Dublin may be one of the world’s smaller capitals, but it punches well above its weight. Not only does this iconic city have hundreds of years of history lurking around every corner, but it has also managed to strive boldly into the future as one of the most progressive and fascinating tourist destinations. And, of course, it stands proudly one of the world’s most hedonistic destinations. The months of March, April, and May may not be the warmest months to visit the city, but many consider spring the best time to visit Dublin. Dublin weather is unpredictable at the best of times, and it’s likely you will encounter temperatures in the low-teens and a few days of rain, but there are so many things to do in Dublin both indoors and out that even if the weather turns you won’t be at a loss. And although there are some year-round Dublin attractions to include in your itinerary, as the city starts to shake off the effects of winter, it comes to life with festivals, sporting events, and plenty of great events.
Things to do in Dublin in March
Dublin in March is often on the colder and wetter side of things. You can expect highs of around 10ºC, and at least 10 days of rainfall. Because nothing warms you up more than a good night out, this is a good time to consider some of the best things to do in Dublin at night. Although most people looking for a night in the town head to Temple Bar, Dublin is full of hidden surprises. There are charming pubs and bars on most streets in the city that will serve up the best of Dublin’s whisky and beer. But if you’re unsure where to start, it may be worth joining a local pub crawl to get acquainted with the best. Of course, if you find yourself in Dublin in March, there is a good chance you’re there for one thing and one thing only - to experience a true Dublin St Patrick’s Day. There is no St Patrick’s Day festival anywhere in the world that can beat the Irish capital, so much so that many consider this the best time to visit Dublin. The festival is now a multi-day affair lasting from the 15th to the 19th of March, culminating in the city’s famous St Patrick’s Day Parade.
Things to do in Dublin in April
By the time the revellers have shaken off their St. Patrick’s Day hangovers, it’s likely the month of April will have rolled around. And although the average maximum temperature is only two degrees warmer, there are several fun events to consider. The Allianz GAA National Football League, one of the most important Gaelic football competitions, comes to an end around this time of year, and visiting a local pub during an important game offers an intriguing insight into Irish culture. For ten days in April, from the 12th to the 22nd, you can also experience one of the country’s best musical celebrations at MusicTown. Performances take place across the city, and it’s one of the best things to do in Dublin for free. As the tourist numbers start to pick up in Dublin in April, it is also the perfect time to explore some of the city’s hidden gems - head to spots like Farmer Browns and Red Bank for amazing dining experiences, or take in a live musical performance every Tuesday night at Doyle’s pub.
Things to do in Dublin in May
Dublin in May is one of the most appealing cities in Europe. The temperature inches a few degrees higher, the average rainfall drops by a dozen millimeters, and yet the main tourist numbers have yet to spike. In spite of the possibility of some inclement Dublin weather, this is one of the best times to visit the city. The 17-year-old Dublin Dance Festival also returns with another action-packed calendar of local and international dance companies and choreographers - it runs from the 1st to the 19th of May.
The romantic side of Dublin
May is also the perfect time to explore some of the more romantic things to do in Dublin. Take your loved one for a picnic in St. Stephen’s Green, a beautiful urban park, pay tribute to the inimitable Oscar Wilde by visiting his statue and childhood home, or take a quiet walk across the Ha'penny Bridge, one of the many free and romantic Dublin attractions on offer. And if you start to notice the tourist numbers picking up, as they tend to do closer towards summer, consider ticking off some of the non-touristy things to do in Dublin, like the Temple Bar Markets or a refreshing dip at Forty Foot. The warmer weather and longer days in May also mean you can more easily fill up an entire day in Dublin, making this one of the best times to visit the city if you intend on packing it all in!
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