Dublin in January: 21 Fun Things to See, Do & Eat

Discover things to do in Dublin in January. Find out if a January trip to Dublin is worth doing. Enjoy the best of Dublin in the winter.

Are you wondering what it’s like to visit Dublin in January? I lived in Ireland for 12 years, close to Dublin City Centre and had the amazing opportunity to experience life in the capital during different parts of the year. 

My travel tips including where to stay and what to do in Dublin have been featured on Irish Stew and We Travel There podcasts.

If you prefer to see cities at their most authentic, January is the perfect time to visit Dublin. This is the least touristy part of the year and you can take advantage of events and activities that locals love. 

Yes, January in Dublin is cold and dark, but I think the bargain prices and lack of crowds more than make up for this.

Let’s explore a variety of cool things to see, do, and eat in Dublin in January to help inspire your own trip to Ireland at this time of year.

What is the Weather Like in Dublin in January?

Dublin in January is cold and wet, with average temperatures ranging from 41°F (5°C) to 47°F (8°C). January is one of Ireland's rainier months. Take heart: there is a saying on the Emerald Isle: 

if you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes

January is a good time to visit Dublin if you're looking for a winter break and don't mind the cold. Just be sure to pack warm clothes and rain gear! 

In an objective sense, the temperatures will not be as cold as other places in Europe and the U.S. in January. However, Ireland is quite humid which makes the cold feel more bone-chilling.

I recommend packing layers, a warm jacket plus winter hat and gloves, waterproof clothing, and most definitely an umbrella. 

Be prepared for the possibility of snow. Snow is rare in Dublin, but you might get a dusting of snow on occasion and a proper snowstorm every 5-10 years.

Things to do in Dublin in January at a Glance

Now let's take a look at things to do, see and eat in Dublin in January at a glance. Each heading is clickable and will take you directly to the item of interest.

Table of Contents

1. Visit Newgrange
2. Take a Ride on the Ghostbus
3. Take a Sandymount Stroll
4. Enjoy Seemingly Endless Golden Hour in Dublin
5. Experience Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo
6. Marvel at Spectacular Sunrises over Grand Canal Dock
7. Reflect on the Grand Canal
8. Visit Holiday World
9. Catch a Gig at Temple Bar TradFest
10. Take the Jameson Whiskey Tasting Tour
11. Go Whiskey Tasting at Teeling
12. Participate in Dry January
13. Join a New and Not So New in Dublin Meet-up
14. Have Brunch with Bluegrass at Kilkenny
15. Book in for High Tea at the Shelbourne
16. See a Movie at IFI
17. Participate in an Interactive show at the Gate Theatre
18. Catch Some Comedy at Laughter Lounge
19. See a Musical at Bord Gais Theatre
20. Attend the Pendulum Summit
21. Explore the National Gallery of Ireland

Things to do in Dublin in January in Detail

Let's explore cool things to do in Dublin in January in more detail. I've actually done all of these things in the month of January, so they are tried and tested for this time of year. 

In Dublin, the weather is always a wild card, so I've broken down my recommendations into two parts: what to do if the weather is good and what to do in Dublin if it rains or the weather is bad.

What to do in Dublin in January if the Weather is Nice

1. Visit Newgrange

We left Dublin by bus at sunrise for Newgrange, a 5,000-year-old Stone Age Passage Tomb. The bus ride was about an hour, and we arrived at the visitors' center just as it opened. We bought our tickets (€10/person) and were assigned a time slot for our visit.

In the summer, it's best to arrive early to avoid crowds, but we were visiting in the winter, so there were only a few other people at the site. We crossed the River Boyne and saw Newgrange in the distance. It was a massive mound, covered in grass.

We met our guide, Frank, at the entrance to the site. He told us about the history of Newgrange and how it was aligned with the winter solstice sunrise. 

