This post contains our top 10 list of the best things to do this October in Dublin, updated for 2023.
It includes free activities, evening entertainment, family-friendly things to do, concerts, professional sports, and other events to attend.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN DUBLIN IN OCTOBER
Here are our favorite events happening in October. Don’t forget to check out the top things to do in Dublin any time of year!
Other popular Dublin posts:
1. Visit the Guinness Storehouse
Guinness is one of the most famous brand names in all of Ireland, and its home storehouse and factory is in Dublin.
They’re also one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city!
It is easy to grab a ticket for a self-guided tour to walk through the storehouse and learn how the beer is made.
Once you’ve made it to the end, their Gravity Bar has beautiful views of Dublin in all directions, and enjoy a free pint of Guinness (or a soft drink).
If whiskey is what you prefer, though, don't forget you can also take a Jameson Distillery tour (with a tasting)!
Note: This attraction is listed on multiple Dublin city passes.
For more family-friendly activities or things to do after dark, check out our full posts.
2. Participate in or Watch a Sporting Event
Where you want to take part in a sporting event, or cheer players on as a spectator, you can do either in Dublin in October.
Running
The Gaelforce 10K Howth Summit brings runners to Howth Castle on October 7th where they ascend Howth Hill along some rather narrow and at times steep paths.
The Irish Life Dublin Marathon takes place on October 28th, starting in Fitzwilliam Street Upper and ending close to Trinity College.
Football (Soccer)
Rugby
- Ireland Rugby Union | Note that the Bank of Ireland Nation Series takes place on August 5th and 19th at Aviva Stadium
Greyhound Racing
3. Go on a Sightseeing Tour
One of the best ways to see the city of Dublin is by taking a pay-what-you-like walking tour.
You’ll learn a lot about how Dublin was built, as well as today’s culture.
If you'd like to discover the city on your own, taking yourself on a self-guided tour is a low-key way to explore.
With Halloween approaching, October is the perfect time to take a Ghostbus Tour!
If you aren’t a fan of themed tours, hop-on-hop-off bus rides are a popular way to catch a tour and some convenient transportation.
Don’t forget to check out the boat tours available as well.
TIP: If you need somewhere to securely store your bulkier belongings while taking a tour, read our post on luggage storage options in Dublin.
4. Enjoy Ireland Music Week
This festival was created with the hope of introducing emerging Irish artists to both fans and industry professionals.
There's competition for space so only some of the best and brightest find their way to one of the few spots.
This festival has been around for 21 years and has introduced a number of now well-known artists to the world.
Events run October 3rd - 6th at various locations across Dublin.
Visit the Ireland Music Week website for additional details.
5. Take Part in the Púca Festival
The word Púca comes from Irish folklore and can mean goblin or shapeshifter.
It often takes the form of a horse with golden eyes, or even a human form, amongst other creatures.
The Púca Festival runs from October 28th - 31st, 2002, and celebrates Samhain (the origin of Halloween) with music, food, storytelling, and fire.
It takes place in Trim & Athboy, which is about an hour outside Dublin.
This year's program can be found here.
Tickets can be purchased by clicking on the individual artists.
6. Attend the Dublin Theatre Festival
In October many theatres are putting on productions for the Dublin Theatre Festival.
It is Europe's oldest theatre-only festival, founded in 1957.
This means that you'll see the best of the best of theatre companies and productions in the city.
Participating Theatres Include:
- Gaiety Theatre
- Civic Theatre
- Abbey Theatre
- Draiocht
- Gate Theatre
- Pavilion Theatre
The festival runs from September 28th – October 15th, Visit the Dublin Theatre Festival website for more information.
7. Celebrate Oktoberfeis
This nationwide celebration puts an Irish twist on Oktoberfest.
Some of Ireland's top-selling musicians are featured along with "Irish trad bands and dancers, tankers of Irish stouts and beers, authentic Irish food, DJs and an eclectic mix of entertainment and competitions"
The show comes to Dublin on October 6th at RDS Simmons Court.
Visit the Oktoberfeis website for more information.
8. Visit the Bram Stoker Festival
Fans of the supernatural and author Bram Stoker will thoroughly enjoy this vampiric festival.
It is now one of Dublin's largest festivals and it falls at the most perfectly spooky time of year.
It runs on the October Bank Holiday weekend, from October 27th to 30th.
Visit the Bram Stoker Festival website for more information.
9. See the Major Attractions
Dublin has a lot of popular attractions to explore, and October means there will be fewer crowds to compete with.
If you're a fan of Ireland's most famous beer, grab a ticket for a self-guided tour to walk through the Guinness storehouse and learn how it's made.
Castle and history enthusiasts will enjoy Dublin Castle. It is easy to get to and has beautiful gardens to explore.
If you're with the kids, they'll enjoy the Dublin Zoo! The Zoo has multiple habitats for mammals, birds, reptiles and other groups.
They'll also enjoy the Natural History Museum, which is so full of taxidermy animals that locals call it the "Dead Zoo."
NOTE: These attractions are listed on multiple Dublin city passes.
10. Attend the 12 Points Festival
This music festival showcases young and talented jazz musicians, moving through venues and festivals across Europe.
The 12 comes from the 12 jazz acts showcased each year.
The festival will be in Dublin from October 18th-21st.
Visit the 12 Points website for more information.
11. Save Money with an Attraction Discount Pass
When you purchase a tourist pass, it will give you discounts in exchange for getting bundles
The all-inclusive Dublin Pass will even get you into some popular spots for free.
If you’re mainly into tours, there are also bus combo passes to take advantage of.
Included with Various Attraction Passes:
- Dublin Castle
- Guinness Storehouse
- Whiskey Distilleries
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours
- Jeanie Johnston Ship
- Boat Cruises
Check out our full tourist discount pass comparison to see how much money you could save.
12. Go to Open House Dublin
This free annual event gives the public free access to many of the city's buildings that visitors normally wouldn't have access to.
A broad range of sights are participating and you can see many architectural styles and types of buildings, including private homes.
There are more than 100 guided tours, in addition to films, events, and exhibitions.
Although they don't have a cost, it's important to prebook your spot on the tours.
Events take place from October 7th-15th. Visit Open House Dublin for additional information.
Another way to learn about the city's architecture and history is to take a pay-what-you-wish guided walking tour of Dublin
13. See a Play or Musical
Dublin is home to excellent theatre productions that are both modern and traditional, depending on where you look.
A play, musical, or dance is performed somewhere in the city on a weekly basis.
A few theatres you might check for shows are:
- Abbey Theatre | Ireland National Theatre, this was home to premiers of works by some of Ireland's best-known playwrights
- Gate Theatre | a big player in Irish theatre history that has a focus on classic and contemporary plays
- Gaity Theatre | dating back to the 1800s, this theatre attracts top-tier musicals, plays, comedy shows, and more
- Liberty Hall Theatre | known for modern plays written by both Irish and international playwrights
- Olympia Theatre | dating back to the 1800s, this theatre has plays, comedy shows, concerts, and more
To see more suggestions on things to do at night or things to do with the kids, check out our full posts.
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