15 things to do for free in Dublin

Ready to enjoy the craic in Dublin but looking to stick to your budget? If so, we’ve got some great suggestions for saving money during your stay in the Irish capital. Here Hostelworld.com’s Rebecca Keenan takes a look at fifteen things to do for free in Dublin, including street entertainment, beautiful parks, free museums and more.

1 | Stroll through St. Stephen's Green

You'll find St. Stephen's Green right at the top of Grafton Street, one of the top shopping stretches in the city. This large Victorian park is free to enter and covers and impressive area of around 9 hectares. On sunny days large numbers of Dubliners flock to the park to relax on the grass, chill out on the benches and feed the ducks who frequent the ornamental pond. A great place for a leisurely stroll, the walkways and gardens provide visitors with an oasis of calm right at the heart of the bustling city.

Location: Grafton Street, Dublin City Centre.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat from 7.30am, Sun from 9.30am; closing times vary according to daylight hours.

2 | Enjoy free laughs at Shebeen Chic's Comedy Crunch

On most Sundays the Shebeen Chic bar presents Comedy Crunch, a night of free hilarity provided by a whole host of stand-up comedians. Along with this serving of rib-tickling fun, you’ll also often be treated to a free serving of ice-cream to keep you sweet during the performances.

Location: 4 South Great Georges Street. Opening times: Comedy Crunch runs from 9am.

3 | Check out the old school and modern art displayed in Dublin's national galleries

The two top national galleries in Dublin, namely the National Gallery of Ireland and the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), are both free to visit. At the National Gallery of Ireland the collection includes a wide variety of pieces from the 14th to the 20th centuries including artworks by famous Irish and international artists. Some of the artists whose work is on show here include Jack B. Yeats, Caravaggio, Monet and many more. Over at the IMMA, the 4,500 piece collection is focused on modern art and includes paintings, photography and sculpture.

Location: National Gallery of Ireland – Merrion Square West & Clare Street; Irish Museum of Modern Art – Royal Hospital, Military Road, Kilmainham.

Opening hours National Gallery of Ireland: Mon-Wed & Fri-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm, Thurs 9.30am-8.30pm, Sun 12noon-5.30pm

Opening hours Irish Museum of Modern Art: Tues-Sat 10am-5.30pm, Sun 12noon-5.30pm, closed Mondays.

4 | Listen to the buskers entertaining passers-by throughout Dublin

Dublin is a famous city in the music world having produced greats like U2, Thin Lizzy and the Frames along with a wealth of singer/songwriters and many, many others. If you want to witness some of Dublin’s musical talent without paying a cent, check out the buskers who set up shop at a number of locations around the city from in and around Temple Bar, to Grafton Street and beyond. From a lone guy with a guitar to elaborate orchestral set-ups, you’ll find it all here. Who knows, you might even hear the next big thing first!

5 | Visit Dublin's free National Museums

Ireland's rich history and culture are chronicled at a number of national museums located around Dublin. There’s the ‘National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology’ where you’ll be able to see artefacts dating back to prehistoric Ireland including stunning gold pieces and plenty more. The Decorative Arts & History branch is really easy to get to as it is right beside the Museum stop on the Red Line of the LUAS. It’s definitely worth a visit as the collection includes clothing, furniture and coins, alongside a number of displays covering The Easter Rising. Recently reopened after extensive renovations, the Natural History museum features an extensive collection of animals from both Ireland and abroad including mammals, birds and plenty more.

Location: Archaeology – Kildare Street; Decorative Arts & History – Collins Barracks, Benburb Street; Natural History – Merrion Street.

Opening hours: All branches share same opening hours – Tues-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 2pm-5pm, closed Mondays.

6 | Check out Trinity College

While you do have to pay to visit the famous Book of Kells in Trinity College’s Old Library, it won’t cost you a cent to wander around the college itself and check out the cobbled quadrangles, old buildings and lively atmosphere.

Location: College Green.

7 | Pay a visit to the Science Gallery

Dublin's Science Gallery hosts a plethora of exhibitions which change on a regular basis. Along with these exhibits, this gallery also hosts a number of talks, workshops and other events.

Location: The Naughton Institute, Pearse Street.

Opening hours: Tues-Fri 12noon-8pm & Sat-Sun 12noon-6pm, closed Mondays.

8 | Wander through the Chester Beatty Library

Located in the gardens of Dublin Castle, the Chester Beatty Library is completely free to visit. Not only is it one of Ireland’s top museum but it also boasts one of the best collections in Europe. As you stroll through the Chester Beatty you’ll come across artefacts from a large selection of cultures around the world. Some of the items on display include Egyptian papyrus, medieval manuscripts, copies of the Qur’an and much, much more.

Location: Palace Street, off Dame Street.

Opening hours: May-Sept Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm; Oct-Apr Tues-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm.

