Summer is finally here and there’s nothing like enjoying a day out in Dublin when temperatures are higher and the sky is blue! There’s a lot to do and see in the Irish Capital during the summertime, the city gets alive and you will find happy Dubliners everywhere taking advantage of the good weather. If you want to make the most of a sunny day in Dublin, here are a few suggestions of where to go and what to do, with options that are budget-friendly:
Enjoy a sunny day in Dublin with a picnic at The Iveagh Gardens
That’s one of the nicest parks in Dublin, located very close to the famous St. Stephens Green’s but a lot less known by tourists. The Iveagh Gardens is a hidden gem in the very heart of Dublin and the perfect place to enjoy a sunny morning during your time here, with a lot of space to lie around in the sunshine. Make sure to stop at the closest Tesco or grab a chicken fillet roll from one of the delis around that area, it will definitely be cheaper than going for a full brunch. The public park is located between Clonmel Street and Upper Hatch Street, near the National Concert Hall, and it’s open every day from 8:00 am to 7:30 pm.
Do as the locals: swimming at Vico Baths
Summer is the best time to go for a dip in the Irish Sea with many Dubliners going for daily swims during the season. One of our favorite places to go is the Vico Baths, with amazing views of Dublin’s coast and easily accessible by public transport. To get there all you need to do is jump on a Southbound Dart Train at Connolly Station, after getting out of the train at Dalkey Station you will walk 13 minutes towards Vico Road. Look for a small gap on the wall (I know, it sounds a bit magical, and it is!), follow the signs, and listen to where the waves crashing sound is coming from. You will likely meet other fellow swimmers on the way there. Bring a towel and a change of clothes with you, and if I might give you some advice, just jump straight away into the water and don’t give yourself too much time to think about it.
Try one of the many hikes around Dublin
Dublin is much more than the city center and famous pubs, the city has a lot of outdoor to be explored and some amazing views that are definitely worth checking. There are many hikes around Dublin that can be done in a few hours and are easy to moderate level, that’s a great way to enjoy the sunshine while admiring the beautiful Irish landscapes. If you are looking for some seaside walks, check the Howth Cliff Walk, or the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk. Both hikes can be accessed by public transport with Dart trains. Prepare a few snacks to bring with you and stop somewhere along the way for a bucolic picnic. We have a complete guide with other 7 incredible hikes around Dublin and how to get there.
Enjoy the sunshine around the Grand Canal in Portobello
Portobello is one of the nicest neighborhoods in Dublin, with many pubs, restaurants, and parks. Every sunny day you will find loads of people gathering around the gorgeous Grand Canal to enjoy the sunshine and the good vibes. The best place to be is around The Barge pub, serving fresh pints all day. You can also check one of the Centras around that area for some snacks and drinks to bring with you, it is always cheaper than going for a meal in a restaurant.
Go for a €5 yoga session at Dartmouth Square
During all summer you can take outdoor yoga sessions at a little oasis in the middle of Dublin every Saturday morning, at 11:00 am, and Wednesday afternoons, at 6:00 pm. The Dartmouth Square is a small but charming park in Ranelagh, with a victorian style and a lot of green space, which makes you almost forget that you are in a big city. Anyone can take the yoga classes, you just need to bring a yoga mat and your best energy. The park’s administration asks for a donation of €5 from each participant to help with the place’s maintenance. You can check their page on Facebook to get more information about the classes.
Choose one of Dublin’s many beer gardens to have a drink
You cannot visit Dublin in the summer without going for drinks at one of its famous beer gardens to enjoy the sunshine while you have a creamy pint. There are so many options to choose from, but a few good ones to try are the Bonobo Pub in Smithfields, The Harry Byrne’s in Clontarf, The Church bar in City Center, Grand Social, also in City Center, Fitzsimons Rooftop Bar in the Temple Bar area, and The Living Room, at Parnel’s street.
Hope you will love summer in Dublin as much as we do. Don’t forget to bring some sun cream with you if the plan is to stay outside for long, the Irish sun can be quite strong even when it’s cloudy :)
