An estimated 24,000 fans are set to touch down in Dublin for this year’s College Football Classic — and we want to help you make the most of it! Here’s 10 ways to experience Dublin in between game day events, soak up the local atmosphere, and explore the city like a true local.
First things first, beat the jet lag and hop on the city's orignal Hop-On Hop-Off Tour! ! It's the easiest way to get your bearings, visit the city's top attractions, and tap into exclusive deals along the way. There are also handy combo tickets available, perfect for ticking off multiple sights in one go (great way to kill two birds with the one stone). But the real highlight? Our local guides — true Dubliners, born storytellers, full of charm, wit, and the odd sing-song.
Right in the heart of the action sits the Jameson Distillery Bow St., a perfect stop to sip on a bit of Irish culture — quite literally. “Uisce beatha,” the Irish word for whiskey, means water of life, and let’s be honest, being a tourist can be thirsty work. Stop in for a tasting, a tour, or simply a well-earned drop.
No visit to Dublin is complete without saying hello to Molly Malone. You'll find her wheeling her barrow near Grafton Street, just as the song says. Whether you know the words or not, you’ll be humming along in no time — it’s one of the city’s most photographed statues and a bit of fun for everyone.
Dublin Zoo is a wild day out for all ages. Set in the heart of Phoenix Park, it’s home to elephants, lions, red pandas, and more. Whether you’re travelling with kids or just young at heart, it’s the perfect excuse to stretch the legs and take things at an easy pace.
5. Right beside Glasnevin Cemetery, you’ll find The Gravediggers Pub — or John Kavanagh’s, as the locals call it. No frills, no TV, just a proper Irish pub pouring one of the best pints of Guinness in the city. It’s the real deal. While you’re there, take time to explore your roots — Glasnevin’s stories of Irish family heritage are both fascinating and deeply moving.
6. Don’t overlook the little things. Marsh’s Library is one of Ireland’s oldest, tucked beside Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. This beautifully preserved space often flies under the radar, but it’s well worth a visit for its charm, history, and peaceful atmosphere.
7. If you’re after something a bit livelier but just as rich in culture, an evening of Irish dancing is a must. Celtic Nights offers a dinner and dance show that never fails to get the crowd going, with energetic traditional music, skilled dancers, and plenty of feel-good craic.
Don’t skip the Docklands, especially if you have Irish ancestry. A tour of the Jeanie Johnston offers a moving and insightful look at the emigrant experience. Just across the way, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum brings those stories to life through colourful, interactive exhibits that are as engaging as they are meaningful.
