Dublin is full of history, beauty, and excitement! From historical sites and interesting museums to trail walks, hidden gems, and stunning viewing points, there’s endless free activities in Dublin once you know where to look!
Here's a list of some of our favourite Free Attractions in Dublin.
Museums & Gallaries:
National Museum of Ireland
The National Museum of Ireland is made up of three different branches in Dublin; the Museum of Archaeology, the Museum of Natural History, and the Decorative Arts and History Museum.
Visit these museums to learn about the history of our Emerald Isle, Europe, and the world without having to spend a penny!
National Gallery of Ireland
This is one of the most popular free places to visit in Dublin for good reason.
The National Gallery of Ireland is home to many famous Irish and European art pieces dating back to the 14th and 20th centuries. The permanent collection includes works by Vermeer and Van Gogh, Osborn and Orpen.
A perfect hideout from a rainy day in Dublin.
Hugh Lane Gallery
A celebrated art dealer, collector, exhibitor and gallery director, Hugh Lane is best known for establishing the first known public gallery of modern art in the world.
Meet some famous Irish personalities in portraiture including WB Yeats, Michael Collins, Edward Carson, and John Redmond.
Take a look at the chaos of Francis Beacon’s legendary studio, permanently displayed, and preserved exactly as it was in 1998.
Historical Areas:
Glasnevin Cemetry
Take a day to explore and connect with our past and learn about our deep Irish history.
Glasnevin Cemetery is home to the world’s first cemetery museum. Visitors can explore the history and the lives of more than 1 million people buried there.
The cemetery is home to many of Irelands most prominent national figures graves. These include the graves of Daniel O’Connell, Countess Markievicz, Maud Gonne, Michael Collins, Éamon de Valera, Luke Kelly and many more.
Garden of Rememberance
The Garden of Remembrance was designed by architect Daithí Hanly in commemoration of those who lost their lives in pursuit of Irish Independence. It officially opened at Parnell Square on the 50th anniversary of the 1916 Rising.
The central focus for the garden is a sculpture by Oisín Kelly, based on the Irish Folklore of the Children of Lir, representing rebirth and resurrection.
Enjoy a peaceful break in this stunning hidden oasis right in the heart of the City Centre.
Trinity College Grounds
Play student for the day on the campus of Ireland’s oldest university.
You'll find many historic buildings and fantastic architecture, including the iconic Campanile Bell Tower and the Old Library's Long Room. Celebrated alumni include Samuel Beckett, Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde and Mary Robinson, Ireland’s first female president.
Parks & Gardens:
Phoenix Park
Escape the noise of the bustling city in one of Europe’s largest city parks.
Inside Phoenix Park’s walls you’ll find Dublin Zoo, the Papal Cross and Áras an Uachtaráin, the President’s Residence.
It is also home to approximately 600 fallow deer, which is always a treat to see these gorgeous creatures roaming the park.
Phoenix Park is the ideal place to enjoy a picnic, a stroll, or a bike ride on a sunny day.
St. Stephen's Green
Enjoy an evening of people watching in Stephen’s Green Park.
The ‘Lungs of Dublin’ can be found at the top of Grafton Street and is home to a collection of commemorative sculptures, statues and monuments, including the WB Yeats Memorial Garden.
National Botanic Gardens
Stop and smell the flowers in the National Botanic Gardens.
The National Botanic Gardens of Ireland holds a purpose to explore, understand, conserve and share the purpose of plants. The Gardens are home to over 300 endangered species from around the world and six species that are already extinct.
The Gardens are the perfect place to soak up the peace and escape the busy streets of Dublin’s City Centre.
Beaches, Strands & Trails
North Bull Island & Dollymount Strand
Connected to the coast at both ends, long and skinny North Bull Island is a glorious nature reserve tucked into Dublin Bay. Along the 5km strand of Bull Island, there are stunning views of the Howth pennisula, Poolbeg Lighthouse and the smokestacks of Dublin Port.
Go for a jog or walk along the three-mile Dollymount Strand, spotting seals at the northern end and kite surfers at the southern one.
‘Dollyer’ is the perfect getaway from the bustling city no matter what the weather or season.
Sandycove & The Forty Foot
Brave the Irish Sea at one of the most popular sea-swimming spots in Sandycove, Dublin.
The small beach is just a short walk from the Sandycove DART station and the James Joyce Tower, where the opening scenes of Ulysses took place.
The Forty Foot has been popular with Dubliners for around 250 years.
Howth Cliff Walk
One of Dublin’s best walks is the Howth Cliff Walk.
You can set off from the pretty harbour village of Howth and explore some of Dublin’s stunning coastline on a 6km clifftop loop with beautiful island and lighthouse views. The walk is made up of 5 different routes to vary in length and difficultly.
Why Chose Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport for your Stay?
We are conveniently located next to the airport and just five minutes from the motorways. Carlton Dublin Airport provides a complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle bus and electric charging points for guests arriving by car along with competitive car parking rates!
If you’re looking to explore Dublin, Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport is located on the main bus corridor to Dublin City Centre. Hotel guests can hop on any of the below lines and be in the heart of the city centre in 15 minutes: 16A, 41 A/B/C, 33 A/B and 46X. Timetables, Route Planners and Real Time information can be found on DublinBus.ie.
We offer family rooms, ensuring everyone in your family can join and enjoy the holiday together! Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport offers you Family Accommodation with all the essential comforts of home for you to relax and unwind.
Enhance your experience with an incredible dinner at Runway 28 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant. Situated on a rooftop terrace with exclusive front-row seats to Dublin's busiest airport runway, our restaurant is all about giving you a memorable dining experience. We're open for dinner from Wednesday to Sunday and serving brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Join us and savour the delight where incredible food meets inspiring views!