If you’re coming to Dublin, don’t expect endless sunshine. As I always say: “expect rain, and if it’s not raining, that’s already a happy day”. Let’s be real, there’s a good chance you’ll run into a rainy day in Dublin, but that doesn’t mean your plans are ruined. In fact, there are so many great Dublin indoor activities to choose from. In this travel guide, I’ll show you exactly what to do in Dublin when it rains, from historic landmarks and immersive exhibitions to free galleries, whiskey tours, cosy pubs, and fun indoor experiences. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer stay, these are some of the best things to do in Dublin on a rainy day.

Note:

Prices and opening times are included in this post, but they can change at any time, especially opening hours. Always double-check on official websites so you don’t miss out on your dream activity. 

The blog post contains affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for the support!

Best Indoor Activities in Dublin (for Rainy Days)

On the Wanderlog map below, you can see the main attractions in “Best indoor programs in Dublin: How to spend a rainy day in Dublin, Ireland?”, including historic places to visit, museums, galleries, whiskey distilleries and more things to do in Dublin. It’s a real time-saver, especially if you don’t want to plan everything from scratch.

The map shows the exact locations and lets you turn layers on and off, so you can easily focus on what matters most to you. It’s also great for saving spots before your trip and following the route on the day without constantly checking different apps.

Things to Do in Dublin When It Rains: 30+ Indoor Activities You’ll Actually Enjoy

Historical and Cultural Landmarks in Dublin, From Cathedrals to Libraries

If you want to learn about Dublin’s story, this is the perfect place to start. From stunning cathedrals to centuries-old libraries, these spots bring Irish history to life.

Trinity College Dublin (Book of Kells & Long Room Library)

Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university, is home to the Book of Kells, one of Ireland’s most famous treasures. This beautifully detailed manuscript was created by Celtic monks around 800 AD and contains 680 pages (340 leaves). The pages are turned every six weeks, so it would take around 30 years to see the entire book that way.

Tickets for the Book of Kells Exhibition need to be booked online for a specific time slot. Your visit also includes access to the breathtaking Long Room Library, which is one of my favourite spots in Dublin. The scent of old books is magical. You can literally smell history. Don’t miss the Brian Boru Harp, one of the few surviving medieval Gaelic harps. There’s also a digital exhibition as part of the experience. The last time I visited, the famous illuminated globe wasn’t on display in the library.

If you’re already there, take some time to wander around Trinity’s main courtyard. Stop by the Golden Sphere (Sphere Within Sphere), and if you’re visiting in March, don’t miss the blooming magnolia tree and colourful flowers.

Trinity College ticket options

• LOCAL TIP: The Book of Kells is one of the most popular places to visit in Dublin, so it’s best to book your ticket online in advance if you don’t want to miss it.
• Website: Book of Kells Experience
• Ticket price: from 25,5 EUR (Book of Kells Experience), from 37 EUR (Trinity Trails & Book of Kells Experience)
• Opening time: Monday – Sunday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm

Marsh’s Library 

Marsh’s Library is one of my favourite hidden gems in Dublin, located just behind St Patrick’s Cathedral. It was Ireland’s first public library and dates back to the early 1700s. The library has two main wings and a central reading room, and some of its books date back to the 15th century.

The space looks incredible, and one of the most unique features is the caged reading areas, originally designed to prevent visitors from stealing books. The books themselves are beautiful, you can really feel the history here.

Fun fact!

Bram Stoker and James Joyce were both regular visitors. You can even explore what they used to read on the library’s website.

Keep an eye out for the tiny Lego figures hidden on the bookshelves, such a fun little detail. 

Marsh’s Library is also featured in one of my Dublin vlogs. If you’re curious, check out The Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Dublin + Coffee & Matcha Breaks.

• Website: Marsh’s Library
• Ticket price: 7 EUR
• Opening time: Monday, Sunday: closed, Tuesday – Friday: 9:30 am – 5 pm, Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm

Kilmainham Gaol Museum, the former Dublin prison 

This former prison turned museum tells the story of Ireland’s fight for independence in a powerful and emotional way. It opened in 1796 and operated until 1924, and many key figures from Irish history were imprisoned here.

