Dublin Outdoor Activities

The Irish capital has a special appeal when it comes to outdoor activities, and each season brings its own character to the city's landscapes and open spaces. As such, there are plenty of things to see and do in Dublin outdoors.

Whether you like to walk, play sports or simply admire the scenery at your leisure, you'll find plenty of options to enjoy Dublin outdoors. Here is a list of the most interesting activities to make the most of every corner.

If you want to combine history, culture and outdoors, and you can reserve a full day to know the most emblematic of Dublin, a good option is to take a guided tour with tickets included to the most representative attractions of the city and tastings in the main distilleries.

Usually, these tours are conducted in small groups and with a local guide who tells you about the historical and cultural relevance of each site you visit. They are ideal if you are staying one or two days in Dublin, as they start early in the morning and provide you with a comprehensive overview of the city.

These walks through the heart of Dublin include entrance to its landmarks, which are usually Dublin Castle, an ancient fortress, and Trinity College, where the Book of Kells, a medieval manuscript considered a historical treasure of Ireland, is located. They also usually take you to the distilleries where the main whiskey tours in Dublin take place, which also offer a variety of tastings.

Many of these tours also include a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, where you can learn about the history of the brewery, the brewing process and enjoy this drink in Gravity Bar, which is located on the roof of the building and offers incredible views of the city.

Interesting facts

• Price: about 164 € for adults, and about 154 € for children and teenagers between 2 and 14 years old.
• Duration: 8 hours approximately.
• Means of transport: it is done on foot.
• Advantages of this option: it is a more complete tour of the city, which includes tickets to several places of interest in Dublin and drinks tastings.
• Disadvantages of this option: its price is higher than other guided tours as it includes entrance fees to monuments and distilleries.

If you enjoy walking outdoors and are attracted to mysteries and macabre legends, you may be interested in taking a guided tour of Dublin's dark history. On this tour you will walk through places where unexplained events, ancient crimes and other intriguing events took place.

Accompanied by a local guide, you will discover some less frequented places in the city, but full of dark legends. You can also delve into the stories told about some of Dublin' s most visited castles or iconic places like the old Kilmainham Hospital.

Without a doubt, joining these tours is a different and interesting way to get to know Dublin and one of the best night tours you can do in the city. The tours usually take place at the end of the day, which makes the experience even more captivating.

Interesting facts

• Price: from 19 € per person.
• Duration: 2 hours approximately.
• Means of transportation: it is done on foot.
• Advantages of this option: it is a different way to know the city, ideal for those who want to know the hidden side of Dublin.
• Disadvantages of this option: only people over 18 years old can participate.

If you enjoy the outdoors, but prefer a more relaxing and contemplative activity, you can sign up for a sightseeing cruise around Dublin. Boat tours of the Irish capital take place on the River Liffey, which runs through the city and offers you the chance to see the cityscapes and its most representative monuments.

In addition, from the waters you can see the Ha'penny Bridge, an icon of Dublin; the modern Samuel Beckett Bridge, inspired by a harp; and the Jeanie Johnston ship, testimony to the Irish famine of the nineteenth century, which are always included in these tours. During the tour, an expert guide will point out the most important landmarks and you will learn the history and significance of each.

These cruises usually take place during daylight hours, when natural light allows you to better appreciate the monuments and landscapes, as well as take beautiful photographs. It will be like a real photographic tour of Dublin, but from the water.

Interesting facts

• Price: from 18 € for adults and between 13 and 14 € for young people and children from 4 to 17 years old. Children under 3 years old travel for free
• Duration: about 1 hour.
• Means of transport: tourist cruise.
• Advantages of this option: it is an activity that you can do with the whole family and that will allow you to discover the most emblematic sites of the city in a comfortable way, accompanied by an expert guide.
• Disadvantages of this option: in case of rain or bad weather the tour could be cancelled for safety reasons.

If you love the outdoors and like to keep moving, a bike tour of Dublin is an activity not to be missed. In this city you will find several tours that offer a perfect combination of sightseeing, physical exercise and an experience close to the daily life of Dubliners.

These tours are designed for all types of cyclists, no matter if you are a beginner or an expert, and are usually done with specialized guides who provide you with brief instructions and make sure you enjoy yourself to the fullest. Among all of them, the electric bike tours are highly recommended, an ideal option if you prefer not to get too tired pedaling. In addition, you will have all the necessary equipment, such as helmet and reflective vest.

While enjoying an activity, the guides will tell you the history of many tourist attractions in the city, such as the Guinness Brewery, which has been brewing beer in the city for 250 years; the Georgian-style Merrion Square; and the Ha'penny and Samuel Beckett bridges, the most typical of the city.

If you prefer a more intimate experience, a private bike tour can offer you what you need. With a guide exclusively for you, you'll have the freedom to tailor the tour to your specific interests, whether you want to focus on historic sites or lesser-known areas of the city.

Interesting facts

• Price: starting at 35 € per person
• Duration: between 2 and 2.5 hours.
• Means of transport: electric bicycle.
• Advantages of this option: it is an ideal way to see the highlights of the city without making long walks.
• Disadvantages of this option: it usually requires a minimum age to participate.

