Elizabeth Smith

Dublin is one of our favourite cities in the world, and for good reason. You can dine at Michelin-recommended Note and sink 101 pints of Guinness at its best cosy, iconic pubs. In fact Dublin is such a vibe, you might think you never want to leave.  But we’re here to tell you something: Ireland is full of incredible places to visit, from its stunning hilltops and craggy coastline to its thriving, bustling cities. And a ton of them are an easy car, train or bus ride from Dublin’s city centre, meaning you can get back in time for your Note reservation, if you want to. Whatever you’re looking for, here are the best day trips in Dublin.  RECOMMENDED:🍲 The best restaurants in Dublin🏨 The best hotels in Dublin📍 The best things to do in Dublin🪩 The best clubs in Dublin This guide is by Elizabeth Smith, a writer based in Dublin. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Looking for free things to do in Dublin? The Irish capital isn’t exactly the most budget of destinations, but there are plenty of activities here that don’t require splashing the cash, so you can save those hard-earned euros for a meal at one of its best restaurants.  For starters, there's the architecture; Dublin is packed with gorgeous buildings that are completely free to stroll past and gawp at (and snap photos of). Then, you've got the plenty of parks and green spaces, and the government-subsidised free entry into several museums, and you're spoilt for choice. Here are the best free things to do in Dublin right now.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Dublin🍝 The best Italian restaurants in Dublin🏡 The best Airbnbs in Dublin 🏨 The best hotels in Dublin💸 The best cheap hotels in Dublin  This guide was written by Elizabeth Smith, a writer based in Dublin. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

What is it? Since it opened in 1950, Teddy’s has answered when Dubliners scream for soft serve. It may look like a tiny shop, but it’s an institution. What should I order? Listen: the team here is so confident in their vanilla ice cream, it’s the only flavour on offer. The creamy consistency is best enjoyed with a Flake tucked inside, a la the classic 99 that made Teddy’s famous, but you can also add sprinkles, syrups, and Oreo topping. If the queue is too long (and there’s always a queue), keep your eyes peeled for Teddy’s Ice Cream vans along the Dun Laoghaire Pier and in front of the Pavilion Theatre.  Time Out tip Bring cash. Teddy’s doesn’t accept credit cards. Nearby Forty Foot: For a refreshing (read: freezing) dip with incredible ocean viewsRasam: For an authentic and upscale Indian meal 📍 Discover the best things to do in Dublin

What is the Guinness Storehouse? Arguably the most popular attraction in the city, the Guinness Storehouse offers an interactive, seven-story adventure into everyone’s favorite Irish export. Dating back to 1904 and designed around a pint glass-shaped atrium, the building served as a fermentation plant before opening its doors to visitors. What can I do at the Guinness Storehouse? Self-guided tours begin with a visceral introduction to stout ingredients before explaining the brewing process and tracing Guinness family history. The tasting rooms will help you identify each distinctive flavor and the third-floor exhibit invites you to step into some of the brand’s most celebrated advertisements.  Do you get free Guinness? Each tour includes a complimentary pint of Guinness and there are several options for enjoying it. Skip pouring class at the Guinness Academy and flights at the (supplement-required) Connoisseur Experience in favour of the circular Gravity Bar on the top floor, which offers panoramic views of the city below. Time Out tip For an extra bit of fun, you can pay a supplement of €10 to get a photo of your face inprinted onto the head of your pint of Guinness – you’ll find this at Guinness STOUTie experience on the 4th floor.  What’s nearby to the Guinness Storehouse?  Container Coffee: For caffeine bursts and baked goods served out of a reclaimed shipping containerPhoenix Park: For a breath of fresh air among a herd of friendly fallow deerArthur’s Pub: For Guinness,

What’s the vibe? Situated in the basement of a distinguished Georgian home along a residential street, Mr Fox would be easy to ignore ­­– if it weren’t for Anthony Smith’s incredible cooking. Smith teamed up Stephen McAllister and Andrea Hussey of The Pig’s Ear fame to take over the spot where The Hot Stove once served. They’ve transformed the space into a relaxed brasserie with brick walls, tile floors, vinyl chairs, and a tile-framed cast iron stove. Before the restaurant had its name, Smith bought a stuffed fox from a Francis Street antique shop. Once he heard that Kitty O’Shea used the code name “Mr Fox” for Charles Stewart Parnell, he knew he had found a name fitting of his Parnell Square outpost. The stuffed fox is still displayed inside and is very worthy of a picture. What should I order? The seasonal set menu is guaranteed quality and allows the team to make the most of the magnificent seasonal ingredients available. What are the prices like? It isn’t cheap, but you pay for what you get. The seasonal set menu comes in at €93, with an extra €70 added for specialised wine pairings throughout. A la carte mains cost between €23 and €26. Time Out tip Mr Fox caters to Gate theatre-goers, extending their set lunch menus on show nights. All pre-theatre tables finish by 7:30pm. This review was fact-checked and updated in 2025. 📍Discover the best restaurants in Dublin

