View MapView Map
HomeDestinationsDublin8 surprising experiences ...
8 surprising experiences in Dublin
Dublin’s ancient streets are a busy mix of iconic sights and buzzing pubs, but there’s a curious side to this place too. From a jail that housed revolutionaries to a musical kayak down the Liffey, Dublin’s more obscure corners are weird, wonderful and totally in character. 

So scratch beneath the surface a little to discover a bunch of surprising Dublin experiences.

  • 1.
  • 2.
  • 3.
  • 4.
  • 5.
  • 6.
  • 7.
  • 8.
1Surfdock

Fancy experiencing Dublin from a different perspective? Saunter over to Grand Canal Dock in the heart of the city’s Docklands and hit the water with Surfdock’s invigorating watersport activities. Offering lessons in stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) and windsurfing, the guys will also sort you out with rental gear like wetsuits and surfboards if you’d prefer to venture out alone.

Try stand-up paddle boarding or windsurfing at Dublin's Grand Canal Dock.
Try stand-up paddle boarding or windsurfing at Dublin's Grand Canal Dock.
2St Valentine’s Shrine

Dublin has been home a ton of famous names over the years, but one of its most unlikely residents is at the 200-year-old Whitefriar Street Church – St Valentine himself. Known for marrying young couples into the Christian faith in Rome, which was a crime at the time, St Valentine was handed a death sentence. On the eve of his death, he made time to write a short letter to his jailer's daughter, a previous visitor of his, and simply signed off with "From your Valentine." And so the tradition of sending Valentine's cards was born. Today, Whitefriar Street Church hosts his remains as part of a shrine to the famous saint and even offers special blessings to loved-up couples. Sounds like the start of all love stories, right?

Continuing the romantic theme, check out the cute street art on Temple Bar’s Love Lane, a hidden corner of the city centre. 

The St Valentine's shrine in Whitefriar Street Church in Dublin city
Feel the love at St Valentine's shrine in Whitefriar Street Church.
3Marsh’s Library

Hidden away in a tranquil corner of the St Patrick’s Cathedral grounds, Marsh’s Library is the oldest public library in Ireland and was a favourite haunt of Jonathan Swift, James Joyce and Bram Stoker. And just like Stoker, it’s got its own macabre side. Along with its 25,000 books and 300 manuscripts, there are bullet holes from the 1916 Easter Rising scattered across the library’s original oak bookcases.

The aisles in Marsh's Library.
Explore Ireland's oldest public library.
4Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI)

Dublin’s one of the world’s great literary cities and the Museum of Literature Ireland (shortened to MoLI in honour of Molly Bloom, a central character from James Joyce’s 'Ulysses') at Newman House is full of interactive exhibits and curious literary artefacts. But the museum’s elegant courtyard is also one of Dublin’s few accessible historic house gardens and contains the famous ash tree under which Joyce had his graduation photos taken.

Celebrate the best of Irish literature at the MoLI.
Celebrate the best of Irish literature at the MoLI.
5City Kayaking

From the ornate Ha’penny Bridge to the spectacular Samuel Beckett Bridge, Dublin’s bridges are a distinct part of the city’s character, but have you ever considered kayaking beneath them? Meet the guys from City Kayaking beside the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship and hit the water to see Dublin from a totally new angle. For the music lovers, there's the Music Under the Bridges, a two-hour long tour with atmospheric acoustics of their unique live music sessions underneath Dublin’s iconic bridges. Or, brush up on your Irish with their Dublin's Hidden Language tour, led by an Irish-speaking guide.

See the best views of the city by kayaking on the river.
See the best views of the city by kayaking on the river.
6James Joyce Tower and Museum

Escape the hum of Dublin city for a while and venture 30-minutes south to the charming coastal surroundings of Sandycove. Looking out to the Irish Sea is the James Joyce Tower and Museum, a fascinating collection of Joyce’s letters, photographs and personal possessions all stacked up in a 19th century Martello Tower. Sandycove was also the setting for the opening scenes of Ulysses. And if the weather’s playing ball, go for a dip at the famous Forty Foot bathing pool nearby.

The James Joyce Tower and Museum in Sandycove, County Dublin
Admire knick knacks from Joyce's life at the James Joyce Tower and Museum.
7Kilmainham Gaol

As a literary city, Dublin’s always been full of stories, but few are more important than the ones within the walls of Kilmainham Gaol. If you want the inside track on how Ireland won its independence, then look no further than the infamous jail where revolutionaries like Patrick Pearse spent their last days. Incredibly, future president Éamon de Valera was the final prisoner here (and only survived execution because he was born in the United States). Take one of the superb tours, presented by guides who live and breathe this stuff.

Take a tour of the infamous Kilmainham Gaol.
Take a tour of the infamous Kilmainham Gaol.
8Icon Walk in Temple Bar

Temple Bar’s already Dublin’s most colourful district, but the Icon Walk brings a whole new splash of character to the city’s vibrant heart. Showcasing original artwork by many local artists of Irish icons from a bunch of disciplines (writers, playwrights, sports icons, musicians, and actors), it’s a loud and proud display of Irish cultural heritage. Go for a self-guided tour along Aston Place, Bedford Lane and Price's Lane and check out eclectic art of everyone from rock musician Phil Lynott to legendary comedy character Father Ted.

The Icon Walk in Temple Bar in Dublin city
Spot Ireland's most celebrated personalities along the Icon Walk.

Explore a whole new side to Ireland’s famous capital

Want to see more of Dublin’s weird and wonderful side? Explore the best of Dublin’s curiosities.

For all the best things to see and do in Dublin
Visit Dublin logo
Mail Icon SVG

Subscribe now to receive destination inspiration, travel tips, upcoming events and all the best things to do around Ireland.