37 Dublin Solo Travel Activities [From A Solo Traveler!]
Planning your next travels and thinking of tackling Dublin solo travel head-on?
Well, you’re in the right place because I have 37 activities just for you in this amazing city!
My partner Ger has lived in and around Dublin for quite a number of years.
He spends so much time telling me about the wonderful activities in Dublin.
I’ve also experienced some of these myself both as a solo traveler and when I’m traveling with him!
So if you’re still thinking if there are things in Dublin for solo female travel or just solo traveling in general, I’m here to tell you wholeheartedly, yes!
There’s plenty for you to do in Dublin.
Even though I love traveling with Ger, I’m still very much a fan of solo travel (and do travel alone from time to time!) and I can say hand on heart that solo travel in Ireland is possible, fun, and safe!
Here are 37 ideas for you to rock your Dublin solo travel!
1. Visit The Little Museum Of Dublin
2. Learn Irish Folklore At The National Leprechaun Museum
4. Have Guinness At The Guinness Storehouse
5. Walk Around And Visit Temple Bar
6. Vintage Shop At Lucy’s Lounge
8. Join The Dublin Literary Pub Crawl
9. Explore The National Botanic Gardens
11. Kayak at Dalkey
12. Go On A Dublin Castle Tour
13. Admire Art At The National Gallery Of Ireland
14. Go On An Afternoon Tea Tour
15. Follow In The Footsteps Of Writers On A Literary Tour
16. Visit The Museum Of Decorative Arts And History
17. Go To A Library
18. Seek Out A Secret Irish Spot Like Sweny’s Pharmacy
19. Dance At An Irish Dance Party
20. Have A Picnic At St Patrick’s Cathedral Park
21. Stroll Around Huguenot Cemetery
22. Discover History At The Book Of Kells
23. Take A Photo Of The Hungry Tree
24. Try Whiskey At The Jameson Distillery
26. Souvenir Shop At Grafton Street
27. Take A Self-Guided Dublin Tour And Scavenger Hunt
28. Visit The National Museum Of Archaeology
29. Tour A Game Of Thrones Filming Location
30. Do A Solo Photoshoot Around The City
31. Walk Around The City On A Street Art Walking Tour
32. Ride The Hop On Hop Off Bus
33. Walk Around Malahide Castle
34. Day Trip To Cliffs Of Moher
35. Day Trip To Giant’s Causeway
36. Day Trip To Wicklow Mountains
37. Visit The Irish Whiskey Museum
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37 Dublin Solo Travel Activities
1. Visit The Little Museum Of Dublin
If it’s your first time in Dublin, you must visit the Little Museum Of Dublin!
There you can find out about the history of Dublin, interesting Dublin facts, and experience Dublin in the 1900s with authentic setups and historic objects.
With humor, quirkiness, and warm hospitality, it’ll be a museum visit for the books!
2. Learn Irish Folklore At The National Leprechaun Museum
Yes, you read me right! There’s a National Leprechaun Museum in Dublin!
For those of you who might not know, Leprechaun myths have long existed in Ireland. Leprechauns are said to be magical tiny old men typically dressed in green.
Playing on this age-old tale, the museum promises an immersive story-telling experience and even has giant furniture to put you in the shoes of a Leprechaun.
It may call itself a museum but it’s really more like a theatrical item! Definitely head down if you’re a huge fan of stories and folklore.
3. Visit former prison Kilmainham Gaol
I know what you’re thinking – not another museum?
But trust me this is well worth your time if you are looking for a unique museum experience! Kilmainham Gaol is a former prison that held prisoners for more than a century.
When you visit the Kilmainham Gaol Museum, you’ll get to learn about Irish history through the eyes of prisoners who played a part in fighting for Irish independence.
You can only access the museum by a guided tour so be sure to pre-book your ticket and tour!
4. Have Guinness At The Guinness Storehouse
Ireland is synonymous with the world-famous Guinness beer and no visit to Dublin is complete without going to the Guinness Storehouse.
You can learn about the brewing process for Guinness, and also get to taste this well-loved alcoholic beverage.
5. Walk Around And Visit Temple Bar
Temple Bar is both the name of a famous old Irish pub and a popular area in Dublin.
The pub has live music, and a huge collection of whiskeys including rare ones, and is dripping with Irish vibes and culture.
The pub is a must-visit if you want to say you’ve been to Dublin and experienced Irish pub culture.
