Dublin is famous for Guinness, the lively Temple Bar, and the historic halls of Trinity College. While some of the must-see attractions in Dublin are absolutely worth your time (like the Long Room and the Book of Kells at Trinity College), others can leave you feeling underwhelmed. There is also so much more to discover in Dublin beyond the city's biggest attractions! If you take a detour from the typically heavy tourist spots, you will find a side of Dublin that is rich in history, culture, and charm, without the overwhelming crowds or inflated prices. Whether you are a first-time visitor to Dublin eager to go beyond the regular guidebook suggestions, or a returning traveler in search for new areas to explore, this list of not-so-secret hidden gems in Dublin will help you find the authentic side of the city and spots that you will remember long after your trip to Dublin ends.
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Like any big city, Dublin is full of fantastic museums. You have probably already planned to visit some of the most popular attractions and museums in Dublin, like Kilmainham Gaol, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, and the Book of Kells. These museums are popular for good reason! However, since they are among the most popular things to do in Dublin, tickets can sell out in advance of your visit. So, if you are left unable to secure tickets or if you are seeking out other options for your time in Dublin, here are some underrated cultural attractions in the heart of the city that rank highly on my list of the not-so-secret hidden gems in Dublin.
Located only a short walk from St. Stephen's Green, the National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology, also called the National Museum of Ireland Kildare Street, is one of my favorite hidden gems in Dublin and it is completely free to visit! The museum's collection spans thousands of years of Irish history, complete with Viking artifacts, medieval treasures, and intricate metalwork dating back to the Bronze Age. Despite housing such incredible artifacts, the museum is rarely crowded, giving you the opportunity to explore at your own pace which is a refreshing change from some of Dublin's busier tourist sites.
While you are at the National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology, do not miss my favorite part of the museum: the collection of prehistoric gold jewelry. This collection showcases the craftsmanship and sophistication of Ancient Ireland, with standout examples including a series of crescentic gold collars called lunulae (shown below).
For more modern goldwork (by an archaeology museum's standards) check out The Treasury section of the museum, where you can see ecclesiastical treasures, like the Cross of Cong dating back to the early 12th century.
The museum also houses a remarkable logboat which is over 4,500 years old. Logboats, like the one on display, offers a tangible link to the waterways that once connected early Irish communities. One of the most unforgettable exhibits, however, is that of the Iron Age "bog bodies," two bodies naturally mummified in Ireland's peat bogs (swampy wetlands) for over two thousand years. Their remarkably preserved hair, skin, and even clothing provides a haunting, yet intimate connection to the people of Ireland's past.
The museum also houses a permanent collection of Ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the incredibly elaborate coffin of Lady Tentdinebu. For additional information, please visit the National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology website.
The National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology is open daily:
Just behind Dublin Castle, next to Dubh Linn Garden, the Chester Beatty (also called the Chester Beatty Library) is often named among the top hidden gems in Dublin. Opened in 1953 to house the extraordinary collection of mining magnate and philanthropist Sir Alfred Chester Beatty, the museum holds rare treasures from across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. Its exhibits span everything from ancient manuscripts and beautifully illustrated Qur'ans to Japanese woodblock prints. The museum is free to visit and offers a peaceful retreat from the more popular Dublin attractions. Best of all, the Chester Beatty is a short walk from Dublin Castle, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Grafton Street making it an easy addition to any Dublin itinerary. For additional information, please visit the Chester Beatty website.
The Chester Beatty is open:
For art lovers seeking hidden gems in Dublin, the Hugh Lane Gallery is a must visit! Formerly known as the Municipal Gallery of Modern Art, the Hugh Lane Gallery is located in Parnell Square in the Charlemont House. This free museum houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, including a collection of Impressionist paintings by Manet, Monet, Degas, and more. The museum also houses a collection of works by Irish and international artists like Francis Bacon, Sean Scully, and Jack B. Yeats.
One of the most fascinating features of the Hugh Lane Gallery is the meticulously reconstructed studio of Francis Bacon, transported from London piece-by-piece and reassembled here. The reconstructed studio provides a glimpse into the mind of one of the 20th century's most influential painters.
Despite the museum's world-class collection, the Hugh Lane Gallery remains pleasantly uncrowded, offering a quiet and inspiring space to enjoy some of Dublin's finest art. For more information, please visit the Hugh Lane Gallery website.
The Hugh Lane Gallery is open:
Please note that the Hugh Lane Gallery will close for refurbishment beginning on September 28, 2025. The museum is expected to remain closed for three years.
Dublin is largely characterized architecturally by the Georgian period and there is arguably no better way to better understand this period of Dublin's history (and the tumultuous years that followed) than by stepping foot into a Georgian townhouse. However, 14 Henrietta Street is more than just a restored upper class townhome. It is instead one of the most compelling hidden gems in Dublin, showcasing some 300 years of Dublin's history.