If you want to enjoy the night sights of Dublin from a comfortable and relaxed place, I recommend you to sign up for a night tour bus tour. This bus has an open top deck, which allows you to enjoy the views and the open air without any obstacles.

During the tour, you will be accompanied by an expert guide who will give you detailed information about each site, so the experience will be not only visual, but also educational. Please note that as it is apanoramic tour, it does not have free stops at tourist attractions like other Dublin tour buses.

Some of the places you will be able to see from the bus are Trinity College, Dublin Castle and the famous Temple Bar. It is an ideal tour to admire the illuminated city and take impressive pictures of the most emblematic monuments from its open deck. Please note that this activity is not available in winter in Dublin, when temperatures are very low.

Interesting facts

• Price: from 25 € for those over 16 years old. Children from 15 €.
• Duration: about 1 hour.
• Means of transport: double-decker open top bus.
• Advantages of this option: you will have a guide who will provide you with interesting and educational information about the places and monuments you see.
• Disadvantages of this option: it does not include stops at tourist attractions and only takes place on good weather days.

To enjoy the great outdoors and appreciate the natural beauty of **Dublin'**s coastal region, you can sign up for a cruise along the Cliffs of Howth, an impressive geological formation located on the peninsula of the same name, about 18 km northeast of the city center.

These cruises last about an hour and a half and are conducted with a professional guide who provides valuable information about the cliffs and their marine life. In addition, you can admire from the waters the Bailey lighthouse, which offers one of the most beautiful postcards of the region.

If you go to Dublin in summer, these cruises are an ideal option, as they will allow you to escape the high temperatures in the city and enjoy nature very close to Dublin. To get to Howth, if you have not rented a car, you can take a bus, which will take you to this destination in about an hour.

Interesting facts

• Price: from 26 € for adults, and from 16 € for children and teenagers between 2 and 14 years old.
• Duration: about one hour.
• Means of transport: tourist boat.
• Advantages of this option: you will know the beauty of the cliffs of Howth, which are very close to Dublin.
• Disadvantages of this option: it does not include transfer from Dublin to Howth harbor.

If you are looking for outdoor activities in Dublin, I recommend you consider a kayak tour on the River Liffey. This activity will allow you to see the city from a new perspective as you navigate its calm waters and pass by some of the city's most iconic buildings. You can choose to navigate alone or in double or triple kayaks.

Without a doubt, it is a tour that combines adventure and nature in Dublin. During the tour, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city's landmarks and pass under some of its most important bridges, such as Ha'Penny and O'Connell.

These tours are usually run in small groups and provide you with all the equipment you need. They are usually led by local guides who tell you stories about the sites you see. The interesting thing is that you don't need to be an expert to enjoy this experience, as the guides usually provide you with basic instructions before you start, and the tours are usually adapted to the pace of the group.

Interesting facts

• Price: about 49 € for people over 18 years old and about 45 € for children.
• Duration: about 2 hours.
• Disadvantages of this option: the experience may be cancelled in case of rain or strong wind. You need a medium physical condition to enjoy the experience.

If you want to see an alternative version of Dublin, away from the conventional sightseeing tours, a walking tour to discover the city's street art is an interesting option. This tour will allow you to explore a facet of the city that many visitors overlook: Dublin's murals and graffiti that bring life to its alleys and urban spaces.

The tour is usually guided by an expert who knows the street art scene in Dublin and can provide you with a more complete picture of the messages and techniques used by the artists and the meaning of each piece. The best time to take this tour is in the month of March in Dublin, when graffiti day is celebrated. The tours usually take place on certain days of the week and at specific times, so it is important that you plan ahead.

Exploring the streets of Dublin in search of these artistic expressions is a different outdoor experience, especially if you enjoy art. Thanks to the guide's commentary, you can learn about the most relevant aspects of Dublin's street art. In addition, you can also ask questions and appreciate the pieces up close.

Interesting facts

• Price: about 14 € for adults.
• Duration: between 2 and 3 hours.
• Means of transport: it is done on foot.
• Disadvantages of this option: it involves walking for a long time, which may not be ideal for people with reduced mobility.

If you're interested in learning about Irish rural life of yesteryear, a tour of Newbridge House and Farm offers you the opportunity to explore a historic estate. This is an 18th century property, located only about 20 minutes from Dublin Airport. It is known for its well-preserved Georgian mansion and traditional farmhouse which is still in operation.

The farm is a perfect place to enjoy the outdoors as you can stroll through large green areas where animals including ponies, goats and rabbits roam freely. There is also a picnic area and a playground, ideal if you are traveling to Dublin with children. Another interesting thing is that you will be able to see how environmentally friendly farming practices and biodiversity are promoted.

These tours also include a visit to the Georgian mansion, where you can admire the fine craftsmanship of the furniture and discover the Cabinet of Curiosities, which displays historical treasures and artifacts belonging to the Cobbe family, the former owners of the property. These tours can be self-guided or guided by a local expert.

Facts of Interest

• Price: the entrance fee is about 9 € for adults, and from 6,50 € for children and teenagers. Guided tours cost about 14 € per person.
• Duration: the tours are every hour.
• Disadvantages of this option: it does not include transportation.
• How to get there: you can arrive by bus or train from the center of Dublin.