Don’t worry too much if you’re in Dublin on solo travel, everyone at the pub is incredibly friendly, both staff and customers, so you won’t feel like you’re alone!
6. Vintage Shop At Lucy’s Lounge
Lucy’s Lounge is a vintage lover’s paradise! It is located right next to Temple Bar and houses some of the most unique vintage and thrift pieces.
As you walk through the eclectic space, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported into a different universe.
Speak to the owner Dee for recommendations if you’ve never thrift or vintage shopped before and she’ll be more than happy to point you in the right direction.
7. Visit The Oldest Irish Pub
If you must visit an Irish pub, then you definitely need to go to The Brazen Head, Ireland’s oldest pub with a colorful history spanning hundreds of years.
The pub has been established since 1198 (yes, you read that right) and has retained elements from its long history.
8. Join The Dublin Literary Pub Crawl
On the topic of pubs and bars, if you’d rather not just drink but want a bit of Irish fun and history along with it, why not try the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl?
Follow professional actors on a tour around some of Dublin’s most iconic pubs, and trace the footsteps of famous writers like Samuel Beckett and Oscar Wilde.
9. Explore The National Botanic Gardens
The National Botanic Gardens is an oasis located just outside of Dublin’s city center.
The garden is home to thousands of plant species and if you feel like you might get lost in this space, fret not, there are guided tours to take you through the gorgeous blooms.
10. Cycle Around Dublin
As a solo traveler, I love participating in tours around city, particularly bike tours! Nothing quite like getting a workout and exploring the city, eh?
Take a small-group bike tour and whizz by key Dublin landmarks like Samuel Beckett Bridge and the Oscar Wilde Memorial, accompanied by an in-depth, personalized commentary of the city.
You might even make some friends on the tour!
11. Kayak at Dalkey
Now if biking isn’t quite your favorite mode of transport, how about kayaking?
Kayak around the famous Dalkey region, located about 12 kilometers southeast of Dublin, is well known for its scenic coast and also for being home to many well-known people like Enya and Bono.
12. Go On A Dublin Castle Tour
If you’re a fan of medieval architecture, then Dublin Castle is a must-visit. It’s been around since the thirteenth century and is surprisingly well-preserved.
Don’t go expecting a dingy, old castle – the place is still being used to this day for Irish government functions and ceremonies.
13. Admire Art At The National Gallery Of Ireland
If you’re keen on art but are on a budget, visiting the National Gallery of Ireland can be a real treat because it hosts an extensive collection of Irish and European art and you can visit the space for free.
Keen to flex your creative skills?
You can also join an artist-led workshop or two at the gallery and pick up some drawing skills.
You can even hang your artwork in its permanent creative space in the atrium.
14. Go On An Afternoon Tea Tour
Fancy a cup of tea? And a tour of Dublin? Why not go on a sightseeing tour of Dublin coupled with a cup of tea?
You’ll ride on a vintage double-deck bus and get to experience all of Dublin’s landmarks in an afternoon.
There isn’t a more Irish way to get acquainted with the city than with a cup of tea!
15. Follow In The Footsteps Of Writers On A Literary Tour
In case you haven’t realized by now, Dublin has a very strong literary legacy and you’ll get to learn all about it on this Irish Literature Tour.
The tour will take you to the National Library of Ireland and the Dublin Writers Museum.
You’ll also get to enjoy a world-famous pint of Guinness along the way!
16. Visit The Museum Of Decorative Arts And History
In the spirit of visiting museums with an edge, Dublin’s Museum of Decorative Arts and History comprises many historical artifacts from different moments in Irish history.
Learn about Irish history and see these elements for yourself at this insightful museum.
17. Go To A Library
Not just any library. Visit the National Library of Ireland, in a city that is well known for its literary history, and browse its many resources on Irish history and heritage.
Fun fact – this library was one of the first to implement the Dewey Classification System, a knowledge organization method widely used in libraries today to classify books.
18. Seek Out A Secret Irish Spot Like Sweny’s Pharmacy
Formerly an actual working pharmacy, Sweny’s Pharmacy is now maintained by volunteers who have kept its nineteenth-century Victorian style intact.
The space was made famous by author James Joyce’s Ulysses after it was mentioned in his text.
19. Dance At An Irish Dance Party
Dance like nobody’s watching at an Irish dance party.
