DUBLIN ON A SUNNY DAY – FUN ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO OUTDOORS

Last updated on November 8, 2024

A sunny day in Dublin – what do you want to do today? The weather is actually already too good for indoor events…

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Intro

We live in the countryside, just south of Dublin. We are originally from Germany, but have lived here for several years (second home).

Admittedly, I have an ambivalent relationship with cities. On the one hand, I enjoy the many cultural opportunities that can be found in an exciting city like Dublin, but on the other hand, I quickly feel “overwhelmed” by the many impressions, the many people and the traffic.

When I arrive in a city, it doesn’t take long and you’ll find me on the riverbank or in the city park. But why not, I feel most at home outdoors.

And the great thing is: Dublin not only has many beautiful parks and lots of water, but it also offers many great opportunities to spend a nice day outside and be active.

Do you feel the same way? Then I have a few great tips for you here:

Kayak tours on the River Liffey

The River Liffey is the old lifeline of the city. It flows through the centre of the city, into the Docklands and flows into the sea at the harbour. Why not take a city tour on the water? City Kayaking Dublin offers guided canoe tours. There is even a version with live music. See: https://citykayaking.com/.

Kayaking in Dublin (photo: citykayaking.com)

Cycle tours through the city

A city tour by bike or e-bike is also a great alternative for a city tour. There are several providers where you can hire a bike or join a guided tour. And don’t worry, it won’t be strenuous, Dublin is very flat. See: https://lazybiketour.rezgo.com/, or: https://bikestopdublin.com/.

Walking and cycling in Phoenix Park

Phoenix Park is the largest park in Dublin and it really is huge. There are also a lot of fallow deer that roam freely in the park. Here you can go for a walk or explore the park on a hire bike. See: https://www.phoenixpark.ie/what-to-do/.

Hiking on Howth Peninsula (photo: shaneshowthadventures.com)

Paddleboarding in Howth or Dún Laoghaire

Pure Magic offers sandup paddleboarding tours in Dublin Bay. You can also get kitesurfing and wingsurfing lessons at Dollymount Beach. See: https://puremagic.ie/pages/dublin-sup.

Explore the Howth Peninsula

The peninsula borders Dublin Bay to the north and offers some beautiful walking trails with marvellous views of the coast and the sea. See: Howth Adventures offers guided walks, e-bike trips and boat trips here. See: https://www.shaneshowthadventures.com/.

Visit the National Botanic Gardens

In Glasnevin, in north Dublin, you will find the beautiful National Botanical Gardens with several gardens and outdoor areas and a very large palm house. You can take a relaxed stroll through the gardens or join a guided tour. There is also a tea room. See: https://www.botanicgardens.ie/glasnevin/.

Boat tours in Dublin Bay

Dublin Bay Cruises is a cosy place to be. Here you can take beautiful boat tours through Dublin Bay. You can also combine the boat tour with a trip to Howth, Dalkey or Dún Laoghaire. See: https://www.dublinbaycruises.com/.

Cruise ship in Dublin Bay (photo: dublinbaycruises.com)

Visit to Malahide Castle and Gardens

Malahide is a neighbourhood in the north of Dublin, not far from the airport. There is a beautiful park around the pretty Malahide Castle. You can visit the castle, stroll in the park, explore the pretty Walled Garden or visit the Butterfly House. See: https://www.malahidecastleandgardens.ie/.

Horse carriage in Dublin (photo by Ulrich Knüppel-Gertberg)

Guided city walk

You can also explore the city on foot. Original Dublin offers several formats. In addition to the Original Dublin Tour, there is also a Music Tour and a Dublin Mythology & Folklore Tour. See: https://originaldublin.com/tours/.

Round trip in a horse-drawn carriage

You can also take a nice, cosy tour of Dublin in a horse-drawn carriage. There are several providers, Dublin Horse Drawn Carriages has been offering these tours for 4 generations – so they know their City! See: https://www.dublinhorsedrawncarriages.com/about/.

Conclusion

On a sunny day in Dublin, you don’t have to spend your time indoors. There are also plenty of activities you can do outside.

In this article, I’ve given you some great tips. I hope you found them helpful.

I wish you lots of fun – and sunshine – in Dublin!