Are you wondering what it’s like to visit Dublin in April? I lived in Ireland for 12 years, close to Dublin City Centre and had the amazing opportunity to experience life in the capital during different parts of the year.
In my experience, April is a great time of year to visit Dublin. The days are getting longer and the city is humming with people out and about now that Spring has arrived. Dublin’s parks are alive with colorful flowers at this time of year to uplift your spirits.
Let’s explore a variety of cool things to see, do, and eat in Dublin in April to help inspire your own trip to Ireland at this time of year.
What is the Weather Like in Dublin in April?
April is a great time to visit Dublin, with average temperatures in the 50s (10 – 16°C). The weather is famous for changing rapidly in Dublin.
Pro-tip: Download the Met Éireann app and use the rainfall radars during your trip to get a more accurate picture of what weather might be coming your way in the moment.
We often used the app to determine if we are likely to get rained on when we were out and about in Dublin City.
In April in Dublin, the days are getting longer and the weather is starting to warm up, making it a perfect time to explore the city and enjoy the outdoors and the riotous and colorful flowers on display around town.
Pack layers that you can easily put on and take off. Make sure to have both sunglasses and an umbrella with you at all times.
Things to do in Dublin in April in Detail
Let’s explore cool things to do in Dublin in April in more detail. I’ve actually done all of these things in the month of April, so they are tried and tested for this time of year.
In Dublin, the weather is always a wild card, so I’ve broken down my recommendations into two parts: what to do if the weather is good and what to do in Dublin if it rains or the weather is bad.
What to do in Dublin in April if the Weather is Nice
If the weather on your trip to Ireland is fine, make the most of it and head outside!
1. Head to the Stony Beach in Bray
Dublin in April is a great time of year to walk along the beach in Bray after your hike. Grab a seat and admire the gray stones worn smooth by the surf. I particularly love the sound of the waves crashing in and retreating here. The stones on Bray beach make the experience very meditative.
2. Spread Out a Picnic Blanket in Merrion Square
After spending winter indoors, take the opportunity afforded by Spring in Dublin to pack a picnic and head to Merrion Square. Sit outside and enjoy the flowers while surrounded by classic Georgian buildings on all sides.
3. Look for Cherry Blossoms in Herbert Park
April in Dublin heralds cherry blossom season. My favorite place to see cherry blossoms in Dublin is Herbert Park in Ballsbridge.
Take a stroll, admire the blooms and then do a bit of birdwatching by the pond. You’ll see plenty of ducks and perhaps a little grebe with her chicks.
4. Take a Walk in People’s Park in Dun Laoghaire
I love experiencing Dublin’s parks in April. Take the DART train to Dun Laoghaire and head to People’s Park on a sunny day.
I especially love the flowers planted in colorful wooden boats. Dun Laoghaire is located on the Irish Sea so enjoy sea views from the park as well.
5. Walk along the water in Glasthule
Glasthule is located along the coast just south of Dun Laoghaire just past People’s Park. Grab a coffee along Glasthule Road and then make your way to the park and rocky trail along the Irish Sea.
40 Foot, the famous sea bathing spot that is popular among locals, and the James Joyce Tower is just a 15-minute walk from the High Street in Glasthule. A sea walk in Glasthule is the perfect activity for a sunny April day in Dublin.
6. See the Tulips at the National Botanic Gardens
April in Dublin is a great time of year to visit the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin. Experience sensory overload at the riotous tulip bulbs.
Take a walk among the trees in the arboretum and then head inside the historic Victorian greenhouses for an atmospheric self-guided tour among the specimens.
7. Hike Howth Head
If the weather is nice, April is a great month for hiking in Dublin. Take the DART train north this time to Howth.
The Howth Cliff Path Loop is a 6 km hike that takes about 2 hours to complete. It begins with a slow ascent out of Howth Village and offers breathtaking views of the coastline. Be careful not to stray too close to the edge, as there are signs warning of dangerous cliffs.
Wear long trousers for this hike, as the trail is quite narrow in parts and you’ll have to push aside the thorny brush to get through.
After your hike, you can browse Howth Market for a snack or sweet treat.
8. Looks for Wisteria on Haddington Road
Dublin is in full bloom in April. Not only are you likely to find cherry blossoms and tulips, but you may also find buildings covered in wisteria.
I love Dublin doors and there is nothing finer than Dublin doors covered in blooming wisteria! There is one home on Haddington Road that I photograph every year when the doorframe and stairs are covered in purple.
