Autumn is one of the best times to experience Dublin. As the city moves into September, October and November, summer crowds begin to ease, the parks turn shades of gold and red, and Dublin’s cultural calendar comes alive with festivals, theatre, live music, food, history and Halloween celebrations.
Whether you’re planning a weekend city break, a cultural escape or simply looking for the best things to do in Dublin this autumn, make The Hendrick Smithfield your base for discovering the city. And there’s another reason to visit.
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Planning an autumn break in Dublin?
For a limited time, save 15% with The Hendrick Autumn Sale when you book our flexible rate directly with us.
Stay in the heart of Smithfield, close to Dublin City Centre and some of the city’s most famous attractions, with the LUAS just minutes from the hotel. Save 15% with Autumn Sale
1. Experience Dublin Fringe Festival
5–20 September 2026
Dublin’s autumn cultural calendar gets off to a brilliant start with the Dublin Fringe Festival.
For more than two weeks, venues and unexpected spaces across Dublin come alive with theatre, dance, comedy, immersive performances, installations and contemporary art.
It’s an excellent opportunity to experience a different side of Dublin and discover both Irish and international artists while exploring the city.
2. Discover Dublin Theatre Festival
24 September–11 October 2026
If you love theatre and live performance, autumn is an excellent time for a Dublin city break.
The Dublin Theatre Festival returns for 18 days of performances across the city, bringing together major Irish productions and international theatre.
With performances taking place at venues throughout Dublin, you can easily combine a show with dinner, drinks and an overnight stay in the city.
3. Explore Dublin’s History This Autumn
26 September–11 October 2026
Discover another side of the capital during the Dublin Festival of History.
The annual free festival takes place at venues throughout Dublin and features talks, discussions and events exploring Irish and international history.
It’s a great addition to an autumn itinerary especially when combined with visits to nearby historical attractions such as Collins Barracks, Dublin Castle and Kilmainham Gaol.
4. See Phoenix Park in Its Autumn Colours
Few places in Dublin showcase autumn quite like Phoenix Park.
One of Europe’s largest enclosed urban parks is within easy reach of The Hendrick and is perfect for an autumn morning or afternoon.
Take a walk through tree-lined avenues, look out for the park’s famous fallow deer and enjoy the changing colours before stopping for a warming coffee.
Don’t forget your camera—the autumn colours can make Phoenix Park particularly beautiful at this time of year.
5. Visit the Guinness Storehouse
No Dublin getaway would be complete without experiencing one of the city’s most famous attractions.
Discover the story behind Ireland’s iconic stout at the Guinness Storehouse before finishing your visit with views across Dublin from the Gravity Bar.
Better still, The Hendrick Smithfield makes an excellent base for visitors looking for a hotel near the Guinness Storehouse.
6. Discover Jameson Distillery Bow St.
Staying in Smithfield means one of Dublin’s most famous whiskey experiences is right around the corner.
Jameson Distillery Bow St. offers guided experiences where visitors can discover the history, craft and story behind Jameson Irish Whiskey.
Afterwards, explore Smithfield’s restaurants and bars before heading back to The Hendrick.
7. Discover Teeling Whiskey Distillery
Add another taste of Dublin to your autumn itinerary with a visit to Teeling Whiskey Distillery in the historic Liberties area.
Visitors can discover the story of Teeling and Dublin’s whiskey-making heritage through a distillery experience, learn more about the production process, and enjoy a tasting along the way.
Its location in The Liberties also makes it easy to combine your visit with other nearby Dublin attractions, including the Guinness Storehouse, St Patrick’s Cathedral and Dublin Castle.
After a day of exploring Dublin’s whiskey and cultural scene, head back to The Hendrick Smithfield for a drink, a bite to eat, and a comfortable night’s stay
8. Experience Bram Stoker Festival
23–26 October 2026
Dublin takes Halloween seriously.
The Bram Stoker Festival returns over the October Bank Holiday weekend for four days and nights of gothic adventures inspired by Dublin-born Dracula author Bram Stoker.
Expect a programme designed for everyone from gothic enthusiasts to families, with activities and experiences taking place around the city.
It’s one of the most distinctive times of the year to visit Dublin.
9. Explore Dublin’s Museums & Galleries
When the autumn weather turns a little cooler, Dublin’s museums and galleries offer the perfect escape.
