Family disposable income is at a premium during these harsh economic times, however that doesn’t mean that you cannot enjoy a day out at little or no cost! Dublin is home to many attractions that will not cost you anything at all to visit, and you can have a great family day out together without breaking the bank one bit.
Read on for more about Free Things To Do In Dublin…
Trinity College
Trinity was founded in the late 16th century, and as such is the oldest University in Ireland. We have all made our way towards Trinity as we come and go to pedestrianised Grafton Street. A visit to the famous buildings is a must for a family day out in Dublin, to learn about the history, and get a feel for the famous atmosphere of the place. For a small fee of less than €10 you can visit the renowned Book of Kells, and the stunning library. You could also book a tour of the campus and learn more from your tour guide.
Phoenix Park and Arás an Uachtaráin
Phoenix Park, a big green area to the north of the River Liffey is a place where a family could spend a whole day strolling around on a dry summer’s day, sampling the ambience, taking in the sights and sounds of Dublin, watching the roaming deer, enjoying a family picnic and visiting the residence of the President, the Irish Head of State. Phoenix Park is the biggest urban park of its kind in Europe. The official residing place of the president is a magnificent Georgian manor which was built around 1754. Called Arás an Uachtaráin, there are tours right up to 4.30pm in summer time and 3.30pm in off season.
Tickets for the free tour can be got at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, which is where the tour kicks off. Other attractions worth checking out in the Phoenix Park include Farmleigh House, the home of the US Ambassador, Ashtown Castle, the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, the Papal Cross, the 1916 Magazine Fort and last but not least, the majestic Dublin Zoo. Be aware that some of these attractions have entry fees.
Places to Stay In Dublin
There is now great value cheap Dublin accommodation on offer, and you may find that your accommodation has great historical significance, be it a landmark or a place famous in Dublin and Ireland’s history.
Museums & Galleries
All of the following Dublin city museums are free to enter:
· National Museum of Ireland on Kildare Street. Built in the late 19th century, there are some wonderful items on display including gold from the Bronze Age, and exhibitions from key events in Irish History, from the Viking era to the War of Independence.
· The Natural History Museum is located to the west of Merrion Square and the huge selection stuffed animals on exhibition will be of great interest to children and adults alike!
· The Irish Museum of Modern Art is located at the former Royal Hospital at Kilmainham, and has a collection of 5,000 works of art from the Renaissance and modern eras.
· At the Archaeology Museum Of Ireland you can learn all about life in ancient Ireland.
· A visit to the Chester Beatty Library, winner of the European Museum of the Year 2002, is a must. It is home to terrific artwork and a collection of artefacts and rare books from the religious world.
· The National Gallery Of Ireland is located in Merrion Square West, and was opened almost 150 years ago. There are over 2,000 works on display, with an Irish edge, but featuring the work of some European artists also.
Walk Around Dublin
The best way to get the feel of Dublin is to get out and about, and discover the attractions of the city centre, many of which are free to enter. From Leinster House, the GPO to the Four Courts, there are a multitude of things to see and do. Learn more about Georgian, Medieval and Viking Dublin by taking a walk through the city. You will also come across some of the beautiful churches and cathedrals of Dublin just by walking around.
Parks & Gardens
There are some wonderful parks and gardens in Dublin most of which are free to enter. Nothing could be better than a family picnic together, chilling out, and taking the chance to bask in the splendour of Dublin. Children’s playgrounds that keep the little ones entertained are in plentiful supply around Dublin.
Dublin By The Sea
Some of the jewels of the Dublin coastline are just a short bus or Luas ride outside the capital, for example a short drive to Howth will afford a great family day out, offering fresh air, bustling harbour views, cliff walks, and a close up interaction with marine animals, such as seals!
The latest celebrities to reside in plush Dalkey are the bottlenosed Dolphins and why not take a boat trip at a competitive price to from Dun Laoghaire harbour to see these wonderful creatures up close and personal!
If you are looking for some beaches check out the Blue Flag beaches at Portrane and Portmarnock’s Velvet Strand. Dollymount Strand and Killiney’s White Rock are other sandy coves that are very welcoming for tourists. Sandycove Harbour is a great spot for some swimming.
Have we given you some food for thought for a holiday on a budget in Dublin? If you know of any free attractions in Dublin please let your fellow readers know in the comments box below.
