Dublin is an incredible city year-round, but when you experience Dublin when it’s warm and sunny, it’s a different experience. If you’re new to Ireland or are just looking for some new spots to soak in the summer sun, we have the best attractions, bars and activities around.
Dublin’s Must-Visit Summer Attractions:
National Wax Museum:
The National Wax Museum is a classic! They have an almost endless number of exhibits and activities that will match any and all age groups, from 7 to 70. Located on Westmoreland Street, we couldn’t recommend this gem enough.
The Book Of Kells Experience:
The Book of Kells is an iconic piece of Irish culture, located in Trinity College Dublin. The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript of the four gospels of the New Testament. It truly is a must-see if you find yourself in Dublin.
Vintage Tea Trips:
If there’s one thing that the Irish like more than sunny weather, it’s tea, so it comes as no surprise that there’s a tour of the city with a focus on tea. The tours are in a refurbished double-decker bus that was used in the past in London. With delicious tea and perfect finger foods, Vintage Tea Trips is an unmissable experience in Dublin.
Night tour by Big Bus:
Dublin is a completely different city after dark. The beauty of our city explodes when the sun goes down. The tour is only an hour long and will show you the highlights of Dublin town.
Trinity College Dublin:
Trinity College is a very well rounded attraction, with a beautiful campus, lovely staff and students, and plenty of awesome museums and exhibits to take a look at, located right in the heart of the city, Trinity is one of the best places to go during the summertime.
Food and Drink in Dublin’s Summertime:
Smokin Bones:
There aren’t many foods that scream summer like barbeque, and no one does barbeque like Smokin’ Bones. No matter what your barbecue order normally is, Smokin’ Bones will give you the best you’ve ever had.
Sheehan’s:
Sheehan’s on Chatham Street is an authentically Irish pub, from feels to food to firewater, there aren’t many who can do pubs like Sheehan’s can.
Beanhive Coffee:
Beanhive has some of the best coffee around, and that’s based only on taste. If we’re talking about how it looks, well, I mean, just look at it, and that’s the tip of the iceberg. Beanhive has exceptional staff, produce and vibe.
Sophie’s:
There’s no better dining view (in my opinion) than there is at Sophie’s, the floor-to-ceiling windows offer a 360 view of Dublin’s beautiful landscape. Their menu is inspired by New York Italian food with dishes like seafood linguine, ravioli brasati and grilled seabass.
Coppinger:
Coppinger, one of Dublin’s best-loved venues, has always been the last word in cool, having hosted some of the highest-profile diners around. If you have a special midweek lunch or a bespoke night to remember, they will be ready to show you a good time. The beautiful new space is perfectly equipped to host any event, and they are eager to welcome Dublin’s trendiest patrons.
Bambino:
Bambino is an authentic New York pizza place on Stephens Street Lower that has recently become a little micro celebrity among the people of Dublin. It won’t matter what your favourite slice is because Bambino already has every flavour you could ever want.
The Drury Buildings:
The food served here is designed to be shared and enjoyed, and they have mastered both. With plenty of vegan and vegetarian dishes (and meat dishes), there’s something at the Drury Buildings for everyone.
Woolshed Bar & Grill:
With three massive screens and 15 plasmas, they can show a huge variety of different sports, often at the same time. As you cheer on your favourite team while enjoying your favourite drink, you can top it off with a delicious snack or main course from the extensive food menu. Try a new beer or spirit from their large drinks menu of world beers, wines, cocktails and shots. But the party is not over when the final whistle blows, they love to carry on the night with fun events such as table quizzes, comedy, karaoke and let the sounds of the samba get your hips shaking on the Brazilian night.
The Winding Stair:
The Winding Star is another restaurant with a beautiful view of our beautiful city, located right next to Ha’Penny Bridge, you can look up from your meal and take in the River Liffey along with the chaotic and orderly fashion of Dublin’s foot traffic.
Fun for the whole family in Dublin:
City Kayaking:
If you have ever wanted to go on the River Liffey, then I have good news for you: City Kayaking can let you do just that. If the sun is out, then why not take a trip on the Liffey? If you’re worried about falling in, however, then let me put your mind at ease. Each kayak has an easy, beginner-friendly ” sit-on-top” design that will ensure the easiest experience possible.
National Museum of Ireland – Natural History:
In my personal opinion, the National Museum of Ireland is the best museum in the country, with almost 2 million different species on display, it’s nearly impossible to get bored when you’re here, and while kids do usually hate museums, I can guarantee that this one will be different, trust me, I’ve seen it first hand.
GPO:
The GPO is arguably one of Ireland’s most famous buildings, and rightfully so. Whether you learned about the GPO in school, on your own time, or have never even heard of it, the tours at the GPO are sure to be filled with new information and exciting lessons.
EPIC Museum:
The EPIC Museum is the perfect place to go for a day out with the family over the summer. This museum helps teach kids about the history of our country, all in a fun and bite-sized way. But it’s not only for the kids either, there is plenty of information that even the adults won’t know, so if you want a fun day out in town, then look no further than the EPIC museum on The Custom House Quay.
Viking Splash Tour:
There’s honestly nothing that better fits the title of “family friendly” than Viking splash tour, no matter what age you are, you’re sure to have fun. This Irish icon will take you to some of Dublin’s best cathedrals and Georgian era area’s before gently brining you into the Grand Canal Basin, because these vehicles (for those who don’t know) are amphibious.
