Best Things to Do in Dublin This Weekend

Learn how to pour a pint of stout at the Guinness Storehouse, browse ancient manuscripts, scrolls and books on a stroll through Trinity College’s renowned library or look back in time at Dublin Castle. A rich cultural heritage, stunning cathedrals, picturesque parks, countless museums and a prosperous brewing industry are what set Dublin apart from other cities in Ireland.

Fun Things to Do in Dublin

O’Connell Street

O’Connell Street is a famous sculpture street named after O’Connell, the MP who led Ireland out of London in the 18th and 19th centuries. For many visitors, it is a crucial clue to Irish history.

Each great man erected on the street has contributed to the land of the free in many ways. For example, Irish politician James Larkin was still very concerned about the lives of the Irish working class after Ireland‘s independence and single-handedly founded the Irish Labour Party. On the other hand, William Smith O’Brien was dedicated to promoting Gaelic, the earliest Irish dialect, which can still be seen at many bus stops.

The Spire of Dublin

The Spire of Dublin, also known as the Monument of Light, was inaugurated in 2003 in the middle of O’Connell Street. At 120 metres high, it is the tallest outdoor sculpture in the world and has added a new dimension to O’Connell Street, making it one of Dublin‘s most recognisable landmarks.

General Post Office

The leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising stood at the General Post Office and read the Easter Proclamation, declaring Ireland’s independence from Britain and occupying the building as the Rising’s headquarters.

Although this Easter Rising was unsuccessful, it stirred up the determination of all Irish people to fight back and became the key to Irish independence in the future. This building, representing the Irish people’s decision to pursue freedom, is an important attraction that should not be missed when travelling to Dublin.

Trinity College

Now more than 400 years old, Trinity College is the oldest university in Ireland. It was founded by Queen Elizabeth of England in 1592 and has an elegant and remarkable appearance.

Ireland’s most precious national treasure, the Book of Kells, completed around 850 AD, is housed in Trinity’s library and is well worth visiting. It is also said to be the setting for Harry Potter’s Wizarding Library.

Temple Bar

Located on the south bank of the River Liffey in Dublin city centre, it retains its medieval street pattern, with narrow cobbled streets being its most distinctive feature. This is the place to go when travelling to Dublin and wanting to experience the lively nightlife and pub culture. Every Halloween, shops are decorated as haunted houses in line with the festivities, which is very lively.

Guinness Storehouse

One of the world’s leading dark beers, Guinness is one of Ireland’s representative brews. The century-old Guinness Storehouse is located in downtown Dublin. The storehouse introduces the brewing process of Guinness beer and allows visitors to practise their brewing skills. Then, go to the top-floor view bar for a drink at the end of the day to enjoy a 360-degree aerial view of downtown Dublin, which is quite enjoyable.

Wicklow Mountains National Park

Wicklow Mountains National Park was established in 1991 and covers an area of 204.8 square kilometres. It is one of the classic scenes where the heroes and heroines of P.S. I Love You meet. In addition to the many hiking trails, there are classic manor houses to visit, such as the Powerscourt Estate, located 6 kilometres outside the manor house.

The Small Town of  Dalkey

On the southeastern outskirts of Dublin, Dalkey was settled by the Vikings in the Middle Ages and was one of Dublin’s important foreign ports. The development of the town is centred on Dalkey Castle. Follow the coastal path south to Colimore Harbour, where in summer, you can take a ferry across to the other side of the river, spot endangered red terns or wild goats, and admire the eleventh-century St Bennet’s Church.

Howth

Howth, known to outsiders as Dublin’s seafood kitchen, is the ‘Irish Eye of the North’. As the summer season progresses, many people travel to Howth to feast in its seafood restaurants. In the summer, take a ferry to the area, get close to seals, and see thousands of puffins, gannets, and fulmars.

Free Things to Do in Dublin

Dublin offers some free things to do and attractions for visitors and locals alike to enjoy.

City Circus Events: Meeting House Square regularly hosts free, family-friendly events such as concerts and street entertainment.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations: Dublin Castle hosts free family events such as family-friendly shows and countdown concerts on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Free Guided Tours: Some museums and attractions offer free guided tours, such as the National Museum of Ireland – Museum of Archaeology and the National Gallery of Ireland, where visitors can follow guided tours to learn more about these attractions’ history and cultural background.

Dublin Castle: This old castle is not only the symbol of Dublin but also the official residence of the President of Ireland. The castle has many free exhibitions and museums where visitors can learn about the history and culture of Ireland.

Phoenix Park: This is one of the largest city parks in Europe, where visitors can enter for free and enjoy the beautiful lake, lawns and gardens
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St Patrick’s Cathedral: As the national cathedral of Ireland, this church attracts many tourists with its unique architectural style and exquisite interior decoration. Visitors can enter the interior of the church free of charge to experience its solemn atmosphere.

Hugh Lane Gallery: Located in the city centre, this gallery displays many art and paintings. Visitors can visit for free and enjoy the various styles of artwork.

Unique Things to Do in Dublin

St Patrick’s Day Parade

Every year on March 17th, Dublin holds a massive St Patrick’s Day Parade. This parade is the centrepiece of the global celebration of Irish culture and heritage and attracts visitors worldwide. During the parade, you can see a variety of colourful floats, multiple marching bands, extravagantly costumed performers, and exciting dance teams that showcase Ireland’s cultural identity.

One Night for ALL

This annual event celebrates Dublin’s multiculturalism. During the event, several of Dublin’s cultural institutions open their doors free of charge to offer a variety of cultural activities, including music, dance, theatre and film. This is an excellent opportunity to gain insight into Dublin’s multiculturalism.

Dublin Mini Festival

This festival is dedicated to showcasing emerging musical talent and has been voted one of the best events in the world by travel magazines. At this festival, you can hear a variety of avant-garde, unique musical acts and get a sense of Dublin’s musical energy and innovative spirit.

Dublin Jazz Festival

This is another major music festival held annually in Dublin and attracts many internationally renowned jazz musicians. At this festival, you can enjoy jazz performances in various styles and feel the charm and flavour of jazz.

Conclusion

There are many other attractions in Dublin that you can explore, such as St. Stephen’s Park, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and so on. Even the colourful outer doors on Georgian Street have many exciting backstories, and Ireland enters the summer, the scenery is beautiful, and the climate is pleasant. Not only can you enjoy the excellent humanities in downtown Dublin, but also in the suburbs, you can feel the beauty of the unique Irish nature. In the winter, you can experience authentic Western festivals.