This post has our top 10 suggestions for activities and things to do in Dublin for September 2023, including ideas for nighttime, free, as well as family-friendly activities.
It should help you decide how to spend your trip to Dublin with top concerts, festivals, and attractions during September.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN SEPTEMBER
Below are our favorite events happening in September.
Also, check out our master post on things to do in Dublin for year-round ideas, and visit Free Walking Tours, Dublin Bus Tours, and Dublin Boat Tours for additional things to do.
1. Attend a Concert
Dublin loves music and lots of great musical artists make a stop in the city.
In September, here are just a few musicians making an appearance:
Concerts
- Blink 182 | September 5th
- Shania Twain | September 19th, 20th
- Luke Combs | October 13th
- S Club 7 | October 16th
- Ellie Goulding | October 17th
Music Festivals
This festival takes place just about an hour outside of Dublin.
- Electric Picnic | September 1st-3rd | Stradbally Hall, Co. Laois | Billie Eilish, Lewis Capaldi, the Killers, and more
For a list of additional artists appearing in Ireland, check out the full list of concerts.
For family-friendly activities or things to do after dark, check out our full posts.
2. Take A Game of Thrones Tour
If you're a fan of the HBO show, Game of Thrones, this is the tour for you.
The tour starts in Dublin and heads out to various locations where the show was filmed, including a village, forest, and castle.
You'll also get cloaks, swords, and banners to make the trip extra immersive.
The tour sells out quickly so you'll want to book your tickets as soon as you have your travel dates set.
Visit here for more information and tickets.
3. Take a Sightseeing Tour
Dublin is a great city to see on foot, which makes self-guided tours a convenient way to learn more about the city's history and find some interesting sites you might not have otherwise.
If you’re looking for a guide or something more exciting, why not try a boat tour or cruise down the River Liffey? Bus tours are also very popular.
We have a great self-guided tour that you can take yourself on at any time of day, or check out some of the pay-what-you-wish tours in town.
TIP : The sun starts going down sooner in September, which makes it a perfect time to go on a spooky Ghostbus Tour!
4. See Riverdance
Eurovision Song Contest winner Riverdance stormed the world in 1994.
Its dynamic dance routines, traditional Irish dance costumes, and Irish-flavored modern music have been captivating audiences ever since in the form of Riverdance: The Show.
If you've dreamed of seeing this iconic stage production, you're in luck. The show is in Dublin from June 15th-September, celebrating the show's 25th anniversary.
Visit the Gaiety Theatre website for tickets and information on Riverdance.
5. Enjoy the Dublin Fringe Festival
The Dublin Fringe Festival is one of the most famous arts and theatre festivals in the world.
They have curated productions and gallery showings by both Irish and international artists and performers, as well as workshops for artists to further their crafts.
Performers are selected for the annual program after submitting applications, which means that each performance has been vetted by the program manager.
The art is considered innovative and interactive, making it a fun experience for performers and attendees.
The festival runs September 9th-24th. Additional information can be found on the Dublin Fringe Festival website.
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. Visit Dublin Castle
Dublin's most famous landmark is Dublin Castle. There are multiple free sections to explore, from the grounds and outer walls to a few fully-furnished staterooms.
There are also some lavish state apartments you can see after purchasing a guided tour. The tour also includes an inside peek at the Chapel Royal, which was once the official headquarters of the Church of Ireland.
Note: The ticketed sections of Dublin Castle are on multiple tourist passes.
8. Take Part in a Sporting
If you're a running enthusiast, participating in the annual Dublin Half Marathon could be a fun way to spend a Saturday morning with the locals.
It will take place on Saturday, September 23rd.
Tougher is the Lambay Challenge towing event which takes place off of the coast of North County Dublin.
If you're missing a crew, you can cheer the rowers on as on September 22nd.
9. Enjoy the Art at the National Gallery of Ireland
A great way to spend a few hours as a family is to visit the National Gallery of Ireland.
The permanent exhibits are always free to enter and hold paintings, sculptures, and other works from both Irish and international artists.
What makes this a great museum for the kids are the audio guides and art packs aimed at younger visitors.
They can make their own masterpieces while gaining inspiration from the displays around them.
Here is a current list of their creative activities for families.
Looking for additional family-friendly activities?
TIP: Most museums don't allow large luggage or backpacks inside, and not all of them have coat rooms. You can securely store your bulky belongings in one of the multiple convenient locations listed here.
10. Save Money with a Tourist Attraction Discount Pass
When you purchase a tourist pass upfront, it will give you some great bulk discounts to see many more attractions in Dublin during your trip!
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 on Various Attraction Passes:
- Dublin Castle
- Breweries and Distilleries
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours
- The Irish Emigration Museum
- Jeanie Johnston Ship
- Boat Cruises
Check out our full tourist discount pass comparison to see how much money you could save.
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.
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