Free Things to Do in Dublin
If you're looking for the best free things to do during your Dublin trip, check out our guide to the best free activities in Dublin for all ages, including tips on budget accommodation.
Hands down, Dublin is one of the most expensive cities in Europe. For budget-minded travelers, it's a very expensive place to visit.
The good news is that there are still plenty of free things to do in Dublin, so you don't have to break the bank during your holiday.
One of the best travel hacks we learned after years of traveling is not to overdo it, though.
That's why we included even some places in Dublin or around that are almost free to visit.
One more thing. If you want to keep your budget at bay, remember that walking is the best way to get around Dublin.
Without any further ado, here is the list of the top attractions in Dublin that are free of charge.
Visiting Dublin on a Budget
We know from our own experience that traveling on a budget is not easy, especially in expensive destinations like Ireland.
And believe us when we say Dublin won't make it any easier for you.
Hopefully, you will find inspiration in the following tips on the best free activities in Dublin.
We also do recommend checking our guides on how to travel on a budget and how to save money for travel.
Don't skip them, as they feature many helpful tips to have a stress-free trip.
So what are free things to do in Dublin? Well, there are plenty!
Free Walking Tour
There is no way we could kick off this post without mentioning one of Dublin's Free Walking Tours.
The tip-based Free Walking Tours usually provide one of the best value for money, regardless of whether you're in Dublin or Prague.
The enthusiastic and motivated guides will show you some of the most iconic places in the city center, point out hidden gems, answer all your curious answers, and give advice on great non-tourist pubs, restaurants, etc.
There are tons of free tours in Dublin, ranging from the best of Dublin to history, hidden secrets, politics, urban legends, culture, or night tours.
For budget travelers, this type of Dublin Tours offers great value for money.
Sure, the free walking tours are not completely free. While the tips are not mandatory, most travelers will give a few euros to the guide at the end of the tour.
Even though Dublin is a safe place to visit, walking tours offer a great way to familiarize yourself with a new destination.
Trinity College
Regardless of whether you're traveling around Ireland on a budget, Trinity College is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dublin.
Queen Elizabeth I. founded Trinity College in 1592, making this university the oldest in Ireland.
Among the most notable students of this prestigious university were Oscar Wilde, or Nobel Prize winner Samuel Beckett.
Today, Trinity College is home to many stunning historic buildings, the Books of Kells, and a Long Room.
For those who hear these names for the first time, the Book of Kells is a famous richly-decorated Gospel book dating back to the 9th century CE.
The Long Room is a stunning old library with 200.000 books and an absolutely amazing place to visit.
Unfortunately, the tickets to the museum containing the manuscript and library are quite expensive.
So why Trinity College made it on our list of free things to do in Ireland? Because you can explore its magnificent campus for free.
Yes, you can walk around the university grounds on your own as long as you want without spending a dime.
Believe us; this is an experience you don't want to miss.
Phoenix Park
Located within a 30-minute walk from the city center, Phoenix Park is one of the best places to visit in Dublin if you travel on a budget.
The park is huge, open 24/7 all year round, and is free to visit. Phoenix Park is a great place to relax and unwind if you find the city center too loud and crowded.
The park features many walking and cycling trails, so it's popular among both locals and tourists looking for a way to stay active.
Phoenix Park Visitor Center, Zoological Gardens, Victorian Flower Gardens, Biodiversity Information Center, and Phoenix Cafe and Tea Rooms can be found within the park.
National Museum of Ireland
Plain and simple, the National Museum of Ireland is a top free attraction in Dublin. The museum has four different themes and branches.
Even though a visit to the National Museum of Ireland is very straightforward, it's good to know that the buildings are located in four different areas.
By far, our favorite museum was the one that focuses on archaeology and is located on Kildare Street.
Right next to it stands the Natural History Museum, though its entrance is on Merrion Street. The Decorative Arts and History branch can be found in the Arbour Hill area.
If you visit County Mayo, the Country Life Museum can be found near Castlebar. It's the only museum of the bunch that is not in Dublin.
