Budget-Friendly Things to do in Dublin This Summer

Whether you're a local rediscovering the capital or a visitor landing for the first time, Discover the best of Dublin this Summer with these top picks that showcase the very best of Dublin in the sunshine, perfect for locals and visitors who want to explore, have fun, and keep their budgets in check.

1. Picnic and Explore Phoenix Park — Ireland’s Largest Urban Green Space, Free to All

Phoenix Park is a massive, beautiful park right in the heart of Dublin and one of the best free places to spend a day.

• Bring Your Own Picnic: Rather than eating out, pack your own food and drinks for a relaxed lunch on the grass under ancient trees or near the Walled Garden.

• Free Activities: Walk, run, or bike through the 1,750 acres of meadows, woodlands, and historic sites. The Phoenix Park Visitor Centre provides free maps and info to help you discover hidden gems.

• Deer Watching: The park is home to a herd of wild fallow deer freely roaming the grounds — an amazing sight without a ticket price!

• Markets and Events: Visit on Sundays to catch the Phoenix Park Market, where you can find local handmade crafts and affordable artisan food stalls — great for budget-friendly souvenirs or snacks.

• Family Fun: Kids love the playground near the Polo Grounds, and the park’s vast open spaces are perfect for ball games or kite flying.

Getting There: Easily reached by Dublin Bus (routes 37, 39) or a quick taxi ride from the city centre, making it accessible without extra transport costs.

2. Take Free Coastal Walks and Watch the Sunset at Howth or Sandymount Strand

Enjoy Dublin’s stunning coastline without paying a cent:

• Howth Cliff Walk: A free 6 km circular trail with spectacular views of the Irish Sea, cliffs, and the Dublin coastline. The walk is mostly flat, making it accessible for all ages.

• Wildlife Spotting: Look out for seals and seabirds along the way, adding natural charm to your stroll.

• Affordable Transport: A return trip on the DART train costs about €3.50 from the city centre—much cheaper than taxi or ride-share.

• Sandymount Strand: Ideal for peaceful sunset walks or flying kites; a huge sandy beach stretches for miles and is great for families or quiet contemplation.

• Bring Your Own Snacks: Pack a sandwich or fruit to enjoy a budget-friendly picnic by the sea.

Local Treats Tip: While eating out can be pricey, look for takeaway stalls in Howth selling fish and chips or grab an affordable 99 ice cream cone from Scrumdiddly’s in Dun Laoghaire.

3. Enjoy Whiskey and Brewery Experiences Without Overspending

Dublin is renowned for whiskey and beer, and many experiences don’t have to cost a fortune.

• Self-Guided Tours & Free Exhibits: Some distilleries, such as the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in the Liberties, offer free entry to their visitor centre with self-guided tours and affordable tasting options.

• Discounted Tours: Book online in advance and look for special promotions or combo tickets to reduce costs at Teeling Whiskey Distillery or Jameson Bow St.

• Free Samples: Many tours include free whiskey tastings or samples of craft beer — a great way to enjoy without extra spend.

• Skip Expensive Pints: Instead of the pricier Guinness Storehouse, try visiting local pubs with great atmosphere that serve pints at standard prices.

• Mocktail Options: Distilleries increasingly offer non-alcoholic options so designated drivers or teetotalers can enjoy the experience affordably.

4. Take Part in Dublin’s Free or Low-Cost Festivals and Outdoor Events

Dublin’s summer calendar is packed with cultural events that cost little or nothing to enjoy:

• Live Music in Temple Bar: Head to Temple Bar Square or other open-air venues for free live music performances in the evenings. Street performers add extra entertainment without a cover charge.

• Out to Lunch Festival: Happening in early July, this free lunchtime music festival features live acts across the city centre—perfect for a quick cultural break without spending.

• Liffey Swim: Held every July, it’s free to watch swimmers brave the river, making for a unique and festive summer event.

• Open-Air Cinema: Some parks offer pay-what-you-can or free screenings of classic films during summer evenings — a budget-friendly way to enjoy the arts.

• Pride Festivities: Dublin Pride often includes free parades, street parties, and events, great for celebrating diversity without spending a lot.

Top Tip: Bookmark Eventbrite, Dublin.ie, and Lovin Dublin to catch last-minute announcements of free pop-ups, markets, and gigs.

5. Walk or Cycle Along the Grand Canal — Nature, City Views, and Exercise for Free

The Grand Canal towpaths are a perfect summer escape that won’t cost a penny.

• Walking and Jogging: The flat, well-maintained paths run through some of Dublin’s most picturesque neighbourhoods - from Portobello to the Docklands, ideal for casual walks or exercise.

• Cycling: Bring your own bike to explore further, or rent affordably from services like Bleeper Bikes which sometimes offer promotions or low daily rates.

• Paddling on a Budget: Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available but can be pricey; stick to walking or cycling if you want to keep costs minimal.

• Budget-Friendly Stops: Take breaks at cafés like Manifesto or The Barge for affordable snacks or coffees.

• Family Friendly: The paths are stroller- and wheelchair-friendly in many areas, making it accessible for all.

Final Budget-Friendly Tips for Summer in Dublin

• Bring your own food and drinks when possible to save on expensive cafés and restaurants.

• Book tickets online in advance for any paid experiences to secure discounts.

• Use public transport like Dublin Bus or the DART, which offers affordable day passes.

• Keep an eye on local listings for free events and pop-ups, especially in summer.

Visit the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin (Free Entry!)

A tranquil oasis just north of the city, the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin is a must-visit for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone looking for a peaceful stroll. Explore perfectly maintained glasshouses, discover rare and exotic plant species, or just enjoy a relaxing afternoon surrounded by floral beauty. It’s totally free to enter and located beside Glasnevin Cemetery, so you can pair it with a visit to the cemetery’s interactive museum or guided tours for a small fee.

How to Get There: From the city centre, take Dublin Bus routes 4, 9, 83, or 155 — they’ll drop you within a short walking distance of the gardens. A taxi from town takes around 15 minutes, or it’s about 25 minutes by bike. The entrance is on Botanic Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 9.

Top Tip: Pack a picnic and enjoy the grounds, or grab a coffee at the lovely on-site café. In summer, keep an eye out for free outdoor events and art installations in the gardens.

With a bit of planning and these budget-friendly ideas, you can enjoy Dublin’s best summer experiences without stretching your wallet!

Slán go fóill.