9 | Spend some time in Phoenix Park

If you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Dublin City Centre what better place to visit than Phoenix Park, which is one of the largest city centre parks in the world. Covering almost 710 hectares, this park is home to large green areas, impressive monuments, numerous colourful flower beds and benches aplenty making it a great spot for a stroll or a relaxing sit. The park is also home to one of the city’s top attractions, namely Dublin Zoo which you do have to pay to visit. Checking out the park itself is completely free of charge.

Location: Main entrances at Parkgate Street & Castleknock Gate.

Opening hours: Main gates are open 24 hours.

10 | Get a taste of Georgian Dublin at Merrion Square

Merrion Square is the largest Georgian Square in Dublin. Lining this square you’ll find some great examples of Georgian architecture in the form of redbrick townhouses. Take a stroll around the pretty park area at the centre of the square and you’ll come across a number of statues including one of a reclining Oscar Wilde who was a resident on Merrion Square back in the late 1800s.

11 | Check out Dublin Castle

While it does cost money to visit the interior of Dublin Castle, you can check out the building’s impressive exterior completely free of charge. The Castle, which began its life back in the 13th century, acted as the seat of the English administration in Ireland for around 700 years. Today it is used for State functions and it’s also where the President of Ireland is usually inaugurated.

Location: Palace Street, off Dame Street.

12 | Go for a wander along O'Connell Street

O'Connell Street is the main street in Dublin and is the city's main thoroughfare. It’s one of the widest streets in Europe and no visit to the Irish capital is complete without a stroll along this tree-lined street. Along the way you’ll see the towering Spire plus numerous statues dedicated to important figures in Irish history, but perhaps the most important site on the street is the GPO. Dublin’s main post office, the GPO was the headquarters of the Irish provisional government during the 1916 Easter Rising. If you look closely, you’ll still be able to see the bullet holes which remain in the building, a reminder of Ireland’s fight for freedom.

13 | Take a free walking tour

Sandeman's New Dublin Walking Tours offer free walking tours around Dublin taking in some of the city’s main sights. Lasting around three hours, visitors get a good look at a large number of Dublin’s top sights on this free tour including Dublin Castle, Christchurch Cathedral, Temple Bar and plenty more.

Location: Tours meet beside City Hall on Dame Street.

Opening hours: Tours depart daily at 11am & 1pm.

14 | Listen to some free live music in Whelan's

Whelan's is one of the top live music venues in Dublin and is also one of the city’s most popular pubs, attracting huge numbers of drinkers and music fans each and every week. For those visiting Dublin on a budget, never fear as Whelan’s offer a regular selection of free live music events alongside their ticketed offerings. Look out for the Midnight Hour for free entry before 10.30pm and some of the best in up and coming local talent. A number of acoustic sessions, DJ sets and more can also be enjoyed free of charge.

Location: 25 Wexford Street.

15 | Scope out Bono's digs on a walk from Dalkey to Killiney

If you want to go celeb spotting while in Dublin you might want to talk a walk from Killiney to Dalkey, two of south Dublin’s top suburbs. In Killiney you’ll be able to see the house belonging to Bono of U2 fame. Once you’ve had a look, make sure to hang around Killiney for a while and check out the beautiful beach, while in nearby Dalkey you’ll be able to visit Dalkey Castle, eat at a number of funky restaurants and plenty more.

Location: Both Killiney and Dalkey can be reached on the southside DART line.

Inspiration:

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15 things to do for free in Madrid

Planning a trip to Madrid but want to keep to a strict budget? In this travel feature we take a look at fifteen things to do for free in Madrid, including a walk through Retiro Park, free entry into world class museums and lots more.

1 | Enjoy the outdoors in Parque del Buen Retiro

Madrid's Parque del Buen Retiro, or just Retiro Park as it is known locally, is the city’s best loved park, as well as being one of Madrid’s top attractions. Retiro Park is the perfect place to enjoy the great summer days that Madrid gets plenty of. In this city park you will find many beautiful sculptures and monuments as well as a boating lake. There are also some free outdoor concerts that take place in Retiro Park during the summer.

2 | Free entry into world class museums

Madrid prides itself on the variety of art and culture on offer in the city. It is also home to some of the world’s top museums, housing some top class art works. Two of Madrid’s most famous museums are the Reina Sofia Museum and the Prado Museum both of which charge an admission fee. However, if you plan your visit to either museum beforehand you can get in free of charge.

Free admission to the Prado Museum: visit Tuesday to Sunday from 6pm to 8pm, or Sundays from 5pm to 8pm.

Free admission to the Reina Sofia Museum: visit Monday to Friday from 7pm to 9pm, Saturday from 2.30pm to 9pm, or Sunday from 10am to 2.30pm.

Location: Edificio Villanueva, Paseo del Prado

3 | Sit back in Plaza Mayor

Madrid is packed full of beautiful squares or plazas as they are known locally, with the main city square being Plaza Mayor. This Madrid square is steeped in history and has seen public executions, royal ceremonies, bullfights, Inquisition trials and many celebrations. Today it is surrounded by three-storey buildings, many cafes and restaurants with terraces to sit out in and take in this busy square.

