BEYOND
THE CITY
Dublin comes alive in the winter months. Cosy up by the fire in a bustling pub, enjoy live music, soak up the buzz of festivals, or venture further afield to see what else Ireland has to offer.
Getting to this craic-ing capital couldn't be easier. Fly direct from 21 UK airports with Aer Lingus, Ryanair, British Airways, or Loganair. Flights take around 90 minutes.
Not a fan of flying? Direct ferries run from Holyhead in Wales to Dublin. Sit back and watch the waves roll by—the crossing takes about three hours with Irish Ferries or Stena Line.
Dublin is easy to explore on foot, or you can hop on a bus or tram. It might be a little chilly, but that just adds to the charm—duck into a pub for a pint of Guinness, or explore the city’s world-class galleries.
Whatever you choose, Dublin has plenty to keep you busy. Read on to discover more…
Soft
adventure
travel
FOOD &
DRINK
TRADFEST
2026
LIVE
MUSIC
Discover Dublin this winter
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The Travelzoo guide to:
Food & drink
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Sip, savour, and explore
Whiskey has a long and proud history in Dublin. Once boasting 37 distilleries, all had closed by 1976. Distilling returned in 2015, with the opening of Teeling Distillery. Here you can see a working distillery in action and learn about the history of the craft.
Teeling was soon joined by Pearse Lyons Distillery. Experiences include tours, tastings, and cocktail sessions. Roe & Co offers whiskey and cocktail workshops, plus events pairing whiskey with food.
At Jameson Distillery Dublin, you can take tours, join cocktail-making classes, and even blend your own whiskey. Of course, the Guinness Storehouse is a must. Explore the Tasting Rooms, then finish with a pint of the Black Stuff in the Gravity Bar.
You could also visit the Rascals Brewing Company's taproom—the first in Dublin. Choose from 12 beers, served with wood-fired pizza.
Modern menus, Irish ingredients
Set off on a culinary adventure at one of Dublin's many contemporary dining hotspots. Here, you'll find cutting-edge menus, ever-evolving dishes, and endlessly exciting mealtime experiences.
Chapter One offers one of the most distinctive dining experiences in Ireland. This two-Michelin-starred restaurant is led by chef Mickael Viljanen and patron Ross Lewis. The Michelin Guide praises it as a "stylish, elegant spot" with "top-drawer cooking", "prime luxury ingredients", and "perfectly balanced, immaculately executed dishes".
Etto, meanwhile, is a firm Dublin favourite, ranked among the city's best by The Daily Telegraph—and loved by Nigella Lawson. This intimate restaurant serves a menu that shifts with the seasons, keeping things fresh and full of flavour.
A taste of tradition
Traditional Irish food is all about hearty, wholesome meals made with homegrown ingredients that reflect the country's heritage. Think steaming bowls of comforting stew with crusty bread, simple cheese and ham toasties, or the classic cockles and mussels.
Across Dublin, you'll find restaurants serving menus that put a modern spin on these timeless classics. Some favourites include The Woollen Mills Eating House, L. Mulligan Grocer, and Dax Restaurant.
The Woollen Mills Eating House overlooks the Ha'penny Bridge and the River Liffey, and focuses on local Irish produce. It's even been named one of the best brunch spots in Dublin by Condé Nast Traveller. L. Mulligan Grocer offers a seasonal menu, making everything in-house—from pickles to gravy. Meanwhile, Dax Restaurant showcases modern Irish cooking with refined French influences.
You can get a feel for Dublin's tuneful heritage by visiting some of its iconic musical sights.
U2 fans flock to Windmill Lane Studios, where the band first recorded their debut album in 1980. Since then, artists from AC/DC to 50 Cent have recorded here. Take a studio tour to discover the venue's storied history.
Walk in the footsteps of Ireland's musical heroes at the Irish Rock 'n' Roll Museum Experience in the Temple Bar district.
You'll also find music on Grafton Street, where buskers of all genres entertain passersby. If you're lucky, you might even spot a few stars—Glen Hansard and U2's Bono have both popped in for a singalong before.
Musical moments in Dublin
You can hear traditional Irish music across the city, from back rooms in bustling pubs to main stages at dedicated venues. Cosy up by the fire and get ready for a singalong—Irish folk music is all about bringing people together.
Looking for the best pubs for trad music? We've a few suggestions. The Temple Bar Pub has been named Traditional Irish Music Pub of the Year every year since 2002.
