Ireland is quite famous for its changing weather and for being a rainy country. While we can assure you it isn’t as bad as people tend to believe, rainy days do happen. We run our food tours rain or shine but we thought we’d share a list of the top 10 things to do in Dublin on a rainy day:
Visit the National Gallery
The National Gallery of Ireland is located in Dublin city centre, very close to Merrion Square. It features a collection of Irish and European art from the 14th to the 20th century. Entrance is free however some of their temporary exhibitions require an entrance fee
National Gallery, Merrion Square W, Dublin 2
Have a pint in the Stag’s Head
There’s nowhere cosier than a traditional Irish pub when the rain is lashing outside. The Stag’s Head in Dame Lane is one of our all time favourite Irish pubs any day of the year but it is so warm and comfy that we think it’s the best one when the weather isn’t so great. Relax, enjoy the atmosphere and enjoy a lovely pint of beer!
The Stag’s Head, 1 Dame Ct, Dublin 2
Cosy up in the Library bar
The Library bar is really a hidden gem, situated right in the middle of our favourite part of the city. It’s on the first floor of the central hotel and one of Dublin’s best kept secrets. An oasis of calm and cosiness, so close to the business of Temple Bar but feeling like a world apart. They have cosy armchairs and a fireplace, exactly what you need on a rainy day!
The Library Bar, Exchequer St, Dublin 2
Enjoy an afternoon tea in the Merrion Hotel
This five star hotel is one of the best places if not the best, to try an afternoon in Dublin. There’s nothing like sweet treats and tea to help you forget about the bad weather. Their Art Tea is inspired from the art collection from the Merrion’s drawing rooms, a real treat in beautiful surroundings.
The Merrion Hotel, Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2
Visit the Science Gallery
You’ll find the Science Gallery on the grounds of Trinity College. This science centre hosts science exhibitions and events all year round. It’s worth checking out their programme as the exhibitions are always interesting and interactive. The coffee shop serves great coffee that is roasted in Dublin by Cloud Picker. Entrance is free.
Science Gallery, Trinity College Dublin, Pearse Street, Dublin 2
See the book of Kells
Ireland’s most famous book can be found in the Old Library of Trinity College Dublin. The book of Kells is a beautiful medieval manuscripts which was written around 800AD. A must-see when in Dublin and the perfect activity on a rainy day!
The Book of Kells, The University of Dublin Trinity College, College Green, Dublin 2
Visit the Gallery of Photography
Temple Bar isn’t only about going to the pub, there are also cultural things to do in this famous quarter of Dublin. If photography is your thing you can find shelter in the Gallery of Photography in Meeting House Square.
Gallery of Photography, Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Watch a movie in the Lighthouse cinema
Watching a movie is always a good idea when the weather isn’t so great and we love the Light House cinema in Smithfield. Not only does this place has a cool contemporary feel but it also shows some great movies. It also has a nice bar/lounge area in the basement, perfect to enjoy before or after a movie!
Light House Cinema, Market Square, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 R6YE
Chill out and drink tea at Oolong Flower Power
Oolong Flower Power is another hidden gem that we love on a rainy day. This tea house is perfectly located, only a few minutes away from Grafton Street and Stephen’s Green. It has a large selection of teas and a cosy area in the basement.
Oolong Flower Power, 4 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, D02 PD25
Visit the Hugh Lane Gallery
The Hugh Lane Gallery hosts a collection of modern and contemporary Irish art. It is well known for displaying legendary Francis Bacon’s studio. The Gallery is located in a stunning building close to the Garden of Remembrance and famous Michelin-starred restaurant Chapter One. Admission is free
Hugh Lane Gallery, Charlemont House, Parnell Square N, Rotunda, Dublin 1
What are you favourite things to do in Dublin on a rainy day? Let us know in the comments.