The guided tour starts in the chapel and continues through the cells of the old wing. The conditions were harsh: small cells, stone floors, tiny windows with just a couple of openings. Not the friendliest place… The newer wing looks slightly better, with its famous three-story layout, large open space designed for easier surveillance, and a roof light that brings in natural light.

The final stop is the Stonebreakers’ Yard, where 14 leaders of the Easter Rising were executed, a moment that changed Ireland’s history forever.

Kilmainham Gaol tickets and booking tips

• Accessible only on guided tours. TICKETS MUST BE BOOKED ONLINE. THEY ARE RELEASED 28 DAYS IN ADVANCE AND SELL OUT QUICKLY, SO PLAN AHEAD. 
• LOCAL TIP: Kilmainham Gaol is often included in Open House Dublin (held every October), when you can visit for free, but tickets still need to be booked in advance in September.
• Website: Kilmainham Gaol Museum
• Ticket price: 8 EUR
• Opening time: Monday – Sunday: 10:30 am – 5:15 pm

GPO (General Post Office) Museum

The GPO is one of Dublin’s most iconic landmarks. It’s not just a working post office, but also a key historical site. It served as the headquarters during the Easter Rising.

The GPO Museum does a great job of explaining the events leading up to the Rising, what happened during those days, and the aftermath. The exhibitions include interactive displays, original objects, and short films. The animated movie was especially engaging and gave a really clear overview of the history.

GPO is also featured in one of my Dublin Shorts. If you’re curious, check out GPO & National Library of Ireland for free? Open House Dublin adventures | Dublin Diaries Ep. 12.

• LOCAL TIP: The GPO was open during Open House Dublin in 2025. Open House Dublin is held every October, when you can visit for free, but tickets must be booked in advance in September. During the guided tour, you can access areas usually closed to the public and visit the museum for free. 
• Website: GPO Museum
• Ticket price: 15 EUR
• Opening time: Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm, Sunday: closed

Dublin Castle State Apartments

Dublin Castle was originally built on the site of a Viking settlement, later became the headquarters of British rule in Ireland, and has been owned by the Irish government since 1922.

The State Apartments feel like stepping into a royal palace, with grand chandeliers, gilded furniture, and richly patterned wallpaper. Keep an eye out for the unicorn above the throne (such a fun detail). You’ll also walk through the Portrait Gallery, which features all Irish presidents, and the elegant St Patrick’s Hall, still used today for presidential inaugurations.

Don’t miss the charming Dubh Linn Garden just behind the castle, where wildflowers grow around the oval-shaped lawn.

Dublin Castle tickets and booking tips

• Website: Dublin Castle
• Ticket price: 8 EUR (self-guided)
• Guided tour: 12 EUR (includes State Apartments, Viking Excavation, and Chapel Royal. Must be booked online.)
• Opening time: Monday – Sunday: 9:45 am – 5:45 pm

Watch my YouTube short for more about the exhibition and guided tour in the Chapel Royal and State Apartments:

St Patrick’s Cathedral

Built in the 12th century, St Patrick’s Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Ireland and home to many graves, monuments, and memorials. It’s dedicated to Ireland’s patron saint, St Patrick, and its grand interior is seriously impressive, with soaring ceilings and colourful stained glass windows that tell his story.

One of my favourite details is the tiled floor, with its colourful geometric patterns that add so much character to the space. And don’t forget to look up! The flags hanging above the nave are the banners of the Knights of the Order of St Patrick. Each one represents a knight, and you’ll notice how worn and faded they are, which is intentional and adds to the atmosphere.

The cathedral is also closely linked to Jonathan Swift, the author of Gulliver’s Travels, who served as dean here and is buried inside.

Fun fact!

There’s a “Door of Reconciliation” inside the cathedral, linked to a centuries-old dispute in which a hole was cut in the door so that two rival families could shake hands and make peace.

After your visit, take a walk around St Patrick’s Park. In April, the cherry trees are in bloom, and the view from the upper level is especially nice.

