Thomas Lucas As the vibrant capital of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin is a popular city break destination for those interested in everything from history to the great outdoors. Here, we share our tips on how to have a cheap weekend in Dublin if you’re hoping to visit on a budget.
Take a free walking tour of Dublin
Finding free activities offers the perfect opportunity to save some money during your cheap weekend in Dublin, and Dublin Free Walking Tour are a company offering exactly what their name suggests – free walking tours of the city! At the end of the three hour long tour, you can tip your guide based on your budget and how much you enjoyed the experience, but there’s no fee required in order for you to take part. The tours start from the base of the Spire on O’Connell Street (just make your way towards the yellow umbrella), at 11am and 2pm every day, with an extra tour at 9:30am on Saturdays and Sundays.
During your walking tour, you’ll see plenty of Dublin’s top sights, including Temple Bar, Trinity College, and the cathedrals. You’ll also hear fascinating stories about the roles of drinking, music, and literature in the city from your local guide, making each tour unique in its own special way. Another great thing about these tours is that you might spot places that you’d like to go back and visit later on in your trip, as they really do offer a great introduction to the city.
See Dublin’s botanical gardens
Dublin’s botanical gardens are a must-visit if you’d like to spend a bit of time immersed in nature during your cheap weekend, as entry to the gardens is completely free. Boasting around 15,000 plant species from around the world, including 300 endangered varieties and 6 that are already extinct in the wild, these botanical gardens are home to stunning historic glasshouses, a number of sculptures, and a couple of noteworthy sundials too. From Monday to Saturday you can pay a small fee and take a guided tour of the gardens, and if you visit on a Sunday you’ll be able to join the tour for free.
You’re also sure to enjoy relaxing with a drink, snack, or hot lunch in the striking Garden Tearoom. Offering panoramic views across the gardens, this is the perfect place to unwind once you’ve finished exploring the attraction, or if you need a break during your visit.
Explore Dublin’s free museums
If you love history, or have ended up in Dublin on a rainy day, visiting some of the city’s free museums is a great way to pass the time on a budget. Head to the National Museum of Ireland where you can explore its three museums: Archeology, Decorative Arts and History, and Natural History. You’ll see everything from Asian art to Viking artefacts and zoological models across this fascinating trio, and the museums are open every day of the week. Alternatively, visit the Chester Beatty Library. Full of historic texts from countries around the world, this is the only Irish museum to be named European Museum of the Year.
Voted as Ireland’s number one museum by the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards, the quirky Little Museum of Dublin will teach you all about the history of Ireland during its guided tour, and is set in a striking 18th century Georgian house which certainly adds to the experience. Although this museum isn’t free to enter, the cost is just €8, and it’s definitely worth the entrance fee if it fits within your budget.
Visit some of Dublin’s food markets
Food is an important part of any trip, and Dublin’s range of food markets are sure to tempt you to try lots of treats without going over budget. One of the city’s favourites is the Coppinger Row Outdoor Farmers Market. Located by the Powerscourt Townhouse, this market offers a variety of Irish delicacies in addition to other cuisines from around the world, plus a selection of handmade crafts too. You can visit Coppinger Row Outdoor Farmers Market between 11am and 7pm on Thursdays, and it’s definitely recommended that you visit when you’re hungry!
For delicious takeaway style food in a quirky setting, head to the food market at Eatyard. Offering visitors everything from loaded mac & cheese and bao buns to rice bowls and plenty of sweet options, you’re sure to find lots that you’ll love to eat. Eatyard is open from 12pm Thursdays to Sundays, and stays open until 10pm on Thursdays to Saturdays, making it a great place to enjoy lunch, dinner, or a tasty snack.
