Runners – we know you booked that flight to The Emerald Isle’s capital for one reason: the Irish Life Dublin Marathon. But trust us, there’s more to Dublin than just the finish line. So, call your airline and hotel and get those tickets extended! Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a first-time finisher, this city deserves more than just a 26.2-mile run-through. Here are a couple of must-dos to make your marathon trip feel like a full-on vacation.
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Stroll Through Dublin’s Historic Heart
Whether you’re planning to explore the city before or after your race, don’t worry about tiring yourself out walking around. Despite being Ireland’s capital and biggest city, Dublin is fairly small, being home to only around 1.5 million citizens; the Denver International Airport is even bigger!
Take your time drifting through the charming cobblestone streets and make your way to the city’s most iconic spots. Right in the center of town, you’ll find the iconic Trinity College. The 47-acre campus is free to enter and is an absolute architectural gem. If you’re a history buff, make sure to book a ticket to the Book of Kells Experience, situated on the lawn, and head into The Old Library, which will make you think you stepped into Hogwarts.
If you’re a major shopper or you’re just someone who loves experiencing the bustling nature of a city, make sure to check out Grafton Street, which connects Trinity College with St. Stephen’s Green. This half-mile stretch is full of cute shops and cafés, lined with buskers. It’s a great way to experience Dublin’s vibrant energy and atmosphere up close.
At the end of the street, you’ll find yourself at St. Stephen’s Green, a beautiful public park offering a peaceful green oasis right in the city center. Originally common grazing land, it was transformed into a formal park in the 1880s, and played a small, but important role during the 1916 Easter Rising. Today, it’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature amid the city’s bustle, especially if you’re visiting after your run and need to rest your sore legs!
Make sure to visit the city’s historic symbol, Dublin Castle. Built in the 1200s, the castle was once a medieval fortress, and later as the center of British rule in Ireland. Today, visitors can tour the castle itself, the Chapel Royal – a gorgeous Gothic church, and the State Apartments – grand rooms that once hosted Kings and Queens.
Sip, Snack, and Savor
You can explore Dublin’s tasty delicacies before or after the marathon, but if you want to stick to your training diet, save the real indulgence for after your victory lap. After all those miles, you’ve earned a treat, or three.
Start your morning with breakfast at Bread 41, a local favorite. This trendy bakery is known for its golden pastries and wide array of daily breads, along with top-tier coffee. This quick stop is ideal for a post-race pick-me-up.
For a more luxurious break, book afternoon tea at The Shelbourne or The Merrion Hotel. Both serve up beautiful spreads of scones, sandwiches, and sweets with beautiful surroundings: the perfect way to relax and refuel in style. Don’t miss out on their incredible seafood with a side of great coastal sights.
And, of course, no trip to Dublin, or the UK in general, is complete without popping into a pub. Head to O’Donoghues for nightly traditional Irish tunes and a true local vibe. Or, grab a pint at Toner’s or The Stag’s Head, two of the city’s most beloved watering holes. Make sure to also check out The Brazen Head, Dublin’s oldest pub, dating back to the Middle Ages, for a cool story to tell your friends back home!
A Dublin rite of passage is taking a quick dip into The Temple Bar Pub. It is one of the most iconic and popular pubs in the world, which explains the hordes of people, mostly tourists, packing themselves inside daily.
Local Adventures & Iconic Stops
Even if your legs are tired, Dublin makes it easy to keep exploring.
If you haven’t already, stop by the Guinness Storehouse at St. James’s Gate, one of Ireland’s most popular attractions. Tour seven floors of brewing history before enjoying a well-earned pint at the Gravity Bar, where panoramic views of the city await. For an extra charge, you can even get your face printed on the foam of the stout! Make sure to reserve a few hours here, as it takes a long time to go through all the levels.
If you’d rather skip the spirits and soak up the city, and if you’re up for a quick train ride, take the DART train south to Sandycove. Join locals in the chilly, but legendary tradition of jumping into the sea at the Forty Foot. A dip in the Irish Sea may sound intense, but it’s surprisingly refreshing, and your sore muscles will thank you.
Or head north to the seaside village of Howth, where you’ll find scenic cliff walks, working fishing boats, and some of the freshest seafood in Dublin. It’s a great spot to spend a slow afternoon with a pint and a plate of fish and chips by the harbor.
On your way back to the city center, find the Dublin Portal and say hello to different places around the globe, including Lithuania, Poland, Philadelphia, and Brazil. Just don’t do anything crazy, or we may have another closing situation like in New York!
Also, look out for the Bram Stoker Festival, Dublin’s citywide celebration of its most iconic, gothic literary son, which will take place from the 24th to the 27th of October, bookending the race, which is the 26th. Expect eerie tours, spooky performances, and plenty of vampire vibes: a fun, offbeat way to spice up your Irish adventure.
Whether you’re an adventurer, a beer lover, or just along for the vibes, Dublin’s got an iconic stop for everyone.
Get Out of Town (Just a Bit)
Have a few extra days? Ireland’s magic doesn’t stop at Dublin’s edge.
Catch a train west to Galway, a colorful coastal city known for its artsy charm and friendly energy. It is a very small city, so you can complete your exploration in no time. From there, hop on a ferry to the Aran Islands, where you can rent a bike and ride past stone walls, ancient forts, and sweeping Atlantic views.
Or head south to Dingle and drive along Slea Head, one of the most scenic routes in all of Ireland. With rugged coastline, charming villages, and roaming sheep, it’s road trip heaven: no race bib required.
And of course, you can’t miss the Cliffs of Moher. Just a two-hour drive from Galway, these iconic cliffs rise from the sea with breathtaking force. With crashing waves, swirling mists, and sheer drops that seem to defy the earth itself, it feels like stepping into a Lord of the Rings fantasy. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel very small, in the best way.
So, Make It a Vacation
Whether you’re crossing the finish line with a personal best or simply soaking in the joy of completing the Irish Life Dublin Marathon, don’t let your trip end at the race. Dublin is a city that rewards lingering – (did you catch that The Cranberries reference?) with history around every corner, music in every pub, and nature just a short train ride away.
Sip something strong, walk somewhere scenic, or just sit and soak it all in. You earned it. Sláinte! (Cheers!)
If you haven’t yet, apply to run the Dublin Marathon with the Project Purple team here.
