Chances are you’re expecting a bit of bad weather when you’re coming to Ireland. But that’s no reason to worry. We have compiled for you a list of the best things to do in Dublin on a rainy day.
The Irish capital city has morphed into one of the best and most exciting cities in Europe and it is also the coffee capital of Europe. It is home to a burgeoning population of over a million people and is the epicentre of activity on the Emerald Isle.
The key point here is that Dublin is in Ireland, a country that is partial to a bit of rainfall. In fact, throughout the year, Dublin City accumulates 128 rainfall days. Quite a lot.
However, don’t let this scupper your plans. Like any European metropolis, Dublin has you covered when the rain comes. You could pack a weekend with ease in the city with our list of the 20 best things to do in Dublin on a rainy day, ranked.
20. Drink in Dublin’s oldest bar – a toast to the past
The Brazen Head Pub was founded in 1198 and is the capital’s oldest bar. It would be a sin not to have a pint here.
Enjoying pints, Irish music, and good craic is one of our favourite rainy day activities.
Address: Brazen Head Pub, 20 Lower Bridge St, Usher’s Quay, Dublin, D08 WC64, Ireland
19. The National Wax Museum – popular visitor attraction
The National Wax Museum is one of Dublin’s most popular visitor attractions. Gaze at the wax figures of some of Ireland’s most famous people and take a picture next to them.
Address: The Lafayette Building, 22-25 Westmoreland St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
18. Christ Church Cathedral – 1000 years of history
Christ Church has stood tall in Dublin for almost 1,000 years. It is one of Dublin’s two medieval cathedrals. You will be in awe of its exquisite architecture.
Address: 8 Christchurch Pl, Wood Quay, Dublin 8, Ireland
17. Concert at the Olympia – one of the best Dublin experiences
One of the best things to do in Dublin on a rainy day is to attend a concert at the iconic Olympia Theatre. It is a superb indoor venue that has hosted some of the world’s best acts.
Address: 3Olympia Theatre, 72 Dame St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 K135, Ireland
16. Irish Whiskey Museum – drink in the history of Irish whiskey
Take the guided tour in the heart of Dublin city and drink in the history of Irish whiskey. Plenty of tastings accompany your tour at this interactive museum.
Address: 119 Grafton Street, Dublin, D02 E620, Ireland
15. National Gallery of Ireland – discover Georgian Dublin
The National Gallery of Ireland is Georgian Dublin realised. It is home to the national collection of Irish and European art. The beauty of the art is matched by the exterior of Merrion Street.
Address: Merrion Square W, Dublin 2, D02 K303, Ireland
14. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum – Ireland’s impact on the world
A three-time winner of Europe’s Leading Tourist attraction, its interactive journey explains how a nation as small as Ireland made a massive impact worldwide.
Address: The Chq Building, Custom House Quay, North Dock, Dublin 1, Ireland
13. Museum of Literature Ireland – discover the city’s literary heritage
One of the best things to do in Dublin on a rainy day is head to MoLI.
It documents Ireland’s rich literary heritage and history, with prominent exhibits relating to Oscar Wilde and James Joyce, who were some of the best Irish authors of all time.
Address: UCD Naughton Joyce Centre, 86 St Stephen’s Green, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin
12. Visit a bookshop – head in the books
Dublin is home to an array of bookshops. When the rain hits, take comfort in a bookshop and spend the day away flicking through books, new and old.
11. Walk through Grafton Street and St Stephen’s Green – embrace the weather
Forget about the rain. Grab an umbrella and hot coffee and take a walk through the charming Grafton Street and beautiful Stephen’s Green.
If you are feeling bold, take a walk through Phoenix Park, too.
10. Dublin Castle – one of the homes of British power
Dublin Castle is one of the best things to do on a rainy day in Dublin. From a Viking Settlement to the seat of British power to the handover of power to Michael Collins. The tour is a must-do. Irish castles are a great day trip to and from Dublin, you must visit at least one!
