Unique and only-a-little-bit touristy things to do in Dublin

So you’re visiting Dublin but you’re not particularly fond of The Black Stuff and you’re definitely not part of a 10-man stag party. You have all the usual tourist spots circled on your tourist map: the statue of Molly Malone, Ha’penny Bridge and Kilmainham Gaol but you’re itching for something a bit different.

Here, let me scratch that itch for you.

The National Leprechaun Museum, Jervis Street
Here’s your opportunity to see the world as a Leprechaun does, and at the same time uncover the tales that lie behind these diminutive cultural icons and other mythological figures of Ireland. Visit Fairy Hill, walk under (yes, under) The Giant’s Causeway and journey to the end of the rainbow; finding a pot of gold cannot be guaranteed but a great afternoon is highly likely.

If you’re in the mood for something spooky on an evening but want to forgo the usual city ghost walks take a trip to Cnoc Dubh, a town where strange events are causing concern. Running throughout July and August, Dark Land is an interactive story telling experience featuring characters from the darker side of Irish Mythology. It’s your job to help discover who, or what, is to blame for the unrest in the village.
A standard adult ticket for a daytime tour costs €12
A ticket for Dark Land, suitable for adults only, costs €20

Foam Cafe, Strand Street
Foam Cafe’s pride in being individual and somewhat different makes walking through the door a real “wow” moment. Packed with kitsch collectibles and eclectic pop culture paraphernalia, munchtime here is as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. Marilyn Monroe fairy lights, Japanese kawaii dolls, more vintage lamps than your Granny’s house and a fantastic menu; a trip to Foam Cafe is a must.

St. Michan’s Church
St. Michan’s Church is home to The Big Four; The Unknown, The Nun, The Thief and The Crusader. Sure, they may sound like members of an edgy girl band, but they are in fact corpses. Exposed corpses.
Originally buried hundreds of years ago, conditions within the crypt of the church have led to the disintegration of their coffins and although viewing a purposely uncovered body is obviously a massive no-no, the fact they've unveiled themselves means that they have now become a bit of a tourist attraction.
The Crusader, who lies awkwardly in his coffin thanks to his 6 and a half foot frame, even holds out his hand allowing visitors to touch it. There’s an opportunity you don’t get every day.
An adult ticket to visit the crypts cost €5

Ceili at The Church, Jervis Street
Rather than pounding the pavement all day, put on your dancing shoes and head to The Church on Jervis Street to experience some real Irish craic. You’ll spend an hour and a half learning the main steps in Irish dancing from award-winning instructors followed by a relaxing evening at a venue renowned for its breathtaking interior. Of course, you could forgo the dancing and head straight for the restaurant.
Tickets for groups of fewer than 10 people for dancing, dinner and a drink start at €30

If you fancy seeing what else Dublin has to offer, check out the official tourism site.