25 things to do in Dublin on a rainy day

A trip to Dublin in Ireland will probably leave your friends green with envy, however, sometimes the weather doesn't want to play ball. But don't let a few drops of water dampen your spirits - this fair city has plenty of things to do even when it rains, making it a great destination for city breaks. There are museums to navigate your way around, bus tours which will take you through the heart of the city, and more. Plus, with many historic buildings having fascinating stories to share, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Ireland’s capital city this way. Dublin is perfect for a city break, offering a mix of indoor and outdoor attractions that are enjoyable regardless of the weather. Grab an umbrella, put your hood up, and head to one of these attractions in Dublin. Here's just a selection of fun things to do even when it's raining.

The city's sightseeing card, the Dublin Pass, could be well worth a shout when the weather is bad out. Choose from one, two, three or six day passes and get a free transfer from the airport, and free, fast-track entry into 33 of the top attractions in the city - handy if everyone else has the same idea.

Hop onto one of the sightseeing bus tours (maybe avoiding the top deck if it's open) and get a real feel for Dublin. There are plenty of varieties; historic and key attractions, literary legends and even comedy; so there’s no way that the weather has to compromise whatever Ireland holidays you had planned. Booking onto a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus tour is your best bet if you want to see all the top attractions. The green double deckers of Dublin Bus Tours have been a staple of the roads in the city for more than 25 years - and kids go free with adults on some tours. The red open-top buses of CitySightseeing also do Dublin tours and - if you don't jump off - you can go round the city in one and a half hours. If it's still pelting it down in the evening, maybe take the atmospheric night Ghostbus tour. 

There's plenty to see at Dublin Castle, with the historic site sprawling over 11 acres. Founded in 1204, the grounds, library and Revenue Museum are all free to explore - however you'll have to buy a ticket to see the State Apartments (the most important "rooms" in Ireland. This is where Irish presidents are inaugurated, and is suitably decadently styled with high panelled ceilings and handmade Donegal carpets). If you choose to take the guided tour, you'll also get to visit the Medieval Undercroft and Chapel Royal - which has beautiful plaster decoration and oak carvings. 

Start from the bottom when you visit Christ Church Cathedral (est. 1028), as you'll be well away from the rain down in the vast medieval crypt. Don't miss saying hello to Tom & Jerry - the mummified cat and dog down there. They're very famous and were even honoured with a mention in James Joyce's Finnegans Wake. Upstairs, you can have a go at ringing the bells in the Belfry or climb up the stairs of the bell tower for some amazing views. You can also do a guided tour of the cathedral. While you're there, don't forget to visit Dublinia next door and discover more about the city's past, harking back to the Viking age and medieval times.

If you want a great tour explaining Ireland's journey to independence from the 1780s to the 1920s - Kilmainham Jail is a great place to start. Tours are sold on a first-come, first-served basis - so if it's wet - you might want to get there early to ensure a spot.

Dublin’s literary history is a rich tapestry woven with the words of iconic writers whose legacies continue to shape the city’s cultural landscape. Known as a UNESCO City of Literature, Dublin boasts an impressive roster of literary figures, including James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, W.B. Yeats, and George Bernard Shaw. These luminaries not only found inspiration in the city’s streets but also contributed to its vibrant literary scene, with many landmarks reflecting their influence. On a rainy day, visitors can explore the Dublin Writers Museum or the James Joyce Centre, immersing themselves in the lives and works of these celebrated authors. This literary heritage creates a unique atmosphere, inviting book lovers and casual readers alike to appreciate the city’s profound connection to the written word.

The penguins probably won't mind a spot of rain at Dublin Zoo - and in any case they'll definitely be out and about for daily feeding time at 2.30pm. Opened in 1831, this is one of the oldest zoos in the world, and they provide habitats across their vast site for more than 400 animals, including gorillas, giraffes, rhinos and hippos. Phoenix Park, where the zoo is located, is also home to the President of Ireland - you can tour the main reception rooms of Áras an Uachtaráin every Saturday.

The city that produced playwrights Samuel Beckett and Oscar Wilde has plenty of places to get your theatre fill. The Gaiety Theatre first opened its doors in 1871, and they still put on a blend of plays, musicals, opera and dance shows - and of course panto if you're visiting over Christmas. The Olympia Theatre started off life as a music hall. Radiohead, David Bowie and Adele have played there, along with the creme of Irish acting talent such as Cillian Murphy, Stephen Rea and Brendan Gleeson.