If you want to go on a doors scavenger hunt, in Spring I recommend Ballsbridge to maximize the assortment of flowers you’re likely to see.
What to do in Dublin in April if it Rains
The weather is always a gamble in Ireland. If the weather gods are not on your side and it rains, here’s what to do.
9. Check out Hugh Lane Gallery
On a rainy day in Dublin in April, you can’t beat the Hugh Lane Gallery on Dublin’s Northside. We liked to stop into Hugh Lane Gallery for the free piano concerts held on weekends.
The venue is lovely (although no pictures allowed). It’s definitely worth stopping by on a Sunday afternoon. Hugh Lane Gallery also features the recreated studio of Francis Bacon.
10. Visit the Little Museum of Dublin
Explore Dublin’s rich history at the Little Museum of Dublin. You’ll find this Dublin hidden gem right across the street from St. Stephen’s Green in a historic Georgian building. Explore seasonal exhibits highlighting life in Dublin over various periods of history.
11. Join a Trad Sesh at O’Neill’s Music Pub on Capel Street
If it rains during your visit to Dublin, head to O’Neill’s Music Pub on Capel Street north of the River Liffey. You’re likely to find traditional Irish music being played by locals here.
Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere. If you play an instrument, better yet, bring it along and join in on the fun yourself.
12. Shop Powerscourt
Powerscourt Townhouse is a historic facade in Dublin City Centre filled with designer shops and a few bars and restaurants. If the weather takes a turn for the worse head inside and browse the afternoon away. Powerscourt is a great place to pick up some unique souvenirs from your April trip to Dublin.
13. See a Lunch Show at Bewley’s Theatre
Head to Bewley’s on Grafton Street for a lunchtime performance. You’ll often find plays by famous Irish playwrights performed here. We saw Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray. Enjoy the show while noshing on comforting Irish cuisine.
14. Take High Tea at the Merrion Hotel
Afternoon tea at the Merrion Hotel is one of my favorite things to do on a rainy day in Dublin in April. The Merrion’s “Art Tea” is a posh experience that is worth the splurge for a rare treat.
The hotel is set in a lovely, period-decorated Georgian building near Merrion Square. Start with champagne and then enjoy a first course of finger sandwiches, scones with jam, clotted cream, and lemon curd, and cake.
The second course involves desserts inspired by famous artworks displayed at the Merrion Hotel. The afternoon tea is quite pricey (50-60 euro per person), but it is a unique and memorable experience.
Take some time after your sumptuous afternoon tea experience to look for the works of art that inspired the items served.
15. Snuggle up in the snug at Toners
Toners is one of my favorite pubs in Dublin City Centre. On a chilly and rainy April day, grab a book and head to Toners.
There is a wood paneled snug in the front. If it’s free, head inside to read for a bit while you sup on a pint of Guinness.
16. Go to the Irish House Party
The Irish House Party is a great way to experience traditional Irish music and dancing. It is held several times a week at the Lansdowne Hotel in Ballsbridge.
The quality of the music and dancing is excellent, and there is even an opportunity for audience members to get up on stage and perform. If you are visiting Dublin in April, I highly recommend checking out the Irish House Party.
17. Catch a Show at the Gate Theatre
The Gate Theatre is a great place to see a play in Dublin on a rainy day in April. The theatre itself is beautiful, with a baby blue decorated stucco ceiling and bronze busts of famous actors and actresses.
The acting at the Gate Theatre is always top-notch. I highly recommend checking out a performance if you have the opportunity during your trip to Ireland.
Where to Stay in Dublin in April
I lived in Dublin for 12 years, so I know the city very well. I have stayed in a variety of places both during my tenure in the Irish capital and subsequently when I return to visit 2-3 times a year.
I can personally recommend the following hotels based on my experience staying there.
The Wilder Townhouse
The Wilder Townhouse is a boutique hotel that was once a home for retired governesses. It’s situated in a 19th-century brick building just a short walk to The National Concert Hall and St. Stephen’s Green.
The breakfast here is outstanding, the beds are comfy, and the rooms are named after former residents.
The Dylan
The Dylan is a high-end boutique hotel in a historic building in Ballsbridge. Usually, during the high tourist season, The Dylan is out of my price range and can be upwards of €300 or €400 a night.
However, when I visited at the end of October, the room prices were a little more economical at €190 per night. I loved The Dylan.
It’s close to the vibrant shops, restaurants, and pubs on Baggot Street, and within walking distance to Dublin City Centre.
