Welcome to No Fuss Travel Guides!
12 January 2024
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Planning a trip to Dublin? You’re in for a treat! The city is bursting with character. Live music spills out of pubs. Plus there’s enough history and culture to keep even the most curious of travellers happy.
Sure, you might end up spending all your money on Guinness and whiskey tastings. We wouldn’t blame you. But the great news is Dublin is also packed with brilliant free things to do. From beautiful parks and historic landmarks to world-class museums and galleries, there’s plenty to enjoy without dipping into your wallet.
To keep things simple, we’ve rounded up the best free Dublin attractions here. Also, if you like stress-free travel, our Dublin Pocket Guide has everything covered. Inside you’ll find all the must-sees, plus recommendations on where to eat and stay. We’ve even linked everything to Google Maps to make exploring the city super easy!
For a fascinating journey through Ireland’s past, head to the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History. Housed in a historic military building, the museum showcases everything from Irish silver, furniture, and costume to captivating artefacts covering Irish military history. Highlights include the “Proclaiming a Republic” exhibition, which explores the 1916 Easter Rising. Entry is free and the museum is open 7-days a week, making it an easy, budget-friendly activity for all ages.
Journey back to 7,000 BC during your visit to Dublin’s Archaeology branch of the National Museum of Ireland. Opened in 1890, the museum takes you through Ireland’s long history via its extensive archaeological collections. From St Patrick’s Bell, Tara Brooch, and ‘bog bodies’ from 2,000 BC, you’ll discover a side of Ireland like you’ve never seen before. Free to enter and open 7-days a week, this is a must for any self-confessed history nerd!
You’d be forgiven if you thought that getting up close with wolves, snakes, and other wild creatures would be out of reach during a trip to Dublin. The National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, affectionately nicknamed the ‘Dead Zoo,’ is home to around two million scientific specimens. Open since 1857, it continues to wow and educate visitors of all ages.
A must-visit for anyone with even a passing interest in art, the National Gallery of Ireland houses over 16,000 works, including pieces from Monet, Caravaggio, and iconic Irish artists like Jack B. Yeats. Located just off Merrion Square, entry is free every day of the week. The gallery offers permanent collections, ever-changing temporary exhibitions, workshops, free guided tours, and a cosy café.
Considered one of Ireland’s most important cultural institutions, the gallery is home to modern and contemporary Irish and international art, including works by Francis Bacon and Sean Scully. Highlights include a gallery of beautiful stained glass windows. Open every day except Mondays, the gallery also has a bookshop and café – perfect for a rainy Dublin day.
Located in the stunning 17th-century Royal Hospital Kilmainham, the Irish Museum of Modern Art is Ireland’s leading contemporary art venue. Known for cutting-edge exhibitions and a fascinating permanent collection, it’s a must for art lovers. The lush gardens are perfect for a peaceful wander. Entry to the main exhibits is free, though special shows may have a small fee. Open Tuesday to Sunday, with a cosy café for refreshments.
Established in 1978, this award-winning gallery is Ireland’s national centre for contemporary photography. The space includes exhibition areas, a specialist photography bookshop, and artist production facilities. Free exhibitions and guided tours are available on weekday evenings and weekends, with paid workshops also offered (book ahead online).
Known as a ‘cultural treasure’ by many visitors, the Chester Beatty allows guests to explore cultures from around the globe through engaging exhibits of drawings, manuscripts, and paintings. Open most days except Mondays between November and March, entry is free, with a suggested donation.
Stunning inside and out, the National Library of Ireland is a must for literature lovers and architecture enthusiasts. Established in 1877, the library collects and preserves Irish literature, hosts changing exhibitions and workshops, and offers public access to the iconic reading rooms (registration for a free Reader’s Ticket required).
Located just under 2 miles from Dublin city centre, the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin is perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle. With over 16,000 plant species from around the globe, including a rose garden, alpine yard, and historic greenhouses, it’s a haven for plant lovers. Entry is free and open daily with seasonal hours.
Spanning 1,750 acres (twice the size of New York’s Central Park), Phoenix Park is ideal for walking or cycling. Look out for the herd of deer, visit multiple monuments, cafés, a visitor centre, the Farmleigh Estate, Dublin Zoo, and Áras an Uachtaráin (the president’s official residence).
Located in Dublin’s main shopping district, St Stephen’s Green feels far removed from the busy streets. Opened in 1880, it retains its original Victorian layout with 750 trees, extensive plantings, a waterfall, ornamental lake, and children’s playground. Open according to daylight hours, so winter visitors should plan accordingly.
Opened in 1966 on the 50th anniversary of the Easter Rising, the Garden of Remembrance is dedicated to all those who gave their lives for Irish freedom. Close to O’Connell Street, it’s a peaceful spot to reflect and learn about Irish history. Open daily, free entry, with seasonal opening hours.
A hidden gem, the gardens were designed in 1865, blending French formal and English landscape styles. Features include rustic grottos, woodlands, a rose garden, a yew maze, and sunken lawns with fountain centrepieces. The cascading ‘waterfall’ water feature, made from 32 rock samples (one from each county in Ireland), is a highlight.
Home to over 40 independent retailers since 1881, this Victorian market houses unique stores, eateries, and even an art gallery. From vintage clothes and books to baked goods and burgers, it’s a bustling city market with varied opening times.
The Famine Memorial on Customs House Quay, gifted in 1997, honours the victims of the Great Famine, a tragic period in Irish history that caused death and emigration for over a million people.
Built in 1816, this historic cast-iron bridge spans the River Liffey. Once costing a half-penny to cross, it remains a popular pedestrian route, with around 30,000 people crossing daily.
Located in Dublin’s Georgian Quarter, the statue celebrates Molly Malone, the folkloric fishmonger immortalised in the song ‘Cockles and Mussels.’ While her existence is debated, the statue remains a popular photo spot.
Dublin’s Millennium landmark, the Spire is a 390-foot pin-like monument on O’Connell Street. Its stainless steel surface is illuminated at night, making it an impressive sight at dusk.
So there you have it – Dublin without spending a penny (well, except maybe on a coffee or Guinness here and there). From wandering through world-class museums to getting lost in lush gardens or snapping selfies at iconic landmarks, the city proves you don’t need a heavy wallet to have a proper Dublin adventure.
To explore more of what Dublin has to offer check out our Dublin City Pocket Guide.
