33+ HIDDEN GEMS IN DUBLIN – That not even locals know about!

1. The Hungry Tree, King’s Inn Park, Dublin, Ireland

There are many secret Dublin attractions, some are man-made and some were created by nature itself.

The first gem is a rather unusual one. It is located in Kings Inn park on the Northside of the city. And in that park, lies a tree…but…it’s not just any old tree. It’s a rather famish tree for that matter.

Yes, that’s right. The tree is starting to grow over a park bench, ultimately eating away the bench’s existence.

This secret Dublin spot is becoming increasingly popular and with the hungry tree becoming a famous addition to many’s Instagram feeds. If you ask me, this is one of the top hidden gems in Ireland. It’s just so really strange, yet wonderful thing to see!

2. Dublin Under Sail

Easily one of the best things to do in Dublin is take on Dublin Bay with Dublin Under Sail.

An experience like no other. Hop on board the Brian Boru for an opportunity to see Ireland’s Capital from a whole different perspective.

The experience lasts 3 hours in total, passengers will learn what it is like to sail a tall ship. They can decide to get involved in the running of the ship or just sit back and relax with a cuppa while enjoying the scenic views of the Dublin coastline.

If you are looking for something unique to do while in Dublin this is a great option.

Check Out my Youtube Video for a Better Idea of the Experience

3. Oscar Wilde Statue, Merrion Square, Dublin, Ireland

Next on the list is the Oscar Wilde Statue in Merrion Square only a short walk from Grafton Street.

Oscar Wilde was a famous Irish Poet who wrote some amazing pieces throughout the 1880’s. In the 1890’s, he later went on to write one of London’s most popular playwrights, writing plays like ‘the importance of being Earnest’ and ‘Salome’.

The park in which the Statue ordinates is also a beautiful place to explore and is truly an off the beaten path Dublin location in it’s own right. The best part about the park is it is quite and tranquil, yet still within the grounds of the city centre.

Also, those interested in Irish litriture may want to checkout the ‘Dublin Literary Pub Crawl‘ learn about Ireland’s famous writers all while relaxing with a ice cold pint.

4. Go Kayaking down the River Liffey

Another unusual thing to do in Dublin is Kayak down the River Liffey.

Wait! Hear me out…. the first time I heard about this idea I was a little bit sceptical. The Liffey isn’t exactly my dream place to kayak, but I can assure you, you do not get wet in the process.

City Kayaking offers a range of experiences from one-hour rentals, city tours and my personal favourite the music under the bridge tour.

In the music under the bridge tour, you spend 2 hours kayaking to each bridge along the River Liffey.

At each stop, you will be greeted by some brilliant live performances and we Irish are known for our musical talents. It’s one of my favourite things to do in Dublin as it is well and truly a unique experience.

5. The Doors of Dublin, Merrion Square, Dublin, Ireland

Taking the internet by storm recently is the ‘Doors of Dublin’ phenomenon. Many of these famous doors can be found right next to the Oscar Wilde Statue in Merrion Square.

The square features some of Dublin’s most iconic Georgian houses where most doors are painted a vibrant colour or have a unique and unusual design to them. These doors can also be found in the likes of Fitzwilliam Square and on Baggot Street.

The phenomenon is becoming so popular that it even has its own dedicated Instagram account and a hashtag.

However, it is still not one of the top things to include in a Dublin itinerary making it perfect for those looking for something unusual to do in the city.

6. Have a look at the Ancient Huguenot Cemetery

Tucked away in the heart of the city, the Huguenot Cemetery offers a distinctive glimpse into Dublin’s intriguing history.

This hidden gem should be on your list as it is like taking a journey back in time, as the cemetery is the final resting place for members of the Huguenot community who fled religious persecution in France during the 17th and 18th centuries.

The carefully preserved tombstones, inscribed with old French surnames, are poignant reminders of the city’s multicultural past.

This cemetery, though small and easy to miss, provides a unique perspective on Dublin’s history seldom found in standard tour routes.

7. Hike up the Dublin’s Spooky Hellfire Club Ruins

The Hellfire Club is one of the most off the beaten path places to visit in Dublin.

The old house ruins are located on the foot of Montpellier Hill. But…there is so much more than meets the eye when it comes to the Hellfire club. Like many old buildings, the club is subject to some old Irish myths and legend.

Some even believed that the house was burnt down by the devil leaving it in its ruined state that we see today. Besides being one of the freakiest places in Dublin, the hellfire club is the ideal place for a picnic while watching the sunset. It is also home to phenomenal views of Dublin city and beyond.

The hellfire club is located in the Dublin Mountain, so the weather at times can be unpredictable, I advise checking out my packing guide to make sure you are prepared 😉

8. Smithfield Tower

Smithfield Tower, one of Dublin’s best kept secrets and it is located just a 10 minute walk from the city centre.

