This post contains our top 10 list of fun things to do this January in Dublin, updated for 2023.
It includes free entertainment, after-dark activities, family-friendly things to do, concerts, festivals, and tours.
We also have a post on the January weather in Dublin.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO 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 and you're sure to find some talented musicians performing in January.
Just a few of the concerts taking place are:
- Chrisy Moore | January 2nd, 4th, 9th, 11th, 15th, 17th
- Dropkick Murphys | January 14th
- Black Flag | January 21st
- Lucinda Williams | January 25th
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 are still a few rugby games planned as part of the United Rugby Championship:
- Leinster v Connacht | January 1st | at RDS Arena
- Leinster v Cardiff | January 28th | at RDS Arena
The Heinekin Champions Cup sees one show in January in Dublin:
- Leinster v Racing | January 21st | at Aviva Stadium
If you'd like to get a look at a stadium, sports fans will love touring Croke Park, one of the biggest stadiums in the city. It has a fascinating history and you'll get to see behind the scenes.
The Croke Park tour is included on the All Inclusive Dublin Go City and Explorer Dublin Go City discount passes.
You can find more family-friendly activities here 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. Attend a Christmas Panto
If you're looking for fun for the whole family, you won't want to miss a Christmas Pantomime (Panto), yes, even in January!
An important part of the holiday season, the Panto involves everyone in the audience and is sure to bring smiles all around.
Some of the shows taking place in January in Dublin are:
The Jungle Book will be at the Gaity Theatre from 27th of November, 2022, to the 8th of January, 2023.
Little Red Riding Hood will be at Mill Theatre the 8th December, 2022 through 8th January, 2023.
Snow White & Sammy and Buffy will be at National Stadium from 13th December, 2022 through 2nd January, 2023.
Olly, Polly and The Beanstalk with be at Olympia Theatre from 21st December, 2022 through 8th January, 2023.
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.
Or, if you've already found the best discount pass for your purposes, one can be purchased here: All Inclusive Dublin Go City | Explorer Dublin Go City | DoDublin Travel Card
7. TradFest 2023
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 are in town during the end of January should be happy to discover that Tradfest 2023 is taking place from January 25th - 29th, 2023.
The festival 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 our free things to do post or our list of things to do at night in Dublin.
7. Dublin Bowie Festival 2023
The iconic David Bowie was an internationally loved singer, actor, artist and icon.
From January 10th - 15th, 2023, you can join in the celebration of his life and legacy in Dublin.
In years past there have been multiple events, from panels and talks to musical tributes and cover bands.
For more information, visit the Dublin Bowie Festival website.
You can also find more free things to do in Dublin in our free activities post.
8. Take the Kids to Dublin Zoo
The Dublin Zoo will be hosting an event called Wild Lights until January 9th, 2023
This attraction will feature lighting displays based on this year's these of "The Magic of Life!"
With a theme about that takes you through an illuminated and magical woodland, you'll be sure to be captivated.
In January, Wild Lights is open 7 days a week:
- €23/Adults | €19/Children | €20/Seniors, Students
- Hours: 5 pm - 9 pm
- Closed on: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, St. Stephen's Day
- Learn more about Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo.
NOTE: While you need to purchase separate tickets for this event, you can get admission to the Dublin Zoo at a discount with the All Inclusive Dublin Go City and the Explorer Dublin Go City discount passes.
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 over 125 years.
But, they’ve already won multiple awards on their spirits. Their focus is on traditional Dublin-style distillation.
10. Celebrate Winter in Dublin
Dublin's three month long "Winter in Dublin" festival runs through the end of Januay 2023.
Each month celebrates something different, and January "is a celebration of culture and creativity.
Click here for a list of events taking place in the city.
Honorable Mention: MegaCon Live
If comic books, sci-fi, anime, fantasy, and gaming are up your alley, you might enjoy MegaCon Live.
MegaCon, formerly Comic Con Ireland, takes place at RDS Stadium in Dublin.
There will be cosplay, a Kidtropolis, a games area, and sometimes even a famous face.
- Dates: 21st - 22nd January
- Opening Hours: Saturday 9am-6pm | Sunday 10am-5pm.
- Kids under age 10: Free
- Tickets can be purchased here.
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