Other great spots include The Merry Ploughboy, owned by traditional musicians who also perform at each show. For something more intimate, try The Cobblestone, or head into the Dublin Mountains to visit Johnnie Fox's.
Darkey Kelly’s mixes folklore and music, and boasts a fascinating history.
Dublin's best trad pubs
Dublin boasts a storied musical heritage, including some of the best artists from the 20th and 21st centuries. The list is long and varied, but includes artists such as U2, Thin Lizzy, Sinead O’Connor, The Frames, Imelda May, The Script, and Kodaline, to name but a few.
Music is everywhere in Dublin. All you have to do is wander along Temple Bar's cobbled streets to hear it playing in pubs throughout the area. You'll also find talented buskers entertaining passersby. All genres are catered for here, from pop to rock and blues to jazz.
Dublin's love of music even made it to Hollywood. The Oscar-winning film Once follows two struggling musicians in the city, and its song Falling Slowly went on to win the 2008 Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Dublin's musical heritage
Live music
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TradFest 2026
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Something for everyone
In partnership with:
Festival venues
TradFest 2026 will take place across three main areas: Fingal in North Dublin, Dublin city centre, and South Dublin.
In Fingal, you'll find Ardgillan, Malahide, and Swords Castle, set against a backdrop of sweeping beaches, rolling hills, and lively towns. Events will be held in community centres, pubs, the ancient Ardgillan Castle, and Skerries Mill.
In Dublin city centre, Temple Bar is a core hub, but acts will perform across the wider city. Venues include The National Stadium, St Patrick's Cathedral, historic churches, and vibrant multi-room spaces.
Meanwhile, in South Dublin, you can enjoy performances at Rathfarnham Castle, the Civic Theatre Tallaght, and in local churches, arts venues, and community centres high in the Dublin Mountains.
All about TradFest 2026
Since 2005, Dublin has welcomed artists from near and far for its annual TradFest—a vibrant celebration of traditional music filled with live performances to delight all musical tastes.
It's not just traditional Irish music on offer, either. This year's line-up spans folk, alt-folk, jazz, and even hip hop.
Enjoy unforgettable performances from legendary names and rising stars across Dublin's iconic Temple Bar, with both homegrown and international talent taking to the stage.
Brighten up January's dark days with TradFest 2026—Ireland's most toe-tapping celebration of music.
TradFest 2026 will take place from 21–25 January.
Day trips from Dublin
Dublin's city centre might be buzzing with activity, but you don't have to travel far to discover Ireland’s mountains and coastlines.
Head to the Wicklow Mountains for long-distance walks or cycle rides along the Sally Gap road. From the city centre, buses run to Glendalough—a glacial valley and National Park.
For a low-cost day out, hop on the DART train. In under an hour you can reach Greystones, where dramatic clifftop views stretch as far as the eye can see.
Adventurous types will love Blessington's lakes, accessible on the 65 bus route from Dublin. Join a lakeside walk, or hire canoes, kayaks, or windsurfing gear at the Avon Ri Adventure Centre. Prefer something gentler? Stop at Russborough House for its tearooms and charming garden maze.
Winter solstice at Newgrange
Did you know Ireland is home to a Neolithic monument older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza?
Newgrange dates from the Stone Age and was built by farmers—it's thought to have been an ancient temple. The monument is an enormous mound, 85m in diameter and 13m high. A 19m passage leads into the main chamber, which contains three alcoves.
Visit around the Winter Solstice for a magical experience. As the sun rises, the passage and chamber align perfectly with the light. Encircling the mound are 97 kerbstones carved with ancient symbols. The most famous of these is the striking entrance stone.
Why not take a guided tour to uncover the myths and history behind this fascinating monument?
Discover Dublin Bay's picturesque coastline along the Dublin Coastal Trail, a winding route that links 11 villages. Travel car-free on the DART or Irish Rail, cycle with the Bleeper Bike share scheme, or simply lace up your hiking boots and walk at your own pace.
Try paddleboarding in Skerries and admire pastel-hued houses in Malahide. Howth, just 25 minutes from Dublin, has a fishing-village feel. Raheny and North Bull Island are havens for wildlife. At Grand Canal Dock, thrill-seekers can try watersports, while Sandymount boasts beautiful beaches.
In Salthill and Monkstown, brave an invigorating sea swim. Pick up fish and chips by the marina in Dún Laoghaire, and stroll the promenade in Sandycove and Glasthule. The charming enclave of Dalkey is full of excellent eateries. Finally, climb Killiney Hill for sweeping views across the bay.
