Ireland is known for being a country where it rains roughly 150 days per year. So on your trip to Ireland it’s best to prepare for some rainy days. That shouldn’t stop you from exploring because there are still plenty of things to enjoy when it’s raining. Below I outline my recommendations for the best things to do in Dublin when it rains.
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Visit Local Book Shops
One of my favourite things is to check out all the really cute and quaint Dublin book shops. If I had to choose one, I would highly recommend visiting Books Upstairs. Books upstairs even has a really beautiful café so you can grab a book and head to this beautiful Dublin coffee shop and settle in for a cozy afternoon.
Guinness Factory Tour
Another great activity to do if it’s raining and one of my top recommended local Dublin tours is the Guinness factory tour. I was so impressed with this tour and stayed engaged and interested the entire tour (which says a lot for me).
It is a self-guided tour but everything is indoors, spread over multiple floors. It’s a perfect way to spend an afternoon in Dublin, especially if it’s raining. I do recommend going in the afternoon or early evening because as part of your tour ticket, a pint of Guinness is included. It’s nice to enjoy your Guinness to start off happy hour and not be drinking beer at eight in the morning but you do you 🙂
I write about this tour and other tours available in Dublin over on my Dublin tours guide (coming soon).
Visit Powerscourt Townhouse Centre
Another recommendation I have is to head to Powerscourt Townhouse Centre. If you’ve already started to scroll past this recommendation because you think this might be a mall hold your scroll. We were taken to this building on our Dublin walking tour. The history of this building is incredible and I definitely recommend visiting it just to check it out.
The townhouse was built in 1774 and the owners used it to host parties and special gatherings. It has such a grand entrance that I stood their in awe thinking “this was someone’s house?!”. The curb appeal and the staircase leading to the front doors is incredible. You’ll likely see people sitting on the steps, enjoying their coffee or chatting among friends.
If you venture inside, you’ll walk through a beautiful flower shop, and at times feel like you’re right in the middle of their floral studio – well, because you are.
As you wander this townhouse turned shopping hub, make sure you look in all directions – especially up. The details in the woodwork, ceilings, staircases and flooring is much to be desired, especially in a time where these types of details are often overlooked and non-existent in todays world of ‘the quicker, the better’ attitude.
Once you’re inside, you can check out some of the unique local shops, including clothing boutiques, a popular Dublin coffee shop and a woodfired pizza restaurant called The Little Pyg.
Visit Unique Cafés
Another great way to spend some mornings and afternoons is by heading to some of the best Dublin coffee shops. I couldn’t believe how many incredible cafés they have in the city and each has their own vibe and decor. These are a great way to spend time indoors, but still explore the city.
- Also check out my guide for the best coffee shops in Dublin
Go Vintage Shopping
If you’re into vintage shopping and perusing really unique stores and looking for trinkets and gems from years past or an iconic piece of jewellery or jean jacket, I definitely recommend the vintage and thrift shops in Dublin. I immediately noticed that the vintage shopping scene was alive and well in Dublin when we arrived because I kept seeing shops on almost every corner.
If you can only visit one and you really love finding vintage clothing for both men and women head to The Big Smoke Vintage, right in the temple bar neighbourhood.
Visit Traditional Pubs
Another recommendation for rainy days in Dublin is heading to some of the traditional pubs in Dublin. As I’m sure you know there’s no shortage of really great pubs and bars in Dublin. Each one reveals character from years past and is an experience in itself. One thing that makes the pubs in Dublin great is that most of them also have full menus and the food is usually really good. You can easily head to a pub for a lunch and dinner and enjoy one of the most popular past times of locals in Ireland.
- Check out my recommendations for Dublin pubs you don’t want to miss.
Visit Dublin Art Galleries & Museums
There are many different art galleries in Dublin to explore. If this is something that interests you, this is another great activity to do when it’s raining. The modern art museum is located on Trinity College campus.
Take A Craft Workshop
Another option if you’re feeling like you want to get a little creative is to sign up for a craft class and workshop. You can choose between creating a hammered silver ring, a silver charm, making homemade scones, and more. These workshops would be great if you have teenagers that are getting bored and don’t want you to drag them to another pub or museum. This will get everyone involved and creating new memories through a hands-on activity.
