10 Unusual things to do in Dublin

Are you in Dublin for a fun weekend away? If so, you might want to do some things that are more off the beaten path than your typical Temple Bar and Guinness Storehouse. After all, there is much more to this incredible city than just these usual tourist attractions. Check out these 10 unusual things to do during your time in the Irish capital. 

Head to Phoenix Park

Phoenix Park – By William Murphy – https://www.flickr.com/photos/infomatique/2506211207https://www.flickr.com/photos/infomatique/49507426413https://www.flickr.com/photos/infomatique/4939155969, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=115416519

Not only a good spot for hanging out with your friends, having a picnic, or viewing wildlife, but Phoenix Park is a hub for live music, events, and deer spotting! Not many places you can go and see wildlife in Dublin without being stuck inside of a zoo — fortunately for those nature lovers who want to see animals in their natural habitat, Phoenix Park is an Eden.

Check out Sweny’s

James Joyce – By Man Ray – Shadowland (Sep. 1922 – Feb. 1923) on the Internet Archive, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77082688

Originally a pharmacy in the city, Sweny’s is now a place where literary fans can feel like they are walking in the footsteps of James Joyce, a famous and talented writer. We love that this unique shop sells the soap that was used in the novel, Ulysses, as a tribute to his literary prowess. You can also come here to enjoy free readings of Joyce’s works, shop for your own books, and try a few new genres.

Visit a haunted library — if you dare!

Dublin City Library and Archive – By Author: Dublin City Public Libraries – URL: Image of Dublin City Library and Archive https://www.flickr.com/photos/dublincitypubliclibraries/373561809/sizes/o/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37944593

Dublin is home to numerous libraries and churches, oftentimes the most beautiful buildings in the entire city. If you enjoy beautiful architecture, a vast selection of books, and a potentially once-in-a-lifetime experience, head to one of the haunted libraries in Dublin. We recommend checking out Marsh’s Library on St. Patrick’s Close to see the nearly-unaltered appearance, a wide selection of literary works, and cool interior decor. You can also take a guided tour of the library for just under $5 –0- we think this is a bargain. 

Go for a morning swim in the Irish Sea

Sure, you may see people swimming in the Irish Sea at 5am on a winter morning and think — are they mad? But this is a normal part of Irish life. The Irish love going for a dip in the sea, no matter what time of day or year. Not only will it help your muscles recover and cool you off on a hot summer day, but it can really wake you up if you’re feeling sleepy on a dark winter morning!

We recommend heading to Forty Foot with your towel and flip-flops to plunge into the cold water. Dubliners think this is a must-do if you move here, so do the locals do — yes, even if it is raining. 

Walk around Dublin’s Liberties

The Liberties Dublin – By MikeBarry1989 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40313110

The Trinity College of Dublin is one of the most beautiful universities in the entire world. Especially for those who want to potentially go here in the future for college, or just want to view incredible architecture, Trinity College Dublin is a masterpiece in its own right. People often head to Dublin to take tours of this incredible building, including the nearby Iberties District. Plus, you can feel good about paying for this tour — local homeless individuals give tours of this picturesque area, so you can give back to the community simultaneously. 

Listen to some tunes at the Dublin Unitarian Church

Plaque outside the Unitarian Church – By Sharonlflynn – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=57555370

The Dublin Unitarian Church has a very long history over the years, with congregation members Thomas Wilson dating all the way back to the War of independence in the United States of America. And he’s not the only notable member! Other well-known members include Robert Emmet, an Irish revolutionary fighter who attended this venue. Today, you can enjoy local gigs from small-town artists, or bigger musical events from well-known international stars, like Hozier or Dermot Kennedy. 

Get a cone at Murphy’s

Ice cream waffle cone – By MarkBuckawicki – Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32344954

Arguably the best ice cream in the city, everyone needs to try an ice cream cone from Murphys in Dublin. This ice cream parlor on Wicklow Street gets its handmade ice cream from Kerry cows, making it really stand out among the other ice cream shops across the country. We recommend trying aran donn — not sure what this means? Ask an Irish-speaking local!

Explore the Docklands

Samuel Beckett Bridge – By BaronNethercross – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=108629229

The Dublin Docklands in the Eastern part of the city is a great spot to head during a warm summer day or to escape the crowds around O’Connell Street. The Grand Canal Dock, near Ireland’s wakeboard park, Bord Gais Energy Theater, and boats whizzing past, is a great spot to sit and people watching during a nice day. 

Go underground at St. Michan’s Church

St. Michan’s Church – By Andreas F. Borchert, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25263203

St. Michan’s church is an old crypt that dates back to the mid-17th century, containing an old pipe organ, crypts, and mummified bodies of previous Dublin residents. Take a tour of the underground crypts during a dark winter day to really get in the mood!