As a winter city break destination, Dublin may not offer sunny skies and soaring temperatures but it’s not all doom and gloom.
In fact, the city comes alive with an array of festivals, shows and wintertime attractions, all wrapped up in the friendly Irish spirit which shines through no matter what the weather.
So cosy up and check out these top 5 things to do in Dublin this winter…
Want to escape the winter chill? Fortunately many of Dublin’s main attractions are surrounded by four walls.
Step inside Europe’s largest unoccupied prison, Kilmainham Gaol or duck into Trinity College Dublin to catch a glimpse of the treasured Book of Kells.
The National Museum Dublin is one of the city’s must-visit venues, while the National Gallery of Ireland is home to wonderful European and Irish fine art.
Finish off in The Guinness Storehouse, where you can experience a gleaming multimedia exhibition and warm up with a pint of the black stuff in the 360-degree Gravity Bar.
Take in the sea breeze and blow off the cobwebs with a trip to one of Dublin’s stunning surrounding seaside towns.
Climb to the top of Killiney Hill to witness stunning panoramic views, sample fresh seafood and stroll around gorgeous Howth Harbour.
Feeling really brave? Dive into the chilly waters of Sandycove’s Forty Foot. This legendary bathing spot is popular all year round – particularly on Christmas Day when locals flock there for a pre-turkey dinner dip.
Dublin’s cultural scene is alive no matter what the season, and winter is a great time to escape the elements by heading along to one of the numerous theatres and venues dotted across the city.
Catch a show in Smock Alley which has been entertaining the masses since 1662 or head to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre where you’ll find a range of musicals, operas and everything in between.
Fancy checking out local and international talent? Intimate music gigs await in Vicar Street and Whelan’s.
If you happen to be visiting Dublin at the end of December, check out the spectacular annual New Year’s Eve Festival; a three-day extravaganza running from 30 December – 1 January.
Watch the city be transformed as landmarks light up, side streets become carnivals, and a feeling of celebration fills the air.
And it wouldn’t be a festival without live music: the Three Countdown Concert returns, with a host of Irish chart-toppers ringing in the New Year. One not to be missed!
Nowhere does cosy winter evenings better than Dublin, so finish off an action packed day in one of the city’s renowned restaurants or traditional pubs.
Dublin’s finest eateries mix the best of edgy, contemporary dining with homespun, traditional fare and the result is a world-class dining experience.
After a good feed, take a wander - you're sure to stumble across a cosy spot for a pint. Drink in hand, sit back and watch the world go by. Sláinte!
Flights to Dublin
- Fiona Hilliard
2017 © Ryanair DAC. All rights reserved.
