This post contains our top 10 list of fun things to do this January in Dublin, updated for 2020.
It includes free entertainment, after-dark activities, family-friendly things to do, concerts, festivals, and tours.
TOP 10 EVENTS AND THINGS TO DO IN DUBLIN IN JANUARY
Below are our favorite 10 events and activities to do this January in Dublin. For more ideas, take a look at our post about things to do in Dublin at any time of year!
If you’re looking for more tips and things to do in Dublin, take a look at our other popular posts:
If you want to get an up-close and personal look at the city, you can find plenty of pay-what-you-like walking tours running every day in January.
(1) See a Concert
Dublin is a city that loves music. Great artists and bands are playing year-round, and January is no exception. Find all the January concerts in the city here.
- Clairo - January 9
- Slipknot - January 14
- Paul Smith - January 16
- Mabel - January 28 - 29
- Jonas Brothers - January 31
- Beth Hart - January 31
Find more concerts in Dublin here.
If you're looking for more fun ways to spend an evening, check out our post on things to do at night.
(2) Sporting Matches
Sporting events slow down a bit in January, but there is still a rugby match and a great stadium to explore. Don’t miss out on any sporting events - find them here.
Rugby
The Guinness Pro14 Rugby League offers an Irish home game in January.
- Leinster v Connacht - January 4
Croke Park
Sports fans and families who are fascinated by stadiums will love touring Croke Park to see behind the scenes!
It is one of the biggest stadiums in the city with an interesting history.
The Croke Park tour is included with the Dublin Pass.
Find games in Dublin here. You can find more family-friendly activities in our full post.
(3) Sightseeing Tour
January is usually quite cold, which means that tours and attractions will have far fewer other tourists than during the busy season!
You can take advantage of hop-on-hop-off bus tours to take you directly to the popular spots, with commentary as you go.
If you want to get an up-close and personal look at the city, you can find plenty of pay-what-you-like walking tours running every day in January.
If you don’t want to be on a schedule, self-guided tours you can complete at any time of day or night are perfect options.
These tours are all great for kids, as well! If you're looking for more family-friendly fun, check out our full post.
(4) See a Theatre Production
Dublin has a thriving theatre scene, so you’re sure to find a production to strike your fancy.
Fans of Strictly Come Dancing can enjoy a live performance from the touring cast!
- January 28, 2020, at 19:30 (7:30 pm)
- 3Arena Dublin
- Find tickets here.
The high-energy musical based on ABBA songs, Mamma Mia!, will be running in Dublin from early December through January 5, 2020.
- Through January 5, 2020
- Bord Gais Energy Theatre
- Find tickets here.
Looking for more theatre? Find all performances here.
(5) Save Money With an Attraction Discount Pass
If you’re planning on visiting a lot of popular attractions while you’re in Dublin, you could save some money with a Dublin city pass.
The biggest pass offered in this city is an all-inclusive pass which includes entry to the most popular attractions in Dublin.
There is also a travel pass which makes utilizing public transportation easy and includes some other perks.
Here are some of the best locations and tours included with a Dublin tourist pass:
- Guinness Storehouse
- Distillery Tours
- Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour
- Christ Church Cathedral
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- Croke Park Tour
- Dublin Castle
- Dublin Zoo
To see how much money a pass could save you, please read our post covering Dublin tourist passes.
(6) TradFest 2020
Anyone hoping to get a glimpse of “traditional” Irish music while in Dublin should definitely seek out some trad sessions. Fans of the genre who will be in town during the end of January should be happy to discover that Tradfest 2020 is taking place from January 22 - 26 this year.
The festival is in its 14th year, takes place in the Temple Bar district, and has become Ireland’s largest traditional music festival.
There will be headline concerts in various Dublin venues, daily music sessions in Temple Bar pubs, and family-focused concerts.
The lineup has been announced and tickets are on sale for the concerts with admission fees.
For more entertainment options, check out the free things to do post, or our list of things to do at night in Dublin.
(7) Dublin Bowie Festival
The iconic David Bowie was an internationally loved singer, artist, and actor. From January 8 - 12, 2020, you can join in the celebration of his life and legacy in Dublin.
There will be multiple events, from panels and talks to musical tributes and cover bands.
You can even attend a silent disco featuring Bowie’s music!
- Dates: January 8 - 12, 2020
- Locations: Venues throughout Dublin
- Prices: FREE - €45+
- Find more information and tickets here.
Find more free things to do in Dublin in our free activities post.
(8) See Some Live Stand-Up
If you’re looking for a good laugh, there are two touring comedians performing stand up this month!
Theo Von
Theo Von is a comedian, writer, actor, and host. He has appeared on the Joe Rogan podcast multiple times and has his own stand up special.
- Date: January 6, 2020
- Location: Vicar Street
- Find tickets here.
Romesh Ranganathan
This British stand-up comedian and actor is winning awards and gaining popularity. He has a Showtime series about his journey to becoming established in the American entertainment industry.
- Date: January 8, 2020
- Location: Olympia Theatre
- Find tickets here.
Find all comedy in Dublin here.
(9) Take the Storehouse and Distillery Tours
If the weather is keeping you indoors, you can stay warm and entertained by hitting Dublin's distilleries and the famous Guinness Storehouse.
If you’re a fan of Ireland’s most famous beer, grab a ticket for a self-guided tour to learn how the drink is made in their storehouse!
Those who enjoy whiskey can tour the famous Jameson Distillery. You'll learn how to bottle whiskey from the cask and get a comparative tasting.
Teeling Distillery is the first new distillery to begin operations in Dublin in 125 years, but they’ve already won multiple awards on their spirits. Their focus is on traditional Dublin-style distillation.
(10) New Year Gala
Dublin’s New Year Gala hosted at the National Concert Hall will begin at 15:30 (3:30 pm) on January 1, 2020, which is just enough time to wake up after the New Year’s Eve festivities.
There will be classical performances with the National Symphony Orchestra and solos featuring tenor Atalla Ayan.
The exact programme will be announced soon.
You can find more information about the Gala here.
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