Rock n Roll museum

Things to do in Dublin for a birthday

By Go City Expert

Cheers to Another Year: Dublin's Top Picks for Birthday Fun!

by Mia Russell

Another year, another birthday, and it’s time to start planning that celebration again! Whether planning festivities for yourself, a friend, or that special someone, finding a way to make this milestone feel distinct from previous years can be challenging!

Sure, you could go the traditional route and arrange a dinner date with your friends, but where's the excitement in that? Dublin has many unique and thrilling activities that can usher in another year of life, and they extend far beyond the ordinary meal at the local Italian restaurant.

From sipping afternoon tea while on a guided bus tour to indulging in an axe-throwing extravaganza, these fun ideas for celebrating a birthday in Dublin unquestionably outshine the more typical birthday festivities.

So, grab your party hat, and let's explore the best things to do in Dublin designed to help the guest of honor blow out those candles in grand style!

Rock Your Birthday at the Irish Rock 'n Roll Museum!

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If you're a fan of rock 'n roll and looking for a memorable way to celebrate your birthday in Dublin, then look no further than the Irish Rock 'n Roll Museum Experience. It's a celebration that combines music history, interactive fun, and the thrill of discovering the legends that put Ireland on the global rock 'n roll map. Get ready to sing, dance, and celebrate another year of life in style! Rock on!

If you or your friends are into rock music, this place is a treasure trove of iconic rock history. It's like stepping into the shoes of rock legends. You'll explore the lives and music of legendary Irish rock stars like U2, Thin Lizzy, and more. The museum features interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and a recording studio where you can jam with your friends. The highlight is the guided tour led by passionate rock experts who share fascinating stories about the country's music scene.

You can't help but feel like a rock star as you explore the museum, interact with the exhibits, and even record a song in the studio. It's an immersive experience that keeps the energy up. Celebrating your special day among rock memorabilia and hearing incredible stories about Irish rock legends adds a unique touch to your celebration.

The tour usually takes around 90 minutes, making it a perfect activity for a birthday outing! Remember to use your pass for free entry to the Irish Rock 'n Roll Museum Experience.

Enjoy a Vintage Tea Trip

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Looking for a unique and delightful way to celebrate your birthday in Dublin? Turn back the clock and hop on a vintage double-decker bus for a scenic tour of Dublin's most famous landmarks and a spot of tea!

Soak up Dublin’s historic sites like Trinity College, Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral and learn the rich history of the city as you sip tea and nibble on scrumptious pastries and sandwiches. Starting near the iconic St. Stephen's Green, the tour typically lasts 1.5 to two hours, giving you plenty of time to soak in the city's charm and enjoy your tea!

Solve a Thrilling Mystery for Your Birthday with the Murder by Temple Bar Experience

Are you looking for a birthday celebration that's out of the ordinary, filled with suspense, and bound to leave you with unforgettable memories? Look no further than The Murder by Temple Bar! It's a fun, immersive experience with you playing detective while celebrating your special day.

This thrilling experience turns you into a real-life detective as you and your friends work together to solve a gripping murder mystery. The adventure includes exploring Temple Bar's hidden corners, gathering clues, and interacting with costumed characters who bring the story to life. The mystery unfolds unexpectedly, keeping you and your group engaged and, on your toes, - it's like stepping into a suspenseful movie plot and becoming the hero.

Head to one of the many restaurants or pubs in Temple Bar after solving the mystery to toast to your successful detective work and enjoy a birthday drink!

Use your pass to enjoy free admission to The Murder by Temple Bar experience.

Raise a Glass to Your Birthday on a Whiskey Tasting Tour

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Toast to another year of life with a fine Scotch on a fun whiskey tour with your friends! Head for the hills of the Wicklow Mountains and enjoy a real taste of authentic Irish whiskey in the beautiful Irish countryside on a Powerscourt Whiskey Distillery Tour.

An hour’s drive from Dublin's city center, Powerscourt Whiskey Distillery is nestled on the spectacular Powerscourt Estate, with a historic mansion and magnificent gardens. This tour takes you on a captivating exploration of the whiskey-making process. You'll learn about the art of distillation, the aging process, and the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into creating fine Irish whiskey. The tour also includes tastings of Powerscourt's signature whiskeys, allowing you to savor the rich flavors of this beloved spirit.

