A Cheapo looking to wait out the storm indoors can explore one of the free museums in the city center. Whether you’re interested in art, literature or natural history, there is a free Dublin museum or library to match.

More tips for visiting Dublin:
• Our favorite budget hotels in Dublin
• 5 cheap eats in Dublin than locals love

5 Free museums in Dublin

Here are five of our top suggestions for exploring Dublin’s art and cultural scene on the cheap.

1. The National Library of Ireland

2/3 Kildare Street
website

After getting artsy with Jack, stroll over the National Library of Ireland to wax poetic with his brother William. The museum’s interactive exhibit dedicated to W.B. Yeats allows you to electronically scan through the poet’s private notebooks with a swipe of the finger. The exhibit also includes memorabilia, videos and famous Irish personalities reading his poems.

And if, after exploring the Yeats history, you’re inspired to research your own family, you’ve come to the right place. The Library has an impressive amount of genealogy records from parish registers to newspapers to help you trace your ancestors.

2. The National Gallery of Ireland

Merrion Square West
website

You could spend hours wandering through the halls of the National Gallery, but if you only go to one room, it should be the hall devoted to the paintings of Irish artist Jack B. Yeats. The vibrant colors of his paintings are unexpected and striking, and it’s fascinating to see so much work from one painter in a single space.

Accommodations: Hotels near the National Gallery of Ireland

The Giant Elk at the Natural History Museum. Photo: Neil

3. The Natural History Museum

Merrion Square West
website

Nicknamed “the Dead Zoo,” the Natural History Museum is a regular menagerie of stuffed and skeletal wildlife. Here you can learn about indigenous animals such as the Irish Elk (sometimes called a Giant Deer), an extinct animal with antlers that spread as far as 12 feet. There’s also a skeleton of a humpback whale hanging from the ceiling.

Accommodations: Cheap hotels near the Natural History Museum

4. The Hugh Lane Gallery

Charlemont House, Parnell Square North
website

The Hugh Lane Gallery has an excellent collection of paintings, drawings, and sculptures, as well as short-term exhibitions. But one thing really draws people to this gallery: the Francis Bacon Studio. When the artist died in London, his entire studio was transported back to his hometown of Dublin. It was reassembled in the Hugh Lane Gallery precisely as it was found in London.

Accommodations: Hotels near Hugh Lane Gallery

The Chester Beatty Library is located inside the Dublin Castle. Photo: Marie

5. The Chester Beatty Library

Dublin Castle
website

Located within the grounds of Dublin Castle, the Chester Beatty Library is an art museum and library where you can see everything from rare manuscripts and Egyptian papyrus texts to contemporary exhibitions. Art from 2700 BC through the present day is on display here. And don’t miss out on the roof garden on a sunny day.

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1. Walk through Trinity College

Feel like a student again and check out the campus of Ireland’s most dignified university. The buildings are of stunning Georgian design, and when the sun’s out it’s a great spot for people watching. Hoards of guided groups come in, and many pay to check out the Book of Kells. But skip that hoopla, grab a cheap coffee at a campus cafe and take a seat outside with the students. It’s perfect for listening in on some juicy college gossip!

Take a breather in sunny St. Stephen’s Green. Photo: beamillion

2. Lunch at Stephen’s Green

St. Stephen’s Green is a beautiful, prim and proper garden that offers all the ingredients for a peaceful day in the park. The gorgeous gazebo, sparkling creek, and colorful collection of tulips will put you in the mood. There are many paths to follow, and it’s a great place to stop for a breather.

3. Busking and people watching at Temple Bar

There is no shortage of buskers who perform at Temple Bar throughout the day and early evening. From traditional folk and bluegrass to female soul and funky blues, it’s impossible to not run into musical talent on the Temple Bar streets. True, the area is a tourist trap, but your coins are well spent on the people who fill the streets with music. Take a seat on a nearby step and stay a while.

