Dublin has its charms at every time of year, from the colours of autumn in the Phoenix Park or the mirth and magic of Christmas on Grafton Street to long, warm summer days on Dublin’s best beaches. Springtime in Dublin – and Easter in particular – is no different. Longer, warmer days are finally back, the flowers are blooming in parks and windowsills all over the city, and there are lots of free Easter activities running all over Dublin.
If you’ve been considering a trip to Dublin at Easter but aren’t sure whether or not it's the best time to visit, we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite things about visiting Dublin at this time of year.
Easter falls on a different date every year, but it’ll always be sometime towards the end of March, or in April. By this time of year, Spring is in swing and Dublin’s parks and gardens are bursting back into life after a long cold winter. The Phoenix Park, the Botanic Gardens, St. Stephen’s Green, or the Iveagh Gardens are all beautiful spots to enjoy an Easter stroll, or enjoy one of the best Easter activities for couples there is - a romantic picnic.
Truth be told, this is very weather dependent and springtime in Dublin is known to be a little bit unpredictable rain-wise - but you’ll usually get at least a couple of sunny days over Easter so make the most of them.
There are so many Easter activities for groups all over Dublin, from egg hunts to parades and seasonal events at some of Dublin’s most popular attractions. But what’s on if you’re not travelling with little ones? Dublin has a great range of Easter activities for adults and groups, many of which are related to Ireland's struggle for independence.
The 1916 Rising (or Easter Rising) began on Easter Monday of 1916 and lasted for a week, to become one of the defining events in Irish history. It’s always commemorated in Dublin at this time of year, so for history buffs or those who want a deeper insight into the story of Ireland’s revolution, you couldn’t choose a better time to visit.
One of our most popular sites and one of the best visitor attractions in Dublin – Kilmainham Gaol – will also make one of the best Easter activities for groups in Dublin, given it played such a huge role in the Easter rising (and its aftermath). But you’ll also find lots of commemorative events around the city, from military parades to wreath-laying ceremonies, all of which show the impact of that turbulent time even now, over a hundred years later.
Dublin is home to some magnificent churches and cathedrals, from the Gothic beauty of Christchurch and St. Patrick’s Cathedral to the Greek style of St Mary’s Pro. These churches are already incredibly popular attractions due to their architectural beauty and opulent interiors, but Easter is a special time for them, and an even better time to visit.
From magnificent organ playing to angelic choirs, Easter services in Dubiln’s churches are big events, as Easter is one of the most important weekends in the church calendar. Everyone is welcome to attend, though you may have to arrive early to secure a seat as these are hugely popular among tourists and Dubliners alike.
If you are wondering about any free Easter activities to do in Dublin, you could take a look at Dublin’s best street art. Also recommended is the Dublin neighbourhoods which offer lots of group activities for tourists.
While large tourist attractions around Dublin stay open over the Easter holidays (including us here at the Storehouse), many offices and many shops will close on Good Friday and Easter Monday. This makes Easter a prime weekend for those visiting the city.
Many Dubliners leave the city for the long weekend and the streets will be that bit less hectic, but with pubs, tourist attractions and many great restaurants still open, so you won’t be at a loose end.
We’re not sure what it is about Easter that brings the music and pub scene to life at Easter weekend – maybe it’s the long tradition of celebration at the end of Lent – but Easter in Dublin is a fantastic time to get a taste of the traditional in Dublin. The Cobblestone is probably one of Dublin’s most famous spots for some traditional music, but there are great little pubs all over the city where you can enjoy a nice pint of Guinness and some great music, From Walsh’s of Stoneybatter (just a short walk from the Cobblestone), to the madness of Temple Bar and across to Devitts on Camden Street or O’Donoghues on Merrion Row, there’s no shortage of great Irish trad to get your toes tapping.
When you have experienced Dublin’s exciting traditional music scene, the Guinness Storehouse has an abundance of enjoyable brewery tours and beer tasting for all to enjoy.