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 enjoy walking, sport or just taking in the scenery at your leisure, you'll find plenty of options for enjoying Dublin outdoors. Here's a list of the most interesting activities to make the most of every corner.

If you want to combine history, culture and the outdoors, and you can set aside a full day to see the most emblematic sights of Dublin, a good option is to take a guided tour that includes entrance to the most representative attractions of the city and tastings at the main distilleries.

These tours are usually done 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 for one or two days in Dublin, as they start early in the morning and give you a comprehensive overview of the city.

These walks through the heart of Dublin include entry to its landmarks, which are usually Dublin Castle, an ancient fortress, and Trinity College, home to the Book of Kells, a medieval manuscript considered a historical treasure of Ireland. They also often take you to the distilleries where Dublin's main whisky tours 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 the beer in the Gravity Bar, which is located on the roof terrace of the building and offers incredible views of the city.

Interesting facts

• Price: around 164 € for adults, and around 154 € for children and teenagers between 2 and 14 years old.
• Duration: approximately 8 hours.
• Means of transport: on foot.
• Advantages of this option: it is a more comprehensive tour of the city, including entry to various Dublin attractions and drinks tastings.
• Disadvantages of this option: the 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'll walk past sites of unexplained events, ancient crimes and other intriguing happenings.

Accompanied by a local guide, you'll discover some of the city's lesser-visited sites, but full of dark legends. You can also delve into the stories behind some of Dublin' s most visited castles or iconic sites such as the old Kilmainham Hospital.

Joining these tours is definitely 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.

Useful facts

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

If you enjoy the great outdoors, but prefer a more relaxed 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 gives you the chance to see the city's most iconic sights and monuments.

You'll also be able to see Dublin's iconic Ha'penny Bridge, the modern harp-inspired Samuel Beckett Bridge and the Jeanie Johnston ship, a testament to the Irish famine of the 19th century, which are always included on these tours. During the tour, an expert guide will point out the most important landmarks and you'll learn the history and significance of each.

These cruises usually take place during daylight hours, when the natural light allows you to better appreciate the sights and scenery, as well as take beautiful photographs. It's like a real photo tour of Dublin, but from the water.

Useful facts

• Price: from €18 for adults and between €13 and €14 for young people and children aged 4 to 17. Children under 3 years travel free
• Duration: approximately 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 the event of rain or bad weather, the tour may 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. There are several tours in Dublin 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, whether you are a beginner or an expert, and are usually led by expert guides who will give you brief instructions and make sure you get the most out of your ride. Of all of them, the electric bike tours are highly recommended, an ideal option if you prefer not to get too tired pedalling. You'll also be provided with all the necessary equipment, such as a helmet and reflective waistcoat.

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

If you prefer a more intimate experience, a private bike tour can offer just what you need. With a guide dedicated to 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 get to know the highlights of the city without having to do a long walk.
• Disadvantages of this option: it usually requires a minimum age to participate.

If you want to enjoy the sights of Dublin by night from a comfortable and relaxed location, I recommend you sign up for a night tour bus tour. This bus has an open top deck, allowing you to enjoy the sights and the open air unhindered.

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 ascenic tour, it does not have free stops at tourist attractions like other Dublin sightseeing buses.

Some of the sights you will be able to see from the bus include Trinity College, Dublin Castle and the famous Temple Bar. It's a great way to admire the city lit up and take stunning photos of the most iconic landmarks from the open deck. Please note that this activity is not available in winter in Dublin when temperatures are very low.

Useful facts

• Price: from £25 for over 16s. Children from €15.
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
• Means of transport: double-decker open top bus.
• Advantages of this option: you will be accompanied by a guide who will provide you with interesting and educational information about the sites 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, some 18km north-east of Dublin city centre.

These cruises last about an hour and a half and are accompanied by a professional guide who provides valuable information about the cliffs and their marine life. You can also admire Bailey's lighthouse from the water, which offers one of the most beautiful postcards of the region.

If you are going to Dublin in summer, these cruises are an ideal option, as they allow you to escape the high temperatures in the city and enjoy nature very close to Dublin. To get to Howth, if you haven't hired a car, you can take a bus, which will drop you off at this destination in about an hour.

Useful facts

• Price: from £26 for adults, and from £16 for children and teenagers aged 2-14.
• Duration: around one hour.
• Means of transport: tourist boat.
• Advantages of this option: you will discover the beauty of the cliffs of Howth, which are very close to Dublin.
• Disadvantages of this option: does not include transfer from Dublin to Howth Harbour.

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 cruise along the calm waters and past some of the city's most iconic buildings. You can choose to paddle solo or in double or triple kayaks.

This is a tour that combines adventure and nature in Dublin. During the tour, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Dublin's landmarks and pass under some of the city's 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. What's interesting is that you don't need to be an expert to enjoy this experience, as the guides usually provide basic instructions before you start, and the tours usually adapt to the pace of the group.

Interesting facts

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

If you want to see an alternative version of Dublin, off the beaten tourist track, a walking tour to discover the city's street art is an interesting option. This tour will allow you to explore a side of the city that many visitors overlook - Dublin' s murals and graffiti that bring its alleyways and urban spaces to life.

The tour is usually guided by an expert who knows Dublin's street art scene and can give you a more complete picture of the messages and techniques used by the artists and the significance of each piece. The best time to take this tour is during the month of March in Dublin, when Graffiti Day is celebrated. Tours usually run on certain days of the week and at specific times, so it is important to plan ahead.

Exploring the streets of Dublin in search of these artistic expressions is a different kind of outdoor experience, especially if you enjoy art. The guide's commentary will give you an insight into the highlights of Dublin's street art. You can also ask questions and appreciate the pieces up close.

Interesting facts

• Price: around €14 for adults.
• Duration: between 2 and 3 hours.
• Means of transport: 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 are interested in the rural Irish life of yesteryear, a tour of Newbridge House and Farm offers you the opportunity to explore a historic estate. It 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 great outdoors as you can wander 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're travelling to Dublin with children. Another interesting thing is that you can 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 artefacts belonging to the Cobbe family, the former owners of the property. The tours can be self-guided or guided by a local expert.

Facts and Figures

• Price: Admission is around €9 for adults, and from €6.50 for children and teenagers. Guided tours cost around €14 per person.
• Duration: the tours run every hour.
• Disadvantages of this option: transport is not included.
• How to get there: you can get there by bus or train from Dublin city centre.