The Easter bank holiday is literally packed with free things to do in Dublin city! Every weekend in Dublin, you will find lots to do, whether that’s free or ticketed entry. The city centre is a hive of activity. When you’re based in the Hendrick Smithfield, you’re only minutes away from some of Dublin’s best places.
Easter Sunday parade
Dublin wasn’t the city you see today, infact 109 years ago on Easter Sunday, it was a much different place to be. The Easter Rising took place in many notable buildings around the city like the Four Courts, Trinity College, Dublin Castle and most famously, the GPO. In honour of the rising, each year the Irish Army participates in the commemoration. The president of Ireland and Taoiseach will be in attendance amongst others.
For the best chance of seeing the action up close, it’s recommended to be at the GPO before 11.15am. However there will be large screens on either side of the general post office for a better view.
Always free to visit
In the city, there are lots of historic buildings, galleries and museums that are free to visit every day of the year. The bank holiday weekend often brings out special events as there are more people in the city centre. You can find some of events in some of the Dublin Event Guides.
Museums and galleries
Right next to the Hendrick you will find the National Museum of Ireland Collins Barracks of Decorative Arts & History. If you’re staying with us, chances are you will love the exhibition of Eileen Gray. A pioneer of Irish interior design. While spending most of her life in France, it is only in death that Ireland as a nation truly appreciated her impact.
On this historic weekend, it actually the other permanent and temporary exhibitions that look at the Irish fight for freedom that draws interest. Named after the leader of the Irish fight for freedom Michael Collins, Collins Barracks has numerous displays looking at Irish wartime.
There is a temporary exhibition displaying some of the works of Harry Clarke, adored Irish stained glass artist. There are six panels of stained glass hand made by Harry Clarke between 1910 and 1925. There are many ofter exhibitions offering walking tours for free at the muesum.
Hugh Lane Gallery on Parnell Square North is on the opposite side of the city, but it’s just 2 stops on the luas with a short walk after. Inside the building is a treasure trove of Irish art, and architecture.
One of my favourite pieces is Francis Bacon’s studio which was meticulously brought back from London, and recreated to the exact way it was left after his death in 1992. Bacon spent his life drawing and painting many of his artworks. Like many artists his popularity grew posthumuously, and his collection of works become more interesting as time goes on.
The Hugh Lane Gallery Public Tour is a great way to discover a selection of works a little more indepth, on Easter Sunday the tour focuses on one of the newest displays. The Dream Pool Intervals by Ailbhe Ní Bhriain tour will begin at 2.15.
Fun run in the sun
Dublin City is home to one of Europe’s largest walled parks, and each weekend they host the Phoenix Park Run. This fun run is a 5k dash across some of the nicest routes in the world. There is no time limit, and you don’t even need to run. You can walk or jog across the finish line. Check out the Phoenix Park run on the website.
The Phoenix park is also home to Dublin Zoo, while not a free activity, it’s a nice place to go after your family watch you run past the finish line. Stroll past Farmleigh house and Áras an Uachtaráin the home of the Taoiseach and President
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Sea swimming
Spring has most certainly sprung, the city centre is warming up and if you want to cool down, there’s only one thing to do… Go for a dip in the Irish sea. Dublin has tonnes of sea swimming spots, and we’ve put a guide together.
If you haven’t packed your swimming trunks don’t worry, we’ve also put a guide together to cool down in Dublin’s best beer gardens….
Stroll in the Markets
Dublin City is packed with delicious food and seriously talented producers. Each weekend the Temple Bar Food Market operates on a Saturday morning, and has traders offering meats, cheeses and some pastries.
However, on a Saturday, St Annes Market opens from around 10am. Although further out, this market has well over 40 stalls with a wider range of treats, hot food as well as provisions. It’s in the park, perfect for a picnic, what more could you want.
The wrap up
No matter where you’re going this bank holiday weekend, staying at the Hendrick is the perfect base. With powerful showers, comfy beds and savage cocktails, You’re on your way to a perfect weekend in Dublin City Centre.
Book your stay today, and get €10 off per night when you join our members club.