This Dublin Hidden Gem will have you climbing up 200+ steps however the epic view of Dublin City from the top is well and truly worth the climb.

The skinny observation deck offers 360 views of Ireland’s capital city and is the perfect place to watch the sunset.

Tickets into the observation deck only cost five euros and there are no lifts so you must be prepared to climb.

You can purchase tickets from the Generator Hostel located beside the tower. If you are looking for more cheap or free things to do in the city please check out my Free Dublin Attractions Guide.

10. The Croke Park Stadium and Museum Tour

Ok, so if soaring 17 stories above the ground is not your cup of tea.

Don’t fret. It is still possible to experience and learn all about the Gaelic Games by taking the Croke Park Stadium and Museum tour.

The tour will tell visitors all there is to know about our three national sports, Gaelic, Hurling and Camogie.

Croke Park is also famous for hosting musical acts such as U2, Elton John, Ed Sheeran, One Directions and Pharrell Williams. The stadium can hold over 82 thousand people at a time.

The Croke Park Tour costs €14 per person and is FREE for those who hold a Dublin Pass.

11. Design your own Cheesecake at Mad Egg

More and more Mad Egg restaurants are popping up over Dublin and it’s a good thing too because local’s are becoming obsessed with designing their own cheesecakes.

So, if you are looking to feed your sweet tooth and want to do it in a cool and unique way. Head on in to Mad Egg for a full filled experience.

Topping choices include Milk, White or Dark Chocolate. The Choice of Roasted Hazelnuts, Peanut Butter Pieces, Oreo Crumbs, Honeycomb Nuggets, Smashed Maltesers, Kinder Bueno or Daim Pieces. And Finally the sticky stuff, Nutella or Caramel.

Also, while your there, give the love me loco chicken a try. It’s Delish <3

12. Skiing in Ireland. Who Knew?

Now, this is something I am almost certain you didn’t know about. You can ski in Dublin?!

Ok, so it’s not the alps, not even close, and we certainly do not get the same level of snow… but it is a cool thing to do in Dublin if you’re looking for something a tad bit different.

Ski club Ireland hosts the only dry slopes in Ireland (located in Kilternan).

It will set you back 30 euros for a 3-hour practice session, however, that also includes all rentals. It’s a great deal if you ask me.

But, I will warn you it is harder to get the hang of compared to fresh snow. Let’s just say, I laughed a lot the first time I visited.

For an extra bonus, the top of the highest slope offers a stunning view of the Irish coast line <3

13. Check Out Dublin’s Street Art Scene

Throughout the recent year’s, the Dublin street art scene is thriving with murals popping up all over the city.

If you want to get a little off the beaten path in Dublin why not join in on a FREE alternative Dublin walking tour.

The tour leaves everyday at 11am and ticks off some of the top Dublin hidden gems. Including the top street art murals in the city.

The tour also covers, emerging Dublin scenes, some of Dublin’s best kept secrets, the Art and Music History, Cool Bars, Cafes, Markets, some Cheap Eats and some good old Insider’s Knowledge.

16. Hike with a local

Ireland is known for it’s famous Cliffs of Moher but what many people don’t realise is that Dublin is a coastal city, which means it is surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery.

One of my favourite places is the fisherman town of Howth, which is a popular spot for locals to go for an evening walk, watch the sunset, or grab some fish and chips.

It is also home to one of Ireland’s most beautiful cliffs, and all be it they are not the highest in the country, they are still pretty mighty.

You can even hike the cliffs alongside local guides, Mark and Missy. They bring a small group of people around the area 3 of 4 times a weeks.

Here you can learn about the cliffs history, landscapes, and scenery.

And believe me, the scenery is to die for!

17. Horse Riding in Glendalough

If you are looking for a reason to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, then why not book a horseback riding tour of Wicklow?

Spend the day checking out some of the most incredible landscapes, such as Glendalough, Sallys Gap, and Guinness Lake.

You will also have a 1 hour and 30 minutes horseback riding session where you ride through the lush green landscapes of the park.

Really get to understand why Ireland is called the Emerald Isle.

The tour includes live commentary, a local guide, and transfers to and from the city.

18. Traditional Irish Music Show

Experience a traditional Irish meal, music, and dance during an evening performance at Dublin’s Belvedere.

Prepare yourself for an endless evening of fun as skilled Irish folk musicians and dancers perform reels, jigs, and dances.

Enjoy a pint of Guinness, indulge in some delicious traditional Irish culture, and perhaps even try your hand at Irish dancing by going up on stage.