4 | Walk around Madrid’s Royal Palace

The Palacio Real is Madrid’s Royal Palace and is also the largest palace in Europe with over 2,800 rooms. It is the official residence of the Royal family; however it is only used for state ceremonies these days. The palace is open to the public but even just a walk around its grounds and courtyard is a great free thing to do in Madrid. The Royal Palace is a beautiful building to look at and once you have taken in this architectural splendour, check out the view from the side of courtyard.

Location: 5 minute walk from Opera metro station

5 | Get tropical at the Atocha Railway Station

It may be hard to believe, but one of Madrid’s most talked about attractions can be found in the city’s main train station. A tropical garden lies in the old atrium of Atocha Railway Station and you can take a walk through this small botanic area while waiting to catch your train. This train station garden is home to tropical plants and fauna, as well as a little turtle pool that draws many onlookers.

6 | Soak up the sun in Plaza de España

One of Madrid’s busiest traffic intersections is also where you will find one of the city’s most beautiful squares. Plaza de España is home to a beautiful large fountain and a breath-taking monument to Cervantes, who is best known for writing "Don Quixote". The fictional character of Don Quixote and his sweetheart Dulcinea also feature in this dominant fixture in the square. Plaza de España is especially popular on sunny days for sunbathers and it’s also where you will find many street vendors.

7 | Take a stroll down Gran Via

If you take a stroll along Madrid’s Gran Via you will be taking a walk down the city’s most famous street. Gran Via has been referenced in everything from operas to films, and it is also steeped in history. This street is one of Madrid’s busiest as it is lined with shops and restaurants. It is also architecturally beautiful to look at with many buildings on Gran Via classed as landmarks.

8 | Go to see the Templo de Debod

This Egyptian temple once stood in the village of Debod but today resides in Madrid in the Parque del Oeste. This piece of Egyptian heritage came to Spain when a dam was being developed in Egypt and many historic pieces were at risk of being ruined. Spanish engineers helped the Egyptian government to move these monuments and in return, Egypt donated the Templo de Debod to Spain as a thank you. It’s a popular attraction today and lies in one of Madrid’s popular parks. Just behind it you will be greeted with some stunning views.

10 | Madrid’s largest open air flea market 'El Rastro'

If you are spending a Sunday in Madrid make sure you pay a visit to ‘El Rastro’ – Madrid’s largest open air market. This popular flea market is packed full of locals and tourists every week and you can pick up all kinds of bargains from antiques to clothes amongst the 3500 stalls. A visit to ‘El Rastro’ is highly recommended even if you don’t want to buy anything as the atmosphere here is worth the trip alone.

11 | Follow the Old City Walls

Madrid was once upon a time a walled city and today you can see the remains of what once protected a 9th century Moorish settlement. This free attraction can be found just behind the Cathedral. Originally these city walls surrounded just over 4 hectares, but parts of the walls also date from the 12th and 13th century. They were declared a national monument in 1954 to protect them from local construction. A stroll around these city walls make for a great walk through a historical part of Madrid.

12 | Spend an evening in Puerta del Sol

This popular city square was once the home of Madrid’s city gates. This is also Madrid’s most central location and where you will find a stone slab marking 'Kilometre Zero' – the official starting point for Spain’s 6 National Roads. There are many noteworthy aspects to Puerta del Sol such as the monument of "El Oso y El Madroño" - the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, a statue of King Carlos III and two fountains where people gather to sit around, especially in the evenings. Puerta del Sol comes alive at dusk with people going through the square as well as stopping off in one of the cafes or restaurants in the area. It’s a great place to watch the city go by.

13 | Madrid's Museo Taurino

If you cannot afford the price of a ticket to see the bullfighting for real, then take advantage of the free admission to Madrid's Museo Taurino – The Bullfighting Museum. The museum offers an account of Spain’s bullfighting history with costumes of previous matadors and even a painting by Goya depicting a bull fighting scene. There are also many photographs and relics detailing this controversial tradition from its origins to the present day.

Location: Plaza de Toros Monumental de las Ventas

14 | Museo Arte Público

This museum certainly makes use of unused spaces as you will find this outdoor museum underneath a bypass. This free thing to do in Madrid is well worth a visit even if it is just to witness how this space is beautifully utilised. The collection is mainly made up of abstract sculptures with works by Joan Miró and Eduardo Chillida also included.

Location: Paseo de la Castellana, 41

15 | Anden 0

If you want to see what an old Madrid Metro station looked like in the 1960s, then visit Anden O. This free Madrid attraction showcases an old Madrid Metro station, and while it is a small museum it is definitely worth a look, especially as it is free to enter.

Location: Plaza Chamberi

Opening hours: Tues-Fri: 11 am – 7 pm, Sat, Sun and holidays: 11 am – 3 pm

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