We don't have to mention that the National Museum of Ireland is also among the best things to do in Dublin on a rainy day.
The main draw of the National Museum of Ireland is its beautiful displays and the fact that it is free of charge.
Grand Canal Dock
There are many interesting neighborhoods and areas of Dublin you can explore for free.
For us, Grand Canal Dock was one of the most remarkable places we visited within Dublin's city center.
It was the combination of old and new, set in an area where the River Liffey meets the sea, why we enjoyed walking around this area so much.
After years of neglect, the dock area underwent a massive redevelopment in the 2000s and soon became home to tech companies like Google or Meta.
Today, it is known as Silicon Docks, referring to the Silicon Valley in California.
Among the top sights you can see at Grand Canal Dock is the modern building of Bord Gais Energy Theatre, the famous Windmill Lane Recording Studios, the glowing red poles, which are especially cool to see after sunset, the Jeanie Johnston famine ship or the historical warehouses of Bolland Mills.
There are also many great cafes and restaurants, and the area is also popular for water activities.
The revitalized docklands are located in the heart of Dublin, about 1.5 kilometers from Trinity College. It's easy to get there on foot, by bus, or even by train.
Dublin's Waterways
As hinted above, Dublin was built around water, namely around River Liffey and the Atlantic Ocean. It has a huge bay, rivers, canals, and, unsurprisingly, a rich nautical history.
It's often said that this heritage side of Dublin is best explored by boat, kayak, or paddle board.
As a budget-conscious traveler, we guess you don't want to spend too much money on tours and rentals. You know what? You don't need to.
We spent hours just by simply walking along Dublin's waterways without spending a single dime.
In fact, you can walk along the River Liffey basically all the way from the city center to Poolbeg Lighthouse and back.
Then you can also explore the Royal Canal and Grand Canal for free.
This way, you can see one of the most fascinating features of the city while visiting Dublin's hidden corners and overlooked neighborhoods.
Georgian Dublin
The period known as Georgian started in 1714 with the coronation of King George I. and ended in 1830 when King George IV died.
The 18th and 19th century was an age of transformation, innovation, and modernization in Europe.
A time when the old medieval towns were transformed into modern cities, we can see all around us today.
Dublin was no exception. As the city expanded, the growing population needed new houses.
Many residential areas were built, houses were merged, and streets were widened during this period.
As a result, the carefully controlled development of Dublin, directed by the Wide Streets Commission during this era, left a huge imprint on the city's architecture.
There are many surviving examples of classic Georgian development in Dublin, such as Henrietta Street, the Merrion Square area, Aras an Uachtarain, and Leinster House.
Many of these buildings can be found within Dublin city center, and you can admire them from the streets for free.
Dublin Castle
Similar to Trinity College, Dublin's Castle grounds are free to explore. Otherwise, there is an entry fee to Dublin Castle.
The self-guided tours are quite affordable, albeit not free. Still, we included Dublin Castle on our list for several reasons.
Firstly, it's within a short distance from Temple Bar, City Hall, Trinity College, or Chester Beatty. Thanks to its central location, it's really easy to get there on foot.
Secondly, the former medieval fortress is one of the most striking buildings in Dublin.
And lastly, it's a symbol of historical power in Ireland (mostly British) and a government complex with a history stretching back to the Viking Age.
If you're a history buff, it's worth considering a guided tour.
It's a bit more expensive but offers access to the Medieval Section, 18th-century State Apartments, and the Chapel Royal.
If you want to keep your budget at bay, you can stroll around the castle grounds and admire the architecture for free.
Poolbeg Lighthouse Walk
If you travel solo, as a couple, or with family, and looking for free things to do in Dublin, consider taking a calming walk to Poolbeg Lighthouse.
An easy, paved, and flat pathway along Dublin Bay starts from the Great South Wall and takes you to the famous landmark.
The 3.5-kilometer round trip to the lighthouse and back make for a fun and easy pastime.