• Website: Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
• Ticket price: 11,5 EUR
• Opening time: Monday – Friday: 9:30 am – 5 pm, Saturday: 9 am – 6 pm, Sunday: 9 – 10:30 am, 1 – 2:30 pm, 4:30 – 6 pm

Christ Church Cathedral 

Dating back to around 1030, Christ Church is even older than St Patrick’s and sits right in the heart of medieval Dublin. The building blends Romanesque and Gothic styles, and the interior feels slightly darker.

The tiled floors here are especially beautiful, with intricate mosaic patterns that really stand out as you walk through the space. One of the most interesting parts of the cathedral is the crypt, filled with quirky historical objects.

Fun fact!

The crypt is home to the famous “mummified cat and rat,” which were discovered stuck inside an organ pipe.

• Website: Christ Church Cathedral
• Ticket price: 12 EUR
• Opening time: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 9:30 am – 6 pm, Tuesday, Thursday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm, Sunday: 12:30 – 3 pm, 4:30 – 6 pm

Museums to Learn About Irish History, Heritage & Art

These museums tell the stories that shaped Ireland. Expect a mix of interactive exhibits, visual experiences, personal stories, and a deeper understanding of Irish identity.

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

EPIC is located in the CHQ Building along the riverside, and honestly, it completely surprised me. I wouldn’t have expected emigration and Irish culture to be presented in such an engaging and interactive way. Each room focuses on a different theme, from leaving the island to religion, conflict, and identity.

The exhibition uses projections and touchscreens, which makes the whole experience feel very interactive. You can learn about Irish contributions to sports, technology, and inventions, as well as stories about politicians, artists, and even criminals. There are also fun elements like testing your Irish step-dancing skills or taking part in a pub quiz.

You get an “EPIC passport” that you can stamp in every room, adding a playful touch to the visit.

EPIC ticket information and tips

• Website: EPIC Museum
• Online ticket price: 22 EUR (free return visit with your ticket within 10 days)
• LOCAL TIP: At first, we didn’t understand why the ticket included a free return visit. There’s a lot of information, and it’s genuinely interesting, so you’ll want to read everything. We spent almost 2,5 hours there, and by the end, our brains were a bit fried. The first part focuses more on history and conflict, while the second half is more interactive, so maybe pace yourself and save some energy for the fun bits at the end.
• Opening time: Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 6:45 pm

Guinness Storehouse

Touristy? Yes. Worth visiting? Also yes. The Guinness Storehouse is Dublin’s number one attraction for a reason. I actually started liking Guinness after my first visit.

The building itself is shaped like a giant pint glass, which would take 14.3 million pints to fill. Inside, there are seven floors of exhibitions covering everything from ingredients and the brewing process to advertising and tasting. You’ll learn plenty of fun facts along the way, and the smell inside is amazing, you’ll definitely be craving a pint by the end.

Luckily, your ticket includes one, which you can enjoy at the Gravity Bar, Dublin’s highest bar, with a 360° view over the city.

Guinness Storehouse ticket information

• Website: Guinness Storehouse
• Online ticket price: 22 EUR
• There are also different ticket options if you want to upgrade your experience, like pouring your own pint or getting a selfie printed on the foam.
• Opening time: Monday – Friday: 8 am – 8 pm, Saturday: 10 am – 8 pm, Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm

The Little Museum of Dublin

Located right next to St Stephen’s Green, this small museum is housed in a Georgian building. And yes, it really is “little,” but it’s packed with stories. Everything on display has been donated, which makes it feel very personal and local.

The exhibition spans three floors and presents Dublin’s history in a fun and engaging way. For us, the highlight was our guide, Saul. He made the whole experience entertaining and even showed off some Irish dance moves at the end.

After the tour, you can explore a few extra rooms, including the Irish Times Editor’s Room and a section on Irish inventions. There’s also a room dedicated to U2, where you can take a photo with “devil” Bono.