You will experience it all, from the ‘old style’ traditional solo Irish Dance to the familiar jigs and reels, the synchronised precision, and heart racing rhythms that characterise what Irish dancing has become today. 

This nighttime experience is a great evening for a group of friends, families and couples.

19. Sweny’s Pharmacy, Merrion Square, Dublin, Ireland

Ok, so continuing with the Merrion Square theme, the next on the list for secrets of Dublin is Sweny’s Pharmacy.

But…wait, it’s not actually a Pharmacy…well not anymore, that is.

This hidden gem is somewhat of an iconic spot, as it was mentioned in the famous Irish author James Joyce’s book ‘Ulysses’.

Now, the old pharmacy serves as a vintage book and craft store.

Still, it is a pretty sweet gem for those who love literature and the talent of James Joyce.

20. Go for a Peaceful Stroll in the Iveagh Gardens

Ok, so right in the heart of Dublin lies the lesser known Iveagh Gardens. The park is only a short walk from the extremely popular and busy St. Stephens Green Park.

The Iveagh Gardens is a great place to go if you want to have a little relaxation time while on your travels in Dublin.

The park is small but very rarely busy, making it the perfect hidden gem to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

For those of you who are wondering, the word ‘Iveagh’ is pronounced as ‘Ivy’. What can I say…the Irish language is a complicated one.

21. Winding Stair Bookshop

Visit one of Ireland’s oldest surviving independent bookshop, the Winding Stair. The colourful bookshop is home to both new and second hand books all sold at exceptional value.

The credit themselves in stocking some more ‘unusual books’ that are not normally stocked in larger chain bookstores.

They have a wide range of genres ranging from ‘fiction, poetry, drama, current affairs, gardening, cookery, art and design, humour, non-fiction and a children’s section’.

But…not only is the bookshop truly unique in its own right. It also serves a multipurpose with the restaurant’s next store serving under the same name. It’s the best of both world’s.

22. Find Rory Gallagher’s Corner in Temple Bar

Ireland is known for it’s musicians, and one of the places you often see our talented buskers play is in the Temple Bar area.

So, our next hidden gem in Dublin is in the perfect location.

Go wandering around the streets of temple bar in search for Rory’s Corner.

Once you find it, look up. You will find an exact replica of the 1916 Fender Strarocaster Guitar owned by Rory Gallagher himself.

Rory was an Irish musician believed to be the best blues guitarists in the world. Rory passed in 1995 and the memorial was created in 2006.

23. Go to Tara Street for the Best View of the Custom House

Possibly, one of the most stunning buildings in all of Dublin is the Custom House.

It is located in the heart of Dublin City and at certain times of the day the 18th century building reflects onto the River Liffey.

The best spot to take a picture of the Custom House is from Tara Street. I’d suggest going in early in the morning for the picture perfect reflection.

The building is also lit up at night making this the perfect spot for some night time photography of Dublin.

24. Reflect at the Famine Memorial in North Dock, Dublin

The Famine Memorials located on the North Docklands was made back 1997 by Dublin sculptor Rowan Gillespie.

The memorial pays tribute to over 1 million people who died during the Irish famine.

The famine had a huge impact on the Irish and our population dropped by nearly 25%.

Due to those who died from starvation and those who emigrated abroad.

We as a country have still not recovered from this devestating history, so much so that the population is still too this day less than the pre famine days.

So, this next one, is something even I didn’t know anything about until recently. I was strolling the streets of temple bar with my camera in one hand and my phone in the other and when I bent down to get a reflection puddle shot, a man stopped me to ask what I was doing. He presumed I was a tourist, and if I am being honest I don’t blame him, I was rocking the tourist look that day. He told me to check out the National Photographic Archive. And…boy am I glad I did.

The National Photographic Archive is a FREE exhibition that showcases the archived collections of the National Library of Ireland. It is a great place to learn about the troubles of Ireland. I 100% recommend you pop in, even if it is only for 10 minutes or so.

26. Catch the Sunset in Howth

Another fantastic thing to do in Howth is catch the sun go down over the water. There are many wonderful sunset locations in Dublin but I think Howth is my personal favourite.

Howth is also a popular place to go on a day trip from Dublin. While, the coastal town is still located in County Dublin.

The beautiful surroundings and having access to one of the best Cliff walks in Ireland makes visitors feel as if they left the city far behind.

It is the only place in the Capital where the sunsets on the water. Head out onto the pier and walk toward the Howth lighthouse. There you will have the perfect view of the sky changing from day to night.

It is easy to reach Howth via the DART train or a local taxi (although Dublin is expensive so I wouldn’t advise this)

27. Spend the day exploring Kiliney Hill and the surrounding area

Kiliney Hill is possibly one of my favourite walks in Dublin. The easy going uphill walk offers outstanding views from the top. With panoramic views of the Dublin seaside to the left and an outstanding view of the Wicklow mountains to the right.

