Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Dublin, Ohio

  • Published 2022/02/17

Located in the U.S. state of Ohio, Dublin is a city in Franklin, Union, and Delaware counties.

Incorporated as a city in 1881, Dublin has a long history.

In 1808, John Sells and his family moved to the area, and by 1810, he and an Irish nobleman called John Shields had begun surveying lots for the new community.

History has it that Shields is the one who gave the town its name.

You won’t run out of things to do when visiting Dublin, Ohio.

World-class attractions abound here, including parks, bike routes, and restaurants, among others.

Check out our attractive downtown district, where you’ll discover various exciting attractions such as art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques.

Explore Dublin’s 60 parks and more than 100 miles of bike routes to see public art pieces, like the Field of Corn, Leatherlips, and the Dancing Hares.

Here are the 15 best things to do in Dublin, Ohio:

Take Photos with the Chief Leatherlips Monument

Side view of the Chief Leatherlips Monument

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There’s now a fascinating Chief Leatherlips Monument near the site of his death, in a Columbus suburb, after we saw a much older and unremarkable one a long time ago.

Visitors may easily step on the head of the famous Wyandot Indian leader, a sculpture composed of natural limestone slabs.

Front view of Chief Leatherlips Monument

aceshot1 / Shutterstock.com

The city’s arts council commissioned the work by Boston artist Ralph Helmick and unveiled it in Scioto Park on July 1, 1990.

In the Leatherlips Monument, the chief’s hair is blown back and receding into the slope (similar to the profile of Chief Crazy Horse in South Dakota), which is twelve feet high.

The head, which faces west toward the Scioto River, consists of limestone slabs mortared together.

Posing on top of the chief is made more accessible because tourists have easy access to the backside.

His brother, Roundhead, ordered Leatherlips’ death by tomahawk in 1810 because he was too friendly with the white settlers.

Close-up view of Chief Leatherlips Monument

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Explore Irish Pubs at the Celtic Cocktail Trail

Want to show off your Irish pride while also seeing the sights of Dublin?

The Celtic Cocktail Trail is an excellent opportunity to sample some of Dublin’s most incredible food and drink.

At each of the trail’s distinctively Dublin stops, you may indulge in a delectable beverage and exchange your trail guide for goodies!

Learn more about the Celtic Cocktail Trail in Dublin.

You’ll be able to see all of the locations and their distinctive drinks on your passport.

The recommended drink at each stop is a Celtic Cocktail, but you’re free to drink anything you want to get your stamp!

To receive a reward, you must collect a certain amount of stamps.

It’s unlikely that you can visit all stops along the trail in a single day, so take your time!

Prior to beginning your adventure, ensure you have access to reliable modes of transportation.

Tee Off at Golf Club of Dublin

At the Golf Club of Dublin, there are over 70 hand-built sod face bunkers and water retention areas on nearly every hole, which is the only authentic link to the golf course in the Midwest.

The fairways are wide enough to accommodate even the most casual golfer, but water hazards and bunkers border them, so even the lowest handicapper will have their work cut out for them.

The 640-acre residential development of Ballantrae is home to the Golf Club of Dublin, the neighborhood’s focal point.

The Irish motif of this unique community is evident in the Tudor-style clubhouse and course design.

After a round, relax with a pint on the terrace or meet up with those in the neighborhood.

See Giant Corncobs at Field of Corn

One of Dublin’s most famous public art installations is the Field of Corn, a field of 109 life-size concrete ears of corn sculptures.

Osage Orange trees surround these sculptures, so you can also get some shade and enjoy the breeze.

Giant Corncob at Field of Corn

Eric Glenn / Shutterstock.com

The Cornfield acts as a remembrance of the community’s farming heritage and a tribute to the countryside.

It’s lovingly known as “Cornhenge” by the locals.

White corn sculptures at the Field of Corn

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Check Out the Dancing Hares

You may spot Giant Dancing Hares without getting out of your vehicle.