• Website: The Little Museum of Dublin
• Ticket price: 18 EUR (check the website for more options)
• Entry is by guided tour only. 
• Opening time: Monday – Sunday: 9:30 am – 5 pm

National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History

This museum is located in the former Collins Barracks in Stoneybatter, which was originally built to house up to 1,500 soldiers and remained in use until 1995.

Most of the exhibition focuses on decorative arts, including coins, Irish silver, ceramics, glassware, clothing, jewellery, furniture, and architecture. You’ll also find works by designer Eileen Gray. 

The historical section is smaller and covers the Irish military from around 1550, with displays of uniforms and weapons. The most impressive part, the military exhibition with full-size vehicles like tanks and aircraft, was unfortunately closed during our visit. Overall, it wasn’t our favourite museum, but if you’re into military history, you’ll probably enjoy it more.

• Website: National Museum of Ireland
• Ticket price: Free admission
• Opening time: Monday, Sunday: 1 – 5 pm, Tuesday – Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm

National Museum of Ireland – Natural History (temporarily closed)

Located in the city centre, right next to the National Gallery of Ireland, this museum is often called the “Dead Zoo.” Around 3,000 specimens are displayed here, arranged to reflect their natural habitats, from insects and birds to mammals and fossils.

At first, it can feel a bit strange seeing so many preserved animals, but it’s also fascinating to see the variety of species and learn about them. The exhibition also highlights the impacts of climate change and plastic pollution, making it especially educational for kids.

Important: The museum is currently closed for a major refurbishment that started in 2024 and is expected to last several years.

During this time, you can visit the Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks, where around 1,300 specimens are on display.

IMPORTANT: Temporarily closed! THE MUSEUM IS CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR A MAJOR REFURBISHMENT THAT STARTED IN 2024 AND IS EXPECTED TO LAST SEVERAL YEARS.

During this time, you can visit the Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks, where around 1,300 specimens are on display.

• Website: National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street (check it for refurbishment updates)
• Ticket price: Free admission

National Library of Ireland

The National Library of Ireland holds over 12 million items and is open to members, but even if you’re just visiting, the main foyer and exhibitions are free to explore. The building itself is stunning, with colourful mosaic floors, stained glass windows, and beautiful decorative details. Right by the entrance, you’ll also spot a miniature Lego version of the library. During Halloween, it was decorated with pumpkins and spiders, which made it even more fun.

The Reading Room is only accessible with a Reader’s Ticket, but it occasionally opens to the public during Open House Dublin, and you can also attend a tour on Thursday evenings. The space is bright and airy thanks to the dome skylight, with its soft blue and green tones, green reading lamps, and wooden tables from the 1920s–30s that create a really cosy atmosphere.

You can also visit the exhibition dedicated to William Butler Yeats if you’re interested in his life and work.

NLI is also featured in one of my Dublin Shorts. If you’re curious, check out GPO & National Library of Ireland for free? Open House Dublin adventures | Dublin Diaries Ep. 12.

• Website: National Library of Ireland
• Ticket price: Free admission to exhibitions. Reading Room requires a Reader’s Ticket (online application). 
• LOCAL TIP: The Reading Room is sometimes open without registration during Open House Dublin, held every October. 
• Opening time: Monday, Thursday, Friday: 9:30 am – 5 pm, Tuesday – Wednesday: 9:30 am – 7 pm, Saturday – Sunday: 9:30 am – 5 pm

Dublinia

Dublinia is one of the best ways to explore the city’s Viking and medieval past, located right beside Christ Church. The exhibitions recreate daily life in Viking Dublin through walk-through scenes, artefacts, and interactive displays. You can even climb the tower for a view over the city.

It’s definitely not your typical museum experience, which makes it more fun and engaging. Personally, I found the medieval Dublin section more interesting than the Viking part, especially the detailed 3D model of the city.

• Website: Dublinia
• Ticket price: 18 EUR
• Opening time: Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm (till 5 pm, from October to March)

Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI)

This is a must-visit if you love literature, and even if you don’t, it might still surprise you. The exhibition is modern, interactive, and genuinely engaging. I didn’t expect this from a literature museum… From James Joyce’s letters and Dublin landmarks to romantic fiction corners and creative kids’ sections, it’s a literary experience for everyone.

