19 Best Things to Do in Dublin on a Rainy Day
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Last Updated on October 24, 2025 by Sarah Puckett
Let’s face it. Nearly every day in Ireland is a rainy day, and the same is true for the capital city of Dublin. But there are still PLENTY of amazing things to do in Dublin on a rainy day.
Even though it rained most days of our Ireland trip, Tim and I nevertheless discovered that Ireland has a way of warming up to you, even if you’re damp. So, don’t let the gloomy weather deter you! Dublin was made for moody skies and misty afternoons: warm pubs with crackling fires, museums full of stories, and cafés where you can linger over tea while the cobblestones glisten outside.
Here are my favorite things to do in Dublin on a rainy day — from world-class museums to cozy local spots where you can wait out the drizzle.
Best Things to Do in Dublin on a Rainy Day At-A-Glance
- Book of Kells & Trinity College Library
- Bewley’s Café on Grafton Street
- Guinness Storehouse
- Jameson Distillery Bow St.
- National Gallery of Ireland
- Dublin Castle & Chester Beatty Library
- EPIC Irish Emigration Museum
- Little Museum of Dublin
- National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology
- National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History
- Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)
- Dublinia
- National Leprechaun Museum
- The Brazen Head
- O’Donoghue’s Pub
- George’s Street Arcade
- Abbey Theatre
- The Gaiety Theatre
- Science Gallery
Map of the Best Things to Do in Dublin on a Rainy Day
19 Best Things to Do in Dublin on a Rainy Day
1. Explore the Book of Kells and the Long Room at Trinity College
Start your day at one of Dublin’s most iconic sights: the Book of Kells. This 9th-century manuscript is displayed inside Trinity College’s Old Library, which feels straight out of a Harry Potter movie — dark wood, towering shelves, and the smell of centuries-old paper. When you’re done, duck into Bewley’s Café on Grafton Street for a latte and pastry while you watch umbrellas bob down the street.
2. Tour the Guinness Storehouse
You can’t talk about Dublin without mentioning Guinness — and the Storehouse is surprisingly fun even if you’re not a big beer drinker. The seven-floor self-guided tour covers everything from the brewing process to vintage ads, ending with a pint (or soft drink) in the Gravity Bar, where floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the city’s rooftops. If you’re looking for classic things to do on a rainy day in Dublin, this is a top pick.
3. Warm Up at the Jameson Distillery
If whiskey’s more your thing, head to Jameson Distillery Bow St. for a guided tasting or cocktail class. The guides are witty, the pours are generous, and the atmosphere is pure Dublin — relaxed, social, and a little bit cheeky.
4. Wander the National Gallery of Ireland
Rainy days and art galleries just go together. The National Gallery is free to enter and holds an incredible mix of Irish and European art — including works by Jack B. Yeats, Caravaggio, and Monet. Afterward, take a short stroll (or dash, depending on the rain) to Merrion Square Park to see the colorful Oscar Wilde statue.
5. Step Back in Time at Dublin Castle and the Chester Beatty Library
Part fortress, part palace, part modern government building — Dublin Castle is a fascinating mix of eras. You can tour the elegant State Apartments, then pop into the Chester Beatty Library next door to see its world-class collection of manuscripts, art, and religious texts. For travelers searching for culture-rich things to do on a rainy day in Dublin, this combo is unbeatable.
6. Dive into the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum
This museum gets rave reviews for a reason — it’s modern, interactive, and genuinely moving. The EPIC Museum tells the story of Ireland’s diaspora and the global influence of Irish culture through hands-on exhibits and digital storytelling. It’s also fully indoors and right next to several great coffee shops in the CHQ Building.
7. Visit the Little Museum of Dublin
If you like quirky, personal museums, this one’s for you. The Little Museum of Dublin packs centuries of history and humor into a Georgian townhouse. The guided tours are only about 30 minutes long but packed with stories — it feels like chatting with a witty local over tea.
8. Discover the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology
Ancient gold jewelry, Viking swords, and eerily preserved bog bodies make this one of the most fascinating museums in the city. It’s free, easy to explore at your own pace, and conveniently located near several good cafés.
9. Explore the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History
Located at Collins Barracks, this branch of the National Museum dives into Irish fashion, design, and military history. You’ll find everything from 18th-century furniture to uniforms from the Easter Rising — plus it’s a short tram ride from the city center and never too crowded.
10. Visit the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)
Housed in the grand 17th-century Royal Hospital Kilmainham, IMMA blends historic architecture with cutting-edge contemporary art. It’s a beautiful space to spend a rainy afternoon, and the on-site café is perfect for warming up with a cappuccino afterward.
11. Step Into Dublinia and Learn About Viking Dublin
For something hands-on, check out Dublinia, a fun and educational museum that brings medieval and Viking Dublin to life through interactive exhibits and costumed storytellers. It’s especially good if you’re traveling with kids — or if you secretly love history reenactments.
12. Visit the National Leprechaun Museum
This one’s more playful than historical, but it’s a fun escape from the rain. The National Leprechaun Museum explores Irish folklore, myths, and storytelling in an immersive way — think giant furniture, dark tunnels, and plenty of humor.
13. Cozy Up in a Pub with Live Music
There’s nothing better than escaping the drizzle for a dimly lit pub filled with music and laughter. Try The Brazen Head, said to be Ireland’s oldest pub, or O’Donoghue’s, where traditional Irish sessions happen most nights. Order a hot whiskey or Irish coffee, find a corner seat, and just soak in the atmosphere.
14. Shop and Snack at George’s Street Arcade
Part vintage market, part foodie paradise, George’s Street Arcade is one of Europe’s oldest indoor markets and a great place to duck into when the rain hits. Browse antique shops, pick up souvenirs, and grab lunch at Simon’s Place Café or Blazing Salads inside.
15. Catch a Show at the Abbey Theatre
Spend the evening at Ireland’s National Theatre, where you can see everything from modern Irish dramas to reimagined classics. If you prefer musicals or comedy, check what’s on at the Gaiety Theatre instead — both are cozy, historic venues that make a rainy night feel downright romantic.
16. Indulge in Afternoon Tea
If there’s ever a time to splurge on afternoon tea, it’s when the rain starts to fall on St. Stephen’s Green. Try The Shelbourne Hotel for classic elegance or The Merrion for a slightly quieter, art-filled setting. Warm scones, clotted cream, and endless tea refills — need I say more?
17. Browse Independent Bookshops
Dublin is a UNESCO City of Literature, so it’s no surprise that it has some incredible bookshops. Stop by Books Upstairs, The Winding Stair, or Hodges Figgis (Ireland’s oldest bookstore). Pick up something by an Irish author — maybe Sally Rooney or James Joyce — and read it over coffee at Kaph or 3FE.
18. Hide Out in a Coffee Shop
When all else fails, do what the locals do: find a good coffee shop and stay awhile. Beanhive, 3FE, and Two Pups Coffee are great spots to warm up, write in your travel journal, or just people-watch through rain-streaked windows.
19. (When Open) Explore the Science Gallery
If it’s open during your visit, the Science Gallery near Trinity College is an inspiring mix of art and science exhibits — always changing, always creative. Check their website before you go, as they sometimes close between exhibitions.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Dublin on a Rainy Day
Rainy days in Dublin are part of what make the city so memorable. The cobblestones shine, the pubs glow, and the whole city seems to slow down a little. So don’t fight the weather — grab your raincoat, lean into the coziness, and use this guide to discover the best things to do on a rainy day in Dublin. Whether you’re into museums, live music, or lazy café mornings, there’s no shortage of inspiration for making the most of the weather.