Pubs and bars

Most visitors to Dublin will have the Guinness Storehouse® on their list whatever the weather (the views from the rooftop bar are fantastic), but this is a great place to visit when it's wet outside. From the moment you see the world's largest pint glass, and look up the seven stories devoted to the black stuff, you know you're in for a treat (including an authentic pint at the end). Book a tour or if you want to delve deeper into Ireland's iconic drink, or there are other experiences to try at the St. James's Gate Brewery too.

If you've got a taste for the harder stuff, go for a guided tour around the Jameson Irish Whiskey experience. The Old Jameson Distillery dates back to the 18th century, making it one of the most famous whiskey brands. It's still in its original Bow Street location in Smithfield Dublin. You can also visit the Irish Whiskey Museum in Dublin, which takes you through the spirit's history if you want to find out even more.

You won't find a more Irish experience than Croke Park, especially on match day. The home of the Gaelic Games for more than a century, you can also visit the super museum dedicated to the country's two national games, hurling and Gaelic football. If the weather isn't too appalling you can take the Etihad Skyline Tour, which gives you amazing views across Dublin and beyond from the roof of the stadium.

If you can go to a match at the Aviva Stadium, there's no better place to experience the 'craic' of a live game - if nothing else take a tour of the arena. The home province for Dublin is Leinster who usually play out of the RDS in Donnybrook. Or if you can't get a ticket, local pubs around the grounds are always full to the brim with a great atmosphere on match days.

... there's no harm in trying some watersports. The Grand Canal is a great place to start, with the first cable wakeboard park in Ireland, Wakedock.  Rather than be pulled along by a boat, the cable guides you round the course. See the River Liffey, which flows through the centre of Dublin, from a duck's eye view by kayak -  City Kayaking Dublin offers guided paddles along water. If you want to head out into the sea, try Shearwater Sea Kayaking, based a short drive from Dublin, who offer guided tours of the Dublin coast line. Head down to the quayside in Dublin Bay, where you'll be able to pick up a sightseeing boat tour of the coast from operators like Dublin Bay Cruises. You can also cruise up the River Liffey, sheltered from the elements, with Dublin Discovered Boat Tours.

The free National Gallery of Ireland is a good place to while away a few hours, looking at some beautiful paintings. You can see works by stellar artists like Caravaggio, Gainsborough, Goya, Monet and Rembrandt. There's also a thriving street art scene in the city, with Visit Dublin even commissioning their own piece in City Quay by James Earley. On the wall outside of the Button Factory bar in Temple Bar, you can also see the portrait of BP Fallon on the outside wall (see above image).

This is what Dubliners' affectionately call the Museum of Natural History, part of the National Museum of Ireland. There are plenty of skeletons and taxidermy of animals of all shapes and sizes, from a hamster right up to the giant Irish deer - one of whose antlers has a 3.5m span.

Dublin’s National Museums are worth visiting come rain or shine. Each section of the National Museum is covered in a different building. There’s an impressive collection of historic items on display, dating as far back as the prehistoric age through to the Vikings and the struggle for Independence. 

Suspend disbelief as you enter The National Leprechaun Museum - this is a fun way to learn more about Irish myths and legends - and discover if there is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

The Fitzwiliam Hotel in Dublin offers five-star treatment in its Beauty Salon - it's got a great central location, next to Grafton Street for the shopping and Temple Bar for the nightlife, or you can just eat at its Michelin-starred restaurant, Thornton's. 

Grafton Street is often regarded as Dublin’s main shopping district, and is a brilliant, pedestrianized affair complete with street buskers and excellent shops. So it’s fitting to pay a visit to Brown Thomas, an Irish department store with branches in Cork, Galway and Limerick. There are many high-end designer brands like Chanel, Prada and Tiffany & Co that have their stores here, all of which contribute to a luxurious, glamorous air. If you need to rest your feet after all that shopping, head up to the third floor restaurant, where you can wait for the rain to stop with a cup of coffee or spot of food.For some Irish design jewellery, Aran gifts, clothing and Irish crystal head to the Kilkenny Shop on Nassau Street which is next to Grafton Street and across from Trinity College.

If you want to see some of the coast use the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) to travel a little further afield.

Head north from the city centre to the neighbourhood which is home to the free National Botanic Gardens of Ireland. Built in 1795, there are now more than 300 endangered plant species found here, and there's shelter in the Glasshouses. You should also visit Glasnevin Cemetery and Museum. One of the famous tours will show you where all the Irish leaders of the Independence War are buried.