11 Things to Do in Dublin on a Sunday

Looking for things to do in Dublin on a Sunday?

Ah, Sundays. You either love them or you hate them. On one hand, it’s a whole day you have to do things, on the other hand, it might be your last day before going back to work, or the end of your trip.

Sundays are often a bit quieter, and some places will be closed or have reduced hours. If you’re stumped for ideas, here are a few things to do in Dublin on a Sunday.

Visit the National Art Gallery of Ireland

Sunday Hours: 11:00am to 5:30pm
This is Ireland’s much loved National Art Gallery. I’d pick an art gallery over a museum any day, so this one is a particular favourite. They offer free highlights tours to the public 6 times a week, 3 of which are on Sundays! Hop in for the 11:30, 12:30, or 13:30 tours and enjoy the beautiful collection.

Have Coffee at Bewley’s Cafe

Sunday Hours: 9:00am to 8:00pm
Bewley’s Cafe has been around since 1840, and recently reopened after a substantial renovation (that felt like it took forever!). The marble tables, stained glass, high ceilings, and red velvet booths make for a gorgeous place to pause during your busy day. Try their signature Coffee Opera Cake.

Wander Through the National Botanic Gardens

Sunday Hours: 10:00am to 6:00pm
This one doesn’t get enough love, because it’s a little further out of the city centre. Home to many types of plants and flowers, it is as much a beautiful garden to visit as it is a scientific institution. While you can wander alone in awe, you can also join a free guided tour at 12:00 or 14:30 on Sundays.

Take a Guided Tour of Glasnevin Cemetery

Sunday Hours: 10:00am to 6:00pm
This cemetery sits next to the Botanic Gardens, and can be accessed on foot via the Prospect Square gate. Tickets to see the museum are €6.50, but you’ll want to make sure you join one of their guided history tours of the grounds.

Go to Kilmainham Gaol

Photo by Velvet

Sunday Hours: 9:30am to 6:00pm
Welcome to jail! A lot of Irish history played out on this site, and every visitor takes a guided tour through the building. You’ll learn about the Easter Rising and the rebels that spent their last days there. Make sure you book ahead online, as this one will fill up quickly.

Take a Walk on Bull Island

Sunday Hours: Public area
Bull Island, and Dollymount Beach in particular, is a well known strand along the bay. Cross the Wooden Bridge from Clontarf and wander down the 5kms of sandy beach right in the city.

Visit Malahide Castle

Photo by William Murphy

Sunday Hours: 9:30am to 5:30pm
An Irish castle right in Dublin! What’s not to love? Just outside the town of Malahide in North Dublin, this castle sits on some 260 acres of land. Purchase your tickets for the guided tour ahead of time for €12.50. When you’ve finished your tour you can stop off at the Avoca Cafe for tea and scones. A lovely day out!

Do the Bray to Greystones Walk

Sunday Hours: Public area
The Bray to Greystones cliff walk is great when the sun is out. If it’s raining, not so much. This is a well-marked path around Bray Head, and will take you anywhere from an hour to a few hours. Wear good shoes and layers in case it rains, and when you get to Greystones stop for lunch at the famous Happy Pear cafe.

Mini Golfing at Rainforest Adventure Golf

Sunday Hours: 10:00am to 11:00pm
I love minigolf! This place is good fun. There are Aztec and Mayan themed courses, and you can play both of them for €14.90. They don’t take forever to complete, so this may give you around 90 minutes of fun. It’s located at Dundrum Town Centre though, so you can do some shopping at the same time or grab dinner to round off your evening.

Shopping at Dundrum Town Centre

Photo by William Murphy

Sunday Hours: 10:00am to 7:00pm
Is there a better time to hit the shops than a lazy Sunday? Grab a coffee on your way in early to beat the rush. Dundrum is South Dublin’s biggest indoor shopping mall so if it’s not here, I’m not sure what to tell you..

Visit the Powerscourt Waterfall

Sunday Hours: 9:30am to 7:00pm
You’ll need a car for this one. But, if you’ve got access to one for the day, Powerscourt Waterfall is a gorgeous place to take a picnic or go for a few hours in the afternoon.

What other things would you get up to on a Sunday? 

Pin these ideas for next Sunday!