendors are setting up and locals are looking for a weekend breakfast or fresh ingredients. You can find a wide variety of local flavors here, from savory black pudding rolls to freshly baked pastries and proper Irish coffee.

Street performers are a constant presence, adding to the atmosphere, and many locals make sure to tip the traditional musicians who help preserve Irish culture. At the food stalls, you'll find a different kind of authentic experience. Look for vendors selling artisan cheeses from farms in County Wicklow. They often offer tastings and are happy to share stories about their sustainable farming methods, giving you a taste of local food culture that you won't get in a typical tourist shop.

Discover Dublin's Authentic Dining Scene

Dublin's food scene offers authentic experiences for food lovers.

Fade Street Social showcases modern Irish cuisine using local ingredients, while locals frequent nearby pubs like The Long Hall a historic and popular pub that is frequented by locals for its traditional atmosphere. The sign outside these establishments often understates the quality within.

Stoneybatter's emerging food scene rewards exploration, this area has become a recognized hub for food and independent businesses.

Bread 41 serves sourdough sandwiches that locals queue for during lunch hours, while Third Space Coffee roasts beans that supply many of Dublin's independent cafes.

Experience Dublin's Pub Culture Authentically

Skip Temple Bar's tourist pubs for authentic Dublin experience.

The Cobblestone in Smithfield hosts traditional Irish music sessions Tuesday nights, no pre booked tickets needed, just arrive early for seating. Local musicians welcome respectful visitors who appreciate the music without disrupting the session.

The Brazen Head, Dublin's oldest pub, provides an experience that goes beyond standard tourist packages. Visit on Sunday afternoons when locals gather for traditional storytelling sessions. The publican shares Dublin folklore passed down through generations, creating connections between visitors and authentic Irish culture.

Beyond the Standard Tourist Trail

While famous spots like Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse, and Grafton Street have all earned their reputation, the soul of this city lives in quieter places.

You'll find some of Dublin's most iconic Georgian elegance around Merrion Square and Fitzwilliam Square. These two squares on the city's south side are famous for their perfectly preserved, red-brick townhouses and elegant doorways, which are a testament to Dublin's 18th-century architectural heritage. The squares themselves are public parks, which provide a peaceful green space where office workers come to relax during their lunch break, and where you might even find musicians entertaining the lunchtime crowds.

The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) provides contemporary exhibitions in beautiful historic grounds and is a great spot to spend time exploring contemporary Irish art. Located in the magnificent 17th-century Royal Hospital Kilmainham, the museum offers a unique contrast between its historic setting and the modern works on display. The beautiful formal gardens and meadows are a significant part of the experience, offering a peaceful space to walk and relax away from the city center.

The Teeling Whiskey Distillery provides an authentic look into Dublin's whiskey-making heritage. Located in the historic Liberties area, the distillery is a working operation, so you can see every step of the process from grain to glass. Their tasting sessions offer a chance to sample proper spirits and gain insight into the craft. My favorite part was learning about the "angel's share" of the whiskey, and honestly, I'm just glad someone's out there making sure the angels are having a good time.

For sports enthusiasts, Croke Park represents more than just a stadium, it's where Gaelic sports like football and hurling come alive. The atmosphere on a match day is truly electric, and many locals recommend checking the fixture list rather than pre-booked tours, as experiencing a live match offers you an authentic cultural immersion.

While match tickets require advanced booking, the museum provides year-round access to Irish sporting culture with a wide range of exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of these unique games.