The tour is a top choice for celebrating with friends who appreciate learning about the history and craftsmanship of whiskey. Plan for approximately 1.5 to two hours to fully enjoy the tour and tastings. After the tour, explore the rest of the Powerscourt Estate and enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant to continue your birthday festivities!

Remember to use your pass to enjoy the Powerscourt Whiskey Distillery Tour for free!

Celebrate Your Birthday with a Bang at Dublin's Musical Pub Crawl!

Hey there, birthday star! If you want to have a blast and make your special day unforgettable in Dublin, the Musical Pub Crawl is your golden ticket. It's not just a pub crawl; it's a lively, musical journey through the heart of Dublin that'll have you dancing, singing, and toasting another fantastic year.

The Musical Pub Crawl kicks off in the heart of Dublin, typically from a central location like Temple Bar. This unique pub crawl is led by talented musicians who double as your guides. They'll take you to some of Dublin's finest traditional Irish pubs, where you'll enjoy live performances of Irish songs, jigs, and reels. You'll also learn about the history of Irish music, instruments, and cultural significance.

The crawl usually lasts around 2.5 hours, giving you ample time to soak in the musical magic and celebrate your birthday in style. The live music is the heart and soul of this experience. It creates an electrifying atmosphere, making it perfect for a birthday celebration.

You'll have the chance to explore some of Dublin's oldest and most authentic Irish pubs, meet new people, and connect with fellow travelers. It's a fantastic way to celebrate with your friends in a vibrant, friendly atmosphere.

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Friends celebrating St Patrick's Day in Dublin, Ireland.
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Things to do in Dublin in Spring

