Dublin is one of those cities that feels alive no matter when you visit. The mix of history, music, pubs, and hidden gems makes it a perfect place for friends to come together. If you’re wondering what to do with friends in Dublin, you’ll be surprised at how much the city has to offer, both during the day and late at night.

Whether you’re into exploring museums, hitting lively bars, walking along the coast, or just sharing food, Dublin gives you plenty of ways to spend quality time together. Let’s jump in deep into the options, because this is more than just a pub crawl city, it’s a city where you and your friends can make memories that feel unique every single time you visit.

Explore Dublin’s Pub Scene the Right Way

If you’re with friends in Dublin, it’s hard not to think of pubs first. The city’s pub culture is not just about drinking—it’s about atmosphere, live music, and stories being shared over a pint.

You can start at the famous Temple Bar, which is buzzing almost every night. But don’t just stop there. Wander into smaller pubs like The Cobblestone in Smithfield for traditional Irish music, or Kehoe’s off Grafton Street for that old-style wooden interior and cozy vibes.

From my own personal experience, the best memories with friends often came from these unplanned pub nights, walking into a place with no expectations and stumbling upon an incredible live band or a chatty local who gives you recommendations you’d never find online.

Take a Stroll Through Trinity College and the Book of Kells

For a calmer experience with friends, head to Trinity College. The campus itself is beautiful, with stone paths and elegant buildings that make you feel like you stepped back in time. The highlight, of course, is the Book of Kells, a centuries-old manuscript that pulls in visitors from across the world.

Even if you’re not into history, the Long Room Library inside Trinity is jaw-dropping. Walking through it with friends sparks conversations about what life must have been like centuries ago. Plus, it’s one of those places where you’ll all want to take photos, it’s that stunning.

Walk Along the River Liffey

Sometimes, the simplest things in Dublin can feel the most special. Walking with friends along the River Liffey gives you a chance to see the bridges lit up at night or watch the city move during the day.

The Ha’penny Bridge is one of the most photographed spots in Dublin, and crossing it with your group makes you feel like you’re part of the city’s story. Keep walking and you’ll hit the Samuel Beckett Bridge, shaped like a harp, which is beautiful when lit up after sunset.

Have a Foodie Adventure Together

Eating with friends always makes a trip better, and Dublin’s food scene has grown so much in recent years. It’s no longer just fish and chips or Irish stew, though you’ll find plenty of those too.

Grab a bite at The Woollen Mills, where you can share plates and taste modern Irish dishes. Or, if you’re more into casual spots, Bunsen has burgers that always hit the spot after a night out.

If you and your friends love trying new things, visit Temple Bar Food Market on a Saturday. You’ll find everything from oysters to crepes, making it easy to sample and share food together.

Enjoy a Day at Phoenix Park

For something outdoorsy, Phoenix Park is the place to go. It’s one of the largest enclosed parks in Europe, and spending a day here with friends can feel like an escape from the city.

You can rent bikes and ride around, visit the Dublin Zoo, or even try to spot the wild deer that roam the park. Pack a picnic, bring a ball, and make it a relaxed day surrounded by greenery.

Go on a Coastal Adventure

The best part about Dublin is that the sea is never too far away. With friends, you can hop on the DART train and head out to coastal towns like Howth or Dún Laoghaire.

In Howth, you can hike the cliff paths, eat fresh seafood, and enjoy views that feel almost unreal. Dún Laoghaire is perfect if you want a casual walk along the pier followed by ice cream at the famous Teddy’s.

Based on my overall experience, these short trips outside the city are some of the most memorable moments with friends. They give you a chance to breathe, laugh, and enjoy the Irish coastline together.

Catch a Live Show or Comedy Night

If your group enjoys performances, Dublin won’t disappoint. Vicar Street and The Olympia Theatre host concerts, while comedy clubs like The Laughter Lounge are perfect for a night of laughter.

It’s the kind of shared experience that you’ll talk about long after the trip ends. Whether it’s music, theatre, or stand-up comedy, seeing a show with friends adds an extra spark to your time in Dublin.

Jump Into Dublin’s History at Kilmainham Gaol

If you and your friends are into history, Kilmainham Gaol is a must. This former prison turned museum tells the story of Ireland’s struggle for independence. The guided tours are powerful, and walking through those stone corridors makes you feel the weight of history.

It’s not a light activity, but it sparks meaningful conversations, and sharing that with friends makes the visit even more impactful.

Try a Whiskey or Beer Tasting

Ireland is famous for its drinks, and Dublin gives you plenty of ways to experience them with friends. The Guinness Storehouse is the classic stop, where you can learn how the beer is made and sip a pint at the Gravity Bar with panoramic city views.

If whiskey is more your thing, visit Teeling Whiskey Distillery or Jameson Distillery Bow St. Both offer tastings that are fun and interactive. Doing this with friends makes it feel like more of an event than just a tour.

Go Shopping Together

Sometimes, all you want is a laid-back day of shopping. Grafton Street is Dublin’s shopping hub, with everything from high street fashion to street performers keeping the energy alive.

If your group is into vintage finds, head to George’s Street Arcade, which has quirky stalls and hidden treasures. Shopping together in Dublin isn’t just about buying things, it’s about exploring, laughing at random finds, and grabbing coffee breaks in between.

Experience Dublin at Night Beyond Pubs

Yes, pubs are amazing, but Dublin at night offers more than that. You can try late-night food spots, rooftop bars, or even silent discos where you dance with headphones on.

The city also has escape rooms that are perfect for groups. Working together to solve puzzles and beat the clock makes for a hilarious and exciting evening.

Take a Guided Walking Tour

Walking tours are underrated, especially with friends. Dublin has everything from literary tours (think James Joyce and Oscar Wilde) to street art tours that show you a modern side of the city.

These tours often spark inside jokes and new discoveries you wouldn’t notice alone. Plus, guides usually have a way of making the stories fun, keeping everyone entertained.

Day Trips Beyond Dublin

If you have extra time, use Dublin as a base for day trips. The Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, and even the Cliffs of Moher are reachable, and going as a group makes the journey more fun.

Sharing a bus ride, taking photos together, and exploring new places outside the city creates memories that stick. From my own personal experience, day trips often end up being the highlight of a visit because of the mix of scenery and shared moments.

Wrapping It Up

Dublin is a city made for groups of friends. Whether you’re sipping pints in a pub, walking by the sea, exploring history, or laughing at a comedy show, every corner of the city gives you something to bond over.

What makes Dublin special isn’t just the activities, it’s how those activities bring friends closer. The laughter, the unexpected discoveries, and the sense of being in a city that feels both lively and welcoming make it the perfect backdrop for memories.

So if you’re planning a trip and asking yourself, what can you do with friends in Dublin?, the answer is simple: almost anything you can imagine, and probably a few surprises along the way.