20 Free Things To Do In Dublin
1. Trinity College
Go and see the Book of Kells or the filming areas from Harry Potter, or simple walk around the grounds of Trinity College. The college is Ireland’s most prestigious university, following in the footsteps of famous alumni such as Samuel Beckett, Bram Stoker and Jonathan Swift. You can admire the elegant courtyards and neoclassical architecture or stretch out on the cricket grounds outside the Pavilion Bar.
2. National Museum of Ireland Archaeology
History buffs will love the collection of Celtic and medieval treasures housed in the National Museum. Its most famous artefacts are the Tara Brooch and the Ardagh Chalice, as fine an example of Celtic metalwork you’ll ever see, but also worth checking out are the preserved “bog bodies” in the Kingship & Sacrifice exhibit.
3. The Chester Beatty Library
Bibliophile Alfred Chester Beatty’s marvellous collection of ancient books, scrolls and other objects are spread across two floors of this wonderful museum and is free to explore, as are the regular mindful mornings of yoga and meditation (book ahead & bring a yoga mat). In summer there are free Qi Gong sessions in the rooftop garden.
4. Dublin Walking Tour Podcast
Local historian Donal Fallon has created three short, themed podcast tours with the Fitzwilliam Hotel. You don’t have to be a guest to use them, just listen to an advert. The walks take you past Dublin’s historical highlights, the locations of the Easter Rising battles and the city’s essential fashionista stops.
5. Aras an Uachtaráin
Free tours of the official residence of the Irish president, Aras an Uachtaráin, a Palladian mansion whose design inspired the White House in Washington, DC. Starting at The Phoenix Park Visitor Centre every Saturday and the tours operate on a first-come-first-served basis. Occasionally, tours might not run due to state business.
6. IMMA Irish Museum of Modern Art
IMMA is Ireland’s National Cultural Institution for Modern and Contemporary Art. Our diverse and ambitious programme comprises exhibitions, commissions and projects by leading Irish and international artists, as well as a rich engagement and learning programme which together provides audiences of all ages the opportunity to connect with contemporary art and unlock their creativity.
7. Dublin Bikes
With over 100 locations throughout the city and over 1000 bikes on demand, the trick is to rent and return the Dublinbike to a station within 30 minutes to use it for free. If you need a bike for longer, release another bike and off you go. All the details are on the website and you can download a free app.
8. Beach day out
Escape the city’s buzz with a beach day out in Dublin, a perfect and free way to spend your day. Discover golden sands and scenic walks at spots like Portmarnock, Dollymount Strand, and Sandymount Beach, all easily accessible by public transport. Whether you’re up for a refreshing dip, a picnic by the sea, or just a peaceful stroll along the coast with views of Dublin Bay, this seaside escape offers a perfect blend of nature and relaxation.
9. The Science Gallery Dublin
Hands-on, interactive and compellingly relevant, the Science Gallery is devoted to explaining the intricacies of science and how it applies to everyday life. Exhibitions explore big ideas, so bring your curiosity with you.
10. The Poolbeg Lighthouse
One of the city’s most rewarding walks is the 800-meter stroll along the Great South Wall to the Poolbeg Lighthouse, that red tower visible in the middle of Dublin Bay. It’s best enjoyed around sunset on a clear day, when you’ll have a stunning view of the bay and the city behind you.
11. O’Donoghue’s Pub
It costs nothing to enjoy the nightly traditional sessions in O’Donoghues, a fine pub that was where folk and trad legends The Dubliners cut their musical teeth in the 1960s. Sure, the music and the atmosphere is better with a drink of something stronger in your hand, but a glass of water doesn’t cost a penny.
12. The National Gallery
The National Gallery’s collection of art stretches across seven centuries and includes a terrific Caravaggio and striking portraits of Ireland’s most notable figures. It’s all free to explore, but it’s worth joining one of the free tours that run Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays – the 12.30pm Sunday tour is designed with younger audiences in mind.
13. National Museum of Ireland, Decorative Arts & History
This branch of the National Museum is located in the magnificent neoclassical Collins Barracks building, dating back to the early 18th-century. Today it houses an eclectic mix of historic memorabilia, design and craftwork – check out the history of the 1916 Rising exhibit and the one dedicated to designer Eileen Gray.
14. National Botanic Gardens
A glorious green haven north of the city centre, the historic greenhouses and tranquil atmosphere make the National Botanic Gardens worth a visit in every season. Keep an eye out for the entertaining squirrels.
15. The Hugh Lane Gallery
The Dublin City Gallery, Hugh Lane, most of which is housed in the William Chambers-designed Charlemont House, focuses exclusively on modern and contemporary art, with a strong representation Irish artists. Highlights are the Impressionist paintings of the Lane Bequest and the faithfully reconstructed studio of hell-raising painter Francis Bacon in all its messy glory.
16. Temple Bar Food Market
It costs nothing to amble about the stalls of the Temple Bar Food Market, which runs every Saturday on Meeting House Square. And if you show enough appreciation for the lingering aroma of all the delicious food, there’ll undoubtedly be the tempting offer of a free sample.
17. Phoenix Park
You could easily spend an entire day exploring Europe’s largest inner-city park. You don’t need to pay for Dublin Zoo to see animals either, Phoenix Park is home to an enormous collection of deer, just wander off into the woodlands to find them.
18. Museum of Natural History
Dr. Livingstone cut the ribbon at the Natural History branch of the National Museum in 1857 – and little has changed since. Dusty, weird and utterly Victorian, the “dead zoo” is one of the finest museums of its kind in Europe.
19. Sandeman’s New Dublin Tour
Sandeman’s free, three hour walking tour of the city departs Barnardo Square everyday at 10am, 11am and 2pm (depending on the time of year). The guides are informed, energetic and lots of fun, tipping is optional but deserved.
20. Historical Statue Walkabout
Discover Dublin’s rich past on a self-guided statues walk that brings the city’s stories to life. Stroll through historic streets and meet iconic figures like Oscar Wilde near Merrion Square, Daniel O’Connell towering on O’Connell Street and W. B. Yeats by Trinity College. Don’t miss the beloved Molly Malone statue, immortalizing the legendary fishmonger, or the powerful Famine Memorial along the River Liffey, honouring those lost during Ireland’s Great Hunger.