Dublin Things to Do

Ireland’s lively capital never fails to win over visitors with its blend of historic sights and laid-back social scene, but before you plan your itinerary, here are a few things NOT to do in Dublin.

With its heavy drinking reputation and abundance of bars, pubs and clubs, Dublin’s nightlife is legendary and whether you’re looking to listen to live music, tour the city’s historic pubs or dance until the early hours, there are options to suit all tastes. The party atmosphere is in full swing during the city’s annual festivals, especially St Patrick’s Day, but whenever you arrive in Dublin, they’ll always be a good excuse for a pint, or several, of Ireland’s national brew, Guinness.

With an abundance of scenic landscapes and historic sights easily reachable from Dublin, there are plenty of options for getting out of the city. Wicklow, known as the ‘Garden of Ireland’ thanks to its diverse and beautiful greenery, makes for a popular day trip and hikers can enjoy the varied terrain of the 132km-long Wicklow Way walking trail that crosses the county. Combine a visit to the town with a look at the 6^th century monastic ruins nearby Glendalough located in the rugged Wicklow Mountains National park, where scenes from Braveheart and, more recently, PS.I Love You, were filmed.

Whether you’re traveling Dublin on a tight budget or blew your travel funds on one of the city’s notorious pub-crawls, there are plenty of ways to explore the Irish capital for free. Here are some ideas for exploring Dublin without spending a cent.

With its original construction dating between 1204 and 1220, Dublin Castle encompasses some of the city’s oldest surviving structures, although today much of its façade dates back to 18th century restorations. The dramatic fortress boasts a varied history, built on the site of an earlier Viking fortress and serving as the seat of British for over 700 years. Since the 1922 establishment of the Irish Free State, the castle has become a major conference centre for the Irish Government, as well as topping the list of Dublin tourist attractions.

You can’t get more romantic than the resting place of Saint Valentine himself (relics of the patron Saint are located in the Whitefriar Street Church) and Dublin offers the perfect backdrop for a romantic city break. Here are a few ideas for getting in the mood in Ireland‘s capital.

Whether you’re into effects-heavy blockbusters or hip art house flicks, you’ll likely still enjoy the vibe at Dublin’s coolest cinema, the Irish Film Institute (IFI). In the center of Dublin’s popular Temple Bar District, the institute is home to a cinema, library, bookshop and café, and hosts an ever-changing roster of independent films, many of which are not shown anywhere else in Ireland.

There’s no better excuse for celebration than the start of the Christmas season and as the winter chills set in, Dublin hangs up the Christmas decorations and gears up for another year of festivities. For the most atmospheric surrounds, head to the city’s famous Temple Bar district, where some 30 streets are lit up with fairy lights and O’Connell Street hosts a giant Christmas tree.

With almost as many museums in the city as pubs, Dublin’s reputation as a cultural center remains secure, but the best thing about the city’s impressive art and science exhibits is that a huge number of them are absolutely free.

With its rich literary history, landmark architecture and vibrant pub culture, Ireland’s capital has plenty to entice visitors to its shores, but with prices on par with the rest of Western Europe, a trip to Dublin can soon run up a hefty bill. Don’t be put off if you’re on a budget, though; with some careful planning, a little money can go a long way. Here are a few tips to get you started.