Spring is a wonderful time to visit Dublin, as the city shakes off its Christmas hangover and emerges, butterfly-like, from the cold of winter. It’s a time when rising temperatures bring beautiful blooms, fab festivals and a tentative trickle of tourists to the city streets; when mild and often sunny days make for great sightseeing weather. There’s also the not-so-little matter of the world’s biggest St Patrick’s Day street party on March 17, more (much more) of which later. For now, dive in for our guide to the best things to do in Dublin in spring, including: The National Botanic Gardens Picnics on St Stephen’s Green St Patrick’s Day festivities Long walks in Phoenix Park The Guinness Storehouse Foodie walking tours of Dublin Dublin Dance Festival Visiting Dublin in Spring The difference between early and late spring in Dublin is significant. You’ll probably still want a winter coat and umbrella in March, a fairly damp month with temperatures that struggle to get out of the 40s. April is much milder and drier and, as temperatures approach a balmy 60°F, you might even get away with toning down the chunky knitwear and layers of thermal undergarments. Though not quite shorts and t-shirt weather, May is noticeably milder, especially in the afternoons, though mornings tend to remain crisp and cool. Indeed early- to mid-May could just be the ‘Goldilocks’ moment to make your Dublin vacation: the weather is pleasant, hotels have yet to hike prices for the peak summer season and that trickle of tourists is still more of a stream than a surge, meaning queues to get into the big-ticket attractions won’t be too daunting. It’s also a fine time for day trips and long country walks outside of Dublin, as Ireland’s famously picturesque landscapes blaze back into life with vibrant wildflowers, emerald-green fields and gamboling lambs. Don’t forget though that the spring weather can change in a heartbeat here, especially along the coast, so be sure to check the forecast and dress appropriately. Pro-tip: always carry waterproofs with you even if the forecast is for a dry day. You’ll thank us later! A pass from Go City can save you money while giving you the flexibility to visit Dublin attractions galore, including the Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Whiskey Distillery, Dublin Zoo, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Malahide Castle and more. Things to do in Dublin in Spring March is a good time to tick off some of Dublin’s big hitters, while the weather is cool and the temptation to stay largely indoors remains strong. We’re talking Trinity College, with its legendary Book of Kells; the Guinness Storehouse, where your perfectly poured pint (119.5 seconds, fact fans) is complemented by glorious 7th-floor views of Dublin’s skyline; and world-class cultural institutions such as the National Gallery of Ireland and the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI). Then of course there’s St Patrick’s Day (did we mention St Patrick’s Day?). Everyone should spend March 17 in Dublin at least once in their life; there’s truly no better place to celebrate the nation’s snake-chasing patron saint than right here in the capital. Revelers can expect a multi-day sensory extravaganza (usually running from March 15-19) that takes in live entertainment, funfairs, treasure hunts, art workshops, people (and animals) dressed as leprechauns and, of course, gallons of Guinness. The cobbled streets of Temple Bar, with their traditional Irish bars and folk music venues, are at the epicenter of the festivities, and the place to make new BFFs and unforgettable memories – well, at least until the next day when your powers of recall may be somewhat, shall we say, compromised. Don’t miss the huge St Patrick’s Day Parade, which weaves its colorful way along O’Connell Street from Parnell Square at around lunchtime on the 17th. April and May are the time for more sedate pursuits, as the mercury creeps gently upwards and those biblical St Patrick’s Day hangovers become a distant memory. Take a trip to the National Botanic Gardens with their beautifully restored Victorian conservatories, intricate herbaceous borders, and heaven-scent rose gardens. Or picnic on the lush lawns of St Stephen’s Green, a Victorian idyll of manicured pleasure gardens, vibrant flower beds, and sculptures and statues galore. See if you can spot James Joyce, W.B. Yeats and Arthur Guinness as you munch on your Tayto crisps. Spring is a fine time to explore Dublin on foot. Work up an appetite with a hike around fabulous Phoenix Park, home to herds of wild fallow deer, immaculate Victorian flower gardens, a prehistoric burial chamber and an ornamental lake. Afterwards, reward yourself with a walking tour of the city’s top foodie hotspots. Should the mood take you, you can also be out of the city and into the countryside in no time at all. Join a bus tour to the charming seaside village of Howth, where you might spot puffins, gannets and seals, as well as sampling some of Ireland’s finest fish and chips! Spring day trips to the Cliffs of Moher and otherworldly Wicklow Mountains also run regularly from the city center. What’s on: Dublin Spring Events Spring in Dublin isn’t just about St Patrick’s Day. In fact there are, to be sure, several more major festivals worthy of your attention. May is particularly busy, with both the Dublin Dance Festival and International Literature Festival to get involved in. The first is an all-singing, all-dancing toe-tapper of an event, spanning nearly three weeks in which the world’s finest dancers and choreographers strut their spectacular stuff on stages across the city. In addition to the many dance showcases – from traditional to contemporary – there are workshops, film screenings and discussions galore, as well as, of course, classes designed to turn you and your two left feet into a pirouetting, pasadoble-ing professional in no time at all. If you like nothing more than a good page turner, then the International Literature Festival Dublin is sure to be right up your street. And what better place to host the event than the city that bequeathed us such literary heavyweights as Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, Iris Murdoch, James Joyce, Bram Stoker and Maeve Binchy. Bookworms will be in clover thanks to an epic roster of readings, interviews and signings with household-name authors and debates and discussions on genres that run the gamut from children’s fiction to stately poetry. Save on things to do in Dublin Save on admission to Dublin attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Three kids with ice cream cones.
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Things to do in Dublin in Summer

