Take 5: Free things to do in Dublin

We’re all about getting value for money, so we’re happy to tell you that some of the most interesting things to do in Dublin are free.

1. WalkDublin is a very compact city, with most places of interest within 15 minutes walk from O’Connell Bridge, the city centre. We have free maps for our guests, and we recommend the Dublin Tourism iWalk series of free self-guided walking tours(audio + printable map/itinerary) that you can check out before you arrive, or download via iTunes.

For a free guided walking tour, try Sandeman’s – departing daily 11am and 1pm from the square beside City Hall – look out for guides in red t-shirts. Visits all the major sights in approximately 3 hours.

For seaside, beach and cliffs, try rugged Howth/Sutton, genteel Killiney/Dalkey and bracing Bray/Greystones, or stroll around the Phoenix Park to admire rolling parkland, deer and stately buildings.

2. LearnA broad range of museums, exhibitions and buildings that explain the fascinating, long history of Ireland are free, including:

The National Museum of Ireland, with three collections in Dublin:
- Archaeology, showcasing prehistoric, ecclesiastical, medieval and Viking Dublin
- Decorative Arts & History, including folk life, costume, furniture, weaponry
- Natural History – the “dead zoo”, with approx 2,000,000 specimens

National Photographic Archive in Temple Bar, with approx 300,000 primarily historical artefacts

National Library of Ireland, housing fantastic Irish documentary material, family history and Irish heritage research resources.

It is also free to walk around Dublin Castle and Trinity College and soak up the history.

3. AdmireFrom art to street sculpture, architecture to people watching, Dublin is a great place to feast the eyes.

Best people watching spots: Grafton Street, St Stephen’s Green and Temple Bar Square. Music by top notch buskers adds atmosphere.

The National Gallery of Ireland collection spans from the 14th to the 20th centuries and includes all the major Continental Schools. Across the street in the lovely Merrion Square, local artists showcase their work at the Open Air Art Gallery every weekend.

Dublin city is littered with interesting street art, sculptures and statues, many with interesting and sometimes controversial backgrounds. In typical Dublin form, these have acquired nicknames – do you know the Stiletto in the Ghetto, the Tart with the Cart, the Hags with the Bags and Tone Henge?

4. SingWe love to sing in Dublin, and we never let details like ability get in our way. You will always find an Irish “session” (live traditional music and singing) in some Dublin pub, just walk in where you hear music. Good spots to try are Oliver St John Gogarty in Temple Bar, O’Donohoes in Merrion Row or the Arlington at O’Connell Bridge.

5. TalkVoted “Europe’s friendliest city” by Tripadvisor contributors, Dubliners love to chat. We just can’t help it! You will find that if you’re struggling with a map on a Dublin street, it won’t be long before someone offers to help.