You don’t have to reach inside your pocket all the time if you want to enjoy Dublin, Ireland. There are several free things to do in Dublin to help you keep your travel budget under control. Here are some of them:
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Free Things to Do in Dublin – Admire the Beauty of Trinity College
With 47 acres of space, Trinity College has lush grounds and attractive courtyards to impress you. Add its Georgian buildings to these and you can spend the entire day admiring the public spaces of this famous University.
Great Court of Trinity College – photo by Rafa Esteve under CC-BY-SA-4.0
Free Things to Do in Dublin – Browse the Collections of Dublin Libraries
There are libraries in Dublin that allow you to browse their collections without a fee. One such place is Chester Beatty Library. The National Library of Ireland also has free admission that allows visitors to browse its impressive collections of genealogy records.
Chester Beatty Library in Dublin – photo by Ken Eckert under CC-BY-SA-4.0 
National Library of Ireland, Dublin – photo by YvonneM under CC-BY-SA-3.0
Free Things to Do in Dublin – Cross Ha’Penny Bridge
When it was first opened in the 1800s, you needed to cough up half a penny to cross this landmark pedestrian bridge. These days, it will not cost you anything to do so. Ha’Penny Bridge is a charming sight, day or night. And the views from the bridge can be very awesome, too!
Ha’penny Bridge at night – photo by LenDog64 under CC BY-ND 2.0
Free Things to Do in Dublin – Explore Iveagh Gardens
Surrounded by buildings, Iveagh Gardens is a hidden gem of Dublin. This public park is most popular for its cascade. Its large sunken lawn and garden maze are also sights to see.
Waterfall in Iveagh Gardens – photo by William Murphy under CC BY-SA 2.0
Free Things to Do in Dublin – Go to See Dublin Castle
It seems a trip to Dublin is incomplete without visiting Dublin Castle. While the tours inside the castle come with a fee, it will not cost you anything to roam around the grounds and other public areas of the castle. This medieval structure is a great inclusion to your Ireland itinerary.
Dublin Castle in Ireland – photo by Ireland Information under Public Domain Certification
Join a Free Tour of Áras an Uachtaráin
In the middle of Phoenix Park in Dublin, one can find Áras an Uachtaráin – where the Irish President officially resides. The public is welcome to take part in its Saturday guided tours that take about an hour, free of charge.
Áras an Uachtaráin in Dublin, Ireland – photo by William Murphy under CC BY-SA 2.0
Marvel at the Structures in and around Merrion Square
One of Dublin’s finest surviving squares, Merrion Square has three sides lined with Georgian redbrick houses. Along the west side of the square, one can find the Natural History Museum, the National Gallery and Leinster House. At the centre of the square is a public garden where one can find a statue of Oscar Wilde.
Oscar Wilde’s house from Merrion Square, Dublin – photo by Andy Hay under CC BY 2.0
Meander through Glasnevin Cemetery
Anyone who is into Irish genealogy or history should not miss exploring the tombs and memorials at Glasnevin Cemetery. This Victorian graveyard dates back to 1832, and is home to the monuments and graves of several prominent Irish figures.
Glasnevin Cemetery – photo by TuendeBede under Pixabay License
Reflect at the Garden of Remembrance
This formal garden commemorates all the people who offered their lives to the Irish Freedom’s cause. The memorial garden has a sunken water feature in the form of a cross. At the end of the sunken water cruciform, one can find a sculpture of the Children of Lir.
Garden of Remembrance – photo by William Murphy under CC BY-SA 2.0
Roam around the National Botanic Gardens
Open year-round except on Christmas Day, you do not have pay anything to walk around the National Botanic Gardens and explore its beauty.
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National Botanic Gardens, Dublin – photo by Miguel Mendez from Malahide, Ireland under CC-BY-2.0
See the Deer of Phoenix Park
This massive inner-city park is not nicknamed Bambi Park for nothing. You are sure to find herds of deer here, roaming the park like they have always done for hundreds of years.
Phoenix Park, Dublin – photo by Superchilum under CC-BY-SA-3.0
Slow Down at St. Stephen’s Green
St. Stephen’s Green is a popular spot for people to take a break from the urban bustle of Dublin. While in this park, you might also want to check out the different attractions there, including Fusiliers’ Arch, the Three Fates statue, the Yeats memorial garden and the James Joyce bust.
St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin, Co. Dublin, Ireland – photo by Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada under CC-BY-2.0
Visit Museums and Galleries
All three museums of the National Museum of Ireland (Decorative Arts & History, Archaeology and Natural History) are open 7 days a week. The Hugh Lane has Francis Bacon exhibits and other impressive collections. Visitors can access the general collection of the National Gallery of Ireland for free. Admission to the Irish Museum of Modern Art and most of its exhibitions is free, although some individual exhibitions may charge an entrance fee. The Science Gallery at The Naughton Institute of Trinity College offers free admission to its exhibitions.
National Museum of Ireland Decorative Arts and History Exhibits – photo by William Murphy under CC BY-SA 2.0 
The Archaeology section of the National Museum Of Ireland – Kildare Street – photo by William Murphy under CC BY-SA 2.0 
National Museum of Ireland – Natural History – photo by Bjørn Christian Tørrissen under CC-BY-SA-3.0 
Hugh Lane Gallery, Parnell Square, Dublin – photo by Rwxrwxrwx under CC BY-SA 4.0 
The National Gallery of Ireland – photo by NTF30 under CC-BY-SA-4.0 
IMMA (Irish Museum of Modern Art) – photo by William Murphy under CC-BY-SA-2.0 The Science Gallery at night – photo by William Murphy under CC BY-SA 2.0
Walk down to the Poolbeg Lighthouse
An iconic red-painted lighthouse awaits you at the end of the seawall. Walk down the pathway and you will find yourself standing next to the Poolbeg Lighthouse. It’s a popular spot for anglers, cyclists and sightseers who wish to have a breath of sea air.
Poolbeg Lighthouse – photo by Giuseppe Milo under CC BY 3.0
Watch the Birds in North Bull Island Nature Reserve
Access to the North Bull Island Nature Reserve is free 365 days a year. And once on the island, you are free to watch the different bird species that thrive there.
North Bull Island Nature Reserve – photo by William Murphy under CC-BY-SA-3.0