Add places such as:
- National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History at Collins Barracks
- National Gallery of Ireland
- Chester Beatty
- EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
- Irish Museum of Modern Art
- Hugh Lane Gallery
Collins Barracks is particularly convenient for guests staying at The Hendrick, making it an easy addition to your autumn itinerary.
10. Discover Dublin’s Cosy Pub Culture
Autumn and a traditional Dublin pub are a perfect combination.
Explore Smithfield and Stoneybatter or head into Dublin City Centre and spend an evening discovering traditional pubs, live music, local beers and Irish hospitality.
For something even closer, return to The Hendrick Bar for craft cocktails, local beers and a relaxed end to your day exploring Dublin.
11. Walk Through Dublin City Centre
One of the best things about staying at The Hendrick is being able to explore so much of Dublin easily.
Wrap up, grab a coffee and discover:
Smithfield → River Liffey → Temple Bar → Dublin Castle → Trinity College → Grafton Street
Autumn is particularly suited to exploring Dublin on foot, with plenty of cafés, pubs and attractions to stop at along the way.
Why Stay at The Hendrick This Autumn?
Located in vibrant Smithfield, The Hendrick gives you easy access to Dublin City Centre while providing a stylish and comfortable place to return to after a day of exploring.
Our rooms feature:
- Individually controlled air conditioning
- Premium King Koil mattresses
- Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
- Chromecast-enabled Smart TVs
- Rituals toiletries
- Powerful showers
- USB charging points
- Under-bed storage
Guests can also start their morning with our Full Irish Hot Breakfast before heading out to explore Dublin.
Getting Around Dublin from The Hendrick
The Hendrick’s Smithfield location makes exploring Dublin straightforward.
The Red LUAS Line is nearby, providing convenient connections towards Heuston Station, the city centre, IFSC, Spencer Dock, Convention Centre Dublin and 3Arena.
Many attractions can also be reached on foot, making The Hendrick a convenient choice for an autumn Dublin city break.
Book Your Autumn Break in Dublin
From colourful parks and historic streets to theatre, festivals, museums, cosy pubs and world-famous attractions, there’s plenty to discover in Dublin this autumn.
Make The Hendrick Smithfield your base and experience the best of the city from one of Dublin’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. Save 15% with Autumn Sale
FAQ’s
Is autumn a good time to visit Dublin?
Yes. Autumn is a great time to visit Dublin, particularly for travellers interested in culture, food, history and city breaks. September and October feature several major festivals, while Dublin’s parks and tree-lined streets provide plenty of autumn colour.
What are the best things to do in Dublin in autumn?
Popular autumn activities include exploring Phoenix Park, visiting the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery, discovering Dublin’s museums, enjoying traditional pubs and attending seasonal cultural events such as Dublin Fringe Festival, Dublin Theatre Festival and Bram Stoker Festival.
What events are happening in Dublin in autumn 2026?
Major confirmed events include Dublin Fringe Festival from 5–20 September, Dublin Theatre Festival from 24 September–11 October, Dublin Festival of History from 26 September–11 October, and Bram Stoker Festival from 23–26 October 2026.
Where should I stay for an autumn city break in Dublin?
The Hendrick Smithfield is a convenient base for an autumn Dublin city break. The hotel is close to Dublin City Centre, the LUAS Red Line, Jameson Distillery Bow St., Collins Barracks and many of Dublin’s major attractions.
Is The Hendrick close to Dublin City Centre?
Yes. The Hendrick is located in Smithfield, close to Dublin City Centre. Many attractions can be reached on foot, while the nearby LUAS provides easy connections across Dublin.
Is The Hendrick close to the Guinness Storehouse?
Yes. The Guinness Storehouse is easily accessible from The Hendrick, making the hotel a convenient base for visitors planning to experience one of Dublin’s most famous attractions.
Is breakfast available at The Hendrick?
Yes. Guests can start their morning with our Full Irish Hot Breakfast Buffet, with hot Irish favourites alongside continental breakfast options, pastries, fruit, yoghurt, tea and coffee.
Does The Hendrick have parking nearby?
Yes. Discounted parking is available for guests at ParkRite Queen Street (Smithfield Market Car Park), a short walk from The Hendrick. We recommend pre-booking your parking before arriving.
What should I pack for Dublin in autumn?
Dublin’s autumn weather can be changeable, so layers are useful. Pack a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes and warmer clothing for evenings, particularly if you’re planning to explore the city on foot.