Things to do in Dublin

Discover Ireland's Capital City

Things to do in Dublin

Dublin has so much to explore, and Brooks Hotel is your perfect gateway to it all.

Just a leisurely stroll from the vibrant Grafton Street and the lush expanse of St. Stephen's Green, this prime location places you at the centre of Dublin’s fashionable and cultural hotspots.

Immerse yourself in the rich history of the iconic Guinness Storehouse, where you can enjoy a pint with panoramic city views or delight in a family-friendly adventure at the renowned Dublin Zoo, you can expereince it all from the Brooks Hotel.

Trinity College

Founded in 1592 by Elizabeth I on the site of a suppressed Augustinian monastery, Trinity College eventually overcame its exclusively Protestant proclivities and is now one of Ireland’s foremost seats of learning. Infamous Irish writers such as Swift, Wilde and Beckett all attended Trinity as students or lecturers. The grounds are fully open to the public and the main focal point is the Campanile, built in 1852, which dominates the cobble stoned Quad.

If you're planning to attend the Trinity Summer Series in 2025, Brooks Hotel is an ideal place to stay. Located on Drury Street, it's just a short stroll from Trinity College Dublin, making it perfect for concertgoers who want to be close to the action without compromising on comfort.

The Book of Kells

No book evokes such passion amongst the art lovers as the 9th Century, illuminated manuscript known as the Book of Kells. The perfect surroundings of the long Hall, which contains over 200,000 of Trinity’s oldest books, is where you will find the Book of Kells, as well as other fine relics of Ireland’s scholarly history.

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The National Gallery

The National Gallery houses over 13,000 paintings and drawings as well as many famous and impressive pieces of sculpture. Free admission.

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St. Stephen’s Green

St Stephen’s Green Park is a historical park and garden, located in the centre of Dublin city, only a 3-minute walk from Brooks Hotel. The park hosts a large number of important sculptural monuments to Irish history. It is a lovely place to spend an hour, wandering beneath the tree lined paths and watching the wildlife that call the park home. Free Admission.

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Dublinia – The Dublin Exhibition

This exhibition tells the story of medieval Dublin. Housed in the old Synod Hall beside Christchurch Cathedral, Dublinia recreates the period from the arrival of Strongbow in 1170 to the closure of the monasteries by Henry VIII in 1540. Using an audio guide, sets, reconstructions, a scale model with commentary and an audio-visual presentation, the story of medieval Dublin unfolds.

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Christchurch Cathedral

Christchurch Cathedral was the cathedral of Norse Dublin, founded in 1038 by King Sitric. Denied recognition by the Gaelic Irish church, its Bishops were consecrated by Canterbury, to which they were subject for the next 124 years. Following the reformation, the cathedral became a Church of Ireland establishment. The Nave, in the pointed style, dates from about 1230 and is a very striking feature of the building. Over the years, the building has been very much altered, especially in 1569 when the roof collapsed. The 1870’s also saw much modification and change taking place.

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The Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum has an extensive collection of animals from all ages. From the bones of a Blue Whale to the fossilized remains of the smallest insect, this is a hive of interest and well worth the visit. Due to renovations on the Museum building on Kildare Street, the collection is currently on display at Collin’s Barracks near Heuston Station. Free admission.

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The Little Museum of Dublin

The Little Museum tells the tale of the Irish capital. The museum holds over 5,000 artefacts in their collection, many of which were donated by members of the public. As the museum is small, advance booking is advised.

They currently have an exhibition that will appeal to all Irish football fans, the 'Italia 90: Big Jack and The Irish' brings us back to the Irish triumph of the 1990's world cup and the role of the legendary Jack Charlton in Irish Football history.

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The National Museum

The National Museum has on display, an extensive range of Irish antiques and houses the greatest collection of Celtic artifacts throughout the world. Admission is free.

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Kilmainham Goal

Kilmainham Gaol (pronounced ‘Jail’) closed its’ doors in 1924. Over the years, it was a prison for men, women and children who had committed a variety of crimes. During the Irish Revolution, the leaders of the 1916 Rising were held and executed at Kilmainham Gaol making it an integral part of Irish History.

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Temple Bar

Temple Bar is one of Dublin’s most popular tourist destinations in the city.

This cobbled district hugging the southern banks of the Liffey has attracted visitors looking for old-school pubs, live music, markets, and so much more.

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General Post Office

The General Post Office, or GPO as it is known locally, located on O’Connell Street is one of the most iconic buildings in Ireland. It is known worldwide for the part it played in the 1916 Easter Rising. The exhibition brings history to life as you experience events from both sides of the conflict and through the eyes of bystanders caught in the crossfire through electronic touch screens, video, audio visual booths, sound and authentic artefacts – many previously unseen.

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St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Saint Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland, founded in 1191, is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland. With a 43-metre spire, St. Patrick's is the tallest church in Ireland and the largest. Johnathan Swift, the author of Gulliver’s Travels, was once the Dean of St. Patrick’s. Each year, The Johnathan Swift Festival is held at the Cathedral in late November.

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Jameson Distillery - Bow St.

In 1780 John Jameson threw open the doors of the Jameson Distillery Bow St.

Over 200 years later, the doors are still open to friends old and new.

Come for a distillery tour, a premium whiskey tasting experience, learn how to blend your own take-home whiskey, master the craft of whiskey cocktail making or draw whiskey straight from a Jameson cask in Dublin's only live maturation warehouse.

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Phoenix Park

Phoenix Park, the largest enclosed urban park in Europe, offers a peaceful retreat right in Dublin’s city center. Steeped in history since the 1660s, the park is home to key landmarks like Áras an Uachtaráin—the residence of the Irish President—and the U.S. Ambassador's home. It also features Dublin Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the world and a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Just a quick 15-minute drive from Brooks Hotel, Dublin Zoo is a perfect family outing. With engaging exhibits, endangered species, and immersive habitats, it’s a top destination for both education and entertainment. The zoo sits within the scenic grounds of Phoenix Park, making for a full day of exploration and fun.

Also within the park is Farmleigh House, a stunning 18th-century estate that blends political history with cultural charm. Formerly the Irish State guesthouse, it now hosts official events and guided public tours. Whether you're visiting for a day of sightseeing or catching Zach Bryan live in concert, Phoenix Park is a must-see—and Brooks Hotel is the ideal place to stay, offering easy access and a stylish, central base in the heart of Dublin.

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Malahide Castle

Built in 1204 by King John, the castle has a bloody and ignoble past in our city’s history, from the impaling of the Irish Chieftains on its walls to the more recent housing of the British Administration up until 1922. One of the highlights of a visit the castle would be the guided tours of the magnificent state apartments and the Chapel Royal. Today, Malahide Castle is a venue for much of the ceremonial aspects of Irish Political Life.

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