The National Leprechaun Museum:
The National Leprechaun Museum is the best place to go to learn about Irish folklore in a fun and interesting way. Their tour guides are phenomenal and are jam packed with information.
Walking and Cycling Tours of Dublin:
James Joyce Centre Walking Tours:
The James Joyce Centre hosts walking tours of Dublin, one of which is a route that James Joyce would have walked himself, and the other is a tour that retraces the steps of Leopold Bloom in Joyce’s classic novel, Ulysses.
Bike Rental From Shaka Bike Shop:
Shak may not have guided tours for you to experience, but what they do have is the option to rent a bike from them. So if you’re looking for a more active way to see Dublin or even to just leave the house, Shaka bike shop is the place for you.
Rebel Rising Guided Tour @ the GPO:
The Rebel Rising tour at the GPO is a tour that will take you to some of the most important areas and buildings in the 1916 Easter Rising, all the while giving fun and informative information.
The Football Walking Tour of Dublin:
The Little Museum of Dublin has an excellent walking tour on offer, it is led by the actor Gary Cooke and the European Parliament member Aodhán Ó’Ríordáin. The tour covers some of Ireland’s best football moments, along with hilarious jokes, ancient gossip and most importantly, an incredible experience.
Dublin’s Summer Shopping Hotspots
Ilac Shopping Centre:
Located on Henry Street, the Ilac Centre has a plethora of incredible shops for food, clothes, shoes, repairs, stationery and many more. If there’s anything you ned, the IUlac is almost sure to have it.
Grafton Street + Stephens Green Shopping Centre:
Arguably one of the most iconic parts of town, Grafton Street is a major hub for all things shopping. If you’re looking for the more “mainstream” brands, then Grafton Street is the place for you, but on the other hand, the Stephen’s Green shopping centre has a plethora of more “underground” shops, thus striking the perfect balance. And if you don’t believe me, then just take a look.
Jervis Shopping Centre:
The Jervis Shopping Centre, located on Abbey Street Upper, has a very wide range of shops, so whether you need some food, new clothes, a phone repair, your car cleaned or even shoe repairs, Jervis has all the shops to help you.
Powerscourt Centre:
The Powerscourt Centre is, in my opinion, the most interesting shopping centre in Dublin, because it was repurposed from an old townhouse into a beautiful and eclectic shopping centre that you just can’t reproduce.
Dublin by Night: Summer Evenings
Nightlife:
The nightlife in Dublin is unbeatable, you won’t be able to find a better atmosphere anywhere else, whether you just want to go out for a pint, if you want to go to a cocktail bar, or even if you want to go to a comedy night, Dublin has the best selection of things to see and do in the evening.
Clubs:
You may have seen 37 Dawson Street’s giant golden gorilla in their window, but you may not know that they are also one of the most interesting and unique pubs in town. With wacky and peculiar artwork lining every wall, there are endless amounts of eye candy. But we can’t talk about 37 Dawson Street without mentioning their delicious and (once again) unique cocktails that will be sure to knock you off your feet.
Soho is a very flexible nightclub, what I mean by this is the range of the events/themed nights is almost unreal. From up-and-coming DJs to Bollywood nights to over 30’s nights, Soho has an endless list of great ideas that you’re sure to love.
Twenty-two is an exceptional nightclub, with great music, great people, great vibes and the greatest drinks. If you find yourself on Anne Street.
Mother is a gay nightclub located in LoSt LaNe (Which is a live music venue), they have a very dedicated staff that will ensure you have the best time possible.
Pubs:
It may be impossible to find a more Irish bar than Doyle’s, founded in 1770. Doyle’s has been serving delicious traditional Irish meals and perfect pints of Guinness for a long time.
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The Blind Pig Speakeasy is a classy cocktail bar located underground on Suffolk Street, named after the police who would turn a blind eye to the bar during prohibition. The drinks served here are of the highest possible order, the staff frequently makes sure their cocktails are the best that they can make, and it works, plain and simple.
You can find the Mint Bar in the College Green Hotel on Westmoreland Street. They serve food, drinks, and memorable nights, so if you’re in the market for any of those things, then The Mint Bar is the perfect place for you to go.
Named after the booming textile business that was located on the same street in the past, The Rag Trader is now focused on being one of the best bars in town. And with their accomplishment of winning best whiskey bar in Ireland 2018, we think they have done just that.
Navigating Dublin in Summer:
Sun Cream:
If you come from a colder country, then you may not know the ritual of putting on sunscreen whenever the temperature is above 15 degrees, and while it’s not a necessity, we really recommend that you put on a layer or two to avoid sunburn.
Transportation:
There are several ways to get around town, and Dublin as a whole. The Dublin Bus can take you all over Dublin, the Luas is an incredibly easy way to travel from the North side to the South side and from the West of Dublin to the East. And if you plan on going further up and down Dublin, then the Dart is always there, and that will take you where you want to go.
Clothing:
While summertime in Dublin is beautiful, it is also unpredictable. As any Irish person will tell you, it could rain any day of the week, no matter the forecast, so it’s not a terrible idea to have an extra layer on your person.