You can see the rabbits perched on a mound overlooking a splash pad and pond on 20 acres of land at the entrance to the opulent Ballantrae neighborhood, influenced by Irish design elements.

Ballantrae developer Peter Edwards commissioned the 15-foot-tall bronze bunnies from artist Sophie Ryder after seeing her work while on a trip abroad.

Spring wooing of hares in the Gloucestershire countryside of England fascinates the artist, who lives in the Gloucestershire countryside.

The fanciful Dancing Hares were brought from the Netherlands and lifted to their current location one by one.

Seeing these rabbits from the bottom of the hill could be tempting, but you’ll lose out on a crucial part of this art project.

It’s better to park your car and take the paved circular route to the summit to view this monument fully.

See the Fantastic Jack Nicklaus Statue

A homage to Jack Nicklaus, city officials commissioned Chicago artists Jeffrey Varilla and Anna Koh-Varilla in partnership with the Dublin Arts Council to acknowledge Nicklaus’s contributions to the Dublin community.

Muirfield Village Golf Club was built in the 1970s to fulfill his vision of a world-class golf course encircled by a first-class residential neighborhood.

In the 1999 unveiling of this realistic sculpture, the city paid tribute to Nicklaus as a parental mentor, teacher, and role model.

Located in the broad median of Avery/Muirfield Drive near Brand Rd., just south of the Muirfield community and golf course, these bronze statues are larger than life.

Have a Picnic at Hayden Falls Park

Close up view of the water falling at Hayden Falls Park

arthurgphotography / Shutterstock.com

On Hayden Run Road, Griggs Nature Preserve’s Hayden Falls is located on the west bank of the Scioto River, just west of the Griggs Reservoir bridge.

In 2006, the added boardwalk, steps, and an overlook made the site more accessible to the community while safeguarding the habitat.

Scenic view of hayden falls

Barry haynes, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The park has an ample parking space and a few picnic tables on the second level.

Parking at Hayden Falls is available along Hayden Run Road, between Dublin Road and Riverside Drive, and this small parking area is marked with a sign that reads “Griggs Nature Preserve.”

A 35-foot waterfall and unique and endangered flora abound in this habitat.

Near view of hayden falls

Sixflashphoto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Chill at North High Brewing

North High Brewing was formed in 2011 by two men who shared a passion for excellent beer and good times.

It opened its doors in 2012 as Central Ohio’s seventh brewery.

Craft beer lovers will like the microbrewery’s unusual combination of brewery tours, tastings, and sales.

This microbrewery/bar also allows clients to become brewmasters for the day, using its unique brew equipment to create their special brews.

Their brewers will accompany you through every step of the process to ensure that your batch is of the best quality possible.

Enjoy the Nightlife at Bridge Park

If you’re looking for something a little more upbeat than the usual pub fare, the Bridge Park complex is a great alternative.

Dublin’s newest and only walkable, mixed-use neighborhood, Bridge Park, is located in the city’s heart.

Bridge Street District spans 30 acres along the Scioto River.

In addition to high-end residences and apartments, the complex has a grocery store, a variety of restaurants and stores, a hotel and conference center, and several green areas.

Go Hiking at Indian Run Falls

Picturesque view of Indian Run Falls

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The picturesque waterfalls and stream of Indian Run Falls, initially home to Wyandot tribal residents, make it a unique location in Dublin.

The city has built nature paths, observation platforms, a bridge across the waterfalls, and shelters west to make the Indian Run gorge and waterfalls more accessible.

While the water is breathtaking and very tempting to jump into, we strongly advise against it.

Water flowing through the rocks at Indian Run Falls

Kenneth Keifer / Shutterstock.com

Not only is this practice dangerous, but it is also prohibited by City Ordinance 96.22.

Violators may be charged with a misdemeanor and fined and pay court expenses and fees.

The park has signage warning against this in many areas.

It’s best to stick to the designated pathways to ensure everyone’s safety and protect this precious natural resource.

Water flowing from Indian Run Falls

Kenneth Keifer / Shutterstock.com

Enjoy Various Activities at Coffman Park

Coffman Park, located in the city’s center, is a popular gathering place for citizens, city officials, and city employees.

The 105-acre park at 5200 Emerald Pkwy. was the property of Fletcher and Marinda Coffman, two of Dublin’s early residents.

In 1862 and 1867, they erected a mansion on the site home to Dublin’s Historical Society.

The Coffman Homestead, two playgrounds, the Dublin Recreation Center, an amphitheater, a pavilion, various gazebos with picnic tables and grills, and several public artworks are all located in the area.

A creek meanders through the park, and there’s a paved route for visitors to follow.

Multiple parking spaces and a vast, green space are accessible for visitors.

Musical instruments, swings, slides, and various climbing opportunities are all available at one playground.

Even though it lies beside a pavilion with picnic tables, the playground is mainly under the shade.

Complete the Fairy Door Trail with Your Kids

Even though this is a kid-only trail, you’ll have a blast exploring it!

The Irish Fairy Door Trail is a fun way for children to explore old Dublin and discover 12 enchanting fairy doors.

To begin, go to the Dublin Visitor Information Center at 9 S. High Street in Historic Dublin and pick up a copy of the Trail Guide.

The fairy door is also there, so you can get started right away!

During your search for the fairy doors, stop by the neighborhood shops and restaurants.

You will need to enter each resident fairy’s name into your passport for you to travel.

You’ll get a free Fairy Doors of Dublin t-shirt if you find them all.

Aside from searching for these doors, you’ll also visit various establishments as part of the adventure.

It’s a win-win situation for both you and your children: shopping and goodies for you, and fairy fun for the kids!

Be cautious of store hours if you aim to finish your passport in a single day.

Celebrate Dublin Irish Festival

A catholic mass at dublin irish festival

Nheyob, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

There were only a few Irish dancers and a band called the Irish Brigade when the Irish Festival started back in 1988.

Since its inception in 1992, Dublin has been a significant supporter of the festival.

The city of Dublin, Ohio, hosts the annual Dublin Irish Festival, which celebrates everything Irish.

The largest Irish festival in the United States takes place the first weekend of August.

The event features Irish and other Celtic music, genealogy, food and drinks, dance, cultural displays, games, and children’s activities.

There is a wide range of workshops offered by DIF performers at the Dublin Irish Festival Academy that focus on Irish music and culture.

When it comes to an international Irish dancing competition, the Columbus Feis is a must-attend activity.

Buy Local Produce from Dublin Market at Bridge Park

Both Longshore Street and Bridge Park are home to the Dublin Market.

The Longshore, Mooney, Endres, and Howe parking garages offer free parking.

The market places importance on knowing where food comes from and who harvested it.

That is why its products and the people they impact require producers who care.

For more than simply food, it’s important to stay local.

If you are staying in Dublin for a few days, make sure to stock up your supplies.

This market features more than a dozen of the region’s best products and produce.

Dublin Market has something for you from fresh groceries, ready-to-eat meals, and unique presents.

Cool Down at Johnsons Real Ice Cream

Three generations of ice cream makers take inspiration from Grandpa Johnson, who founded Johnsons Real Ice Cream’s first shop in Bexley, Ohio, in 1950.

This shop focuses on quality, community, and the delight of a cool ice cream cone.

Every taste it creates is a tribute to what he enjoyed and a nod to his peculiarities.

He was a decent man who worked hard and had a wonderful time.

If you need a break from exploring the city’s attractions, drop by its Dublin location at 55 West Bridge Street.

Final Thoughts

Dublin is the getaway destination you’ve been looking for all along.

It is a thriving haven where the serenity of the countryside meets the excitement of the city.

Experience the fusion of old-world charm and state-of-the-art conveniences with the best things to do in Dublin, Ohio.

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