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Let’s face it – a little rain is part of the Irish experience. But especially in winter the weather is a bit more cold, wet, and even stormy. And while the nature of Ireland is equally beautiful in those conditions, you might want to spend some more time inside for warmth. That is why we collected some of the best indoor activities in Ireland for you to explore in winter or just when it’s raining during your visit to the country.
Explore Ireland’s museums and galleries
Ireland is a country full of history and culture. It is therefore no wonder that there are many museums and galleries telling about that. Especially in the capital Dublin you’ll find great museums, which are definitely worth a visit. Big plus: they’re all indoors, dry, and warm.
In Dublin, some of the highlights include:
The National Museums of Ireland
Those include three museums spread around the city and one in County Mayo, all offering something different. There’s the National Museum with exhibitions about archaeology, Collins Barracks on Decorative Arts and History, the Museum of Natural History, which is currently being renovated, and Turlough Park on Folklife. All museums can be visited without an entry fee, making them perfect for a spontaneous stop when it suddenly starts to rain in the city.
Also free of charge and always worth a visit is the National Gallery in Dublin.
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
While telling the story about Irish emigration all over the world, this museum is also great for families. With many interactive stations, it makes knowledge fun and entertaining for everyone.
Chester Beatty Library
Located right next to Dublin Castle, Chester Beatty Library is often overlooked. But the hidden gem is worth a visit for sure, as it displays stunning artwork and manuscripts from around the world. Like the national museums, Chester Beatty is free of charge.
World of illusions
A mix of knowledge and fun awaits visitors in the world of illusions in Dublin. The museum introduces you to optical illusions and explains the science behind them. With fun and interactive exhibits as well as photo opportunities, this museum is perfect for families as well.
Outside of Dublin, you’ll find more regional museums in cities like Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford, many of which focus on local history and culture.
Warm up in a traditional Irish Pub or learn about Guinness and whiskey
A rainy day is the perfect excuse to settle into a traditional Irish pub. Here, you can enjoy a pint or two and try some typical, hearty Irish food. Beyond that, many pubs sport beautiful interiors, screen popular sports events, and offer live music sessions with a great atmosphere.
And if you enjoyed your pint of Guinness or dram of whiskey, why not learn more about it? The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, for example, is a great activity for cold days and even offers a great view over the city in its rooftop bar. More about whiskey can be learned in the Irish Whiskey Museum in Dublin and many, many distilleries in the capital and all over the country. Find out more about the whiskey distilleries in Ireland in this blog post.
Family Fun in indoor playgrounds
Children need room and activities to release their energy – also when it’s cold or raining. A perfect alternative to running and playing on muddy fields, which is of course also great, is indoor playgrounds. And of those, there are many in Ireland. Some highlights are the following:
Adventure Avenue outdoor and indoor playground in Ashbourne, Co. Meath
The Playbarn Johnstown indoor play for toddlers and young kids in Kildare
Jungle Den jungle-themed, classic indoor amusement centre in Naas
Source: Haley Phelps on Unsplash
More indoor activities you can do during your vacation in Ireland:
Visit castles, historic houses, and heritage sites – while parts of those sites are outside, there are always indoor areas where you can warm up and shelter from the rain.
Enjoy a cozy afternoon tea or warm up in a café – you’re in Ireland, so why not try a typical afternoon tea with scones and pastries or just enjoy a hot coffee while reading or talking?
Go shopping! Ireland has many beautiful shopping streets with anything from vintage stores to international clothing lines, from souvenir shops to independent craft and design shops. In the bigger cities, like Dublin or Galway, you’ll also find shopping centres in which you don’t need to mind the weather.
Visit a theatre or listen to live music – there are many opportunities to catch a play at one of Ireland’s historic theaters or visit concerts or comedy shows.
Relax in a spa or leisure centre! It’s your vacation, so why not enjoy it with a relaxed day at a spa or a family-friendly indoor pool?