I visited during Open House Dublin, which also included a guided tour of the neighbouring University College Dublin building. We explored beautiful staircases, chandeliers, hidden rooms, and learned some quirky historical facts along the way.

MoLI is also featured in one of my Dublin Shorts. If you’re curious, check out MoLI, Dublin Castle & the Coolest FREE Tours! | Open House Dublin Weekend | Dublin Diaries Ep. 13.

• LOCAL TIP: MoLI was open during Open House Dublin in 2025, which is held every October, when you can visit for free, but tickets must be booked in advance in September. Beyond the guided tour, we also had free access to the exhibition. 
• Website: MoLI
• Ticket price: 12 EUR (exhibition), 18 EUR (historic house tour)
• Opening time: Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm

National Print Museum

The National Print Museum is not your typical museum, it’s a working space where many of the machines are still in use. You can see the history of printing come to life, from traditional techniques to old presses like the Gutenberg press and the Heidelberg platen press.

You’ll learn about composing, printing, and finishing processes, and even the story behind the famous sentence “the quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.” The highlight for me was printing a personalised poster with my name on it.

There’s also a café on-site, Press Cafe, so you can grab brunch or coffee before or after your visit.

• Website: National Print Museum
• Ticket price: Free admission
• Opening time: Monday: closed, Tuesday-Friday: 10 am – 4 pm, Saturday – Sunday: 12 pm – 4 pm

Watch my YouTube short for more information about the museum and the brunch place:

Free Indoor Activities in the Best Dublin Art Galleries

Dublin’s galleries offer everything from classic masterpieces to bold contemporary art, and the best part is, they’re all free to visit. If you’re looking for free indoor activities in Dublin, this is a great place to start.

National Gallery of Ireland

This beautiful neoclassical building is home to over 16,000 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and decorative arts. The gallery spaces themselves are bright, colourful, and really pleasant to walk through.

I have to admit, the interiors impressed me even more than some of the artworks, especially since the portrait section wasn’t my favourite. Still, it’s a lovely place to spend an hour or two.

The museum shop is also worth a visit, with lots of fun and unique souvenirs. I ended up buying a pair of socks with a cool Ireland-themed design.

• Website: National Gallery
• Ticket price: Free admission
• Opening time: Monday: 11 am – 5:30 pm, Tuesday – Wednesday: 9:15 am – 5:30 pm, Thursday: 9:15 am – 8:30 pm, Friday – Saturday: 9:15 am – 5:30 pm, Sunday: 11 am – 5:30 pm

Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)

IMMA is set in the stunning 17th-century Royal Hospital Kilmainham, which is worth visiting on its own, even before stepping inside. The exhibitions focus on contemporary art and often explore thought-provoking themes.

I’ve been here several times, and the exhibitions have always been impressive. The museum shop is also awesome. I usually end up buying an artistic jigsaw puzzle every time I visit.

Don’t miss the gardens outside. You’ll find neatly shaped bushes, statues, a fountain, flowers, and even some playful 2D apple trees.

• Website: IMMA
• Ticket price: Free admission
• Opening time: Monday: closed, Tuesday, Thursday – Saturday: 10 am – 5:30 pm, Wednesday: 11:30 am – 5:30 pm, Sunday: 12 pm – 5:30 pm

Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts (RHA)

The RHA is one of Ireland’s oldest artist-led institutions, founded in 1823 to support and promote Irish art. Today, it hosts a rotating programme of exhibitions, from contemporary works to its well-known Annual Exhibition featuring both emerging and established artists.

The gallery feels more intimate and less overwhelming than larger museums, which makes it easy to explore at your own pace.

• Website: RHA Gallery
• Ticket price: Free admission
• Opening time: Monday: closed, Tuesday – Friday: 7:30 am – 5 pm, Saturday: 11 am – late, Sunday: 12 – 5 pm

The Douglas Hyde Gallery of Contemporary Art

Located inside Trinity College Dublin, this gallery focuses on cutting-edge contemporary art. The exhibitions change regularly and often highlight experimental or emerging artists, so each visit feels different. It’s a smaller space, which actually makes it easier to take everything in without feeling overwhelmed.

