County Dublin, encompassing the vibrant capital city and its surrounding areas, continues to evolve as a premier destination with a focus on innovative experiences, cultural immersion, and improved accessibility. In 2026, enhancements emphasise new guided tours, dining events, cultural programmes, and infrastructure supporting greater visitor numbers. While major new physical attractions are limited, ongoing initiatives and events enrich the experience at established sites.
- New Guided Walking Tours: Introduced for 2026, these include specialised tours highlighting Dublin’s architecture, history, and heritage with local insights, plus a new tour exploring south Dublin’s beautiful coastal areas, such as Dún Laoghaire and Howth. These offer fresh perspectives on the city’s landmarks and seaside charm, ideal for walkers seeking authentic, insider-led experiences.
- Eighteenth-Century-Style Hunt Dinner Party at Malahide Castle: A new immersive culinary event launching in 2026, where guests are greeted by Irish wolfhounds before enjoying a grand dinner in Nugent’s Hall. This elegant experience evokes the grandeur of bygone eras, blending history, heritage, and fine dining at this historic north Dublin castle.
- New Top-Class Hotels and Accommodation Options: Several high-quality hotels, guest houses, and glamping sites are set to open across Dublin in 2026, enhancing overnight stays in the city centre and surrounds. These additions provide modern, comfortable bases for exploring attractions like the Guinness Storehouse and EPIC Museum.
- Mobile Museum Programme by Dublin City Council Culture Company: Launching in 2026, this initiative brings the full experience of 14 Henrietta Street – Dublin’s museum of tenement life and social history – to off-site locations. It improves accessibility for those unable to visit the building, extending immersive storytelling about Dublin’s past to wider audiences.
- Appointment of Dublin City Historians in Residence: From January 2026, six historians will work across the city for 24 months, leading guided tours, workshops, and events in libraries and civic spaces. This enhances cultural engagement with Dublin’s heritage, offering visitors deeper, expert-led insights into local history.
- Ongoing Exhibitions and Programmes at Key Sites: Major attractions like the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) feature extended exhibitions into 2026, including solo shows by international artists such as Cecilia Vicuña (running until July 2026). Dublin Castle hosts displays like “Irreverent Ireland” (until April 2026), adding fresh interpretive layers to historic visits.
- Enhanced Air Access and Airport Facilities: The anticipated lifting of Dublin Airport’s passenger cap by the end of 2026, alongside new routes (including Aer Lingus services to destinations like Pittsburgh and Cancun starting early 2026), facilitates easier international access. Airport upgrades, such as revamped lounges and duty-free areas, improve the arrival experience for tourists.
These developments build on Dublin’s strengths in culture, gastronomy, and sustainability, supported by strategies like the Dublin City Council Tourism Strategy 2023-2028. For the latest details, consult official sources such as Visit Dublin, Fáilte Ireland, or Dublin City Council, as plans may evolve throughout the year
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