It’s no secret, travelling is expensive. Airfare and hotel room all add up and you can spend a fortune before you even enjoy a pint of Guinness! At DCU Rooms we encourage our guests to enjoy the free things to do in Dublin as well as some of the more popular tourist attractions. Don’t overpay in a Dublin hotel, instead choose great value alternative accommodation in DCU Rooms, just outside the city centre. Check our website for our latest availability and lowest prices. Here are some of the many free things to do in Dublin n your trip.
Museums
Did you know that almost all of Dublin’s museums are free to enter? We have something for everyone in our national museums, ranging from modern to classic art, mummies and dinosaurs and everything in between. Museums are free of charge, most are fully accessible and they’re a great way to keep out of the inevitable rain until it passes! Dublin City has a concentration of museums around Kildare Street with the National Gallery of Ireland, National History Museum and Natural History Museum on the same block, directly across from Merrion Square Park. You can also enjoy modern art at the Irish Museum of Modern Art or Hugh Lane Gallery, a short way off the beaten track. Get to know the history of Dublin, absolutely free.
Parks
As an urban hub, a centre for big business and a place for a great night out, it’s hard to believe that Dublin has so many lovely parks for visitors and locals to explore and enjoy free of charge. Ranging from the literal secret garden of Dublin, Iveagh Gardens, to the largest walled park in Europe, Phoenix Park, no matter where you are in the city, you’re not far from green space. Many parks have events during the summer, playgrounds to keep the little ones happy and an abundance of native flora and fauna to enjoy alongside a picnic. DCU has its own neighbourhood park close to campus, Albert College Park, which has long been a place for congregating students enjoying some time off from lectures on a sunny day.
Dublin Castle
Everyone dreams of a summer in Ireland exploring castles and living the fairy tale. Did you know that Dublin has its very own castle, an oasis of calm? Dublin Castle is located in the heart of the city on Dame Street and is unassuming, hidden behind ancient stone walls. The gardens are full of native plants and flowers and the sculptures are interesting and meaningful. There is a small charge to enter the castle itself but within the grounds, Chester Beatty Library doesn’t charge an entry fee to the museum or any of its wonderful exhibitions. The library holds a diverse array of manuscripts, religious texts, artworks and artefacts but flies surprisingly below the radar, perfect if you don’t love crowded places. No booking is required to visit.
Live Music in Dublin Pubs
From The Dubliners to U2, Hozier to Sinead O Conner, Ireland has long been known for its fantastic musical talent. If you haven’t seen live music in Dublin before, your first show will stick with you for a long time. Some of the best music is far from the bright lights of stadiums and concerts – preferring to hide in the back of dark pubs. Drop into one of the many haunts in temple bar, O Donoghue’s on Merrion Row, or Whelan’s on Camden Street and enjoy a free live music performance with many genres and tastes represented. Most of these performances are free of charge but you may be expected to purchase a drink from the bar, a small price to pay. You’ll also witness a treat for the ears when you walk down Grafton Street enjoying some of the most talented buskers in the world.
Value Accommodation in Dublin
Quality, reasonably priced accommodation in Dublin is hard to find, especially in the current climate. While we cannot offer free accommodation, DCU rooms offer fantastic value for money. We offer a range of room and room types, to suit couples, solos, groups and families. The facilities on campus are plentiful and include a restaurant, a bar, multiple shops and a professional-grade gym and fitness centre. We’re a short hop on public transport to the city centre and many local parks and museums.
Booking great value accommodation in Dublin in DCU rooms is a no-brainer. Contact us to enjoy our lowest available rates. Our team are always on hand to recommend more free and cheap things to do in Dublin.
