It's no secret that Ireland's capital is one of the most high-energy cities in Europe with its mix of iconic monuments, diverse dining scene and eclectic nightlife. To help you zero in on some of city's top activities, we've rounded up some of the most fun things to do in Dublin, from quirky bars that come steeped in history to nostalgic arcades and whacky drag brunches.
A lively drinking destination on Baggot Street, Searsons is a great choice for all kinds of nights out. They were voted the best Whiskey Bar in Ireland for 204, and you can enjoy tastings of this delicious tipple at the bar.
That's not all though, as Sunday evenings promise live jazz performances. Take a seat in their cosy interior, and enjoy the entertainment alongside hearty dishes like Irish seafood tagliatelle, shepherd's pie and Angus beef burgers.
Located on Dawson Street in the city centre, Pitch Dublin is a quirky simulation golf bar that uses state-of-the-art tracking technology to bring the game to life. The stylish venue offers 10 different bays to play in, complete with huge screens that immerse you in the course, tracking your score for you throughout.
There's also a sleek bar and lounge to chill out in after you've played. Here, you can enjoy tasty drinks and a selection of Asian fusion dishes - from pork or chicken gyoza to duck spring rolls.
@ Peadar Kearneys on Every Sunday
Looking for a laugh? Get on over to the basement of Peadar Kearney's Pub for the In Stitches Comedy Club.
Expect a stellar lineup of standups, from exciting up-and-comers to established acts. Tickets start from just €14.30 and there's plenty of deals to sweeten the deal. We're talking drinks tokens and bottles of fizz with your tickets.
Located on Middle Street in the city centre, Wigwam is a real hotspot when it comes to things to do in Dublin today. They host quirky events such as drag brunches every Sunday, nightclub takeovers on the weekend and comedy shows on Thursdays, with private hire available if you're looking to throw a party of your own. What's more, this neon-lit venue also offers karaoke rooms, ping pong tables and regular live music, with plenty of rum-based cocktails and Brazilian cuisine to enjoy.
@ Bow Lane on Every 4th Sunday of the month
Searching for fun things to do in Dublin for young adults? Head to this drag-drenched brunch and enjoy non-stop entertainment from your host, Davina Devine, who has made appearances on TV and several podcasts. Expect lip-sync battles, disco tunes and an incredible stage presence while you sip classic and signature cocktails. As for the brunch itself, you can enjoy sumptuous steaks, buttermilk chicken burgers, huevos rancheros and much more.
When it comes to the top things to do in Dublin for groups of friends, Shuffleboard Bar is blowing it out of the water. Get the gang together to play everything from the game that is the venue's namesake to beer pong, giant Connect Four, foosball and pool, with cocktails and craft beers to pair. This fun-filled destination boasts a mouthwatering all-day menu too, promising everything from Guinness beef stew to smoky barbecue burgers and sharing pizzas.
Taking place at Wigwam in the city centre on a regular basis, Old Skool Bingo is a wild night our that promises a quirky twist on the classic game. DJs will be spinning non-stop RnB hits, while the MC host provides hilarious entertainment.
Expect crazy games, challenges and dance competitions throughout, with the chance to win some cracking prizes. Plus, tickets start from only €19.50 each.
If you're looking to explore the city in a different way, we've found just the adventure. When you get a ticket to CityDays, you'll get to solve various riddles at landmarks such as statues and buildings while unlocking cafes, pubs and more clues. You'll find out all kinds of fun facts about these historic streets, costing just €20 per person for a two to three hour experience that'll take you on a journey across to and a half miles.
Hidden away below the city centre this cocktail bar brings to life the feel of the 1920s with a bootlegger aesthetic and some very fine tipples, courtesy of the internationally award-winning mixologist Paul Lambert. On top of quality drinks and a tasty food menu, you can also find brand takeovers and live music included in their unique events schedule, with even the staff fitting the theme in their prohibition-inspired outfits.
Looking to meet new people without the hassle of dating apps? Unified Dating is here to help with their Meet Singles Over Drinks event in Dublin. It's the perfect opportunity to mingle with other singles in a relaxed and informal setting. Forget the pressure of traditional dates—just book your ticket, grab a drink, and start making connections with like-minded people.