You’ll first get to watch dance performances by professional Irish dancers, and then you’ll get to learn dance moves from a true-blue Irish dancer for yourself.
It’s a great way to have fun, meet people and not take yourself so seriously. Afterall, we’re all here to make fun travel memories like no other, am I right?
20. Have A Picnic At St Patrick’s Cathedral Park
If you’re looking for a nice spot to have a picnic lunch on your Dublin solo travel, this park next to St Patrick’s Cathedral is a sprawling, green space bustling with activity.
There are plenty of benches and banks for you to rest and people-watch as your dig into your picnic lunch.
21. Stroll Around Huguenot Cemetery
I know this is a bit of an odd addition to a travel itinerary list, but hear me out – Huguenot Cemetery is a historic spot that is a small oasis of calm in the otherwise busy city of Dublin.
The space is not open but you can peer through the gates and railings, adding to the thrill of seeking out a hidden spot.
22. Discover History At The Book Of Kells
The Book of Kells, a gospel book containing four accounts of Jesus Christ’s life, is housed at the Old Library in Trinity College Dublin and is recognized as Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure.
The library is not only historic but strikingly beautiful.
23. Take A Photo Of The Hungry Tree
In case you haven’t realized by now, I love Ireland and Dublin for all its quirks and eccentricities and this Hungry Tree is one of them!
The hungry tree is a tree that grew around a cast-iron bench and makes for a cool travel photo and story. You’ll have to see if for yourself to believe it!
24. Try Whiskey At The Jameson Distillery
No visit to Ireland and Dublin is complete without a taste of the popular Irish whiskey and where better than to have some at the Jameson Distillery?
Learn about this age-old iconic Irish brand, witness the distilling process and end your tour with a swig of Irish whiskey.
25. Join An Irish Food Tour
Prefer eating your way around Dublin rather than drinking? Join an Irish food tour and taste some authentic, traditional Irish cuisine.
Trying many dishes can be challenging when you’re traveling Dublin solo, so join a food tour to learn about some insider spots and also to try more food!
26. Souvenir Shop At Grafton Street
Grafton Street is the go-to street for all things trendy, fashionable and chic.
You can buy a little something for yourself there (why not, right?) or get some souvenirs for your loved ones back home!
Enjoy the buskers as you shop and revel in the crowds – it’s said to be one of Dublin’s busiest streets!
27. Take A Self-Guided Dublin Tour And Scavenger Hunt
Not too keen on meeting others on a tour and pretty good with maps? Then embark on a self-guided tour of Dublin with a scavenger hunt to boot. Go around ten of Dublin’s best attractions and crack riddles along the way.
28. Visit The National Museum Of Archaeology
Open since 1890, the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology takes you on a visual spectacle of Celtic artifacts including Viking and medieval items. You might even catch some items from as far back as 7000 BC!
29. Tour A Game Of Thrones Filming Location
Fan of the series Game of Thrones?
Then surely you must go on this tour of the grounds of Winterfell, located south of Belfast where guides who are extras from the series itself will explain and show how scenes were made.
30. Do A Solo Photoshoot Around The City
Do you find yourself always struggling to get the right photos from strangers as a solo traveler?
Wanna know a nifty hack I learned from fellow solo travelers? Simply book a photoshoot tour of Dublin!
You’ll get a tour of the city’s best spots from the photographer and they’ll even take photos of you as you roam the city. Best way to kill two birds with one stone!
31. Walk Around The City On A Street Art Walking Tour
Dublin may be well-known for its literary heroes but the city is also home to vibrant visual works in the form of street art.
Follow a local guide as they tell you about lesser-known streets in Dublin and point out murals to you while injecting little bits of Dublin’s history.
32. Ride The Hop On Hop Off Bus
Now if all these unconventional tours just aren’t your thing and you want to stick with the tried-and-tested, there’s always a good old hop-on-hop-off bus around Dublin!
Choose from a 24, 48, or 72-hour ticket and explore Dublin at your own pace.
33. Walk Around Malahide Castle
Now if you’re a fan of the dark and mysterious, you’ll love checking out Malahide Castle which is said to be the most haunted castle in Ireland.
It was home to an Anglo-Norman family, the Talbots, who lived there for over 800 years.
34. Day Trip To Cliffs Of Moher
If you’ve heard of the Cliffs of Moher before, it’s probably because it’s been used as a filming location for many famous films including the Harry Potter series and The Princess Bride.