This Georgian townhouses was turned into a tenement in the 19th century. The townhouse - and the museum housed inside of it - tells the story of Dublin's shifting fortunes, from its original Georgian grandeur in the 18th-century to its decline into overcrowded tenement housing.
Guided tours bring the building's history to life, sharing the personal stories of those who once lived here.
Located on one of Dublin’s most architecturally significant streets, the museum offers an intimate and often moving perspective on the city’s social history, far removed from the usual tourist spots. For additional information and to book a guided tour, please visit the 14 Henrietta Street website.
14 Henrietta Street is open:
While the Book of Kells is one of Dublin's most famous treasures, the newly opened Book of Kells Experience offers a fresh way to appreciate the manuscript! Located in the Red Pavilion on the Trinity College campus, this immersive digital exhibition uses high-resolution imagery, interactive displays, and cinematic storytelling to bring the medieval manuscript to life. You can examine the intricate illustrations and text in extraordinary detail, learn more about the craftsmanship behind the book, symbolism within it, and the history of how the book made its way from Iona in Scotland to Kells, Ireland. The experience also includes an inside look into the Long Room at Trinity College using digital projections.
The exhibition rooms are uncrowded, allowing you to take your time to fully absorb the artistry without feeling rushed, which is a welcome change from the busy viewing area in Trinity College. The Book of Kells Experience is a perfect example of the not-so-secret hidden gems in Dublin outlined in this post: while everyone knows the Book of Kells itself, far fewer know about this new, innovative way to experience it.
Admission to the Book of Kells Experience does require tickets for the Book of Kells Experience, which also includes admission to the Long Room at Trinity College and viewing of the original manuscript.
The Book of Kells Experience is open daily; however, opening hours vary by day. Advance tickets are recommended. For additional information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Book of Kells Experience website.
Jameson is usually the first name that comes to mind when people think of Irish whiskey, but Jameson has not produced whiskey in Dublin since 1975 when they moved their production to Middleton in County Cork. While you can still visit the old Jameson Distillery on Bow Street in Smithfield for a tour (or even a cocktail-making class), there are other working distilleries in Dublin that offer a far more authentic experience.
Teeling, Pearse Lyons, and Roe & Co each bring their own unique approach to Irish whiskey, from family-owned craftsmanship to bold, modern innovation. While these three distilleries are not exactly hidden gems in Dublin, they are well worth adding to your itinerary if you are looking for an alternative, authentic taste of Dublin's whiskey scene.
Located in the heart of The Liberties, Teeling Whiskey Distillery is a working distillery that has helped revive Dublin's whiskey-making tradition in a big way. Opened in 2015, Teeling was the first new distillery in the city in over 125 years! Tours take you behind the scenes to see the full production process, from milling and mashing to distilling and maturation, before ending with a guided tasting of Teeling's award-winning whiskey. While Teeling may be more well-known than some hidden gems in Dublin, the distillery offers a vibrant, modern take on Irish whiskey and is a must-visit for Irish whiskey enthusiasts!
In addition to distillery tours and tastings, Teeling also has the Bang Bang Bar and Phoenix Café on premise, should you prefer to enjoy a drink or a coffee without taking a tour. For additional information, please visit the Teeling Whiskey Distillery website.
Pearse Lyons Distillery takes most visitors by surprise thanks to its unusual location: a beautifully restored 18th-century church in The Liberties. While the Church of St. James no longer functions as a place of worship, it was fully restored before the distillery opened in 2017. Today, the copper pot stills gleam under the church's vaulted ceiling, while newly commissioned stained glass windows weave together the building's history with the craft and symbolism of Irish whiskey-making.
Tours at Pearse Lyons are intimate and personal, reflecting the distillery's family-owned roots and include tastings of Pearse Lyons' small-batch creations. The setting, blending centuries-old ecclesiastical architecture with modern distilling makes it one of the most avant-garde hidden gems in Dublin.
For those that may not be fond of Irish whiskey, it is worth noting that Pearse Lyons also produces gin and vodka under the Ha'penny and MíL labels. In addition to the traditional distillery tour and tasting, Pearse Lyons also offers "The Gin School Experience," "The Cocktail Experience," and a whiskey blending experience. I highly recommend making reservations in advance of any of these experiences, as well as distillery tours, since space is limited. For additional information, please visit the Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery website.
Just steps from the Guinness Storehouse, Roe & Co is a sleek, contemporary distillery set in a former power station. In it is named in honor of George Roe, one of Dublin's great 19th-century whiskey makers. Roe & Co is owned by Diageo, the parent company of Guinness. So, if you are planning on visiting the Guinness Storehouse during your time in Dublin and also want to visit a whiskey distillery, Guinness does offer a combo ticket for both: Guinness Storehouse Experience + Roe & Co Season Cocktail. Alternatively, if you are looking to visit both places while in Dublin but want to do so on a more formal tour, our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide, offers a Guinness Storehouse + Roe & Co Irish Whiskey Tour experience.
