A lively atmosphere and good old Irish charm combine to make Dublin the perfect summer destination. There are pretty parks and historic attractions to explore, along with rooftop bars and beer gardens where you can enjoy the sunshine.
Here’s our round-up of things to do in Dublin in summer…
PICNIC ON ST STEPHEN’S GREEN
St Stephen’s Green is the largest and most popular park in the city centre. Stroll along the tree-lined paths and you’ll spot historic sculptures and monuments representing key moments from Irish history. There’s also a huge lake with a waterfall and gazebo, and a garden for the blind with scented flowers. During summer, there are regular free lunchtime concerts in the green, so grab a picnic and enjoy the free shows.
Blue Line & Red Line, Stop: St. Stephen’s Green
TAKE A SNAP OF THE SPIRE OF DUBLIN
This unusual monument, also known as the ‘Monument of Light’, looks like a giant stainless steel drawing pin. It’s 120 meters tall and tapers up to a tiny point of just 15cm in diameter. The best time to see the monument is when the sun is shining, as the polished stainless steel reflects the surrounding area and makes for an awesome snap. So, when you’ve got a sunny day, head over for a selfie with this unique monument.
Blue Line & Red Line, Stop: 13 Upper O’Connell Street
SWAP TEMPLE BAR FOR ROOFTOP BARS
Temple Bar is Dublin’s iconic nightlife hub. In case you didn’t know, it’s an entire area rather than a single bar. Tourists usually make a beeline for this drinking hotspot, but when it’s sunny, you’ll want to spend as much time outdoors as you can. Head to The Marker Hotel to enjoy cocktails at its sophisticated rooftop bar with views over Dublin’s docklands. Or, pick the Fitzsimons Hotel for your sundowner spot – this place boasts city views and reasonably priced drinks to boot.
SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP ON GRAFTON STREET
Grafton Street is Dublin’s main shopping street. It lines up a huge range of designer and high street stores, so you can shop to your heart’s content. It’s famous for its street performers, so it’s worth a visit even if you don’t plan to shop. Musicians, poets and mime artists regularly take to the streets to show off their skills and perform to the shopping crowds.
Because shopping is thirsty work, make sure you stop off at Bewleys Oriental Café for their trademark freshly-brewed coffee. This recently-renovated café dates back to 1927 and is uniquely designed with marble-topped tables, velvet upholstering and stained glass windows.
Blue Line & Red Line, Stop: College Green Exploring the gorgeous grounds of Trinity College is one of the best things you can do in Dublin. The site dates back to the 1800s and former notable alumni include Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett. Take a tour of the university and you’ll see some of Ireland’s best historic treasures, including The Book of Kells at the Old Library. On a sunny day, you can head to the on-campus cricket ground and stop by to watch a game. Nearby student pub, The Pavillion, is the perfect place to duck into for a quick post-game drink.
Red Line, Stop: Nassau Street
WATCH CRICKET AT TRINITY COLLEGE
There’s no better season than summer to explore Dublin’s best bits. The city’s green spaces and outdoor cafes come alive, and performers come out in force to entertain the awaiting crowds. If you need more inspiration for your Dublin itinerary, check out our Dublin tours and start planning today.