4. Walk of fame on O’Connell Street

A walk up and down this shopping street might be chaotic, but you can also learn about the city’s history from the street’s many statues. There’s the 400 foot Spire that serves as the city’s main meeting point, but also the bronze statue of Daniel O’Connell, the patriotic figure of Catholic Emancipation. James Larkin’s statue represents the ongoing presence of trade unions in Ireland, and just south sits the statue of writer James Joyce. Add Charles Parnell and Father Theobald Mathew into the mix, and you’ve got a great walk through Dublin’s history.

5. St. Patrick’s Park

Saint Patrick, the guy who brought Catholicism to Ireland, has a massive church made in his honor. While admission will cost you €5, the park surrounding the north side is free and gets lots of sun. Locals usually grab a paper or snack at the nearby Spar convenience store and let kids run around the family-friendly area. Pick a spot near the fountain or by the walls of the massive cathedral and kill some time before heading into Temple Bar.

BONUS: Saturday’s outdoor food market in Temple Bar from 10 am to 6 pm has some of the cheapest eats in town, fresh and locally brought to patrons hungry for a bite of baked goods, oysters, ciders and more.

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Yet the Irish capital is also full of kid-friendly activities — if you know where to look.

From encountering wild animals to climbing to the top of the city’s biggest stadium, here are some ideas on how to keep the kids entertained during a trip to Dublin.

Top family activities in Dublin

1. Dublin Zoo

Located in Phoenix Park, Dublin Zoo is home to more than 400 animals. This is the most popular family attraction in the city, with fun daily activities such as feeding the sea lions. Kids will love to see giraffes, elephants, rhinos, and more.

2. Viking Splash Tours

The best tour for kids in Dublin is the Viking Splash Tour. This tour not only provides an overview of the main sights in the city, but is operated in a vehicle that drives on land and on water. Kids will also love the fun Viking hats and entertaining tour guides.

Let your little vikings have fun at Dubliinia, the Viking Museum. Photo: Fhwrdh

3. Tours of the Glasnevin Cemetery

Parents can soak up some history while kids poke around the historic Glasnevin Cemetery. Free walking tours are one hour long and cover important figures in Irish history that are buried in the cemetery.

4. Stadium Tour of Croke Park

The largest stadium in Dublin is Croke Park, home to both concerts and sporting events. A new attraction here is the skyline tour, bringing visitors along the rooftop walkway with five viewing platforms. Audio guides are available that highlight key attractions in the Dublin skyline.

5. Climb the Sugar Loaf Mountain

For another fantastic view of Dublin, climb to the top of the Sugar Loaf Mountain located in County Wicklow, south of Dublin city center. Kids will enjoy the one-hour walk (more of a walk than a climb), but might need a little help for the last few steep steps to the top of the mountain. Bring a picnic for a family lunch at the summit.

6. Dublinia – the Viking Museum

Kids will learn about the Viking past of Ireland at Dublinia, a museum focused on medieval Dublin. Everything from Viking war ships to Viking clothes are on display at this family-friendly museum in central Dublin.

7. National Wax Museum

On a rainy day, the National Wax Museum will keep the kids occupied for hours. With a Children’s Zone of Discovery and a section dedicated to the top scientific inventors in Ireland, this fun museum also has an educational side.

Also in our guide: Looking for a family-friendly, affordable place to stay in central Dublin? Stop by our city guide to read reviews of the best budget hotels in Dublin.

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On Thursday September 27, 2012 Dubliners have an extra excuse to head to their local for a pint. Some will celebrate by simply raising a glass, while others will partake in festivities throughout the city. Arthur’s Day has also become tied to music, and several bands—such as Mumford and Sons—are playing small venues throughout the city and country beyond.

Who is Arthur?

The man behind the famous Irish pint is Arthur Guinness, who in 1759 signed a 9,000-year lease on an old brewery in St. James’s Gate, Dublin. The initial cost was 100 pounds, with an annual rent of 45 pounds. Importantly, this deal also included water rights. Over 250 years ago, Arthur started brewing porter and ale.

Guinness Today

The original lease that Arthur Guinness signed still stands, and Guinness is brewed in the same part of Dublin, called St. James’s Gate, just west of city center. Today it is brewed 365 days a year and the Guinness Storehouse is also home to a popular museum.

