The Best Things To Do For Free In Dublin

Dublin is an immensely popular place for tourists, but it can be expensive. However, there are lots of great things to do for free in this artistic and eclectic city. We list some of the best ones here.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Visit the Chester Beatty Library

The fruits of Alfred Chester Beatty’s labors; ancient scrolls, books and other objects, can be viewed in the Chester Beatty Library. The collections include artistic treasures from across the world representing an incredible range of cultures and religions. The library is located in Dublin Castle, most of which dates back to the early 18th century. The castle is beautiful and impressive and he grounds are free to explore as are various museums in the castle.

Located in the center of Dublin, the National Gallery of Ireland was opened in 1854. It has an extensive collection of pieces by Irish artists. There is also a collection of paintings by Jack B. Yeats, as well as various notable pieces representing Italian Baroque and Dutch masters. The architectural style of the building is classical, creating the perfect aesthetic atmosphere to enjoy the works of art within.

Walk the South Wall

Located at Dublin’s port, the South Wall extends over two miles into Dublin Bay. The lighthouse was built in 1768, then redesigned and re-built in 1820. The walk is long, though not too strenuous, and the vast and undulating Irish sea is your companion the whole way along until you reach Poolbeg Lighthouse.

Complete the Aras an Uachtaráin Tour

Aras an Uachtaráin is the official residence of the President of Ireland. This impressive building is set amid beautiful and well curated gardens and parklands. There are guided tours of the main rooms of the building which take an hour and are free of charge.

Stephen’s

St Stephen’s Green is 22 hectares of land originally redesigned in 1880. It is the largest public park in Dublin and was originally opened in the 17th century as the local government began selling houses in the local area as Dublin was expanding. Features include a large duckpond fed by an artificial waterfall, an ornamental bandstand and, quite unusually, a scented garden for the blind with plants for handling labelled in braille.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.