Things to do in Dublin as a Solo Traveller

Dublin is a place that is often thought of as a party city: the plethora of bars, the choice of live music venues and the general “craic” that the Irish are known for make Dublin a place where it’s easy to find your feet. What’s more, the city is a great stop off for anyone travelling solo or who wants to dip their toe into the idea of travelling by themselves.

Obviously, as a native Dubliner I am biassed in saying this, but the compact size of the city and friendly vibe from the Irish, I think, go a long way in helping travellers and newcomers to get their bearings. If you are planning a solo trip to the city, here are some tips to learn about Dublin and make the most of your time in the city.

1Enjoy a quiet pint

Dublin and Ireland are often thought of as prime drinking destinations and in a sense this is true, but swinging back pint after pint is not necessarily how the Irish drink. A pint or two as you linger over a newspaper, a book or even your own thoughts is a blissful way to pass an afternoon or evening in Dublin, particularly on a quieter weeknight when the pubs aren’t too packed.

Find a seat at the bar or if you prefer get a corner to yourself and let yourself unwind over a pint of the black stuff- or if beer doesn’t take your fancy – a Dingle gin and tonic.

Host Cathy with guest Dave in a Dublin pub - image courtesy of davebrettuk

The pubs that best suit this kind of activity are often known as “old man pubs” as such men in Ireland are known for their love of the quiet pint. Recommended spots include The Gingerman on Fenian Street, The Oval on Middle Abbey Street or Devitt’s, also known as The Cusack Stand, on Camden Street.

2Walk or crawl around the city

Statue of Patrick Kavanagh at the Grand Canal in Dublin 4 with a red barge in the background

For those not quite enamoured with the idea of the solitary pint, try joining a walking tour or pub crawl to find companions for your time in the city. Dublin is very easy to get around by foot and there’s ample opportunity to join a tour and learn about the city and its history.

Sandemans’s offer free and ticketed tours beginning at City Hall on Dame Street, but if you’d prefer to go it alone, Irish Tourist also offers several walking routes in the city centre and suburbs of this coastal city.

#trininitycollege #universityofdublin #dublin #ireland #trip #travel #instapic #instaphoto #instagram #sunnyday

A photo posted by Victoria Maciá Aix ® (@vickymacia) on

For anyone looking to combine their tour with a drink or two, try the Dublin literary pub crawl which begins at 7.30 in The Duke pub just off Grafton Street. The tour takes in some of Dublin’s best-known pubs while guides perform and discuss some of the city's best-known literary authors, including James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and the poet Patrick Kavanagh, whose statue can be found pensively gazing into the Grand Canal at Wilton Terrace (above).

3People watch in the park

Children cycling in the Phoenix Park in Dublin on a summers day

Image courtesy of Bike Week.

If you happen to be blessed with sunshine for your stay in Dublin, you had better make the most of it- the sun in Ireland can leave as quickly as it arrives. Happily the Georgian squares of the city centre, such as St. Stephen’s Green and Merrion Square are the ideal spot for you to chill out in, while the walkways of the Grand Canal are another blissful place, in particular for photography lovers.

For anyone staying further out in the city, the People’s Park in the coastal suburb of Dun Laoghaire has a farmers market taking place every Sunday that is worth a visit, while the expansive parklands of the Phoenix Park are more suited to those looking for a little wilderness in the city.

If that doesn’t sound quite for you but you still want to stay outdoors, try renting a bike in the park, or taking a trip to Dublin Zoo which can be found close to the park’s entrance on Parkgate Street, by Conyngham Road.

4Dine in delight

Bull and Castle pub and FX Buckley's restaurant at Christchurch in Dublin

Image courtesy of William Murphy.

One thing that can be something of a daunting task if you're not used to travelling alone is eating out. Ultimately the pull of your hunger will win you over, but a great way to overcome the anxiety of dining alone is to pull up a spot at a bar rather than the lower tables of a pub or restaurant.

The inauspicious-looking 777 Mexican restaurant on South Great George’s Street has a great bar where you can watch the cocktail waiters at work and amuse yourself with the selection of tequilas stored behind the bar. For somewhere a bit more low key, the window seats of Catch 22 on Clarendon Street, provide excellent people-watching opportunities from lunchtime on into the evening.

Another favourite, whether you’re dining solo or with company is FX Buckley’s. Located on Crow Street in Temple Bar as well as in the Bull and Castle pub just next to Christchurch Cathedral, the restaurants are run by a Dublin-based butchers of the same name. While it’s not the cheapest place to grab a steak in the city, the sirloin served on the bone is one of the nicest I’ve ever tasted.

Alternatively, try Bear, another steak restaurant on South William Street, or Cornucopia on nearby Wicklow Street for any vegan or vegetarian eaters.

Is Dublin your next travel destination?

Browse our hosts in the city and book a homestay for your next getaway.

Homestays in Dublin

Older 

 Newer

This website uses cookies