It is possible to spend hours sitting there, admiring the view and watching the world go by.

After spending a few hours on the hill, why not go for a dip in the ocean at another amazing hidden gem in Dublin, the Vico Bathing Place. Or otherwise known as the ‘Dublin baths’.

If you are looking to discover some more hidden walks in Dublin, consider visiting Ticknock for an epic view of the city.

28. Go back in Time at the Stella in Rathmines

Get ready to go back in time with the Stella Movie Theatre in Rathmines. The old movie theatre has been restored to ‘reflect the glamour and glitz of the 1920’s for an entire new generation of movie-goers’.

This is honestly such a unique movie experience to enjoy while in Dublin. The seats represent a 1920 style lounge chairs that visitors can lie back and cuddle into as the movie plays.

The theatre is also kitted with a cushioned foot stool, a blanket and a side table for all your movie snacks and drinks.

Movie goers can order a range of food and drink, which are brought out your seats when ready.

29. War Memorial Gardens at the Phoenix Park

Next on the list is the National War Memorial Garden’s located beside the Phoenix Park in Dublin.

This stunning garden is a tribute to the 49,400 Irish soldiers who lost their lives in ‘the Great War, 1914–1918’.

It is a beautiful garden that has two identical flower bed sections that lay side by side of each other.

The Memorial garden is not super known and is a great place to visit and pay respect to the lives lost.

It’s also a great starting point for those wanting to explore the Phonix park.

All, while doing a completely non touristy thing to do in Dublin.

30. Visit Ireland’s Presidents House the ‘Aras an Uachtarain’

The ‘Aras an Uachtarain’ is the official residence of the President of Ireland. Michael D the Irish president kindly allows members of the public to take a tour of the residence. And the best thing about it is it doesn’t cost a dime. Yes, that’s right it’s 100% FREE. And possibly one of the best FREE Things to do in Dublin.

The tours are delivered by the Office of Public Works and allows visitors to view the main reception and state rooms of Áras an Uachtaráin.

The tour takes around an hour to complete and are available most Saturdays throughout the year. For those interested in taking part in the tour, tickets are sold on first come first served basis from the Phoenix park visitor centre.

31. Go Deer Spotting in the Phoenix Park

A visit to the Phoenix Park is a must on any Ireland itinerary, but did you know that the park is home to over 400 deer? Yep, that’s right, 400 HUNDRED :O

If you plan on visiting the park during your trip to Dublin be sure to keep an eye out for the herd. They tend to stick together and I have seen them a handful of times hanging out by the Pope’s cross.

With that being said it is extremely hard to find the deer on foot, so consider renting a car or bike to cover more ground. After all, the deer are free to roam the 707 hectares park.

If you so happen to come across a park warden, ask if they could point you in the right direction.

*It is important to note that feeding the deer human food is prohibited. In the photo above, I was holding leaves and the deer came over towards me*

32. Use Dublin Bikes to Travel Around the City

Did you know that it is FREE to use Dublin bikes?

Yes, that’s right! Riders can avail of a 30-minute FREE cycle session once they return the bike before the time is up.

They can then pick up another bike and start the timer all over again.

Just be mindful that to avail of this service, riders must register and put in their credit card details, just in case they go over the 30-minute limit.

And, it is so important to know the rules of the road in Ireland before deciding to rife one of these bikes. I can not stress that enough.

33. The VCC (Speak Easy)

One truly unique thing to do in Dublin is visit one of the cities many speak easy’s. My favourite is the VCC in Temple Bar. You HAVE to book and enter through an unassuming door. I felt like I was transported back in time.

The decor is gorgeous and the atmosphere is cosy and intimate. It’s the perfect spot to catch up with friends or enjoy a romantic date night. The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable about their craft, and they take great care in selecting only the freshest and highest quality ingredients for their cocktails.

I loved trying their unique drinks and was blown away by the creativity and attention to detail that went into each one.

So if you’re looking for a truly special bar experience in Dublin, don’t miss the Vintage Cocktail Club.

34. The Gap Mountain Biking

I recently went mountain biking in The Gap and to be honest I can not believe it’s not more well-known! Although it’s not technically located in Dublin, it’s only a short drive away in Wicklow, so it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area.

The trails are well-maintained and offer a great mix of easy and challenging routes, so there’s something for everyone. As you cycle out of the forest you are presented with Epic views of the Wicklow mountains and beyond. That was my favourite part!

It is also quite reasonably priced, they offer a range of options from rentals and guided tours.

The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable, and they’re happy to help with anything you need. I had an amazing time at The Gap and can’t wait to go back again soon!