Interactive exhibits show visitors what goes into Guinness: barley, hops, water, and a special strain of yeast. That’s all: Just four ingredients combine to create the complex flavors of this stout.

The Gravity Bar

After learning how to pour a perfect pint in the museum, keep climbing the stairs to the Gravity Bar. Perched on top of the brewery, this sky-high watering hole offers incredible views over the rooftops of Dublin. It is circular, with floor to ceiling windows, and descriptions on the glass tell you what landmarks you’re looking at, such as Trinity College or St. Stephen’s Green.

A ticket to the Guinness Storehouse includes one pint of the black stuff (purchase your ticket online in advance for a discount and to skip the lines). It takes almost three full minutes for the perfect pour of Guinness, and remember to let it settle before taking that magical first sip.

Watching the sunset in the Gravity Bar or raising a glass in a local pub for Arthur’s Day, something about Guinness just tastes better in the city where it was born.

Read more about Arthur’s Day on the official Guinness Web site. If you’re heading to Dublin, be sure to stop by our Dublin guide to read about recommended budget hotels in the city, all inspected and approved.

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While the best surfing is found on the west coast of Ireland, there are several beaches near Dublin that are ideal for a picnic and lazy afternoon of splashing through tidal pools. If you’re brave, bring along a bathing suit and join the locals for a swim in the Irish Sea. Here are a few of my favorite Dublin beaches, both north and south of the city center.

1. Sandymount Strand

Located south of the city center flanking Strand Road is Sandymount Strand. This stretch of beach is subject to dramatic tides. When the tide is out, you can walk barefoot along the cool sand out towards the sea. Bring a picnic and see locals flying kites, wind surfing, and walking their dogs.

2. Killiney Beach

Further south from Sandymount is Killiney Beach, one of the most striking areas of the coastline around Dublin. This region is quite hilly, and surrounded by some of the best real estate in the county. Expect a sandy beach, chilly but clear water, and views of kayaks and sailboats out in the Irish Sea.

3. North Bull Island

Located on the northern section of Dublin Bay is North Bull Island, a 5-kilometer island home to a sandy beach known as Dollymount Strand. This is a spectacular place for a picnic, hike, and bird watching. Known for wildlife, seals are often seen here during low tide.

4. Portmarnock Beach

Also north of Dublin is the seaside village of Portmarnock, home to Portmarnock Strand. This beach is nicknamed “the Velvet Strand” for its lovely, smooth sand. This is one of the most popular beaches for windsurfers and kitesurfers. They provide excellent entertainment for a picnic and some sunbathing on the beach.

5. Sandycove

One final option is located south of Dublin city center, near the village of Dun Laoghaire. Despite its name, Sandycove doesn’t offer the same uninterrupted stretches of sandy shores, but it is a great place to scramble over the rocks on the water’s edge and go for a swim. Join the locals who will swim on a sunny day despite the usually chilly temperature of the water.

During a summer trip to Dublin, add a visit to one of these beaches. The convenient commuter train, the DART, offers easy access. You will not only be surrounded by locals, but will witness a whole different side to Dublin that many visitors never get to see.

Further reading: If you’re planning a trip now to Dublin, be sure to swing by our Dublin guide to read our suggestions for budget hotels in the city center. For more on swimming around Dublin, read Jessica’s recent article in the San Francisco Chronicle.

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All of these are must-visit icons, but equally enticing are some of the lesser known spots right in their midst. They may be tucked away off side streets or missing a large sign to announce them, but they are well worth a visit—and some of my favorite places in town. A sunny day in Dublin would be well spent on the following walking tour, replete with sweet treats, shopping stops and, of course, a perfect pint (or several) of Guinness.

1. Cake Café
62 Pleasants Place, off Lower Camden Street

Start your tour just outside of the city center at the Cake Café, where you can sit outside with a morning cup of coffee. The tasty pastries are served on whimsically mismatched plates. It’s the perfect place to bust out a map and plot the rest of your day.