What’s the vibe? At Bunsen, the small menu does not translate to limited flavor. Burgers and buns are made by hand every morning and the extra effort translates to a truly memorable meal – without any fuss. There are now eight locations across Dublin, two in Belfast, and one in Cork. What should I order? Start with a base of Black Aberdeen Angus beef and gooey, American-style cheese, then add deli-style pickles, fresh produce, and special “punch” sauce until your heart’s content. Shoestring and sweet potato fries are nice, but original hand cut is the way to go here. What are the prices like? These beautiful burgers cost between €8.95 and €12.95, with fries coming in between €4.25 and €5.95. The Bunsen pale ale costs €6, and is worth every cent. Time Out tip With a mouthwatering social media presence that announces specials and deals, Bunsen is worth the follow. This review was fact-checked and updated in 2025. 📍Discover the best restaurants in Dublin

What’s the vibe? A brunch destination since 2012, Brother Hubbard’s well-priced, well-presented food and stripped-down décor are welcome additions to Dublin’s café scene. After expanding to four locations across the city over the years, the owners have upped the ante. The modern, friendly atmosphere wouldn’t feel out of place in London or New York but has proved popular among Dubliners all the same. There’s almost always a line out the door.   What should I order? Locations now offer seasonal lunches and the original serves up evening mezze Tuesday through Saturday (reservations recommended). Menus are small but inventive, striking the perfect balance of wholesome and indulgent that leave guests full for hours. And obviously, you can’t go wrong with anything on the brunch menu. What are the prices like? Brunch hovers around €11.50 and €16.50, while dishes off the a la carte menu come in between €20.50 and €27.50. The Middle East Feast share menu is €37.50 per person. Time Out tip The North Side’s courtyard is not just an al fresco dining option but also a great spot to reserve for your next event.  This review was fact-checked and updated in 2025. 📍Discover the best restaurants in Dublin

What’s the vibe? Banyi immediately transports you from the hustle and bustle of central Dublin to a relaxing Japanese ryotei. It’s a welcome change from the gritty pubs and rowdy tourists that surround it. What should I order? With a menu ranging from sushi and sashimi bento boxes to a la carte ramen and katsu curry, it’s impossible not to find something you’ll enjoy. Everything is homemade by expertly-trained chefs with the freshest available ingredients. Though some dishes are presented with flair, nothing feels conflated. The sociable staff are always happy to suggest menu choices and drink pairings.    Time Out tip The sushi, rolls, and mains are delicious, but only first-timers wouldn’t save room for the matcha fondant dessert. This review was fact-checked and updated in 2025. 📍Discover the best restaurants in Dublin

What’s the vibe? With 26 years at his trailblazing Chapter One, Cork-born owner and chef Ross Lewis has earned both notoriety and a well-deserved Michelin star. His passion for provenance and seasonality shine without feeling pretentious or inaccessible. The smart, understated dining room and formal, friendly staff perfectly match the luxurious yet down-to-earth cuisine here. In an added and not uncharacteristic touch, most furniture and artwork are Irish-made. What are the prices like? Pricey, to say the least. But worth it for a treat. The tasting dinner menu comes in at €190, and wine pairings will cost you another €105. If you want something a bit more affordable, go for the three-course lunch menu for €85.  Time Out tip A spot at the Chef's Table may break the bank, but it’s an incredible experience to see the Chapter One team in action. What’s worth visiting nearby?  The Celt: For nightly trad tunes in an elevated pubCineworld Cinema: To catch the latest blockbusterJurys Inn Parnell Street: For laid-back, late-night drinks at an upscale spot This review was fact-checked and updated in 2024.  📍 Discover more of the best things to do in Dublin

Somewhere between bed-and-breakfast and boutique hotel, Number 31 encompasses both a classic Georgian townhouse and a modernist mews. Hiding in plain sight on an unassuming residential street, it’s well-removed from city din. The understated entrance opens up to a grand lounge complete with leather sofas, modern artwork, and a roaring fireplace. Like any reputable refuge, there’s a secret garden waiting around back. The hotel’s polished, period-style guestrooms mimic the reception’s mix of traditional and contemporary, featuring lofty ceilings and plush furnishings. There’s no onsite restaurant, but the organic, made-to-order breakfast is enough to keep guests clamouring for a spot in one of the 21 ensuite rooms. The warm hospitality and lavish, laid-back ambiance don’t hurt either. Time Out tip: Though Number 31 boasts many remarkable elements, an elevator is not one of them. Plus, smaller rooms lack sufficient baggage space, making it best for those that travel light. Nearby:Dax: For French bites and fine wine in an elegant basement barEirlooms: For hand-crafted souvenirs and floral arrangementsCanal Bank Café: For all-day dining in a cosy café-cum-bistro

