Dublin is a city with many sides and shades. Beyond the usual hotspots and postcard-perfect sights lies a Dublin few visitors take the chance to truly explore. However, with a little extra effort and know-how, you can find a host of unusual things to do. From cocktail making to resonant street art and little-known telecommunication museums, there’s something for every taste. Here, we venture off the beaten path for an alternative experience of the fair city in all its playful, gritty and eclectic glory.
The Guinness Storehouse may be one of the most visited attractions in Dublin but there’s plenty more to discover behind the scenes. Take one of our premium tours, where a limited number of guests can venture beyond off-limits areas to trace 300 years of social, commercial and brewing history. Or if a deep dive into flavours is what you’re after, go on a thorough tasting journey on the Connoisseur Experience where you’ll discover more about the origins and taste profiles of Guinness as led by a specialist. A unique insight into Ireland’s beloved export.
Wonder around Dublin city and you’ll lay eyes on many thought-provoking pieces of street art adorning its buildings. If you’ve found yourself curious to know more about their story, take a street art tour of the city where you’ll discover the city’s artistic side. As you learn about the murals, stickers, and graffiti you’re sure to see Dublin in a completely new light.
Dublin is a cocktail lover’s haven with an array of innovative and unique spots to check out when you’re in the mood to try something new. But have you ever wondered what goes into your favourite concoctions? At Roe & Co Distillery, you can take a deep dive into cocktail creation as guided by the masters. Explore the five pillars of flavours and learn about the process of creation based on your own palate and preference. Not only is this a fun-filled evening, but a wonderful way to deepen your appreciation for the process behind your favourite drinks.
An excursion to Howth, one of Dublin’s charming coastal towns, is hardly off the beaten path. But what you may be surprised to find is that within the Martello Tower, you’ll stumble upon Ye Olde Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio. As novel as the name suggests, this is a wonderful collection of oddities based around telecommunications. From old radios to gramophones, early TVs and morse equipment, this museum is a true gadget lover’s wonderland and one of the rarer gems to seek out in Dublin.
Did you know Dublin City Centre is home to the remains of the patron saint of love? In Whitefriar Church, you can visit a shrine with the remains of St. Valentine, gifted to the church by the Vatican in 1836. If your visit happens to coincide with February 14, the relics will be displayed in full view with many couples and singles paying their respects in the hopes of securing blessings for the future. The church itself is well worth a visit year-round with intricate stained-glass windows and an engrossing history to uncover.
To have the best chance of bumping into hip types in Dublin city, explore the following neighbourhoods: Stoneybatter, Portobello, Rathmines, Smithfield, Phibsborough and the Liberties. These neighbourhoods have the greatest and hip barber shops, cafes, vegan restaurants, trendy bars, and vintage clothing shops in the city.