Travel Destinations Ohio How to Explore Dublin (Ohio) Without a Passport You would expect a city named Dublin to go all-out for its Irish Festival, held annually the first weekend in August, as well as St. Patrick's Day. But here's how to round out any weekend. By Ginger Crichton Ginger Crichton Ginger Crichton is a contributing editor for Midwest Living and Dotdash Meredith Travel, and has worked for the brands in various roles since 2008. She has more than 30 years' experience as a journalist, including editing and writing for both magazines and newspapers. A native Virginian, she holds a B.A. in English from the University of Virginia. Her passion is travel, and since moving with her family to the Midwest 17 years ago, she has road-tripped extensively throughout the region. When she's at home in Des Moines, you might find her at the gym, volunteering at a food pantry or puzzling over the latest New York Times word puzzle. Midwest Living's Editorial Guidelines Published on July 24, 2023 Dublin, Ohio—settled in the early 1800s and named after Dublin, Ireland—normally goes big for its celebrations: Dublin Irish Festival (August 4-6, 2023) and St. Patrick's Day. But if you're visiting at another time, or just want to amp up your festival weekend, here's how to see this city about 20 minutes northwest of Columbus. Vaso, Celtic Cocktail Trail. Courtesy of Visit Dublin Ohio What to Do Celtic Cocktail Trail Explore Dublin through Irish-themed cocktails using this guide delivered to your phone and earn prizes like a beverage koozie and a t-shirt. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Just 5 miles north of Dublin in Powell, more than 600 species live at this top-ranked zoo. Other Columbus area attractions are also less than 30 minutes away, including the Columbus Museum of Art and Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. The Dublin Market at Bridge Park Every Saturday morning May through September, more than 100 farmers, bakers and artisans sell produce, sweet treats, local products and more at the market. Expect live entertainment and other activities. Courtesy of Visit Dublin Ohio Dublin Irish Festival Get in the Irish spirit with the largest three-day Irish festival in the world (August 4-6, 2023). More than 100,000 visitors come each year for food, shopping, whiskey tastings and Celtic cooking demos, plus seven stages of entertainment with fiddlers, Celtic dancers, and singers. Dublin Link Pedestrian Bridge. Courtesy of Visit Dublin Ohio Dublin Link Pedestrian Bridge Opened in 2020, this bridge over the Scioto River is the longest single-tower S-shaped suspension bridge in the world. The 760-foot-long bridge allows walkers and bikers to move between historic Dublin and Bridge Park. Indian Run Falls, Dublin, Ohio. Courtesy of Visit Dublin Ohio Dublin Park Pass Developed in partnership with OhioHealth, the pass encourages visitors to discover some of Dublin's 60 parks and their public art, waterfalls, river access, historical sites and outdoor rec. Check in via your phone's GPS and accumulate points toward prizes. In summer 2023, 15 check-ins will score you a new water bottle. Our CupCakery Irish Fairy Door Trail. Courtesy of Visit Dublin Ohio Irish Fairy Door Trail The Dublin Visitor and Information Center serves as the starting point for the fairy trail—pick up a guide, record the names of fairies at 11 local businesses, then return the completed passport for a free fairy trail t-shirt. The Memorial Tournament The Memorial Tournament Presented by Workday, founded by golf legend Jack Nicklaus at Muirfield Village Golf Club, features PGA professionals playing on a Nicklaus-designed course. 2024 dates TBD. St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ohio. Courtesy of Visit Dublin Ohio St. Patrick's Day Events Dress in your greenest attire and prepare for a party at Dublin's St. Patrick's Day events. In 2024, the festivities start on March 9 with a pancake breakfast (green syrup, of course), then entertainment that culminates in a mid-day parade with leprechauns, bagpipers, marching bands and giant inflatables along Bridge Street in historic Dublin. A downtown pub crawl is slated for Saturday, March 16, 2024. Coast Wine House. Courtesy of Visit Dublin Ohio Where to Eat and Drink Coast Wine House Enjoy a rotating selection of wines from around the world, then take a bottle to go from the bottle shop at this space inspired by coastal California cafes and markets. A cheese and charcuterie board and other snacks will satisfy the munchies. Dublin Village Tavern Order traditional dishes like the Irish Kettle Dinner—with corned beef, Irish rashers (bacon), Irish bangers (brats), cabbage and veggies—at this local favorite. The bar features 28 varieties of Irish Whiskey. North Market Bridge Park. Courtesy of Visit Dublin Ohio North Market Bridge Park Permanent and rotating vendors offer tastes from around the globe at the public market, an offshoot of Columbus' historic North Market. Look for special events like Night Markets and Island Sundays. Valentina's This new addition to the city's dining scene brings a bit of Italy to Ohio. Braised veal meatballs, a mozzarella bar and indulgent pastas pair with craft cocktails and wines showcasing Italian varietals. Weenie Wonder Build the ultimate hot dog with your choice of more than 30 toppings at this casual spot. A side of seasoned JoJos (potato wedges) and a handspun milkshake complete the experience. AC Hotel Columbus Dublin. Courtesy of Diamond PR Where to Stay AC Hotel Columbus Dublin Luxurious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows at the AC Hotel offer vistas over the city; for the best view (as well as small plates and craft beverages), head to the rooftop tapas bar, VASO. Springhill Suites Located in the heart of Bridge Park, the hotel with 145 suites puts guests just a short walk from the Dublin Link Pedestrian Bridge. Top Things to Do in Columbus, Ohio Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit