A small town full of charm and a whole lot of history – Dublin, TX.
Museum-goers will appreciate a day in Dublin, which has three museums dedicated to the city’s history – all three are free. The town is full of charm, which is why it made our article on “Small Texas Towns with Big Charm,” and is a must-visit if you’re Irish, a fan of golf, and Texas history! Here are good reasons to discover Dublin, TX, for the day.
Located in North Central Texas, in Erath County, Dublin is about 2 hours southwest of Dallas, 1.5 hours east of Abilene, TX, and about 10 minutes from Stephenville, TX. Let’s explore.
Even though Dr. Pepper is no longer produced in Dublin, TX, visiting some or all of the museums and the Dublin Bottling Works will fill your day with Texas history, a sense of community, and plenty of Irish charm. Be sure to see all the murals.
Discover Dublin, TX: Perfect for a Day Trip
Not only is Dublin the home of Texas’s oldest soda bottling plant, but it’s also the “Irish Capital of Texas,” and hometown of professional golfer Ben Hogan, who played professional golf from the 1930s to the 1960s. When I visited the museum, the staff member couldn’t stop talking about Ben Hogan and how he survived a car crash and went on to win the US Open. WOW! I learned a great deal about him and the legacy he left.
While you’re tooling around the city, be sure to travel down the road to see beautiful Victorian homes, kit homes, and Craftsman bungalows.
Reasons To Visit Dublin, TX
Was Dublin, TX, named after Dublin, Ireland, or for another reason? I don’t think we will ever know. No matter where the name came from, history abounds in this small town of only 3,600. You will want to take a full day to visit the city and be sure to leave time for lunch. I had the #1 on the lunch menu at Hacienda Camino Real, and one of the best chicken enchiladas I’ve ever had.
Dublin Bottling Works
For over 130 years, the family-owned bottling plant in Dublin, Texas, has been crafting sodas with real pure cane sugar. As the oldest facility of its kind in the state, they proudly serve customers across the Lone Star State—and around the globe. Dr. Pepper is no longer made in Dublin, TX.
Dublin Bottling Works is no longer open for factory tours or the museum, but their retail store is open Monday- Friday, 9 am- 4 pm, where you can purchase sodas and merchandise. It’s next door to the closed facility, and they closed for lunch from Noon to 1 PM.
Four Museums in Dublin, TX
W.P. Kloster Museum Annex, Ben Hogan Museum, Dublin Historical Museum, and the Dublin Rodeo Heritage Museum. The only thing I found is that these museums have their own hours. The W.P. Kloster Museum and the Rodeo Museum were not open when I was there. As far as I know, all museums in Dublin, TX, are free to enter.
1. W.P. Kloster Museum Annex
An extension of the historic Dublin Bottling Works, located across the street, offers over 100 years of advertising nostalgia.
2. Ben Hogan Museum
The Ben Hogan Museum of Dublin, TX, has been named one of the Top 10 Bucket List Destinations for golf fans – even I was intrigued, and I’m no way a golfer. I’m sure my father watched him on TV many times. The museum is fascinating, with Hogan’s whole life on display. It’s a must-see and free to enter. Donations are always appreciated.
3. Dublin Historical Museum
There is plenty of history here on how Dublin lived back then, how they worshipped, and quite a bit on the military. There is more history on Ben Hogan at this museum as well.
Address: 116 W Blackjack St, Dublin, TX. Open afternoons or by appointment. Admission is free.
4. Dublin Rodeo Heritage Museum
This museum honors the days of the World Championship Rodeo.
W. M. Wright Historical Park
An exciting park to wander around. See the Miller grist mill, a Barbee Cabin, a well, and many more unique structures from the past.
Little Church on Grafton Street
Address: 304 N Grafton St, Dublin, TX
Built in 1890 and restored in 2008, the Little Church stands as one of Dublin’s true historical treasures. Once a shared sanctuary for Methodist, Presbyterian, and Catholic congregations, it’s now a small event venue for family gatherings and such.
Where To Eat in Dublin, Texas
After touring all the museums in town, you might want to grab lunch. Below are a few Dublin restaurants that are recommended.
Hacienda Camino Real
Lucky Brewing – Beer
Lucky Vines Vineyard and Winery is only open on the weekends.
I didn’t visit one place, but I recommend it as worth a visit, especially if you like cheese. Veldhuizen’s artisan cheese farm is a little bit out of town.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration in Dublin, TX
Of course, there is a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration in the Irish Capital of Texas. It’s a 3-day celebration featuring three beauty pageants on March 16th and 17th, and a full day of Irish fun on March 18th. The fun begins with an Irish Stew Cook-off, vendors to shop from, a car show, and a parade.
However, I saw more about Texas history than about Ireland. There may be more I didn’t see, as construction was underway on one of the main streets in downtown.
Discover Dublin, TX, and many more small towns and hidden treasures in the Texas Golden Nugget Region, including Glen Rose, Granbury, Hico, Cleburne, Comanche, Hamilton, and more.
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