Your map to the treasures hidden in central Dublin.

2. Iveagh Gardens
Off Clonmel Street

Once outside the Cake Café, walk up Pleasants Place to make a right on Pleasants Street. Shortly after that turns into Lower Camden Street, turn left on Harcourt and then right onto the tiny dead-end Clonmel Street.

Here, you will find the small, barely marked entrance to Iveagh Gardens, one of the best kept secrets in Dublin. This small, serene park is a great spot for a morning constitutional among sculptures and fountains.

3. George’s Street Arcade
South Great Georges Street

After you’ve pondered aplenty, head back up Harcourt Street. When you reach the cormer of St. Stephen’s Green, turn left on Cuffe Street. After a couple blocks, turn right on Aungier Street, which becomes South Great Georges Street, a lovely promenade lined with everything from music shops to clothing stores to hostels.

Take in as many of the sights as you’d like, but don’t miss a stop at George’s Street Arcade (on the right-hand side of the street). The indoor market is full of vintage stores, interesting jewelry, Irish collectibles and much more.

4. Market Bar
16 Fade Street

After weaving your way through the George’s Street Arcade, head back down Georges Street to turn left onto Fade Street. This quiet strip is one of my favorite blocks in Dublin, home to many a great restaurant, pub and nightlife joint.

It’s the perfect time for a snack, so pass through the courtyard and into the warehouse that is Market Bar. Grab a seat at a bench and order up some small plates (and that Guinness I promised).

5. Secret Book and Record Store
15A Wicklow Street

After you’ve had your fill of Guiness (is there such a thing?), head out of Market Bar and make a left on Drury Street, then a right on Exchequer Street, which will turn into Wicklow Street, home to the lit- and music-lovers dream..

Hidden at the back of a long corridor that resembles the entrance to an apartment building the Secret Book and Record Store is aptly named. (I had lived in Dublin for years—and passed the store countless times—before it was pointed out to me.) For those who seek it out, it’s like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, with a great selection of books, CDs and vinyls—and plenty of bargains, to boot.

Try not to stock up too much, though. When you emerge from the store you’re right in the center of Dublin, ready for a night on the town (and yes, more Guinness).

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First opened in 1831, Dublin Zoo is one of the world’s oldest zoos and today is home to over 600 animals, many of which are endangered. The zoo is located in Phoenix Park, outside of the city center, but is easily accessible by bus or the LUAS tram (plus a short walk).

Ready to see the African Savanna or witness a sea lion feeding? Here are some tips for visiting Dublin Zoo:

Planning a Visit
Web site

Dublin Zoo is open all year long, but opening hours vary depending on the season. Make the most of your admission ticket by arriving early—the zoo opens every day at 9:30 a.m. and the last admission is one hour before closing time.

Tickets can be booked in advance online (receive your e-ticket by e-mail and print it out). In advance of your visit, you might want to check the zoo’s Twitter feed for deals and current updates.

Who doesn’t love an elephant? Photo: Sean MacEntee

Ticket costs

Adults: €15.50
Children age 3 – 16: €11
Children under 3: free
Family of 2 adults and 2 kids: €44.50

Daily talks and activities

Dublin Zoo is spread out over about 69 acres (28 hectares), a large enough size that a strategy for visiting is essential.

Begin with checking out the schedule for daily talks and feedings. You might only attend one or two of these daily talks, and looking at the schedule in advance will make sure you don’t miss the Chimpanzee Chat or Rhino feedings.

These daily activities can also help you map out your day at the zoo, directing what you see and when.

No vexing the animals! Photo: Mlle Peterson

Time for a snack

When it’s time to sit down for a snack, there are several options. One of the most fun is the Meerkat Restaurant, where inquisitive little meerkats watch your every bite.

For Cheapos who are pinching their euros, there are lawns and picnic tables where you can sit down for a picnic. On a sunny day, pick up some sandwiches or other picnic supplies while in the city center. The zoo map will easily direct you to picnic areas.

What to see

Every zoo visitor will have a list of favorite animals to see. From the baby piglets to the peacocks, the sea lions to the penguins, this zoo is full of interesting animals you can see up close and learn about too.

