It would be very easy to spend most of your vacation in Dublin – Ireland's capital has so very much to see, do and experience.

Most visitors, however, plan one full day in the city – maybe a bit more depending on flights. So how do you get the most out of a short visit?

These are the 3 things I always recommend when asked about the best Dublin experiences.

The 3 Best Things to Do in Dublin

Visit the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology

Cletic metalwork – the Cross of Cong

Dublin has a number of terrific museums but the one I think every visitor should experience is the Museum of Archaeology. It covers the known history of Ireland – from the first Neolithic farmers, through the Bronze and Iron Age Celts, Viking invasions and the ‘Dark Ages', and through Ireland's Monastic splendor.

Bonus: it's free.

The first two floors of stunning Leinster House are devoted to these collections. The two exhibits I think everyone should explore are Kingship and Sacrifice to view the bog bodies and learn their stories and The Treasury, which is where Celtic metalwork and monastic treasures- including the Tara Brooch and the Cross of Cong – are on display.

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Take a Guided Food Tour

A stop on my tour: Boxty Platter at The Boxty House in Dublin

I think you can learn a lot about a place from its food. And when you pair food with a terrific tour guide you are going to have a terrific experience.

I love Flavour Trails. All 3 of their tours – the Irish Food Trail, The Whiskey Trail, and the Storytelling Trail – include delicious food & drink at 3 stops, and along the way you learn about Dublin's history and legends. It's great fun.

Another food tour that I adore is Vintage Tea Trips, an afternoon tea experience on a vintage double-decker bus. While it's not exactly a guided tour you'll hear fun personal narration from your local hosts and get to see the city from a unique vantage point.

Visit Malahide Castle

Family photos in front of Malahide Castle

It's about a 30 minute journey from the city centre to the village of Malahide via DART or bus. But Malahide Castle and Gardens are worth the journey.

The castle was in the same family for 800 years which means the history is fully recorded.

And what a history it is! The docents are wonderful storytellers who are terrific at keeping everyone engaged. And you may just encounter one of the resident ghosts.

Beyond the castle, the gardens are truly spectacular. The west lawn is 20 acres of trees, ornamental sculptures, and a charming fairy trail. It's also a perfect place to have photos taken.

The Walled Garden is filled with winding stone pathways where you can discover a rose garden, a pond, and the Victorian Conservatory. It is also home to the only Butterfly House in the Republic of Ireland.

It's also a perfect spot to have photos taken! I recommend Flytographer.
I shared our experience here.

Your Guide to Dublin

There is obviously so much more to see, do, taste, and experience in Dublin. To help you make the most of your time in the capital, I've created a County Dublin Travel Guide with my Top 5 things to do, terrific tours and accommodations I recommend, as well as top tips for transportation, travel insights, family tips, and festival highlights.

Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 293

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