I found the room I had in the new wing of the hotel to be very quiet and well-insulated with a window with views overlooking Ballsbridge.
The Charlemont Hilton
The Charlemont Hilton is conveniently located along the Grand Canal and within easy walking distance of Dublin City Centre, Ranelagh, and Rathmines. I found the hotel room to be well-insulated from noise and I got a great night’s sleep.
The Marker
The Marker is a posh 5-star hotel with a fabulous rooftop bar in Grand Canal Dock. I isolated for a week here when I unexpectedly tested positive for COVID while back in Dublin for a conference. The rooms are spacious and super-comfy.
Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge
The Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge is close to the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) and Aviva Stadium. The Clayton is an ideal choice if you are in town for an event at the RDS, a sports match, or a concert.
From the Clayton, you can easily get to Sandymount, one of my favorite neighborhoods in Dublin along the Irish Sea. You can also walk into Dublin City Centre in about 30 minutes and public buses heading to town pick up on the street right outside the hotel.
The Clayton is a more budget-minded option than places like the Dylan or The Marker. I also adore the Victorian architecture of the building the hotel is housed in.
The Schoolhouse
I can also recommend a hotel that my family has stayed in. The Schoolhouse Hotel is truly unique and is located in a historic schoolhouse along the Grand Canal in Ballsbridge.
It’s also home to one of my favorite pubs in Ireland. We lived next door to The Schoolhouse for years, so I’m very familiar with it even though I haven’t personally spent the night here.
In my experience, the best neighborhoods to stay in Dublin depend on your preferences. If you want to be in the heart of it all, stay around St. Stephen’s Green. Ballsbridge or Grand Canal Dock is a good choice if you want to be central, but not too central.
In general, areas south of the River Liffey are considered more “posh” and areas north of the Liffey can be a bit edgier. I don’t recommend staying in Temple Bar (it will be noisy!).
There are a number of hostels and cheaper accommodations along Gardiner Street on the North Side. This is definitely an edgier part of town and I wouldn’t recommend it.
My travel tips, including where to stay and what to do in Dublin, have been featured on Irish Stew and We Travel There podcasts.
Getting to Dublin in April
Dublin Airport is extremely well connected to the UK and Europe thanks to Aer Lingus and Ryanair. You’ll find a wide range of point-to-point connections to get you to Ireland.
For transatlantic flights to the US, Dublin has the advantage of having US pre-clearance. This means that you can clear US customs and immigration in Dublin Airport, so you can go straight to your connection or to baggage claim when you arrive in the US.
To get to Dublin from Asia, India, or Australia/New Zealand, I recommend flying through Dubai on Emirates. I’ve personally flown Emirates business class and Emirates first class, and I highly recommend the experience.
You can also connect to Dublin from almost anywhere in the world via airports like Lisbon, Amsterdam Schiphol, Frankfurt, Paris, or Istanbul.
To get from Dublin Airport to the city center, you can take a taxi for about €30. There is a surcharge for transportation late at night and on Sundays.
The Aircoach or Dublin Bus are more economical options. Unfortunately, Dublin Airport is not served by rail.
Should You Visit Dublin in April?
There are pros and cons to visiting Dublin at any time of year. In April, I see the pros as:
- Spring is here but the tourist hordes have not yet arrived.
- April is a great month to learn about Irish history as a good part of the story of Irish independence revolves around the Easter Rising.
- You’ll have a good chance of seeing Dublin’s cherry blossoms in full bloom.
The cons of visiting Dublin in April are:
- The weather can be unpredictable.
- It can get crowded around the Easter and the Spring Break period in the U.S.
- Some things are closed on Good Friday. Did you know that until recently, Good Friday was the only day of the year that you couldn’t buy alcohol in Ireland? Locals would go to great lengths to make sure they were stocked at home for the Easter weekend. Thankfully, those days are behind us, but you may find other shops and restaurants closed.
Are you planning a trip to Ireland and trying to decide what time of year to visit? Check out month-by-month ideas of things to do in Dublin based on my personal experience:
- Dublin in January
- Dublin in February
- Dublin in March
- Dublin in May
- Dublin in June
- Dublin in July
- Dublin in August
- Dublin in September
- Dublin in October
- Dublin in November
- Dublin in December
Better yet, check out my comprehensive one-stop-shop post covering all the fantastic things to do in Dublin throughout the year. Why not dive deeper and explore the best places to visit in Ireland as a whole?
Pin for later…
Did you enjoy this post about things to do in Dublin in April (filled with Dublin travel tips)? Sharing is caring…