If dinner's more your vibe, don't miss Unified Dating's Meet Singles Over Dinner event, also happening in Dublin. Whether you choose drinks or dinner, both events offer a chance to meet new faces, chat, and enjoy a great night out.
If you're searching for fun things to do around the Portobello area, you're spoiled for choice at The Fourth Corner Bar. This neighbourhood favourite is filled with simple furnishings and quirky neon signs, and there's a stage where they host their brilliant events.
There's a regular lineup of live music and DJ sets, as well as comedy nights. That's not all though, as they also offer quizzes, cocktail classes, doggy brunches and more.
Looking for a fun, unique bar to try out? Then head over to Dawson Street, where Flight Club is bound to impress. The fairground-themed haunt has reimagined darts for the 21st century, with multiplayer minigames and cutting-edge boards that add up your scores for you.
Their brunch socials are also well worth checking out, taking place every Saturday and Sunday. With endless pizza, a bottle of prosecco each, and a competitive round of social darts, this fairground-themed bar turns your weekend into a party. Tickets start at €40 per person - grab yours now and you won't regret it.
One of Temple Bar's most energetic drinking spots, this bar offers all manner of games, from pool and shuffleboard to ping pong and foosball. They're also home to Dublin's largest indoor video wall where you can catch all the major sporting events - voted 'best place to watch the match' in the Bar Of The Year Awards for 2019, among other titles. And if you're hungry? Take advantage of the 12-inch pizzas, buttermilk chicken burgers, chilli beef fries and other American-style eats on offer.
Ever wondered what makes Guinness the drink of champions? Head to Guinness Storehouse and indulge your inner tourist by making your own beer, exploring the history of the brew and heading up to the rooftop bar for some seriously impressive views of the city. Tickets start from just €20 per person, with a number of different experiences available, and you can also get your hands on personalised pints with your face on.
Dublin's spiritual home for power ballads and retro cocktails, there's always a party at this Berlin-style dive bar down by the river. Fronting weekly parties with some of the city's best DJs in tow, alongside pool, darts and arcade games, it's one of the coolest basement spots in the city - with burgers up for grabs from Dive Burger. It's also been named number 10 on a list of The 50 Best Dive Bars In Europe, so you're not just taking our word for it.
Kitted out across an impressive five floors, Bad Bobs is a one-stop-shop for eating, drinking and partying on Essex Street East, cooking up international dishes like fresh goat's cheese salads, beer-battered fish and crispy chicken burgers. Swing by and you'll find classic (affordable) cocktails, live acoustic music every day and DJ sets that'll carry you through into the weekend. They often host themed events around important dates in the year too, so be sure to keep an eye on their calendar.
Home to more than just a few bottles and bites, Mary's is steeped in a local history that name checks even Michael Collins himself. With burgers in the basement, signature cheese toasties and a wealth of craft beer options to get stuck into, this is one of the city's more unusual spots. They host live music every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday night from 7pm, as well as weekly quizzes on Mondays, and you can catch all the big sporting events here as well.
After things to do in Dublin for free? Why not make the most of the stunning nature that surrounds our city with a trip to one of its nearby beaches? We've rounded up seven of the most gorgeous seaside spots in the area, from Dollymount Strand to Portmarnock and Sandymount, all of which make for beautiful strolls along the shore or a fantastic day out in the summer.
There's no better way to unleash your inner big kid than by taking a trip to these arcades. Feel the nostalgia take over as you and your pals get competitive over Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter and laser tag, at destinations like Leisureplex or Token. There are even VR experiences to be found at some of these locations, making for quirky date nights or something a little different on your next night out.
@ Jameson Distillery on Fri, 4th Mar 2022 - Thu, 31st Dec 2026
On the hunt for unique things to do in Dublin city centre? Head on over to Jameson Distillery Guided Tour for a look inside the iconic Irish brand, on their original site that's been around since 1780. You can learn all about the distillation process, from the milling, mashing, and maturation all before having a drink or two at JJ's Bar. They've got all kinds of different experiences to suit every budget, with prices starting from as little as €26 per person.