On the morning of the solstice, a beam of sunlight enters the tomb through a small opening in the roof and illuminates the interior. This phenomenon is so rare that thousands of people enter a lottery each year for the chance to see it.

We weren't allowed to take pictures inside the tomb, but Frank gave us a detailed explanation of the features. The chamber is small and narrow, with three alcoves. The walls are covered in Neolithic art, including spirals, circles, and lozenges.

After our tour of the tomb, we took some photos of the outside. The mound is surrounded by 97 kerbstones, some of which are decorated with carvings. We also admired the reconstructed quartz facade, which was added in the 1970s.

We were cold by the time we finished our January visit, so we headed back to the visitors' center for a cup of coffee and some cake. It was an amazing experience to see something so old and mysterious still surviving today. It was like a beacon from our ancestors, reminding us of their ingenuity and creativity.

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2. Take a Ride on the Ghostbus

Board the Dublin Ghostbus for a spooky time. This tour is very popular in the summer which is why I've added this to my picks for things to do in Dublin in January (get a reservation with ease).

The bus has covered windows so guests cannot see out, which can make for a more immersive experience. The first stop was St. Kevin's Park, where the guide told us about the history of grave robbing in Dublin. 

We learned about how grave robbers would often dig up bodies for medical research or to sell to body snatchers. The guide also told us about the debauchery of Buck Whaley, a notorious Irish politician and businessman who was known for his wild parties and lavish lifestyle.

The next stop was the 40 Steps, a set of stairs outside the old Dublin city wall. This area is also known as the entrance to Hell. The guide told us about the legends and superstitions surrounding the 40 Steps, and we even get to see a church bathed in devilish red light.

On the way back to the starting point, the guide serenaded us with a song about a ghost who haunts the Ghostbus. The song was both spooky and catchy, and it definitely added to the overall experience.

I definitely recommend the Ghostbus for a night of adventure and thrills. The tour is well-organized and informative, and the guide was knowledgeable and entertaining. Whether you're a believer in ghosts or not, you're sure to have a spooky good time on the Ghostbus.

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3. Take a Sandymount Stroll

If you are visiting Dublin in January, I recommend taking a walk out to Sandymount Strand. The weather can be bracing, as January is one of the coldest months of the year in Dublin, but the views are worth it. 

Sandymount Strand is a long, sandy beach with views of the Poolbeg Towers, a duo of chimneys that are a landmark of the Dublin skyline. You can also watch dog owners take their pets for a walk along the beach, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet while you breathe the bracing winter air.

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4. Enjoy Seemingly Endless Golden Hour in Dublin

I love the light in Dublin in January. The days are shorter, so golden hour seems to go on and on. If you're a fan of photography like I am, be sure to make time for a photo walk and take advantage of the beautiful light at this time of year.

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5. Experience Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo

Wild Lights is a magical nighttime experience at Dublin Zoo that takes place in December and January. It is a worthwhile activity for families of all ages.

After the sun goes down, the zoo is transformed into a wonderland of colorful lights and magical exhibits. Visitors can walk through the zoo and enjoy the sights and sounds of Wild Lights. 

Many of the light exhibits feature animals and other natural habitats, which will capture the imagination of children and adults alike.

Wild Lights is extremely popular, so it is important to book tickets in advance. 

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6. Marvel at Spectacular Sunrises over Grand Canal Dock

Because the days are short in Dublin in January, this is a great time of year to get up for the sunrise. You won't have to wake up too early in January, as the sun rises around 8am.

Get out and take a walk along the River Liffey or the Grand Canal. On a partially cloudy day, you can marvel at the beautiful pink skies as the sun rises.

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7. Reflect on the Grand Canal

January in Dublin can be dark, but the diffused lights of the city lend themselves to beautiful reflections. 

Take a walk along the Grand Canal, either in Grand Canal Dock or further down the canal towards Baggot Street and beyond, and you'll be amazed at the beauty of the reflections you'll see. 