Fun fact!

Despite its central location, it’s still a bit of a hidden gem that many visitors to Trinity completely miss.

• Website: The Douglas Hyde Gallery
• Ticket price: Free admission
• Note: The gallery closes between exhibitions, so it’s worth checking the website before visiting.
• Opening time: Monday – Tuesday: closed, Wednesday, Friday – Sunday: 12 – 5 pm, Thursday: 12 – 6 pm

Irish Whiskey Tastings & Distillery Tours in Dublin

You can’t talk about Ireland without mentioning whiskey. These distilleries offer guided tours, tastings, and a behind-the-scenes look at how Irish whiskey is made. If you want more details, check out my full blog post about the best whiskey distilleries and tours in Dublin.

Jameson Distillery Bow St.

As the most famous Irish whiskey brands, Jameson needs no introduction.

The tour takes you through three immersive rooms, each focusing on a different part of Jameson’s story. It starts with the brand’s origins, then moves into the whiskey-making process, including ingredients and ageing. In the final room, you get to taste three different types of Jameson whiskey.

At the end of the tour, you can enjoy a drink at the bar. It’s a very polished and well-run experience. No surprise, considering it’s one of the world’s most popular distillery tours. That said, it felt a bit too touristy for me, especially with how busy the bar gets. Still, if you’re a Jameson fan, it’s definitely worth doing at least once.

• Website: Jameson Irish Whiskey
• Jameson Bow St. Experience ticket price: 30 EUR (26 EUR during off-peak hours), check the website for more options 
• LOCAL TIP: Weekends get busy, so it’s best to book your ticket online in advance.
• Opening time: Monday – Thursday: 10 am – 6 pm, Friday – Saturday: 10 am – 7 pm, Sunday: 12 – 6 pm

Teeling Whiskey Distillery

Teeling stands out for doing things a bit differently, combining traditional methods with more modern techniques. Since the distillery is fully operational, you get to see the whole process up close from ingredients to machinery, including the impressive copper stills.

We also saw different barrels and the whiskey’s changing colour as it ages, which was really interesting. The design of the space adds to the experience too, it feels modern but still authentic.

After the tour, we had cocktails at the Bang Bang Bar, which was a great way to wrap it up. Overall, it was a really enjoyable experience and a great way to learn something new while trying different flavours.

• Website: Teeling Distillery
• Teeling Tasting Tour ticket price: 20 EUR, check the website for more options
• Opening time: Monday – Sunday: 11 am – 6 pm

Roe & Co Distillery 

Roe & Co was easily my favourite whiskey experience in Dublin. From the moment you arrive, the place stands out, from the stylish garden area to the bold industrial building.

Our guide, Luke, was both friendly and knowledgeable, walking us through the history before explaining the whiskey-making process in a really engaging way. The highlight was the cocktail workshop, where we were given our own kits to experiment with flavours and create our own drinks.

After that, we tried even more cocktails at the Power House Bar, made by professional bartenders. The attention to detail here is next level, from the design of the tickets to the cocktail spoons and menus. Just wooooow.

• Website: Roe and Co Distillery
• Flavours Experience & Cocktail Workshop ticket price: 25 EUR, check the website for more options
• Opening time: Monday – Wednesday: 12 – 5 pm, Thursday: 12 – 8:30 pm, Friday – Saturday: 12 – 9:30 pm, Sunday: 12 – 7:30 pm

Pearse Lyons Distillery

This distillery is set inside a former church, St. James’s Church, which makes it one of the most unique places on this list. And it’s an actual working distillery. The interior is stunning, featuring stained-glass windows, chandeliers, and a beautiful wooden roof structure. The modern distilling equipment blends surprisingly well with the historic setting.

During the tour, we learned about the whiskey-making process, and this was the only place where we could actually smell the whiskey at different stages, which made the experience even more memorable.

Overall, I really enjoyed this visit. It’s a great mix of history, design, and whiskey tasting.

