a thrifty travel guide to dublin 

Last updated Jul 30, 2024

From its bustling food markets, plethora of museums and art galleries to its stunning coastal trails, Dublin has a wide variety of free activities to enjoy.

Temple Bar Markets

Entry to Temple Bar Markets is free and you can spend all day browsing! As one of Dublin’s oldest and longest running outdoor food markets, it offers some of the best locally sourced Irish produce. This vibrant food scene comes to life every weekend with local and international cuisine. Temple Bar markets have everything from artisanal cheeses, freshly baked bread, gourmet street food or fresh farm produce. It’s a must visit for any foodie wanting a slice of Dublin’s food scene.

Address: Meeting House Square, Temple BarDublin

Opening Hours: Saturday 10am-4:30pm

Phone Number: +35319602300

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poolbeg lighthouse & trail

Out near Sandymount, embark on a 10km trail ideal for biking, running or walking. This trail is open year-round and is a great way to explore Poolbeg Lighthouse at the far end of the Great South Wall in Dublin. This trail also offers wonderful views on a clear day. Starting in Sandymount, this trail leads you past Sandymount Strand and Seán Moore Park, continuing along the edge of the South Dublin Special Area of Conservation. This trail then goes through Irishtown Nature Park to the Great South Wall Walk, a 3-mile path completed around 1729, leading to Poolbeg Lighthouse. After taking in the stunning views from the lighthouse, retrace your steps back while enjoying the fresh sea air and bird watching.

Address: Great South Wall Sandymount

 

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national museums and galleries

For history and art buffs, a visit to Dublin’s national museums and galleries is a must. The best part is entrance is always free!  The National museums in Dublin have several branches focusing on archaeology, arts and national history.

national museum ireland- archaeology on kildare street

The National Museum of Archaeology features an extraordinary range of treasures dating back to prehistoric Ireland and ancient Egypt. Some of the highlights include Ardagh Chalice, the 'Tara' Brooch and the famous Derrynaflan Hoard. The museum also offers year-round programme of workshops, talks and tours for all ages and a changing programme of temporary exhibitions on historical and contemporary themes.

Address: Kildare St, Dublin 2, D02 FH48

Phone Number: (01) 677 7444

 

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national museum of ireland - decorative arts & history collins barracks, benburb street

This former military barracks is one of Dublin’s most impressive and historic sites. This museum is home to some important artifacts from military and revolutionary past. Exhibition highlights include Soldier’s and Chiefs surrounding Ireland’s military history and Proclaiming a Republic exhibition about the 1916 Easter Rising.

Address: Collin Barracks, Benburb St, Stoneybatter, Dublin, D07 XKV4

Phone Number: (01) 677 7444



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national museum of ireland - natural history

Also known as the ‘Dead Zoo’, the national museum of natural history houses an impressive zoological collection of more than 10,000 exhibits. The museum offers a year-round programme of workshops, talks and tours for all ages. Make sure to look out for skeletons of Ireland’s extinct giant deer and a huge, basking shark. The museum offers a year-round programme of workshops, talks and tours for all ages.

Address: Merrion St Upper, Dublin 2, D02 F627

Phone Number: (01) 677 7444

 

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national gallery of art

Home to an extensive collection of Irish and European art, the National Gallery showcases a wide array of masterpieces from various periods and styles. The National Gallery also offers free guided tours and regularly hosts a wide range of exhibitions and workshops.

Address: Merrion Square W, Dublin 2, D02 K303

Phone Number: (01) 6615133

 

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