To help you narrow down what to see, check out the webcams on the zoo’s Web site prior to visiting.

Your zoo tips?

Do you have a tip for visiting the Dublin Zoo? Have you visited the Zoo? Tell us about your experience in the comments section.

Also in our guide: Planning a trip to Dublin and looking for an inexpensive place to sleep? Stop by our Dublin city guide, where you can read our reviews of the best affordable hotels in Dublin, all visited, inspected and reviewed by our editors.

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While the Irish (and music fans) recognized Glen Hansard from the popular Irish band the Frames, the two main actors were largely unknown to wider audiences. The film was shot for an incredible €130,000 and won an Academy Award in 2007 for Best Original Song, “Falling Slowly.”

In the backdrop of the success of the film and the moving music that the real-life couple (now split up) made together, is Dublin itself. One of the most memorable scenes of the film is Hansard alone, with his guitar, on Grafton Street at night. He is playing seemingly to no one, and then, “girl” (Marketa Irglova) shows up.

The film captures something true about life in Dublin, and at the same time, depicts some of my favorite places in the city. If you want to retrace the footsteps of these two characters, all you have to do is visit a few key sights. In some of them, don’t be surprised to hear musicians, or buskers, playing for a few coins.

1. Grafton Street

The pedestrian shopping area of Dublin’s south side, Grafton Street is often considered the heart of the city. It also has a reputation for quality street performers, and many of the same musicians/bands play at the same time in the same place each day.

In the film, several scenes take place on Grafton Street, both in Glen Hansard playing his songs, and bumping into “girl” later on in the film. Memorably, there’s also the scene where a junkie attempts to steal his guitar case full of coins, resulting in a chase to nearby St. Stephen’s Green.

2. Walton’s

http://www.waltons.ie/

Viewers are introduced to the Academy Award-winning song, “Falling Slowly” in Walton’s, Dublin’s music store. This legendary Dublin music shop on Georges Street is where the two musicians sit down at a piano and discover their shared love of music. This spot also happens to be located on one of the prettiest streets in Dublin’s south side.

3. Killiney Hill

After the all-night recording session that results in some incredible musical collaboration between the two, the musicians all get in the car to listen to their new album. They drive south, to one of Dublin’s most scenic places, Killiney Hill.

In the film, you can see guy and girl looking out to the Irish Sea, with the famous Sugar Loaf Mountain behind them. This is one of my favorite places in Dublin for a picnic or a hike. You don’t need a car to get here – hop on the DART train to Dalkey and it’s a 10-minute walk away. (Read our guide to Dublin day trips for more information.)

4. Mountjoy Square

“Girl” lives in a lovely Georgian square in Dublin with the signature bright color doors. There are several parts of the city known for Georgian architecture, but this specific spot is Mountjoy Square, on the north side of the River Liffey. While it isn’t as immaculately maintained as say Merrion Square on the south side, it is still a beautiful spot to visit.

If you’re planning a trip to Dublin, watch “Once” carefully before you go. Seeing these places with your own eyes might bring new context to a favorite film.

Also in our guide: If you’re planning your trip to Dublin right now, you should swing by our reviews of budget hotels in Dublin at least, well, Once! Our editors have visited, inspected and reviewed affordable hotels all over town and have selected only the very best. Read more in our Dublin guide.

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From shopping to sports to comedy, there is plenty to do in Dublin when the cold drives Cheapos indoors. Stay warm in Dublin this winter with the following indoor activities:

Shopping

Music, literature, and design all provide insight into Irish culture. Spend a day shopping at the following stores and find great deals along with local character.

Browse at Celtic Note, a music store specializing in Irish music of yesterday and today. Shelves are packed to the brim at Books Upstairs, a wonderful little bookstore for discovering the best of Irish literature (don’t be surprised if books are signed by the author). Get to know Irish design by heading to the Loft in Powerscourt Townhouse, a space shared by multiple local designers, jewelry makers, and vintage sellers.