A visit to the 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher promises breathtaking, picturesque views, including that of the Atlantic Ocean.
35. Day Trip To Giant’s Causeway
Beyond Dublin, you can also take a day trip out to some of Northern Ireland’s highlights including Belfast, the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway, and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
The causeway is so named because it was said that Irish giant Finn McCool had created this pathway to cross Scotland to battle against his enemy Benandonner.
36. Day Trip To Wicklow Mountains
Wicklow Mountains is one of Ireland’s six national parks and is home to a stunning mountain range comprising low mountains, pristine lakes, and deep glacial valleys.
If you want something different from the typical green plains of Ireland, then the Wicklow Mountains are a must-visit.
37. Visit The Irish Whiskey Museum
I saved the best for last and trust me when I say, you should not leave Dublin without visiting the Irish Whiskey Museum.
Learn all about the history of the world-famous Irish whiskey, and how it’s evolved over time, and even get a personalized tasting session at the museum’s own whiskey bar.
Best Tours And Packages In Ireland
So you’ve read the whole article on how to have solo-friendly holidays in Ireland.
Still, you might be thinking to yourself, is there any tour companies out there offering tours and packages in Ireland that are solo-friendly?
Yes, solo travel packages exist!
There is zero shame in going on tours as a solo traveler!
These are meant to make trips to Ireland for singles hassle-free, giving you the chance to mingle with other solo travelers.
They also provide you with access to an all-knowing guide who is on hand to provide you with tips for visiting Ireland.
Here are some of my top picks for Ireland vacation packages if I were going solo!
- Paddywagon 6-Day All Ireland Tour From Dublin – Focuses on both the north and south of Ireland.
- 9-Day All Ireland Tour From Dublin – 6 days too short? Get a full immersion into the whole of Ireland and also explore regular regions with this comprehensive tour package and see Ireland at your own pace.
- Contiki 8-Day Ireland Classic Trip – Perfect for those of you from 18 to 35 years old looking for Ireland vacation packages all inclusive. This gives you the full Irish travel experience with most breakfasts and some dinners included!
If you’re looking for Ireland tours with airfare included from your home country, and accommodation too, some of my favorite sites for this include Booking.com and Tripadvisor.
FAQs On Dublin Solo Travel
Is Ireland Safe For Solo Travel?
Yes, Ireland is one hundred percent safe for solo travel and is amazing to travel to even as a solo traveler!
In fact, if you’re also wondering if is Dublin safe for solo female travel, Dublin is also considered a very safe place for solo female travel in Ireland.
In terms of accessibility, getting around on foot is easy and English is the main language so you really have no problems embarking on a solo tour of Ireland!
Is Ireland Safe For Solo Female Travelers?
Yes, Ireland is safe for solo female travelers and is the safest country to travel for women, based on a study by travel company Bounce.
Where Do Solo Travelers Go In Ireland?
Solo travelers can be found anywhere in Ireland, from exploring key Irish literary spots like Oscar Wilde’s statue to the ancient castles in Blarney.
The sky’s the limit, really, like the list of 37 places for Dublin solo travel shows!
Is 3 Days In Dublin Enough?
Yes, 3 days in Dublin is well enough to see, experience, and eat your way around the bustling Irish city.
For a solo traveler wondering – is Dublin safe to travel alone, you shouldn’t have a problem spending 3 days in this amazing city and coming out safe and unscathed.
What Is The Cheapest Way To Travel In Dublin?
Using a Leap card is the cheapest way to travel in Dublin. The Leap card allows you to travel around on Dublin’s public transport system and also provides you with trip discounts.
What Are The Travel Rules To Ireland?
As of March 2022, there are no travel rules to Ireland – you do not need to show proof of your vaccination or proof of recovery.
Neither are you required to test negative on a PCR test when you arrive or be quarantined.
I hope I’ve managed to convince you that Dublin solo travel is completely possible with my many solo travel recommendations!
Honestly how your trip to Dublin turns out is completely in your hands.
Even being with company doesn’t necessarily guarantee the best trip, so don’t be afraid to travel far and wide solo!
And if anything, don’t forget that Ireland is one of the safest countries out there for solo travelers, and is also the best location one can travel on their own.
You won’t go wrong with choosing Dublin and Ireland as your next solo vacation spot. I’m sure of it!
Share with me your favorite Dublin spot if you managed to eventually go!
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