Ok ok, so the Caribbean it ain’t, but summer in Dublin is nevertheless a pleasant season defined by warm, (mostly) dry days, lively festivals and events aplenty, and evenings balmy enough to dine al fresco. Unsurprising, then, that the months of June to August are among Dublin’s most popular. Read on for our guide to visiting Dublin in summer, including Bloomsday and Dublin Pride celebrations, what to expect from the weather and, of course, the best places to sample the black stuff. Our guide includes: The Guinness Storehouse St Stephen’s Green Phoenix Park Dublin bike tours Temple Bar Howth Maritime & Seafood Festival The Wicklow Mountains Bloomsday Dublin Pride Visiting Dublin in Summer Dublin’s summers are pleasantly warm affairs with July – the hottest month of the year – having been known to hit (gasp!) the dizzy heights of the high 60s. This is Northern Europe after all, where ‘pleasantly warm’ is a relative term. So if you’ve been picturing sizzling Mediterranean beaches for your summer vacation, move along please, you’ve come to the wrong place. Like the weather here, summer tourism in Dublin is generally mild... with the occasional downpour. In other words, even though May to September is peak season in Ireland, the attraction queues are rarely overwhelming and, though hotel prices have – to be sure – increased with demand, there’s still plenty of affordable accommodation to be had, especially if you’re willing to stay a little outside of the center. However, there will still be occasions when tempers fray due to waiting times at, say, the popular Guinness Storehouse or Book of Kells, just as there will be times you’ll be glad you packed an umbrella and waterproof walking boots. As for what else you should pack for your summer adventure in Dublin, layers are your friend. While you might (just about) get away with short sleeves and bare legs on hotter days, you’ll be thankful for that cardigan and pair of comfy jeans after sunset. Things to do in Dublin in Summer Outdoor types rejoice! For Dublin is an adventurer’s paradise, with stacks of al fresco activities to get involved in both inside and outside the city. First up on our hotlist of recommendations is – and bear with us on this one – Dublin Bay’s beaches! Ok sure, it takes a brave soul to take the plunge and dive into the icy Irish Sea without first donning a wetsuit, but the sweeping sandy beaches along this stretch of coastline are perfect for picnics, scenic strolls and, well, just chilling on the sand with a good book and a glass of vino. Hit up Dollymount Strand (pictured) or Sandymount, or head a little further afield for the many #humblebrag Insta opportunities presented by beautiful beaches at Portmarnock, Killiney and Howth. Sticking with the outdoor theme, summer is as good a time as any to rent a bike and explore Dublin at your own pace. Pedal your way to big-ticket attractions including medieval Christ Church Cathedral, with its creepy crypt and resident (mummified) cat and rat. Wobble riverside to the historic Kilmainham Gaol Museum, famed for its role in the Easter Rising executions and Irish War of Independence, and essential to any meaningful understanding of Irish history and heritage. Don’t forget to stop off at the Guinness Storehouse for some much-needed refreshment along the way! Many of these attractions and tours are included with a pass from Go City, meaning you can save money if you plan to visit a few of them. Dublin’s lush public parks really come into their own in summer. Stroll the seemingly endless pathways of the sprawling Phoenix Park, a former royal hunting ground that’s home to herds of fallow deer, and is almost as big as Dublin itself! And picnic on the lawns of St Stephen’s Green, a verdant Victorian oasis at the end of busy Grafton Street, where a bust of James Joyce, abstract Henry Moore sculpture of W.B. Yeats and imposing statue of brewing magnate Arthur Guinness provide points of interest among the greenery, gardens and duckponds. Day trips to the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and charming seaside village of Howth present further opportunities to experience Ireland’s wild, untamed beauty. Ramblers and romantics alike will also get a real kick out of the Wicklow Mountains south of the city, where long walks in otherworldly landscapes dotted with rivers, bogs and neolithic tombs will have you coming over all Bill Bryson. What’s on: Dublin Summer Events There’s plenty going on during summer in Dublin. Dublin Pride has been a June fixture in the city for 40 years, promising a rollicking roster of events celebrating LGBTQ+ culture, including queer-history walking tours, hard-hitting theatrical drama, world-class drag acts, lively club nights, live music and more. The festival’s focal point is the colorful Pride Parade, which sees O’Connell Street transformed into party central, as flamboyant floats and extravagantly costumed revelers wobble and weave their way down to Pride Village in Merrion Square. Bookworms will find much to enjoy on Bloomsday, which any James Joyce fan worth their salt will tell you falls on 16th June, as depicted in his novel Ulysses. In fact, Bloomsday runs for several days around the 16th, and features performances, readings and other events, many taking place at the very locations and establishments referenced in the book. Get into the spirit by dressing the part: think Edwardian garb including shawls, frilly blouses and fancy hats for the ladies, and Joyce-style britches, braces and straw hats for the lads. Similar in name only, Bloom is Ireland’s largest gardening festival and promises five days of green-fingered fun every June. Expect exquisitely presented gardens spanning some 10 acres of Phoenix Park, with a side order of celeb-chef cookery demonstrations and a difficult-to-resist artisan food market. In August, the Dublin Horse Show canters into town, bringing racing, showjumping and dressage events galore to the eager (and well-dressed) masses, as well as plenty of family fun including kids’ entertainment and pony rides. Last but by no means least, September’s Howth Maritime & Seafood Festival caps off the Dublin summer schedule with a welcome return to the beach. We’re talking two days of family fun in one of Ireland’s prettiest seaside towns. As the name suggests, you can expect some of the finest seafood this fair isle has to offer, as well as funfairs, treasure hunts, circus acts, Irish dancing, boat rides and stacks more. Save on things to do in Dublin Save on admission to Dublin attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Man taking photo at St Patrick's Day parade, Dublin
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