Things To Do In Ireland

CULTURE & SOCIETY

To find out more about Irish music, culture, arts and heritage go to:

Culture & Society – Living In Ireland

From action-packed adventures to rejuvenating retreats, Ireland’s got something for everyone.

Ireland.com – Things to Do

Event Guide

Entertainment.ie covers events around the country, such as music gigs, plays, cinema releases and festivals.

Cinema

Going to the cinema is a popular thing to do in Ireland. The busiest times are usually at the weekend. Many cinemas will offer discounted rates for daytime shows, or evening shows during weekdays. More Information

Theatre

There is a comprehensive directory of professional drama, dance and opera in Ireland.

Music

Live music is an integral part of Irish social life. In most places around the country, there will be live music events taking place – be they a spontaneous Irish music ‘session’ in a local pub or a major international artist playing in one of the fine music venues to which Ireland is home. More information

Festivals

There are a number of different kinds of festivals on throughout the year in Ireland. 

Information on festivals in Ireland

Information on traditional Irish festivals

Historical Attractions, Museums & Galleries

Discover the remains of prehistoric tombs. Imagine the thrill of defending a castle. Wander through medieval halls. Soak up the serenity of historic gardens and the splendour of great estates. The Heritage Ireland website gives a guide to historical attractions throughout Ireland, by region.

More information 

Pubs & Nightclubs​

Pubs and bars are quite popular places to hang out in Ireland, either for a casual meet-up with a friend, a night out for a celebration, or after a hard day at work or college. 

There are around 7,000 pubs in Ireland, so you’ll find one near to you. Some pubs will have impromptu traditional Irish music/singing sessions. 

The average price of a pint of beer is €5, but is usually more expensive in cities.

Pubs usually have no entrance fee, but clubs may have an entry fee that you can typically pay as you enter.

Opening Hours

Pubs/Bars

  • Monday to Thursday: 10.30 – 23.30
  • Friday and Saturday: 10.30 – 00.30
  • Sundays: 12.30 – 23.30
 

Nightclubs: around 02.30

Off-licence (including supermarkets): alcohol can be sold at these hours:

  • Monday to Saturday: 10:30 – 22:00
  • Sunday and St Patrick’s Day: 12:30 – 22:00
 
Children

Children (under 15) cannot enter a pub unaccompanied by parent/guardian.

Children (15–17) are allowed in the bar unaccompanied, but cannot be served/consume alcohol.

Both must leave the premises by 21:00 (22:00 between 1 May and 30 September), unless they are attending a private function at which a substantial meal is served.

Sports

As a sporting nation, Ireland has a wide range of sporting options. More information

Traditional Irish Sports

Hurling (men) and Camogie (women) are stick-and-ball games, with 15 players on a team. One point is awarded for hitting the ball over the crossbar, and three points for hitting it into the goal.

Gaelic football (men) and Ladies Gaelic Football (women) are similar to Australian Rules football, in that players can kick the ball, bounce it, carry it, and pass it. Each team has 15 players, and a ball over the crossbar scores 1 point, with a ball in the goal scoring 3 points. 

Other Sports

Rugby, soccer, basketball and golf are also popular sports to play and watch in Ireland. There are many local clubs you can choose to take part in. 

Football Association of Ireland (FAI)  

Irish Rugby website 

Basketball Ireland

Golf Ireland

Adventure Centres

Ireland offers a whole host of activities and outdoor pursuit options for the adventurous and active minded. There are plenty of adventure centres around Ireland offering opportunities for you to get active and get outdoors. More information

Mountain Biking

Cycling Ireland provides information on biking clubs, and provides tips on trails to ride.

Walking

Walking is the perfect way to see the beautiful landscape of Ireland. Irish Trails has many walks throughout Ireland listed on their site – by county, difficulty level and length. You can also look at suitable cycling trails. Mountaineering Ireland offers membership, events and advice on hillwalking, rock climbing and mountaineering.

Youth Clubs/Groups

Youth clubs are safe, enjoyable and welcoming places where young people can socialise.

If you are new to an area, they are a great place to hang out, meet new friends, get involved in activities and have a voice. 

Contact your Local Youth Organisations or Youth Information Centre to find out more about your local youth clubs/group.

LIBRARIES

Join your local library it provides wonderful facilities and services, and it’s free to join.

  • You can borrow up to 12 items at any one time, and keep them for 3 weeks… for free.
  • You get free wi-fi and use of computers.
  • There is study space if you are a student – a quiet space for homework.
  • You can sign up for and take classes, including language classes.
  • It is also a great place to find out about local services on the noticeboards.
  • Local Europedirect Centres are found in many libraries.
  • Ask the friendly, helpful and knowledgeable staff a question.

   

 List of Local Libraries

Discount Cards

University or College Card: Your student card from college or university can also be used to avail of student discounts and savings. So, you should get used to asking if there’s a student discount, no matter where you go  – clothes, tickets, food…

European Youth Card: You don’t have to be a student to get the card. It’s available to all young people under the age of 31 or 26, depending on your country. The card is usually valid for one year and the price varies from country to country. Check out the card in your country and don’t hesitate to get in touch with the local card office to find out more. The card offers discounts on travel, food, clothing and more.

ISIC Ireland | Get Discounts Today: Offers students in secondary and third level education a wide variety of benefits, covering all areas of entertainment, leisure, sports and travel. The card is recognised by shops, universities, academic institutions, national governments, and ministries of education around the world.

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