Activities to Enjoy Alone in Dublin

Explore the National Museum of Ireland – Natural History

The spot known to local children as the ‘dead animal zoo’ is a great drop in, in part because there are subtle historical undertones to be taken from the ornately displayed wildlife. From international endangered animals (all killed a century ago) upstairs to the local flora and fauna downstairs, you’ll learn about the difficulties faced by the mammoth great Irish deer, the size of the fish that used to reside in the Liffey River, and just how big a lobster can get. (There are lots of other good museums too.)

National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2, Ireland, +353 1 677 7444

Walk the Great South Wall

One of the capital’s less heralded must-dos, the Great South Wall is a 1.5-kilometre (0.9-mile) sea wall jutting into the Dublin Bay, creating, effectively, a road to nowhere. On the trail between two stretches of sea, you’ll see ferries pull into the port, watch seabirds soar ahead, and eventually arrive at a stark red lighthouse and walls decorated with loved-up hippie graffiti. It’s perfectly serene.

Great South Wall, Poolbeg, Dublin 4, Ireland

Enjoy a slow pint of the Black Stuff

Dublin’s pubs fall into loose categories. There’s a growing abundance of craft beer pubs competing for the most original array on tap. There are ample sports bars. And then there’s the ‘old man pub’, which is distinct from the tourist pub in that it tends to pass on the faux-trad and, typically, be so empty that economic sustainability confounds. These pubs have all the hallmarks of Irish pub culture and are the perfect place for a quiet pint and an indulgent, atmospheric bit of reading or writing. The Boar’s Head, address below, is one of the city’s best.

The Boar’s Head, 149 Capel Street, Dublin 1, Ireland, +353 1 872 3107

One of Europe’s largest walled parks, Phoenix Park is full of attractions, ranging from the President’s House (Aras An Uachtarain – where tours are sometimes available if booked ahead) to the zoo, the magazine fort, visitor centre, and the famous herds of deer. Tracking the latter down can be an all-day adventure, and the park – which acts as the city’s lungs – is a wonderful place to spend a mellow, colourful day.

Aside from an abundance of pubs and souvenir shops, Temple Bar also has another major asset – galleries. The close crowding of this selection of arty displays means it’s easy to do lots of exploratory strolling, and art lovers are almost certain to find something they like. Most have revolving exhibitions, but Jam Art Factory, the Temple Bar Gallery and Studios, the National Photographic Archives and Project Arts Centre are all generally worth a look.

Tucked away to the south of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Fumbally Cafe is an organic, hippie-leaning café where the menu changes regularly, and it is one of the best spots to slow down in the city. Think unusual drink combinations, colourful salads, healthy breakfasts and fiercely varied roasts in the coffee grinder. Their policy insists that no table belongs to any one group, making the ‘share tables’ a perfect place to go it alone.

The Trinity College Library’s less glamorous cousin has the scent of ancient tomes as soon as you walk through the ornate doors. With over 25,000 books, including some of Ireland’s most important, this was the country’s first public library when it first opened in 1707 and so has seen much of a nation’s great literary heritage come and go. Added entertainment, such as a hunt for hidden Lego figurines, makes this a great place to explore in depth. (Closed Tuesdays and Sundays).