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What To Do With Your Free Time in Ireland

The land of Guinness, green pastures and Game of Thrones! The combination of good food and drinks, fun attractions and stunning scenery make Ireland the perfect place to explore during your free time.

Destination Our Suggestion Important Info

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Titanic Museum
Overlooking the Harland & Wolff shipyard, where the Titanic was constructed in 1912, this museum portrays an interesting piece of history. Learn more about the Titanic’s story as you move through 9 interactive galleries. Your ticket also includes entry into the SS Nomadic ship on-site, the last remaining White Star vessel.
$
Hours: Hours are seasonal; generally open 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Location: Titanic Belfast is only 2.4km (1.5 miles) away from Belfast City Centre; a pleasant 25-30 minute walk.

 

Duke of York
Chock-full of history and placed in the ideal setting of old cobbled streets, the only way to understand the Duke of York is the visit yourself! Enjoy a pint and a traditional Belfast welcome of local music and humor.
$
Hours: 11:00 am – 1:00 am; closes at 11:00 pm on Mondays; open 3:00 – 8:00 pm on Sundays
Location: Nestled in the historic Half Bap area.

 

St George’s Market
Buzzing with people and activity, St. George’s Market is one of Belfast’s oldest attractions and one of the best markets in the UK and Ireland. Wander through stalls tasting traditional fare and spirits, browse arts and crafts and buy authentic souvenirs.
FREE – $
Hours: 6:00 am – 3:00 pm Friday; 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Saturday; 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Sunday
Location: On the corner of Oxford St. and East Bridge St.

Derry, Northern Ireland

Derry City Walls
The Derry Walls were built between 1613 and 1618 as defenses for early seventeenth-century settlers from England and Scotland. Today, Derry is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples of Walled Cities in Europe. You can even get up close and walk the walls. Two popular walks are the Dry Moat Walk and the Ramparts Top Walk.
FREE
Hours: Accessible 24/7!
Location: Surrounding the inner city of Derry.

Museum of Free Derry
Northern Ireland, and Derry in particular, is full of history. The Museum of Free Derry opened in 2007 to tell the story of Bloody Sunday and what happened bewteen 1968 and 1972. Though small in size, this museum houses a wide array of information and history. Read about the civil rights era, Battle of the Bogside, Internment, Bloody Sunday and Operation Motorman. Located along the ‘Troubles’ route, this museum is a must-see.
$
Hours: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday – Friday; open 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm on Saturdays Apr. – Sep., and Sundays Jul. – Sep.
Location: In the heart of Derry, just down the road from Free Derry Corner and the Bloody Sunday Monument.

Millenium Forum
As the first, and largest, purpose-built theatre in Ireland, Millenium Forum has a seating capacity of 1000, and a stunning marble entrance. Whether you’re looking to catch a show or simply admire the grand scale theatre, this is a must-hit spot during your free time in Derry!
FREE – $
Hours: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm Monday – Friday; 9:00 am – 7:30 pm Saturday; 1:00 – 6:00 pm Sunday
Location: In the heart of Derry, inside the city walls.
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Dublin

Cake Cafe
Stop in for some delicious baked goods, soups and sandwiches. As one of Dublin’s most famously recommended cafes, be sure not to miss it if you get a craving for something sweet (or savory!) during your free time.
$
Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm; closed on Sundays
Location: The Daintree Building, Pleasants Place, Dublin 8.

Phoenix Park and St. Stephen’s Green
If you’re looking for a relaxing outdoor activity, take a stroll through Phoenix Park or St. Stephen’s Green, the two most popular and beautiful parks in the area. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the sunshine from a picnic blanket while you watch passers-by.
FREE
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Location: St. Stephen’s Green is centrally located between Trinity College and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Phoenix Park is across River Liffey past the Jameson Distillery.

Guinness Storehouse
No trip to Dublin is complete without visiting the Guinness Storehouse – Dublin’s #1 attraction. Move through a multi-level, interactive exhibit to learn the history of Guinness. Taste samples and master the perfect pour to receive your Guinness Perfect Pour Certification. Then enjoy your own pint in the covered Gravity Bar, overlooking the city. Don’t forget to take a picture in front of the gate on your way out!
$$
Hours: 9:30 am – 7:00 pm; last admission at 5:00 pm
Location: Accessible by bus 123 from O’Connell Street or Dame Street; nearest tram/luas stop is at St James’s Hospital.
Purchase tickets online to save and skip the line

Abbey Theatre
For those looking for a little culture, take in a performance at the Abbey Theatre. Enjoy a night of theatre in the country that brought you some of the most renowned playwrights such as Samuel Beckett and Oscar Wilde.
$ – $$
Hours: 9:00 am – after-show; closed on Sundays
Location: Accessible by Bus: stops on/near O’Connell Street or Dart: Tara Street stop.
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