Address: Dame St, Dublin 2, Ireland
9. Go shopping – one of the best things to do in Dublin on a rainy day
Dublin is great for shopping. So, when the rain pours, head to O’Connell Street, Grafton Street, or Jervis Shopping Centre.
8. St Patrick’s Cathedral – relic of Medieval Dublin
Another of the remaining titans from Medieval Dublin now sits as the home of the Church of Ireland. St Patrick’s Cathedral is a stunning building built between 1220 and 1260.
Address: St Patrick’s Close, Dublin 8, A96 P599, Ireland
7. National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology – a haven for researchers
The National Museum of Ireland is described as the country’s “primary repository of ancient Irish artefacts”.
A haven for resources who want to delve into the historical events of Ireland’s past.
Address: Kildare St, Dublin 2, Ireland
6. Trinity College Library – a stunning indoor collection of books
One of Ireland’s most beautiful indoor structures and the largest of the Cambridge College Libraries can be found at Trinity College Dublin.
The Trinity College Library is home to 300,000 volumes of books, as well as the Book of Kells, one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.
Address: Old Library, College Green, South-East Inner City, Dublin 2, D02 VR66, Ireland
5. Drink at the Temple Bar – Dublin’s most iconic pub
No visit to Dublin is complete without a drink in the Temple Bar, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Brought to life by the people, the traditional music, and the pints of Guinness. The entire district is worth a visit.
Address: Dublin, Ireland
4. Jameson Distillery Tour – one of the world’s best distillery tours
Jameson is one of the most revered whiskey drinks in the world, and if you are a fan, you have to do the distillery tour. Undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Dublin on a rainy day.
Address: Bow St, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 N9VH, Ireland
3. Guinness Storehouse – immerse yourself in the story of one of Ireland’s most famous breweries
A must-do attraction during a rainy afternoon in Dublin. It details the rich history of Ireland’s most famous drink and offers a pint with incredible panoramic views of the city at the finish line.
Address: St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8, D08 VF8H, Ireland
2. Watch a game at Croke Park or the Aviva – an unforgettable experience
There are few better experiences than a packed Croke Park for a championship Gaelic Football game or a packed Aviva for an Ireland rugby international fixture.
The weather certainly won’t dampen your mood, either.
1. Kilmainham Gaol – a significant part of Irish history
Topping our list of the best things to do in Dublin on a rainy day is Kilmainham Gaol.
One of the most popular tourist attractions and significant places in Irish history and a must for scholars of Ireland’s past.
Address: Inchicore Rd, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, D08 RK28, Ireland
Notable mentions
Dublin City Gallery: Found in Charlemont House. The foremost collection of contemporary art.
Croke Park Stadium Tour and Museum: Delve into the incredible history of Ireland’s premier sporting body and its famed Headquarters, one of Europe’s best stadiums.
Dundrum Shopping Centre: Head out of the city on a rainy day to Dundrum Town Centre for a full day of shopping.
Hugh Lane Gallery: A fantastic contemporary art museum, art lovers will be in heaven at the Hugh Lane Gallery.
Marsh’s Library: This beautiful Dublin library is full of history as the spot where Bram Stoker and James Joyce once frequented.
Chester Beatty Library: Free admission. Described as one of the best museums in Dublin, it is home to a breathtaking collection of art, manuscripts, books, prints, and drawings.
FAQs about the best things to do in Dublin on a rainy day
What are the best indoor activities in Dublin?
Dublin city is filled with excellent indoor activities. The best would be the Jameson Distillery, Kilmainham Gaol, the Guinness Storehouse, and the National Museum of Ireland.
What are the best things to do in Dublin for free?
Dublin is filled with free museums and art galleries across the city centre. Crossing Ha’Penny Bridge, walking city parks, and strolling Dame Street, Henrietta Street, and O’Connell Street are also worth doing.
What is there to do on a rainy Sunday in Dublin?
Much of the above applies. Make sure to check in advance, but if your itinerary consists of some of what we have mentioned above, you are sorted.