The Dublin Coastal Trail
Beyond the city
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Whether you soak up the sounds of banjos and flutes throughout Temple Bar's lively streets or enjoy music in atmospheric venues, there's something for everyone at TradFest 2026.
Women of Note will perform at St Patrick’s Cathedral, presented by Aoife Scott with special guests (21 January). Danú, one of Ireland's leading traditional ensembles for over 30 years, takes the stage at the Pepper Canister Church in the city centre (22 January).
Globally renowned group Altan will play at Draíocht in Fingal (23 January), while folk metal band Cruachan will perform at The Grand Social in North Dublin (24 January).
The National Folk Orchestra of Ireland, conducted by Tom Doorley, will take over the Civic Theatre Tallaght in South Dublin (25 January).
Seafood
A traditional Irish breakfast
Steaks and green vegetables on a barbecue
A fisherman bringing in his catch of the day
Teeling Distillery
Cocktail making class at the Pearse Lyons Distillery
Whiskey tasting at the Jameson Distillery Dublin
Entrance to the exhibition at the Guinness Storehouse, Dulbin
Winter
in
Dublin
One of the 97 kerbstones carved with ancient symbols
Inside Newgrange during winter solstice
Aerial view of Blessington Lakes
NEW
YEAR'S EVE
New Year's Eve
in Dublin
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How to spend New Year's Day
After the excitement of New Year's Eve, Dublin and its surroundings offer the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
Many of Dublin's art galleries and museums will be open on New Year's Day, so you could spend the day delving into the city's cultural past. Options include the National Gallery of Ireland and the Little Museum of Dublin. Alternatively, duck into one of Dublin's cosy pubs for a peaceful pint.
In Howth, watch the fishing boats return, browse local markets for fresh delicacies, and breathe in the invigorating sea air. You could also stretch your legs along the dramatic cliff walks.
Dún Laoghaire's East Pier is ideal for a sunset stroll, while the People's Park Market offers plenty of treats. Or join locals for a bracing New Year's Day swim at the iconic Forty Foot.
What's on at NYF Dublin
30 December
Echoes of Ireland, 3-7pm... Irish folk music at Dublin Castle.
Music Trail, 5pm... emerging Irish acts at citywide venues.
31 December
Ignite & Excite Procession, 4-5pm... a marching band parade.
Matinee Concert, 4:30-6:30pm... live music at Dublin Castle.
Countdown Concert, 8pm-12:30am... displays over Dún Laoghaire and Howth.
Fireworks displays, 6:30pm-7:30pm... ring in the New Year in style.
1 January
Free Family Day & Concert, 1-5pm... family fun at Dublin Castle.
Traditional Music Concert, 1-5pm... authentic Irish folk at Meeting House Square.
All about NYF Dublin
New Year's Festival Dublin is a thrilling event that takes place throughout the city from 30 December-1 January. This 3-day celebration is the ideal way to ring in the New Year with friends and family. Expect live music, fireworks, and plenty of family fun, including colourful light shows and parades.
Best of all, the event takes place across numerous venues throughout the city and further afield. There are a mixture of free and ticketed events. Venues include Dublin Castle and Meeting House Square, and at the harbours in Dún Laoghaire and Howth.
Getting to Dublin for the festival couldn't be easier. You can travel into Dublin by DART, by bus, or by tram. Visit the NYF Dublin website for more information and to purchase tickets.
Russborough House and Parklands
Head to the Trafalgar website to discover immersive and cultural holidays now.
Glendalough in Wicklow National Park
A performer at NYF Dublin
Fireworks over Dún Laoghaire Harbour
TradFest at St Patrick's Cathedral
Performers at NYF Dublin
Windmill Lane Studios
Women of Note
Altan
TradFest at St Michan's Church in Dublin City
People at NYF Dublin
The Irish Rock 'n' Roll Museum Experience
The signature wall at Windmill Lane Studios
Musicians playing traditional Irish music
People in The Cobblestone pub
A night of Irish dancing and folk music at Johnnie Fox's
Sunrise in Howth Harbour
The Dublin Coastal Trail
People in a cosy pub
The National Gallery of Ireland
A concert at NYF Dublin
Traditional Irish scones
Newgrange
The icon walk in Temple Bar
The Temple Bar
A concert at NYF Dublin
Street performers
Performers at TradFest
Kila
People dancing to music at TradFest
