The days are getting colder, but there’s still plenty to see and do in Dublin during the month of November. This post covers some of the best activities and events you might want to consider, including several ideas that will get you out of the rain for a while.
Free Tours By Foot has provided over a million tours since we began, so we know all the best little (and big) spots to visit in almost every major city around the world. We rely upon the expertise and knowledge of our tour guides, as well as tips and tricks from locals to compile this list.
1. Take a Free Walking Tour
You might be thinking that November's cool and wet climate isn't the best for outdoor tasks. Yet don't fret, free walking tours are still up and running. Dressed in warm jackets and boots, you can discover tourist attractions like Dublin Castle and Trinity College Dublin.
You will discover a great deal concerning the city's past and well-known websites by taking one of these tours. The guides are educated and make the excursions fun and academic.
With fewer tourists around this time of year, you may find that the tours are less crowded, giving you a more personalized experience.
Despite the cool, you may find some days with clear skies excellent for discovering. Free walking tours often cover Temple Bar, a vibrant area filled with traditional pubs where you can enjoy a pint of craft beer or whiskey once your tour concludes.
2. Get Festive at a Christmas Market
As the holiday approaches, Dublin Christmas Markets begin turning up around the city. These markets provide you with an opportunity to experience the joy of the upcoming December festive celebrations.
The markets are loaded with craft delays where you can locate special presents, decors, and delicious food. The scent of mulled red wine permeates the air, contributing to the joyful state of mind's sensory delight.
Kids will love the various workshops where they can get their hands busy creating seasonal crafts.
Lots of Christmas Markets in Dublin also include stalls with a global taste if you're a fan of international flavors. Without leaving Dublin's City Centre, your palate can travel the world with everything from Italian bread to German sausages.
For directions and more details, make sure to check out this list of the best Christmas markets in Dublin.
3. Attend the Dublin Book Festival
The Dublin Book Festival is an event not to be missed, especially if you're a book lover. The venue hosts multiple activities, including author interviews, panel discussions, and even workshops for aspiring writers.
The Dublin Book Festival offers a range of books that reflect the landscapes and culture of Ireland, making it an excellent addition to your November itinerary.
With day trip options available from nearby cities like Belfast and Galway, the festival is accessible for visitors staying in other parts of Ireland as well.
For those interested in Irish history and culture, the Dublin Book Festival often features titles and discussions centered around Jonathan Swift, as well as other important figures in Irish literature.
4. Visit a Famous Distillery
If you're curious about exactly how some of the globe's most famous beverages are made, a visit to a distillery is a must. The Jameson Distillery supplies a review of the complicated whiskey-making process.
You'll walk through the steps, from distillation to aging, while learning about the legacy of this iconic Irish brand.
The Guinness Storehouse is an additional remarkable stop. You can discover the developing process at this seven-story site visitor attraction and even put your own beer.
Visiting these distilleries is a great addition to your Dublin itinerary, not only for the taste but also for the rich history and knowledge you'll gain.
Both venues offer present shops where you can purchase unique souvenirs to repossess your home.
For ticket rates, check our post covering the Guinness Storehouse.
5. See the Book of Kells
For lovers of history and art, the Book of Kells is a must-see. One of Ireland's national treasures is this illuminated manuscript, which is maintained by Trinity College Dublin.
The intricate designs and profound text provide a deep insight into early Christian art and symbolism.
As you make your means through the screen, you'll be astounded by the Book of Kells, a peak of very early Christian art. It's commemorated for its complex designs, fancy images, and masterful use of shade.
Produced around the year 800 AD, the manuscript provides Latin texts of the four Gospels. You'll be spellbound by the in-depth Celtic patterns and scriptural illustrations that decorate its profound message.
Each page you see feels like an artistic crescendo, with ever more intricate details and symbolism to soak in.
- Adult: €18
- Student/Senior: €15
- Child (06-12): €10
- Family: €46
- Check out combo packages
6. Head to the Cobblestone for Authentic Irish Music
Among the best ways to get yourself to enjoy Irish society is to experience live music in a traditional setting. The Cobblestone in Dublin is well-known for its dynamic music scene.
Here, you’ll find local musicians playing traditional Irish tunes, filling the atmosphere with a sense of joy and community.
The Cobblestone isn't just a place to listen to music; it's an experience that captures the essence of Irish culture.
You'll typically discover both old and young collected around, touching their feet to the rhythm of the music. It's a great way to wrap up a day filled with tours and other activities, especially when the daylight hours are shorter in November.
7. See the Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo
For a magical experience that lights up the night sky, don't miss the Wild Lights event at Dublin Zoo. This seasonal spectacle features countless lanterns, lighting up the zoo in an array of vibrant colors and designs.
From intricate wildlife shapes to mythological figures, each section offers its own unique visual feast. As you travel through the wonderful paths, you'll feel as though you've entered a fairytale.
Note that while general admission to Dublin Zoo can be included in some city tourist passes, tickets for the Wild Lights event must be purchased separately.
- Adult: €24
- Student: €21
- Child (06-12): €20
- OAP: €21
- Book or check more details.
8. Spend some time at a Museum
There are numerous museum experiences available in Dublin City that can be tailored to suit a variety of interests.
Art fanatics should consider a visit to the Irish Museum of Modern Art. History buffs will find their haven at the National Museum of Ireland.
For a unique experience, there's the National Wax Museum and the Irish Rock n’ Roll Museum, where you can explore everything from lifelike statues of famous figures to the history of rock music.
Many of these venues are included in Dublin tourist passes, which offer you an economical way to explore the city's rich culture.
Therefore, Dublin's museums have something to pique your interest and enhance your trip, regardless of the fact that you enjoy history or art.
9. Walk Across the River Liffey
If the sky is relatively clear of clouds and you find yourself longing for a simple outdoor activity, consider a walk across the River Liffey.
The river cuts right through Dublin, and crossing one of its beautiful bridges offers not just a change of scenery but a different perspective on the city.
The iconic Ha'penny Bridge, with its charming old-world design, is a popular choice for this mini-adventure. The journey across the bridge takes only a few minutes, yet it feels like a small escape from the city.
It's an ideal way to separate yourself briefly from the hustle and bustle of Dublin City Centre, all while taking in the views.
Not only is it a straightforward activity that requires little to no planning, but it also presents the chance to snap some stunning photos of the city from a unique angle.
10. Take the Family Ice Skating
Looking for a way to keep your entire family entertained? Ice Skating Blanchardstown is the answer. Returning to Millenium Park in 2024, this winter event is accessible via the park behind the McDonalds Drive-Thru.
The venue offers you two different rinks to accommodate skaters of all ages and skill levels: a large main rink and a smaller one under a marquee roof.
The setting is ultra-festive, decked out in holiday decor that instantly puts you in the winter spirit.
It's a fantastic way to enjoy some active family fun, laugh at your slips and slides, and perhaps even show off some ice skating skills.
