The Essential Dublin Winter Bucket List

‘Tis the season to grab your coat, grab your scarf and explore everything that Ireland’s capital has to offer! People come from all over the world to visit Dublin during the winter months for one simple reason – it always has an unbelievable atmosphere like nowhere else!

One of the best things about Dublin at this time of year is that there’s something for everyone, young and old, living or visiting, you name it! So we have picked out some of our favourite things to get up to once the cold starts creeping in!

Christmas at the Castle

One of the most exciting festive things to do in the capital, Christmas at the Castle returns to Dublin Castle for the first time since taking a hiatus in 2019!

Set in the historic grounds of Dublin Castle, it features an open-air market with over 30 traditional market stalls and live music throughout! Get anything from little Christmas gifts to artisanal treats – there’s a vintage carousel too, but you might be too old for that…

It runs until December 21st, we definitely recommend checking this one out if you still don’t feel like you’re in the seasonal spirit!

See the Dublin Winter Lights

If you have been making your way around Dublin, you have likely seen some of these stunning lighting set ups around some of the most iconic spots in the city. With a total of 21 locations, Dublin City Council has set up 2 walking trails that are illuminated by the colourful displays!

Merrion Square Park is among the highlights, excuse the pun, with a magical winter walk weaving right around the space – even featuring a 15-meter tall Christmas tree!

Since beginning in 2018, it’s always a sign that winter has well and truly arrived! This year, all of the projections are running on 100% renewable energy, too. Be sure to get out and see them before they finish on New Year’s Day.

Visit the Guinness Storehouse

An unreal spot all-year-round, The Guinness Storehouse transforms into a festive wonderland across the winter season. With there being a pretty limited selection of Christmas markets this year, we’re happy to see Winterfest returning to St. James’ Gate!

For the month of December, expect plenty of pop-up musical performances and festive food across the seven floors at the Storehouse. With a history-inspired visual style and the famous Guinness gates even having a little sprinkle of snow added to them, it looks to be an unreal experience again this year.

Take a Trip Down Grafton Street

No trip into town at this time of year is complete without a winter wander down Dublin’s most iconic shopping street. Whether you’re popping into Brown Thomas, Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre or just taking in the festive atmosphere, there’s nothing like the buzz and excitement you get making your way down Grafton Street!

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This year sees the return of the “Nollaig Shona Duit” lights which were previously removed and replaced by “Welcome to Grafton Quarter” – easily one of Dublin’s most controversial Christmas decisions!

Dublin Zoo Wildlights

Running right up to the 16th of January, Wild Lights returns to Dublin Zoo with this year’s theme being ‘Around the World’. It features some of the world’s most famous landmarks and symbols dotted all around an incredibly illuminated trail!

If nothing else, this is a serious outing for photography enthusiasts to make some unbelievable colourful additions to their library – or Instagram feed! If you’re lucky enough, you can also catch a sighting of the local deer in Phoenix Park, too!

Wander Around Temple Bar and Grab a Festive Drink.

The cobbled streets of Dublin’s cultural quarter is always a spot like no other during the winter season. People looking for somewhere to meet with friends, rest their feet after a long day of shopping or treat themselves to their favourite festive tipple!

With no shortage of pubs in the area, there’s plenty of experimenting to be done to find your favourite hot whiskey – sláinte!

If you’re coming to Ireland in 2022, our blog has plenty of information on living and learning in Dublin. If you’re still searching for somewhere to stay, Point Campus is a great base in the heart of the city – a perfect hub for your student experience. Take a look at our Life at Point Campus page for a more in-depth look at our location. If you have any questions about booking a stay at Point Campus, reach out to us on Facebook or Instagram and our team will try and help out however we can!