Top Things to Do on a Solo Trip to Dublin
Dublin is quite an easy city to navigate on foot, with cobblestone streets leading you from vibrant pubs to top-notch museums. At one of the many pubs, you’ll find local musicians playing traditional music along with comfort food and local beer.
Solo travelers can see historic landmarks such as Dublin Castle and Trinity College Library where the renowned Book of Kells is held.
Stop by a cafe along the river, and stroll across the Ha’Penny Bridge, a great spot for a photo. Keep reading below to see some of the top things to do in Dublin by yourself.
National Gallery of Ireland
The National Gallery of Ireland opened its doors in 1864, and houses an impressive collection of over 16,000 works of art. You’ll find an extensive array of European and Irish art, from the present day dating all the way back to the 1300s.
See art work from renowned artists such as Picasso and Monet. In addition to paintings, uncover sculptures, drawings, furniture, and photography.
Best of all, admission to National Gallery of Ireland is free! This makes it a wonderful stop for solo travelers to pop in and get a glimpse of world-class art.
While the permanent collection is free to visit, the National Gallery of Ireland does occasionally have special exhibitions on display, where there is an admission fee to access those areas.
Dublin Castle
Visitors can explore the state apartments, which include the previous living quarters, sitting room, dining room and ceremonial room of the viceroy. Developed to be the castle’s ballroom, don’t miss the St. Patrick’s Hall with its intricate ceiling murals, and glittering chandeliers.
You’ll see portrait oil paintings displayed in the rooms, along with elaborate painted ceilings. This is a wonderful site to visit on your trip alone, as you can step back in time and explore at a leisurely pace.
Located in Dublin’s city center, it’s recommended to book tickets in advance; the availability is for specific time slots.
Self-guided tours give you the opportunity to explore the state apartment your own pace, meanwhile the guided tours reveal historic information and provides access to additional areas that are not included with the self-guided experience.
Temple Bar
This well-known district is recognized for its nightlife and cultural vibrancy. A daytime stroll through the streets reveal quirky shops, eclectic cafes and art galleries. Meanwhile, a nighttime experience showcases an energetic crowd with bustling bars and pubs playing traditional Irish music.
As the center of Dublin’s pub culture, the Temple Bar district is brimming with pubs where visitors can enjoy a pint along with live music. The famous centerpiece in the district is the Temple Bar Pub, identified by its bright red exterior and buzzing atmosphere that Irish pubs are known for.
Even if you don’t plan on visiting the pubs, it’s still worth a walk through the cobblestone streets to see the buzz of the people coming and going, the colorful building fronts, and the funky shops.
For solo travelers interested in a bit of nightlife, check out the Pub Crawls in Dublin.
St Patrick’s Cathedral
A top attraction in Dublin, St Patrick’s Cathedral is the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland. With its gothic architecture, vibrant stained-glass windows, visitors can marvel at the intricate details and soaring ceilings.
The cathedral is about 800 years old, having been completed in the 1200’s. See the beautifully detailed stonework, and intricate carvings as you walk down the main hallway of the cathedral.
As you explore the cathedral, you get a good glimpse of Ireland’s cultural and spiritual heritage. The audio guide provides visitors with an array of historical facts, as well as interesting stories.
St Patrick’s Cathedral is one of Dublin’s most iconic landmarks and is the largest church in Ireland. In addition to navigating the stunning interior of the cathedral, the calm atmosphere makes it a wonderful place for reflection.
Admission tickets to St Patrick’s Cathedral can be booked online ahead of your trip.
Guinness Storehouse
In the heart of the city, you’ll find the home of the most iconic beer in Ireland. A visit to Guinness Storehouse is an immersive journey into the history and craft behind this famous stout.
The standard Guinness Storehouse experience includes a self-guided tour of the facility and entry into the Guinness tasting rooms. The experience ends with access into the Gravity Bar at the top level, including a freshly poured pint of Guinness amongst sweeping views of the city.
Throughout seven floors, you’ll come across interactive exhibits which take you through the engaging process behind brewing and advertising.
Even for those who may not be a beer connoisseur (like myself), this is a fun solo-friendly experience celebrating one of Ireland’s most iconic brands. They brewery recommends booking tickets in advance to secure a time slot.
Book of Kells + Long Room at Trinity College
The Book of Kells is a highlight for visitors to Dublin. One of Ireland’s greatest cultural treasures, it is about 1200 years old.
Visitors will see the actual manuscript of the Gospels illuminated on display, showcasing two select pages. There are a lot of elements to see in the Book of Kells, including the calligraphy and intricate illustrations. The exhibit explains the historical significance and symbolism of the manuscript.
After viewing the Book of Kells, visitors are led to the Long Room which is one of the most magnificent libraries in the world. Built in the 18th century, the library boasts rows of towering dark wooden shelves with over 200,000 historic books. Wandering down the central walkway, the path is lined with marble sculptures and ancient artifacts.
While the Books of Kells is certainly a unique experience, the highlight of my experience was the Long Room as it is breathtaking. It almost feels like you stepped into a mythical world, with the soaring barrel-vaulted ceilings and stacked shelves.
Day Trip to the Irish Coast and Countryside
With so much natural beauty and stunning landscape outside of the city, a day trip out to the Irish coast and countryside is a wonderful activity for solo travelers visiting Dublin.
One of the most popular day trips outside of Dublin is to the Cliffs of Moher. Travelers are transported to Ireland’s west coast, to cliffs that are raised 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Stretching for 14 kilometres, the cliffs offer breathtaking views and scenic walking paths.
During this solo trip to Dublin, I knew I wouldn’t have time to get out of the city and visit the magnificent Irish countryside. Taking an organized tour was a convenient way for me to experience this. Throughout the drive, you’ll pass by villages and rolling hills. This was a highlight for me while traveling alone in Dublin.
If you don’t have a full day to spare, try the half-day trip to Glendalough and Wicklow. This tour takes you to a monastic settlement in the glacial valley of Glendalough, set amongst beautiful lakes and forested hills.
St Stephen’s Green
This wonderful historic park and garden is located in the heart of Dublin. Wander through the various tree-lined paths, coming across lovely gardens, flowerbeds, statues of Irish historical figures, and a serene lake.
It’s a beloved spot beloved by both locals and visitors. After a day of traveling by yourself, grab a seat on the bench to watch the ducks and swans glide across the lake.
This cherished city park covers 22 acres, making it a fantastic spot for solo female travelers to temporarily step away from the bustle of the city. It’s also situated in a central location, being close to the popular Grafton Street, as well as St. Stephen’s Shopping Center.
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