• Website: Pearse Lyons Distillery
• Trilogy Tour & Tasting Experience ticket price: 20 EUR, check the website for more options
• Opening time: Monday – Saturday: 10:30 am – 6 pm, Sunday: 11:30 am – 6 pm

Watch this YouTube Short to compare Dublin’s best whiskey distilleries and tours!

And subscribe to my YouTube channel to catch the upcoming travel videos. 

Pubs & Fun Indoor Activities in Dublin

If you just want to keep things relaxed and social, Dublin has you covered. From cosy pubs to quirky activities, these are perfect for switching off, having a laugh, and enjoying the city like a local.

Pubs, pubs and more pubs

Ireland is famous for Guinness and its pub culture, and the most visited area is probably Temple Bar. Don’t go just for the (slightly overpriced) pints, go for the atmosphere. I actually prefer Temple Bar during the day, when it’s more relaxed and less crowded. That’s when you can really enjoy the colourful buildings, flags, flower-filled facades, and that classic Irish vibe.

When it’s raining, it’s even better to head inside, grab a pint, and listen to live Irish music.

That said, there’s so much more to Dublin’s pub scene than Temple Bar. If you explore a bit further, you’ll find local favourites with more authentic charm, better prices, and a cosy atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. Every pub has its own personality. Cassidy’s is eclectic and full of character, O’Donoghue’s Bar is a bit hidden, but famous for live music, The Cobblestone is traditional and legendary for Irish music, and The Dawson Lounge is the smallest pub in Dublin.

Workshops and fun activities

If you’re in the mood to try something new, Dublin has plenty of fun indoor activities where you can learn a skill, meet locals, and bring home a unique memory.

• Axe throwing at Axe Club: Super fun and a bit of a workout too. The instructors are really helpful and give great tips, so you improve quickly. 
• Attend a Butlers Factory Tour: Learn how chocolate is made, decorate your own treats, and enjoy a tasting. Great for families and anyone with a sweet tooth.
• Improve your cooking or baking skills at Howth Castle Cookery School: From Asian street food to seafood chowder, there’s a class for everyone. Watch the videos about our Sunday Brunch Ideas and Steak Night classes.
• Create your own jewellery with Silver Works Dublin: Choose from a range of workshops and create a ring or pendant for yourself.  
• Get artsy and knotty with Dublin Tufting: Make your own rug, handbag, or mirror piece in a fun, creative workshop. 
• Dublin landmark silkscreen printing with JANDO: Attend a printing workshop and bring home your own Dublin poster. 
• Hop on a Vintage Tea Trips bus: Enjoy afternoon tea while sightseeing around Dublin.  

Discover the food and coffee scene of Dublin

Another great indoor activity? Eating your way through Dublin. From traditional dishes like Guinness stew, quality Irish beef, and fresh seafood to international cuisines, there’s something for every taste. My personal favourite is a good seafood chowder, simple but so satisfying.

And of course, Dublin’s coffee and brunch scene deserves a mention. There are so many great spots across the city, from cosy cafés to trendy brunch places. If you’re looking for recommendations, check out my other blog posts on the best brunch spots in North and South Dublin.

I know this was a long one, but now you can see there’s no shortage of indoor activities in Dublin when the weather isn’t on your side. And it’s definitely more than just museums and pubs.

So next time you’re planning a rainy day in Dublin, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, whether you’re into culture, food, or something a bit more fun and different. Pick your favourites, explore at your own pace, and make the most of your time in the city.

Which would be your go-to rainy day activity in Dublin? Leave a comment below. 

For more travel tips about Dublin and Ireland, read the following posts:

• Dublin Bucket List – 26 Things to Do in Dublin, Ireland – A Local’s Picks
• How to spend a day in Kilkenny, Ireland? – Perfect day trip from Dublin
• 6 Things You Can’t Miss in Howth – Day trip from Dublin, Ireland
• Best Dublin Walks and Hikes Accessible by Public Transport, A Local’s Picks

Pin the photos for later to have them on Pinterest. Write a comment also on Pinterest and tell me your opinion.