Weekend Sport

During the dark winter months, locals look forward to one tournament in sport: the 6 Nations Rugby Tournament. The Ireland team plays home matches in Dublin, and in 2012, will battle Wales, Italy, and Scotland at home.

While attending a game is the best way to get in on the action, the local pubs will have an electric atmosphere on match day. Get cozy – early – in a pub near the Aviva Stadium and watch the Irish team battle to be rugby champions. Check out the schedule for the 6 Nations tournament.

Winter Events

Throughout the winter cultural events keep locals entertained indoors. One favorite event is the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival, held from February 16 through February 26, 2012. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the festival and Al Pacino is confirmed to attend.

Winter is also a great season to check out the Dublin comedy scene. Venues for comedy in Dublin include Vicar Street, the Mill Theatre, the Olympia Theatre, and the Laughter Lounge.

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1. Kilmainham Gaol – €6

Every trip to Dublin should include a little history. A captivating guided tour of Kilmainham Gaol will shed light on a group of Irish revolutionaries that gave their lives for the creation of the republic.

2. Rent Bikes in Phoenix Park – €10

Dublin is home to the biggest city park in Europe, Phoenix Park. Visitors can take advantage of the bike rental program, Dublin Bikes, but a credit card is required and not all stands accept cards. Another simple option is to rent your bike from Phoenix Park Bike Hire, at the cost of €10 for three hours.

3. Cake Café – €6 for cake and coffee

Part of the fun of stepping into a new city is finding yourself at an off the beaten path café surrounded by locals. Venture into the Portobello neighborhood and located off a small street and through an even smaller courtyard is the Cake Café, home to mismatched plates and fresh baked treats.

Catch something edgy and independent at the Irish Film Institute. Photo: Pierofix

4. Jameson Distillery – €11.70 (€10.60 for students)

This one is slightly over budget for non-students, but worth every cent. A tour of the former Jameson Distillery will not only bring you to the interesting Smithfield neighborhood, but will also bring you through a distillery, teach you about the process of making famous Irish whiskey, and even includes a tasting.

5. Walk the Pier in Dun Laoghaire – €2 each way

Board the DART train in the city center and head south to the coastal village of Dun Laoghaire. Right near the train station you’ll see the entrance to a pier jetting out into the Irish Sea. For the price of the train ticket you can watch the sailboats, see local families fishing, and maybe even catch a glimpse of seals swimming around the pier.

6. Irish Film Institute – €9.90

If you need an alternative to another night in the pub, check out what’s playing at the Irish Film Institute. Not only is this a hangout spot for Dublin’s artistic and literary set, but it is also a great place to see independent, European, and Irish films.

7. Take Advantage of Lunch Specials – €10

One of the best ways to eat well in Dublin is eat your big meal at lunchtime. There are great lunch specials throughout Dublin, including at one of the city’s latest hot restaurants, the Rustic Stone. At this healthy-focused restaurant, for €10 you can dig into dishes like sushi-style tuna with ginger couscous, tofu, and lime.

8. Hike from Bray to Greystones – €2.50 each way

To get to know the waterfront city of Dublin, take a hike along the coast. One of the best ways to accomplish this without breaking the budget is to take the DART train bound for Bray, follow the coastal hiking trail south 2 ½ hours to Greystones, and hop the DART back to the center of Dublin.

9. The Dublin Flea Market – Free

If you happen to be in Dublin on the last Sunday of the month, head to Co-op on Newmarket Square for the Dublin Flea Market. Entry is free, and your €10 will stretch far on the goods for sale here such as vintage clothes and accessories.

10. Sample Local Cheeses – €10

Step into Sheridan’s Cheesemonger, tell them you have a budget of €10 and would like to sample some local cheeses. There’s more to Irish cheese than Cashel blue and farmhouse cheddar, you’ll learn from these cheese experts. Take your stash to nearby St Stephens Green for a picnic.

Also in our guide: Heading to Dublin? Don’t blow all your euros on sleeping! Our editors have inspected, photographed and reviewed the best cheap hotels in Dublin. Read more in our Dublin hotel guide.

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