If it's not raining, I definitely recommend bundling up and taking a walk on the Grand Canal in Dublin in January.

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What to do in Dublin in January if it Rains

8. Visit Holiday World

In Dublin in January, many people are yearning for a proper sun holiday. That's where Holiday World comes in. 

This event at Dublin's RDS in Ballsbridge features representatives from tourism boards and tourism marketing agencies in Ireland, across Europe, and even the world. 

Book yourself a ticket, stop by, and get some travel destination ideas either for the remainder of your Irish vacation or to plan a future trip.

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9. Catch a Gig at Temple Bar TradFest

January is a great time to visit Dublin for traditional Irish music. TradFest takes place during this month, and you'll find musicians playing in and around Temple Bar at both informal and ticketed events. 

If you want to experience the heart and soul of Irish music, I recommend that you come to Dublin in January and check out TradFest.

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10. Take the Jameson Whiskey Tasting Tour

Let's head across the River Liffey to Dublin's Northside and more specifically Smithfield where we'll embark on an Irish whiskey tasting. Jameson is probably Ireland's most well-known whiskey brand. It is one of just a few distilleries across Ireland that survived the 20th century downturn.

The Bow St. Experience costs 26 EUR at the time of writing. When your guide asks for volunteers before the introductory video, be sure to raise your hand. You will receive a green cardboard cylinder that is your ticket to a more extensive whiskey tasting.

The Jameson Bow Street Experience includes a step-by-step overview of the whiskey-making process: malting, milling, mashing, fermentation, distillation, maturation, marrying, and vatting. 

Whiskey making is similar to brewing beer until the distillation stage of the process. The color of the whiskey deepens considerably as it ages, as the "Angels' Share" evaporates.

The price of the tour includes a mixed drink or whiskey over ice at the end of the Jameson tour. If you raised your hand and received what is effectively a golden ticket, you will taste Irish, Scottish, and American whiskies to compare the similarities and differences.

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11. Go Whiskey Tasting at Teeling

Winter heralds whiskey weather in Dublin, so January is the perfect time of year to go on a whiskey tasting tour. 

I recommend booking yourself in at Teeling, one of my favorite places to taste whiskey in Dublin. Teeling has the distinction of being the first distillery to reopen its doors and bottle its own whiskey offering in the Dublin Liberties neighborhood in the 21st century.

The Irish whiskey industry has certainly experienced its ups and downs in the 19th and 20th centuries, but Teeling represents a renaissance in Irish whiskey production that is worth celebrating.

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12. Participate in Dry January

I know my last two recommendations of things to do in Dublin in January involved drinking whiskey. However, in Ireland, January is a time to rest and recover. 

The days and weeks leading up to the holidays can be hard on the liver, so many locals take a break from alcohol in January. This is known as Dry January.

If you don't drink, January is a great time to visit Dublin. There are many other people who are also abstaining from alcohol during this time, so you won't feel out of place. 

You can still enjoy all the things that Dublin has to offer, such as its lively pubs and restaurants. Just be sure to ask for non-alcoholic drinks.

There are many great juices and smoothies available at cafes around the city. You can also find alcohol-free beer, wine, and cocktails. So there's no need to miss out on the fun just because you're not drinking alcohol.

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13. Join a New and Not So New in Dublin Meet-up

The meetup scene in Dublin is thriving. There are groups for every interest, from hiking and biking to film and literature. One group I recommend is New and Not So New in Dublin. 

It has over 28,000 members and organizes a variety of outings, such as small group dinners, pub crawls, and cultural events. It's a great way to meet new people and explore the city if you visit Dublin in January.

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14. Have Brunch with Bluegrass at Kilkenny

Kilkenny Shop is a popular department store in Dublin that is known for its wide selection of Irish-made products. It is also a great place to go for Sunday brunch and bluegrass music. 

The cafeteria-style brunch is held on the first floor of the store and features a variety of dishes, including traditional Irish fare, as well as international favorites. 

