Rainy day activities in Dublin need not dampen your spirits! Discover how to turn gloomy weather into an opportunity for adventure with our guide to the most thrilling indoor activities.
From retro arcade gaming to axe throwing excitement, we’ve curated a list of experiences that promise to keep you entertained rain or shine. Get ready to embrace the charm of Dublin’s indoor attractions and make the most of every moment, regardless of the weather forecast!
When the rain starts pouring down, it’s easy to let the day get away from you. But with a little planning, you can turn a rainy day into an opportunity to explore Dublin 7’s vibrant and diverse offerings.
Don’t be worried it’s not all rainy afternoons when you come to stay in Ireland. However, it’s important to know some cool places to pop into when you need to get some cover, or indeed just to relax indoors. All around Smithfield, you’ll find nice coffee shops to grab a mug and sit as you plan which one of the range of attractions you will choose.
Here are some fun rainy day activities in Dublin to keep you entertained when the weather outside is frightful.
Experience the 80s at Token retro arcade and bar
Token Arcade is a popular spot for an indoor meetup, offering a retro arcade with classic games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Space Invaders. Aside from the nostalgic gaming experience, Token also serves up delicious food and drinks, making it a great place to hang out with friends or family. Guests of the Hendrick receive four free tokens, a great way to spend some time playing classic arcade games.
While you won’t find a physical challenge at Token, our next idea for rainy day activities in Dublin will have you ducking for cover, but not from rain.
Get active at game of throwing
This newcomer to Smithfield is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the coolest spots in the neighbourhood. Game of Throwing offers a unique and interactive experience with axe throwing. Participants are guided through a safety briefing and then given the chance to unleash their inner lumberjack.
Axe throwing is a hands on experience for those aged 10 and above. It makes an excellent choice for families looking for something to do in the rain in Dublin. If you’d rather a less active experience, then take a look at our next find!
Climb the generator tower
If you’re looking for a challenge and some stunning views, climb the Generator Tower. This 11-story building offers panoramic views of Dublin city centre and the surrounding countryside. While it may be a bit hazy on a rainy day, the climb is still worth it for the exercise and the unique perspective.
This famous building was once part of the old Jameson whiskey distillery, take a climb up the 259 steps for a spine-tingling adventure overlooking the Irish capital. Or better yet, you could visit the distillery itself just next door to the tower.
Shake up an Irish whiskey at Jameson distillery
Take a trip on an educational experience through the rich history of Irish whiskey. At the Jameson Whiskey Distillery on Bow St, this fully interactive tour takes you through the process of making Jameson whiskey, from grain to glass.
You’ll also have the opportunity to sample some of the distillery’s finest products at the end of the tour. If you’re a whiskey connoisseur, you can even create your own personalized blend to bring home.
Across the river Liffey, a famous stout is brewed at St. James’ Gate. You may have heard of Guinness, heck it may be the reason you came to Dublin! Alternatively, the Pearse Lyons Distillery, also in Dublin 8 is another excellent experience for individuals looking a blend of history and Irish culture on a tour.
Relive Irish history in 14 henrietta street
An immersive experience in Dublin 1, a tour around 14 Henrietta street incorporates a long period in Irish life and it’s dark history. From the houses of aristocrats in the mid 18th century. The house featured grand staircases, dining halls, antique collections and entertainment areas.
During the tour, you will see how it was turned into tenement slums for accommodating the many families in the capital city. The historic building became a museum in 2018, holding a ton of social history inside it’s walls.
Discover an exhibition at hugh lane gallery
Inside one of the best galleries in Dublin, you will find a range of engaging exhibitions ranging from stained glass to mixed media along the self guided tour. One of the long standing permanent collections within the Hugh Lane Art Gallery is Francis Bacon’s studio. Brought from London to Dublin, the studio was replicated piece by piece to resemble the artist’s home as it was when he died.
Among other things within the art gallery, you will see famous pieces from Harry Clarke. All of these creations are from the very early 20th century display religious themes throughout. Some of the special exhibitions include Andy Warhol’s works.
Take a chance on another culture trip inside Dublin Castle, with a great family friendly attraction.
Read ancient history at chester beatty library
Unlike any of the other public libraries in Dublin 2, the Chester Beatty is an extensive collection of religious literary heritage in a national museum. Ancient manuscripts from around the world are housed in rooms within the library at Dublin Castle. While it may not be a book lover’s dream stop, it holds some significant pages from global history.
The remarkable collection of manuscripts is spread across four different sections. Found just off Dame street, this brilliant facility also offers free entry.
If you’re interested in an impressive collection of books, take a trip to Marsh’s Library, near Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. In Marsh library, Bram Stoker, James Joyce and Jonathan Swift all read through the impressive selection on offer. The tour includes interactive exhibits, a historic selection of literature and is an ideal destination for families with a tour aimed to kids.
When you’re done here, head across to Temple Bar if the weather is looking brighter.
Hide from the bad weather in the Lighthouse cinema
For a great way to spend a rainy evening, head to the Lighthouse Cinema. This independent cinema screens a variety of films, from cult classics to box office blockbusters. The cozy atmosphere and attentive staff make it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a movie.
Hidden the heart of the Irish capital, the lighthouse has been open since the late 20th century in it’s original location, just off O’Connell street, before moving to Smithfield in 2008. You can catch a film about Irish diaspora around the globe or the latest hollywood blockbuster!
Generator bar smithfield
Warm up and have some fun with a game of pool at the Gen Bar Smithfield. This lively bar has a friendly atmosphere and a relaxed vibe. Grab a few pitchers of your favourite drinks and challenge your friends to a friendly game of pool.
You’ll find plenty of places to experience pub culture around Smithfield, but we love the Gen Bar for a nice enjoyable experience that has a rich selection of local and international brews.
Check out the art in The Hendrick Smithfield
With over 270 pieces of beautiful Irish and international art hanging in the lobby and on the corridors, there’s always more to see in The Hendrick! So take a little gallery walk during your stay here.
Want to see all this beautiful art for yourself? Book your stay at The Hendrick now!
The Wrap Up
These are just a few suggestions to keep you entertained when the rain falls in Dublin. With its diverse range of indoor attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, rain or shine.
No matter what time of the year you take a trip to Dublin, you may have to tackle some rainy weather. Finding indoor activities is easy, but finding something interesting for all the family can be tough.
We love to include places like Trinity College, Phoenix Park, Grafton Street or even St. Stephen’s green on our guide around Dublin. However, when the weather takes a turn, you need to have a handful of indoor experiences on your list of things to do.
One thing we can say, even if your dream trip to Ireland doesn’t have great weather, it won’t stop you from creating the perfect trip. Start your holiday with a stay in The Hendrick Dublin, a smart choice for tourists discovering Dublin, even it that does mean doing things in the rain!
Stay and Discover Dublin!
Discover the Most Haunted Places in Dublin and modern scary stories at the Hendrick Hotel in Smithfield,
The Hendrick offers our guests a rich history of street art, surprising experiences in our hotel and maybe a visit from friendly ghosts too….
All rooms in the Hendrick have
- Individually Controlled Air Conditioning
- Power Shower with Rituals Toiletries
- 32″ TV with Chromecast
- Free High-Speed WiFi
- Safe suitable for laptops up to 13″
- Tea & Coffee
So what are you waiting for,