Blog

What to do and what to see if you’re heading overseas for this exciting game.

Tours

1. Guinness Storehouse Tour
   Learn how Guinness is made and enjoy a pint with panoramic city views at the Gravity Bar.
2. Walking Tours
   Choose from historical tours, ghost walks, or a food trail through Dublin’s best spots.
3. Viking Splash Tour
   Hop onto an amphibious bus and explore Dublin on land and water while wearing a Viking helmet!
4. Jameson Distillery for a tasting tour—perfect for the cooler evenings.

Outdoorsy Tours

1. Kayaking on the Liffey
   Paddle through the city while seeing landmarks from a unique perspective.
2. Hike in the Dublin Mountains
   The Hellfire Club walk offers great views and spooky stories for your group.
3. Dublin Bay Cruise
   Take a boat trip to see the stunning coastlines of Dublin and Howth.
4. Bike Tour
   Rent bikes and explore Phoenix Park or along the Grand Canal.

Dublin cruise

Outdoor Adventures

1. Explore Phoenix Park
   • September’s mild weather is perfect for a bike ride or stroll. Visit Dublin Zoo or look for the wild deer that roam the park.
2. Howth Cliff Walk
   • The coastal air is crisp, and the views are stunning. Finish the day with fresh seafood in Howth Village.
3. Wicklow Mountains Day Trip
   • September is a great time for a trip to Glendalough to see the autumn colors starting to settle in.

Howth Cliff walk

Relaxed & Fun

1. Pub Crawl
   Experience the best of Dublin’s nightlife by visiting iconic pubs like The Brazen Head or John Kavanagh’s.
2. Traditional Irish Music Sessions
   Visit places like O’Donoghue’s or The Cobblestone to enjoy live music with your group.

Museums

1. The Irish Whiskey Museum
   Learn about whiskey’s history with a tasting at the end.
2. The Leprechaun Museum
   Explore Irish folklore and mythical stories in an interactive way.
3. The National Gallery of Ireland – Dive into Irish and European art. Plus, it’s free to enter!

Sites to see

1. Dublin Castle – Located in the city center, over 800 years of history, the State Apartments, the Chapel Royal, and beautiful gardens. Perfect for exploring Ireland’s political and historical legacy.
2. Trinity College & the Book of Kells – Enjoy a quieter experience exploring this iconic Irish treasure.
3. Botanic Gardens – September is lovely for strolling through these peaceful gardens as the leaves begin to change.
4. Kilmainham Gaol – Learn about Irish history in this iconic former prison, especially with fewer crowds than summer.

Dublin Castle

Close to Dublin (30–60 mins)

1. Malahide Castle Located in Malahide (~25 mins drive from Dublin) A 12th-century castle with gorgeous gardens, a butterfly house, and guided tours. Ideal for families and history buffs.
2. Howth Castle Scenic grounds near the coastal village of Howth. Though privately owned, the gardens and nearby Howth Head are lovely to visit. (~25 mins drive from Dublin)
3. Swords Castle A 13th-century castle with an intriguing medieval history. It’s undergoing restoration but is great for photos and a quick stop. (~25 mins drive from Dublin)
4. Ardgillan Castle Located in Balbriggan (~40 mins drive from Dublin), Ardgillan Castle overlooks the Irish Sea, this 18th-century castle has lush parklands, coastal views, and a tea room.
5. Powerscourt Estate Located in Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow (~40 mins drive from Dublin). A grand estate with incredible gardens, waterfalls, and breathtaking views of the Wicklow Mountains.

Malahide Castle

A Bit Further Out (1–2 hours)

1. Trim Castle
   • Location: Trim, Co. Meath (50 mins drive)
   • Ireland’s largest Norman castle and a Braveheart filming location. Perfect for medieval fans and day trips.
2. Kilkea Castle
   • Location: Castledermot, Co. Kildare (~1 hour drive)
   • A luxury castle hotel dating back to the 12th century. Perfect for those seeking a stay or a relaxing day visit.
3. Kilkenny Castle
   • Location: Kilkenny (~1.5 hours drive)
   • A grand castle with impressive interiors, art galleries, and parklands.
4. Bective Abbey and Castle
   • Location: Navan, Co. Meath (~1 hour drive)
   • A mix of medieval ruins and castle history, surrounded by peaceful countryside.

Trim Castle

Kilkea Castle

Festivals & Events

1. Dublin Theatre Festival (Late September-Early October)
   • One of Europe’s oldest theater festivals, showcasing world-class performances and local talent.
2. Culture Night (Usually mid-to-late September)
   • A free, one-night event where museums, galleries, and cultural venues stay open late, hosting special performances and exhibitions.
3. Taste of Dublin: Festive Edition
   • Enjoy food, drink, and culinary demonstrations from Ireland’s best chefs. It’s foodie heaven!

Abbey Theatre in Dublin

Food & Drinks

1. Cosy Pub Nights
   • Pubs like The Long Hall, Temple Bar orThe Stag’s Head are iconic spots for enjoying a pint and traditional Irish music as autumn sets in.
2. Farmers’ Markets
   • Check out the Temple Bar Food Market (Saturdays) or Dun Laoghaire People’s Park Market (Sundays) for local produce and artisan treats.
3. Live Music Nights
   • Dublin’s music scene is buzzing year-round. Check venues like Whelan’s or The Workman’s Club for gigs.

Whelan’s

Restaurants

1. Pichet – French cuisine
2. The Winding Stair – classic Irish home cooked cuisine. Serving lunch and dinner with a view of the river.
3. The Vintage Kitchen – original and unique
4. Sophies Rooftop Restaurant, Terrace & Bar – serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner
5. Bastible – high end
6. Bunsen – delicious burgers
7. The Old Spot – classic and timeless, serving lunch and dinner
8. Vesuvio – Italian cuisine

The Winding Stair

Coffee

1. Proper Order Coffee Co
2. Brew Lab Specialty Coffee
3. Copper + Straw
4. Mr. French Dublin
5. Social Fabric Cafe