While you eat, you can enjoy live bluegrass music performed by local musicians. The brunch is a great way to experience Irish culture and enjoy a delicious meal.

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15. Book in for High Tea at the Shelbourne

Afternoon tea is the perfect way to warm up on a cold winter afternoon in Dublin. The Shelbourne Hotel on St. Stephen's Green offers what is arguably Dublin's most famous afternoon tea service.

The Shelbourne Hotel played a critical role in the Easter Rising that led to Irish independence, and you can find a number of artifacts from the event on display at the hotel. But back to the tea itself: what can you expect from an Irish afternoon tea?

You'll be served a pot of your choice of black tea, green tea, or herbal tea, as well as a tiered tray of savory and sweet finger sandwiches and cakes. For an additional cost, you can also enjoy a glass of champagne or prosecco.

So if you're visiting Dublin in January, be sure to book a table at the Shelbourne Hotel for a truly memorable afternoon tea experience.

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16. See a Movie at IFI

The Irish Film Institute (IFI), my favorite movie theater in Dublin, is located in a historic building in Temple Bar. The theater has a quirky feel to it, but it hosts a wide range of films, including both modern and independent films, as well as classic offerings. 

If you are out for a drink in Temple Bar, consider taking a break and heading to the movies here. This conveniently located venue is perfect if the weather turns inclement.

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17. Participate in an Interactive show at the Gate Theatre

The Gate Theatre is another one of my favorite venues in Dublin, and it's perfect for a January afternoon or evening performance. 

We went to see a very interactive production of The Great Gatsby, which took us all over the different parts of the theater, from the stage to behind the scenes backstage. 

It was a very lively and imaginative production. That's one of the things I love most about Dublin: the sheer creativity of the theater scene here.

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18. Catch Some Comedy at Laughter Lounge

Another fun thing to do in Dublin in January is to go to a comedy night. The Laughter Lounge on the River Liffey is one of my favorite venues for stand-up comedy. 

Grab a drink to loosen up your funny bone and enjoy the show. We were lucky enough to see Foil Arms and Hog, arguably Ireland's most famous sketch comics, perform here in the past. 

They have since moved on to larger venues, but who knows? You might just see the next big star if you catch a show here.

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19. See a Musical at Bord Gais Theatre

Another great thing to do in Dublin in January is see a show at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. This state-of-the-art theater in Grand Canal Dock is Dublin's premiere venue for musical theater and it hosts a wide variety of productions throughout the year. 

Be sure to check the event calendar before you go to see what shows are playing during your visit.

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20. Attend the Pendulum Summit

Pendulum Summit is an annual two-day transformative event that brings together leading experts, speakers, and thought leaders from various fields to inspire personal and professional growth. 

The conference is held in January in Dublin each year and features a series of dynamic talks and networking opportunities aimed at empowering attendees to enhance their skills, mindsets, and overall well-being.

I had the chance to attend Pendulum Summit once, and I really enjoyed it. I heard a wide range of talks covering leadership, motivation, and even topics that skirted the boundaries of the law. The speakers were all super interesting, including Molly Bloom from the book and movie Molly's Game.

Dublin can be cold and wet in January, so spending a couple of days inside the Dublin Convention Center learning and networking is a great way to experience the city during this time of year.

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21. Explore the National Gallery of Ireland

If it rains during your visit to Dublin in January, take advantage of the free national museums in the city. I am particularly fond of the National Gallery of Ireland. 

You will find many works by Irish artists, including distinctive works by J. B. Yeats, the brother of Ireland's famous poet W. B. Yeats. 

Even if art is not your thing, the National Gallery of Ireland is still worth a visit. After all, it is free (one of my favorite free things to do in Dublin, in fact). 

The museum is housed in an elegant mansion, and the interior architecture is simply stunning, providing an excellent backdrop for the sumptuous paintings.