Visitors can take part in immersive whiskey experiences, including blending sessions, whiskey and food pairing sessions lead by Irish chefs, and cocktail-making classes, making it a fun choice for those new to Irish whiskey. Additionally, Roe & Co's Power House bar is open to the public in the event that you are just looking to visit for a drink.
While Row & Co Distillery is not as "hidden" as some of the other hidden gems in Dublin, Roe & Co still delivers an experience that feels fresh and offbeat compared to Dublin's most-visited attractions. Advance reservations are recommended, especially if you are looking to attend a cocktail-making class or a food pairing event. For additional information, please visit the Roe & Co Distillery website.
Temple Bar might be Dublin's most famous neighborhood when it comes to nightlife, but it is also the most touristy. You will be hard-pressed to find any locals here and the prices are sky-high. A pint of Guinness in a typical Dublin pub will set you back around €7, but in Temple Bar you will be paying closer to €11 for the exact same drink. If you are looking for a pint without the inflated prices (and in the company of actual Dubliners), there are plenty of pubs that feel like hidden gems in Dublin! These are the kind of places where atmosphere is just as good, if not better, than anything you will find in Temple Bar.
Alternatively, if you are looking to visit traditional pubs with a tour guide in Dublin, that is an option too! Some of the highest rated pub tours available with our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide, are listed below.
Without further ado, here are a few of the pubs I recommend for drinks in Dublin. This is by no means a complete list, but a few of my favorites. Sláinte! (That's cheers in Irish! 🍻)
The lone exception in Temple Bar, The Palace Bar is one of the few spots in the neighborhood where you will actually find locals. This Victorian-era pub has been pouring pints since 1823 and is loved for its cozy atmosphere, great whiskey selection, and genuine Dublin charm.
Located on Stephen Street Lower, The Hairy Lemon is a lively pub with bright yellow walls, quirky décor, and some of the best pub food in the city (including breakfast, served daily starting at 10:00 AM).
The Hairy Lemon is a great choice if you want hearty Irish classics served with your pint of beer, or are looking for a lively atmosphere similar to what you can find in Temple Bar, but without all of the tourists.
Right off of Grafton Street on Harry Street, McDaid's is a narrow pub with high ceilings and a literary past.
The Irish poet Brendan Behan was a regular here. It is a no-frills, old-school spot perfect for a post-dinner drink. It is one of those hidden gems in Dublin that is worth a trip out of your way to visit for a pint of beer or a glass of Irish whiskey.
Just around the corner from Dawson Street, The Duke is another classic Dublin pub with a warm, wood-paneled interior and a loyal local crowd. They serve delicious pub food, making it a great option if you want to linger over lunch and a pint of Guinness.
For something a little different, head to Caribou, just across from the Hairy Lemon on Stephen Street Lower. Caribou offers a more modern pub experience and is popular with young Dubliners.
It is a laid-back neighborhood spot with a great craft beer selection and an easygoing atmosphere. Caribou is probably my favorite spot in Dublin to grab a drink!
Dublin is full of crowded streets, lively pubs, and packed tourist attractions. However, if you know where to look, you can still find a peaceful corner where the noise fades and the pace slows. These hidden gems in Dublin are perfect for a quiet break between sightseeing, a picnic lunch, or just a few minutes of serenity.
Tucked behind Dublin Castle, the Dubh Linn Garden is a beautifully landscaped space named for the "black pool" that gave Dublin its name. In fact, the lawn in the center of the garden is supposedly the site of the original dubh linn (or black pool), where Vikings once moored their ships and established a trading post.
The lawn is surrounded by benches, flower beds, and sculptures, making it an ideal spot to rest your feet after touring Dublin Castle or the nearby Chester Beatty. Despite being located right in the heart of the city, it is one of those hidden gems in Dublin that most tourists walk right past.
Dubh Linn Garden is free to enter and open daily.
Often called Dublin's "secret garden," the Iveagh Gardens are located just behind the National Concert Hall, a short walk from St. Stephen's Green. With fountains, a hedge maze (yew maze), and plenty of walking paths, Iveagh Gardens is a peaceful alternative to the city's more popular parks and one of the prettiest hidden gems in Dublin.
Iveagh Gardens are open daily, however, closing times change based on the day. For additional information, please visit the Iveagh Gardens website.
From world-class museums without the crowds to peaceful gardens hidden in plain sight, these not-so-secret hidden gems in Dublin prove that there is so much more to the city than its headline attractions. A great Dublin itinerary blends the best of both worlds - visiting iconic sights like Trinity College or Dublin Castle, while also stepping off the beaten path to discover the places that locals love. Visiting a combination of top sights and some of these hidden gems in Dublin during your time in the city provides you the opportunity to experience an authentic side of the city's history, culture, and everyday life.
Whether it is your first visit to Dublin or your fifth, exploring some of these not-so-secret hidden gems in Dublin will give you a richer, more authentic sense of the Irish capital. For even more tips on what to see, do, and eat in the city, check out my full Dublin Travel Guide to help you plan the perfect trip to the Emerald Isle.