Enjoy the calming views, the scent of fresh sea air, the sound of sea birds, and watch boats entering and leaving the harbor.
There is free parking near the trailhead.
If you want to use public transport, you need to take a bus to Irishtown or Sandymount suburbs and walk from there.
In this case, it is a 10-kilometer walk which will require about two and a half hours of your time.
The National Botanic Gardens of Ireland
Located in Glasnevin, the 18th-century National Botanic Gardens is a popular place to visit among budget travelers.
Well, technically, it's a lovely spot to visit for everyone who loves various species of plants and trees, families with kids, or people who just want to escape the busy streets of the city center.
The gardens are well-kept and beautiful to visit on a sunny day, especially from late spring to early fall.
This oasis of greenery and colors is home to 15.000 plant species from all around the world, historic Victorian glasshouses, a lovely pond, River Tolka, and even some wildlife.
The National Botanic Gardens is about five kilometers north of Dublin city center, so it's a great stop when heading north or to Dublin Airport by car.
If you rely on public transport, it's very easy to get to National Botanic Gardens by bus from Dublin's city center.
Unlike Powerscourt or Birr Castle gardens, National Botanic Gardens is free to enter.
Chester Beatty
For budget travelers and museum lovers, Chester Beatty is one of the must-visit places in Dublin.
Even though it's located right next to Dublin Castle, international visitors often overlook it.
The museum is beautifully done and has many fantastic exhibitions and collections. If that's not enough, it's completely free.
Those who find the Book of Kells experience too expensive, note that you can see here the first fragments of Biblical Papyrus from Roman Egypt dating from the 2nd to 4th century CE.
On top of that, the museum has permanent and temporary displays showcasing artifacts and items from Europe, Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Grafton Street
Grafton Street is the main shopping area in Dublin, packed with pubs, cafes, stores, street performers, and people.
Yes, it's easy to spend a fortune here.
On the other hand, you can take it all in, walk up and down the street, browse the shops, listen to the buskers, and observe the crowds without spending any money.
The pedestrianized street is the beating heart of Dublin, and it's worth seeing even if you're not in the mood for shopping.
Grafton Street connects Trinity College with St. Stephen's Green, which is, coincidently, the perfect place to finish your walk.
Irish Museum of Modern Art
The former royal hospital houses the Irish Museum of Modern Art, also known as IMMA, a great place to visit in your free time.
The building has a great collection of modern art that will leave you inspired and intrigued.
The building itself is beautiful and has a fascinating history, a striking contrast to all the modern art around you.
It's located about three kilometers west of the city center, halfway between Kilmainham Gaol and Hesuton Station.
There is no entry fee to the Irish Museum of Modern Art, and you can book your free admission ticket in advance through the official website.
St. Stephen's Green
If you love city parks, St. Stephen's Green should not fly under your radar.
Phoenix Park and National Botanic Gardens are great and all, but they are not in the city center.
If you're tired of noise and crowds, you don't need to take a tram or bus to the outskirts to get away from it all.
St. Stephen's Green is just a 5-minute walk from Trinity College, making it one of the best places for relaxing in Dublin's city center.
This oasis of greenery is well-maintained, clean, and peaceful, and even has a pond with ducks and swans.
There are many benches, so it's a great place to have a picnic on a summer day.
Obviously, there is no entry fee to St. Stephen's Green.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
Situated less than a 10-minute walk from the City Hall, St. Patrick's Cathedral is one of the best things to do in Dublin.
This stunning cathedral was built between 1220 - 1259 and is now maintained by the Church of Ireland. It's still used as a place of worship, and there are daily services.
St. Patrick's Cathedral has a rich history, beautiful Gothic architecture, stained glass windows, one of Ireland's most famous choirs, the Door of Reconciliation, and even a connection to the expression 'to chance your arm'.
The building is really spectacular and worth seeing if you don't go inside.
Even though there is an entry fee to St. Patrick's Cathedral, you can join a free guided tour available from Monday to Saturday.
The free guided tours usually run from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Ask at the front desk upon arrival for the time of the next tour.