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Where to Stay in Dublin in January

I lived in Dublin for 12 years, so I haven't availed of that many hotels here. However, I can personally recommend the following hotels based on my experience staying there:

1. The Wilder Townhouse is a boutique hotel that was once a home for retired governesses. It's situated in a 19th century brick building just a short walk to The National Concert Hall and St. Stephen's Green. The breakfast here is outstanding, the beds are comfy, and the rooms are named after former residents.
2. The Grand Canal Hotel is a more budget-friendly option with a craft beer bar called The Gasworks attached. It's close to the Google offices in Grand Canal Dock.
3. The Charlemont Hilton is conveniently located along the Grand Canal and within easy walking distance of Dublin City Centre, Ranelagh, and Rathmines. I found the hotel room to be well-insulated from noise and I got a great night's sleep.

I can also recommend a few other hotels that my family has stayed in:

1. The Marker is a posh hotel with a fabulous rooftop bar in Grand Canal Dock.
2. The Dylan is a boutique hotel in a historic building in Ballsbridge. It's walking distance to Dublin City Centre and just around the corner from the vibrant shops, restaurants, and pubs on historic Baggot Street.
3. The Schoolhouse Hotel is truly unique and is located in a historic school house. It's also home to one of my favorite pubs in Ireland.

In my experience, the best neighborhoods to stay in Dublin depend on your preferences. If you want to be in the heart of it all, stay around Stephen's Green. Ballsbridge or Grand Canal Dock is a good choice if you want to be central, but not too central.

In general, areas south of the River Liffey are considered more "posh" and areas north of the Liffey can be a bit edgier. I don't recommend staying in Temple Bar (it will be noisy!)

There are a number of hostels and cheaper accommodation along Gardiner Street on the North Side. This is definitely an edgier part of town and I wouldn't recommend it. 

Getting to Dublin in January

Dublin Airport is extremely well connected to the UK and Europe thanks to Aer Lingus and Ryanair. You'll find a wide range of point-to-point connections to get you to Ireland.

For transatlantic flights to the US, Dublin has the advantage of having US pre-clearance. This means that you can clear US customs and immigration in Dublin Airport, so you can go straight to your connection or to baggage claim when you arrive in the US.

To get to Dublin from Asia, India, or Australia/New Zealand, I recommend flying through Dubai on Emirates. I've personally flown Emirates business class and Emirates first class, and I highly recommend the experience.

You can also connect to Dublin from almost anywhere in the world via airports like Lisbon, Amsterdam Schiphol, Frankfurt, Paris, or Istanbul.

To get from Dublin Airport to the city center, you can take a taxi for about €30. There is a surcharge for transportation late at night and on Sundays. The Aircoach or Dublin Bus are more economical options. Unfortunately, Dublin Airport is not served by rail.

Should You Visit Dublin in January?

There are pros and cons to visiting Dublin at any time of year. In January, I see the pros as:

1. As a tourist, you'll practically have the city to yourself. January is one of the quietest times of year to visit Dublin.
2. There are plenty of indoor activities to avail of in Dublin.
3. You are more likely to find bargain flights and cheaper accommodation if you visit Dublin in January.

The cons of visiting Dublin in January are:

1. It's dark in Dublin in January. The sun rises after 8 am and sets before 5 pm.
2. January in Dublin is a cold time of year to visit with a high probability of rain.
3. Many locals are detoxing after the Christmas holidays and doing "Dry January". This means the pubs may be less vibrant.

Are you planning a trip to Ireland and trying to decide what time of year to visit? Check out month-by-month ideas of things to do in Dublin based on my personal experience:

• Dublin in February
• Dublin in March
• Dublin in April
• Dublin in May
• Dublin in June
• Dublin in July
• Dublin in August
• Dublin in October

Better still, check out my comprehensive one-stop-shop post covering all the fantastic things to do in Dublin throughout the year. Why not dive deeper and explore the best places to visit in Ireland as a whole?

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