What to Do in Dublin When it Rains 

Published: August 20, 2024

How often does it rain in Dublin?

Rain is something we have to accept if we live in Ireland. In Irish Gaelic, we say: Tá sé ag cur baistí, literally “It (He) is putting the rain” – perhaps referencing some higher power that showers this misery on our heads as an inside joke, again and again.

Believe it or not, New York City receives more precipitation than Dublin! Dublin is the driest part of the Republic of Ireland. The driest part of the island of Ireland is actually a lake. A big lake. It is the biggest lake in not just Ireland but Ireland and Britain. Yes, you read that right – a huge wet lake is the driest part of Ireland! 

Many travellers we guide around Dublin ask what they should wear for a tour and what the weather will be like in this or that season. The truth is, “always prepare for the worst” is the best survival advice we can give. Layers of jackets, a raincoat, and an umbrella are appropriate for any day in Ireland, even if the morning looks sunny and beautiful. You never know when He decides to put rain on us again. 

Of course, we have different words for various types of rain in Dublin, from drizzle to heavy flogging showers. Anyway, here are some thoughts on interesting activities you can do in Dublin if the rain is driving you off the city streets:

Dublin theatres

Ireland is the homeland of Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett, Brian Friel, and other celebrated playwrights who contributed to modern theatre and the depiction of Ireland on stage and screen. 

Along with classical plays from around the world, Dublin theatres offer a unique opportunity to see some timeless absurdist sketches, harsh realism of 20th-century Catholic Ireland, modern reflections on life and death on the streets of Dublin, and everlasting tales of Irish mythology. Have a look at what’s on here.

It’s not all in the evening, either. Bewley’s Cafe hosts lunchtime plays, as do some other venues – a quick Google search should give you more answers for a particular time of the year. The National Concert Hall hosts a lunchtime concert every week—an elegant break in your day.

Dublin cinemas

If you’re up for a superhero blockbuster, Irish cinemas have it all quickly. Alternatively, the Irish Film Institute offers a wide range of indie movies, both Irish productions and global trends. This would be the best way to enjoy the cinema at once while still being a culturally curious visitor.

Lighthouse Cinema Smithfield is one of Dubliners’ most cherished venues. It offers original short film programs, independent Irish cinema, and international film festivals.

Attractions resonating with a rainy mood

Old Jameson Distillery in Smithfield might be right up your alley if you are looking for a cosy tour around the premises, with insights into the history of Irish whiskey and a sampling thereof. 

On the other hand, Kilmainham Gaol is a bit tricky to reach but is a rewarding experience: accompanied by passionate tour guides, you will hear echoes of the Irish War of Independence and see graffiti left on the walls by former prisoners. The jail was closed by the Irish Free State government in 1924. Still, before that, for over a century, it had interned hundreds of people, many of whom were then shipped to Australia or executed.

Dublin museums and art galleries

The National Gallery of Ireland is open 7 days a week, including bank holidays, and now offers a virtual tour to give you a taste of its finest art and decide whether you want to visit the gallery. We invite you to take a tour that will bring you to the National Gallery, National Library, and National Museum of Archaeology & History in a concise 3-hour tour focusing on only the highlights of these rich institutions. 

The Irish Museum of Modern Art collection is constantly renewing itself, adding more contemporary art pieces from around the world. The Little Museum of Dublin is a new popular venue that has already gained recognition as the best place to discover the Fair City’s dark side and strange stories from the Victorian era to the modern days. The Gallery of Photography is another curious place to check out if you are interested in photographic stories from Ireland and beyond.

Dublin gems for nerds

The Winding Stair bookshop is a great place for the rain in Dublin. It’s great to sit in there, drinking tea from a dainty cup and reading some of the fiction on the shelves.

Alternatively, you can check out Hodges Figgis, Ireland’s oldest bookshop. They have an excellent range of books on Irish history, folklore, and architecture, along with an overall good title selection. Even if you don’t find a book you want, you can pick up a postcard or other cute small souvenirs.

A sheltered tour of Dublin

One of the biggest advantages of booking a private tour is that you can decide what you want to do and go. So, if you’ve booked a tour and it ends up raining on the day, our guides can easily keep you dry by exploring as many indoor sites as possible. 

Garvan, our founder, shared his recent experience of guiding a tour on a day that was scheduled to be a washout:

With two adults and two kids (14 and 10), I wanted to keep everyone sheltered and entertained, so we spent 80 minutes exploring the highlights of the National Museum of Archaeology & History (free). By this stage, it was time for a break, so outside and just around the corner, we enjoyed the best scones in Dublin at Kilkenny Design and some hot tea. Next, we went straight to the Old Library of Trinity College.

Or…

Of course, you could enjoy the rain in Dublin, and behold the glorious shine of wet granite, or the alluring glow of reflected light as the raindrops tap an Irish dance on the roofs above you.

Discover more experiences waiting for you in Dublin rain on our tour page.