Howth Cliffs
Located northeast of the city center, Howth Cliffs is one of the best day trips from Dublin.
It's heaven for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a way to escape the hustle and bustle of Ireland's capital.
One of the great things about Howth Cliffs is that you can easily get there by train from Dublin city center.
Take DART from Tara Street, Dublin Pearse, or Connolly Station, depending on where you're staying.
Due to its proximity to Dublin, stunning views of the Atlantic, and great opportunities for birdwatching and hiking, Howth Cliffs are very popular, especially during the peak season.
The 6-kilometer Cliff Path Loop is the most popular hike here, though there are a few more trails to choose from while in this area.
After a couple of hours of hiking, it's worth exploring the seaside town of Howth.
It's home to several fantastic seafood restaurants, and although it's arguably not as picturesque as Kinsale or Portmagee, it has three coll and fairly long piers, which you can explore on foot.
From Howth, you can also take a sea kayaking tour or a boat trip to the nearby island of Ireland's Eye, but these aren't exactly budget-friendly activities.
Wicklow Mountains
Situated only 50 kilometers south of Dublin's city center, the Wicklow Mountains are a perfect destination for nature and history lovers.
In a nutshell, Wicklow Mountains is one of the most beautiful national parks in Ireland.
For the majority of hikers, the starting point to one of the most beautiful parts of the national park is the small village of Glendalough.
Sure, you will have to spend money on transport to get there.
But other than that, you can spend a whole day hiking in the mountains for free. You've heard right; this popular attraction in County Wicklow has no entry fee.
One of our favorite hikes in the Glendalough area was the moderately challenging Spinc Loop, though there are trails for all ages and abilities within the national park.
On top of that, Glendalough Monastic Site can be found right in the village.
This ancient monastery is one of Ireland's top attractions, and you've guessed right, it's also completely free to explore.
By the way, all national parks in Ireland are free, even the most popular ones, such as Killarney or Connemara.
Make sure to include as many as you can in your Ireland itinerary to see some of the most beautiful places in Ireland for free.
Where to Stay
Unfortunately, the largest chunk of your budget is usually accommodations.
Staying in a good or bad place also plays a big part in how you will enjoy the trip.
Finding cheap accommodation in Dublin and many other European cities is a fairly difficult task. And finding a good hostel with good reviews is often even harder.
When it comes to budget hotels and cheap hostels in Dublin, we suggest staying in the city center to save time rather than a few euros.
Keep in mind that budget hostels and hotels are still fairly expensive in Dublin.
In order to save some money, it's always recommended to book your hotel room early.
So here is our choice of cheap accommodations in Dublin.
Jacobs Inn Hostel - Thanks to its excellent location, clean rooms, modern design, convenient lockers, and lively atmosphere, this hostel is one of the most popular budget places in Dublin City Center.
Abbey Court Hostel - With a central location near Temple Bar, basic but clean rooms, a shared kitchen, relaxing lounge, this hostel is a popular choice among budget travelers.
Travelodge Dublin City Centre - If you want to stay in an en suite room, a budget hotel is usually a better option than a hostel. This reasonably priced hotel in Dublin City Center has a great location, modern rooms, clean facilities, and helpful staff.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Where to Go Next
Obviously, there are tons of free things to do in Ireland.
Therefore, it's very tempting to hit the road and explore all the amazing places Emerald Island has to offer.
Thrifty travelers looking to explore the island on a low budget are in luck. Sure, Ireland is expensive, but many of its top attractions are free to visit.
Wild Atlantic Way is one of our all-time favorite scenic drives and boasts incredible scenery and stunning views that you can enjoy for free.
Sure, you will need to rent a car in Ireland to get the most out of this trip. But other than petrol, there are no additional expenses except fuel.
In return, you will get a chance to see places such as Dingle Peninsula, Skellig Ring, or the Burren for free.
But that's just the start of your Ireland road trip, an adventure packed with an almost endless stream of amazing places you can visit for free.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