Occupying a wide block of faultlessly restored townhouses dating back to the 1760s, the Merrion radiates formal elegance and period charm. Country-style furnishings, open fireplaces, and servant closets are paired with Nespresso machines, plentiful USB ports, and a range of free movie options for the flat screen. In addition to its 143 rooms and suites, the world-class hotel is home to the largest private collection of nineteenth and twentieth century art in all of Ireland. Its halls resemble a world-class gallery (and drops many of the same names). Stucco ceilings and sweeping staircases cement the vintage vibe, while abundant light and neutral tones help usher the space into modern times. From the atmospheric Cellar Bar and airy Garden Room to the secluded cocktail club and 2-Michelin star Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, food and drink options abound. The afternoon “Art Tea” (€49) in the Drawing Rooms features pastries inspired by the hotel’s collection. With an onsite fitness centre, blue-tiled pool, and tranquil spa, you won’t have to feel guilty for indulging. Time Out tip: Request a garden-view room to get the most for the hefty price tag. Concierge can arrange walking and cycling tours of the city, complete with picnic baskets and Merrion rain jackets.  Nearby:Natural History Museum: To see the weird, wonderful taxidermy display lovingly referred to as the “Dead Zoo”Pearl Brasserie: For inventive French fare in an intimate settingO'Donoghue’s Bar: For nightly live music,

Part brick Victorian building and part modern stone extension, the 44-room boutique hotel perfectly suits the posh, tranquil community it’s located in. Once you enter its imposing doors, a mixture of plush crimson couches, winding staircases, and hospitable staff are there to greet you. The playful, contemporary glamour isn’t dialed down in the rooms, which are outfitted with brightly-coloured furniture, arty headboards, and metallic mirrors. Quiet, comfortable, and spacious, each one comes with hospitality trays, flat-screen TVs, and iPods pre-loaded with city-wide walking tours. Perhaps best of all, the stately, smart bathrooms have underfloor heating in addition to a host of Mark Buxton toiletries. Expect to see the Ballsbridge elite if you visit the quirky Dylan Bar or elegant Tavern restaurant, which specialises in seafood. The fitness room, front terrace, rear courtyard, and 24-hour room service only add to Dylan’s already noteworthy amenities. Time Out tip: The Dylan has a special relationship with the Irish Museum of Modern Art, meaning you could score free private tours as well as discounted entrance to special exhibitions. Nearby:National Print Museum: For an in-depth look at printing traditions in IrelandForest Avenue: For a splurge-worthy tasting menu with five delectable coursesSearsons: For 1920s-themed debauchery

With origins in the Victorian era, Schoolhouse Hotel served as an actual school until 1969 and was converted into a 31-room hotel in 1997. Luckily, many of the original features, like turrets, soaring ceilings, and timber staircases, remain. In homage to the building’s past, each room is named for an influential figure in Irish history. With king beds, colourful quilts, antique oak desks, special edition wallpaper, flat-screen TVs, and a photograph of their namesake, the quaint lodgings are well above-par. Nothing displays the hotel’s architectural beauty better than the restaurant, though. Period details like exposed beams and an ironwork chandelier extend a warm contrast to the modern Irish-French cuisine. Time Out tip: Parking is free but limited, so reserve a spot ahead if you’re coming by car. Nearby:3fe: For quality take-away coffee and brewing necessitiesOscar Wilde Memorial: For an aptly colourful depiction of one of Ireland’s literary legendsOsteria Lucio: For surprisingly authentic Italian eatsCellar Bar: For lunch or pre-dinner drinks in an old wine vault

Located smack dab in city centre, The Dean doesn’t hide its buzzy surroundings, providing earplugs at check-in to help block out late-night noise from nearby hotspots. The hotel’s fifty-two rooms range from tiny Mod Pod double to two-bedroom, two-bath penthouse. Quirky and cool, each one has a rain shower, record player, Nespresso machine, and a smart TV with Netflix access. Vibes extend from the basement nightclub to the rooftop restaurant and cocktail bar, making the hotel popular with stylish locals as well as first-time visitors. There’s no onsite gym or parking lot, but Dean guests get €9 daily passes for the nearby Raw Gym and a 50 percent off discount at the Q Car Park on Glover’s Alley. Time Out tip: Save 10 percent by booking and pre-paying for your stay at least 28 days in advance on the Dean website. Nearby:Iveagh Gardens: For some peace and quiet in a seemingly private parkBunsen: For juicy burgers, crispy fries, and creamy shakes in a quirky, compact spaceDevitts: For drinks and traditional pub fare in a swanky saloon