You know you want to: if there is one opportunity to be as nerdy as you like, it is on travels. After all, nobody knows you. So, when visiting Dublin, why not give your inner nerd free rein? C’mon, there are people traveling on Harry Potter or Outlander tours through Britain, so why not have your fanboy (or fangirl) moment in Ireland’s capital too?

At first sight, there might not be that much on offer, I admit. But here are my top picks for those who can admit to being ever-so-slightly different, from the closet comic buyer to the full-blown otaku. Not all of these may be available all the time, but with a bit of planning, you can take in what you really want.

Dublin for Comic- and Manga-Nerds

Comic books are often the first step on the slippery slope to full-blown nerd-dom. Who among us has not read about the exploits of the Man of Steel, the Caped Crusader, the X-Men, or the Fantastic Four? Moreover, if you are more orientally inclined, who hasn’t run with Princess Mononoke, wandered with Lone Wolf and Cub, or served with the Black Butler?

Dublin boasts several shops you should visit, and these are specialist retailers, not your common-and-garden bookstore with a few graphic novels and manga in the far corner:

• Dublin City Comics & Collectibles at 46 Bolton Street, Dublin 1 – carries a decent selection of comics and related merchandise (including some models), offered by knowledgeable and friendly staff.
• Forbidden Planet at 5-6 Crampton Quay, Dublin 2 – the Dublin branch of the massive UK chain, offering (almost) anything your heart may desire across two slightly cramped levels, though they are not strong on older collectible items.
• Hidden Treasure Comics on the top floor of the Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre – a treasure trove of new and older stuff, from comics to merchandise.
• Sub-City at 62 Dame Street, Dublin 2 – the longest-running Irish-owned comic store, owned by brothers Robert and Brian Curley, who run the shop with a lot of love for comics and movie culture.

Also, consider checking out Chapters on Parnell Street, Dublin 1, which stocks cut-price new and second-hand graphic novels and manga, although the actual range may fluctuate.

Dublin for Cosplay-Nerds

Most cosplayers traditionally appear at conventions, and Dublin is fortunate to host numerous events that serve as an outlet for these activities. If you’re unfamiliar with cosplay, it basically involves “dressing up as your favorite fictional character.” It’s often influenced by Japanese culture but is not limited to the world of manga and anime.

The conventions you shouldn’t miss include:

• Arcade Con – held over a July weekend at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.
• Eirtakon – taking over Croke Park in November for a weekend, known as the most colorful con.
• Ireland Cosplay Con – a fan-created event held one Saturday in June at the Red Cow Moran Hotel for anime, comic, sci-fi fans, gamers, and cosplayers.
• MCM Ireland Comic Con – a highly commercial event at the RDS Showgrounds in summer, with a wide range of traders and interesting celebrity guests.
• Nom-Com – a Japanese animation and pop-culture convention at the Ballsbridge Hotel covering all areas of Japanese culture and fandom, including language lessons and Tokyo street fashion.

Dublin for Movie and TV Nerds

Did you know that your favorite movie or TV series was actually filmed in Dublin? Although this is a sweeping statement, if it has a Victorian feel, it might well be one of the streets of Georgian Dublin providing the scenic backdrop. Think of shows like “Ripper Street” or check out the locations on the Internet Movie Database by searching for Dublin.

Furthermore, Dublin’s cinematic legacy extends beyond its Victorian charm, having served as the backdrop for productions ranging from “The Tudors” to various Jackie Chan stunts. For instance, you might want to look up the impossible chase in “The Medallion” for some excitement.

Lastly, make sure to visit the Irish Film Institute, a sanctuary for cinema enthusiasts, offering an excellent program that often strays from mainstream offerings.

Dublin for Game Nerds

Whether you are into video games or board games, Dublin has a variety of options. A noteworthy store is Tara from Tailten Games, which presents a beautiful array of Irish board games.

However, if you are specifically interested in RPGs and wargames, you’re in luck. Two excellent shops in central Dublin can fulfill your needs:

• Gamers World at 1 Jervis Street, Dublin 1 – an independent game store that offers a broad selection of board games, trading card games, miniatures, and gaming accessories, allowing you to try out games at store events.
• Games Workshop at Unit 3, Lower Liffey Street, Dublin 1 – while it stocks everything from the current GW franchise, including Warhammer and Warhammer 40K, the store might lack non-franchise items.

Additionally, if you’re looking for odds and ends, the more conventional stores, such as Banba Toymaster, come highly recommended.

Dublin for Science Nerds

Dublin is teeming with museums, but if science sparks your interest, head to Trinity College. However, rather than just studying or viewing the Book of Kells, make the Science Gallery your destination for a blend of science, art, and good coffee. It is noteworthy that there is no permanent collection, so between exhibitions (which may have gaps of up to three weeks), only the shop and café stay open. Therefore, check the exhibition calendar in advance to avoid disappointment.

Dublin for Literature Nerds (a.k.a. “Bookish People”)

Fair’s fair: most bookish people or literature lovers may not see themselves as “nerds.” However, certain followers of cult authors like Terry Pratchett (who also has a Dublin connection) might argue otherwise. Still, let’s acknowledge their presence in this guide.

• The discussion on Dublin for Book Lovers provides suggestions for fellow bibliophiles, from shopping to appreciating items in museums. Dublin offers a wealth of experiences for the literati, featuring priceless manuscripts, bargain prices, and even street poetry.
• If Dublin boasts a towering literary figure, it would undoubtedly be James Joyce. Although not among Ireland’s four winners of the Nobel Prize for Literature, Joyce’s works, notably “Dubliners” and “Ulysses,” create literary monuments that resonate with the city.
• Finally, after an eventful day indulging your nerdy interests, why not unwind with a pint? After all, many of Dublin’s finest writers enjoyed a drink or two in a pub. So, consider embarking on a literary pub trail through Dublin.