Church and civil rights history, art in public spaces and outdoor trails give Dublin its many different sides. For your planning, choose what interests you most: historic sites, events with changing dates, or activities in nature.

History and Art in Dublin

First African Baptist Church was founded in 1867; the current building was constructed in 1914. On April 17, 1944, the State Convention of the Colored Elks Clubs of Georgia was held there. At this event, Martin Luther King Jr. gave his first public speech. These dates place the building’s history in context, while the 1944 event establishes a specific connection to civil rights history. Tours of the church are available by appointment. Arrange your visit in advance, as appointment procedures may change.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument Park features a mural by Georgia artist Corey Barksdale. It is 54 feet 7 inches wide and 10 feet tall—a precise measurement of this public artwork. The Downtown Dublin Audio Tour also focuses on specific historic sites: four audio stations tell 16 stories about four historic sites in Downtown Dublin. The Dublin-Laurens County Heritage Center offers workshops and programs on using its collections.

Trails, Water and Outdoor Activities

For walks, Southern Pines Regional Park has two trails. Each loop of the Fairview Park Walking Trail is one-third of a mile long and passes beneath mature trees. This measurement applies to each loop and gives you a specific distance to plan around. Market on Madison is in the heart of Downtown Dublin and also offers walking paths; it also has a stream and a bridge.

River Bend Wildlife Management Area in Dublin offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, hunting, fishing and primitive camping. Permits and seasonal restrictions may apply. Near Troup’s Spring Lake, there is a paved ramp for kayaks and canoes. The South Tract is managed to support the Swainson’s Warbler; sightings of the bird are not guaranteed.

Riverview Golf Course is a public 18-hole golf course on the banks of the Oconee River. You can also fish along the Oconee River from the bank or from a boat. This gives you different activities to choose from, from a round of golf to fishing, without requiring the same kind of outdoor experience.

Events and Seasonal Dates

Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Festival began in 1966. The St. Patrick’s season spans several weeks and includes parades, live music, food, arts and crafts, sports, hot air balloons and family activities. Individual events and dates vary by year, so check the calendar against your travel dates.

A farmers market is held at Market on Madison every Saturday from April through mid-October, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It offers locally and regionally grown produce, art and handmade goods. Since dates and opening hours should be checked seasonally, confirm the details for the relevant season before your visit.

For an overview of the wider area: Laurens County.