Locals are thankful for any sunny days that they can get. An arsenal of indoor activities and strategies for dealing with the rain will come in handy during a trip to Dublin.

Tip: One thing I learned living in this city was never to leave home without an umbrella. Even if it looks sunny in the morning – if you leave your umbrella in the hotel you will almost certainly get drenched in a passing storm. Bring an umbrella everywhere and pack shoes that are comfortable for walking around on a wet day.

Once you have your packing list set, take a look at some of my favorite things to do in Dublin on a rainy day.

1. The Dublin Writers’ Museum and Hugh Lane Gallery

On a rainy day, you are going to want to choose a couple attractions that don’t require a ton of walking between them. Two of my favorite attractions in Dublin are right next door to each other. Start your day at the Dublin Writer’s Museum, a historic Georgian townhouse full of fascinating exhibits relating to Ireland’s best known writers.

Next door is the Hugh Lane Gallery, home to the recreated studio of Francis Bacon. The studio was recreated in the gallery just as it was found when the artist died. After checking out the temporary exhibitions, finish your day in the gallery’s cozy café for a pot of Irish tea.

2. Irish Film Institute and the Gallery of Photography

Too many visitors to Dublin only see one side of Temple Bar: the overpriced pubs full of tourists. The truth is, this old, cobbled section of Dublin is also known as the city’s cultural quarter. Skip the nightlife here and instead check out attractions during the day.

Start out by exploring the exhibitions at the Gallery of Photography. A short stroll away is the Irish Film Institute. Grab lunch here in the artsy café before checking out a foreign film. Afterwards, a bookstore called the Gutter Bookshop is nearby. For a sweet finish to the day, grab a table at the Queen of Tarts for dessert and coffee.

3. George’s Street Arcade

Shopping in Dublin is an easy way to get soaked on a rainy day – unless you head to George’s Street Arcade. This indoor market is full of interesting stalls and restaurants – all shielded by the rain. It’s the length of a city block and has many shopping choices for cheapos.

Browse the racks at vintage stores, make an impulse purchase on costume jewelry, or pick up affordable souvenirs like replicas of antique Guinness ads. There are also a few affordable restaurants in the arcade, including Honest to Goodness and Little Macs.

While there are many indoor activities for a rainy day in Dublin, the locals don’t let a little rain get in the way of their fun. With the right gear, a hike can be just as rewarding on a “soft day” as on a sunny one.

Also in our guide: If you’re planning a trip to Dublin now, check out our list of recommended cheap hotels in Dublin, all visited, verified and reviewed by the EuroCheapo editors. They’re all safe bets, rain or shine.

The post Dublin’s Rainy Days: What to do in Dublin when it rains appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here’s a run down of what the upgrade brings:

New and improved

A mere 400-meter shift from its previous spot at the top of Acropolis, the new museum sits at the start of the hill’s slope atop ancient ruins of the Byzantines. To compensate for sitting directly on artifacts, the entrance’s glass floors allow visitors to view excavations directly under their feet.

The museum itself is dazzlingly modern and almost 14 times larger than the old museum (closed in 2007). A budget of about €130 million was invested in the four-level structure, providing chic displays, light-senitive glass walls, and illuminated open floors. The café level on the third floor provides a gorgeous view of Athens, and the terrace is an ideal escape from the bustle and hustle of the touristy Plaka district.

What to see

The layout of new Acropolis Museum follow’s a timeline that’s captivating and easy to follow. Small placards in English run throughout the levels, offering short and simple explanations for displays, time periods, and cultural formations.

The ground floor slopes upwards as vases, tools, toys and jewelry from the Neolithic period (around 3000B.C.) line the walls. Dozens of sculptures (from 600B.C. to 79B.C.) that were once votives to the Greek gods make up the second floor display. The layout lets visitors inspect pieces from all sides, from the stunning four Caryatids to other impressive models of Greek gods and heroes.

Photo courtesy of http://www.newacropolismuseum.gr.

Perhaps the museum’s most magnificent display is the Parthenon exhibit on the top floor. A short informative video explains the Parthenon’s exhibit, history, and architecture in a simple and captivating way.

Both first timers and history buffs will ooh and ahh at the former Parthenon adornments of the metopes, frieze, and giant pediments. It’s a refreshing overview that’s fun and engaging for all visitors.

The best way to tackle the Acropolis

The Acropolis is as magnificent in size as it is in historical depth, and most of what is left in good condition remains indoors for protection. A good tip is to visit the new Acropolis Museum before trekking towards the Parthenon, ancient theaters and agoras; it does wonders to help visualize the past.

As a bonus the archeologists responsible for digging up the thousands of artifacts actually hang around inside the museum, waiting to give visitors a brief lesson about any questions that might arise.

The new Acropolis Museum is an excellent opportunity for visitors to wrap their heads around Greek history in a beautiful setting. It’s quite possibly the best bang for your euro on a Greek vacation.

Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 8 AM to 8 PM. Closed Mondays.
Admission: €1
See www.theacropolismuseum.gr for more details.

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