Are you wondering what it’s like to visit Dublin in February? I lived in Ireland for 12 years, close to Dublin City Centre and had the incredible opportunity to experience life in the capital during different parts of the year.
Did you know that in Ireland, February is considered the first month of spring?! It’s true and Dubliners are excited to welcome milder weather and get outside after a long, dark winter.
I think Dublin is a worthwhile destination for a romantic city break. February does include Valentine’s Day after all.
Let’s explore a variety of cool things to see, do, and eat in Dublin in February to help inspire your own trip to Ireland at this time of year.
What is the Weather Like in Dublin in February?
February in Dublin tends to be a bit milder than January, with average temperatures hovering in the 40s (6° – 10°C).
February can be quite rainy, but this is true of most times of year in Ireland. The good news is that the weather changes quickly and I’ve personally witnessed 4 seasons in a single day.
February is a good time to visit Dublin if you’re looking for a quieter and less crowded city.
The days start to get longer in February, so you may even experience a few hours of sunshine.
I recommend packing layers including a warm jacket plus winter hat and gloves. I find gloves to be essential. The temperature may remain above freezing, but the humidity often causes my hands to get chapped if I don’t wear gloves.
I also suggest packing waterproof clothing, and most definitely an umbrella.
Things to do in Dublin in February in Detail
Let’s explore cool things to do in Dublin in February in detail. I’ve actually done all of these things in the month of February, 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 nice and what to do in Dublin if it rains or the weather is bad.
What to do in Dublin in February if the Weather is Nice
If you get lucky and the weather cooperates, these are things that I recommend.
1. Temple Bar Food Market
I recommend a visit to the Temple Bar Food Market if you visit Dublin in February. The Temple Bar Food Market is held every Saturday in Meeting House Square.
Here, you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, and other delicious treats. On a cold day, grab a coffee to warm up.
The market is best enjoyed in good weather, but Meeting House Square is covered with giant mechanical umbrellas, so you can still stay dry if it rains.
2. Check out the Buskers on Grafton Street
Another fun thing to do in Dublin in February is take a walk down Grafton Street and keep an eye out for talented buskers.
You will be amazed by the daring feats that some of these performers will undertake, such as juggling fire, swallowing swords, or riding a unicycle.
In addition, you will likely find a wide range of musical performers scattered at intervals along Grafton Street. Be sure to check out the talent in this most musical of cities.
3. Go on a Specialty Coffee Crawl
I believe that Dublin is incredibly underrated when it comes to coffee. The specialty coffee scene here is absolutely outstanding, with a variety of different cafes to choose from.
You’ll be spoiled for choice every day of the week, whether you’re looking for a quick coffee to go or to sit and savor a latte, v60, or batch brew before breakfast.
In fact, there is so much good coffee in Dublin that I’ve incorporated a coffee stop into each of my 25 one day in Dublin itineraries.
I recommend checking out the following cafes:
- Creed on Pearse Street
- 3FE on Fenian Street
- Art of Coffee (multiple locations)
- Gerard’s on the River Liffey
- Mr. Magpie near St. Stephen’s Green
- Shoe Lane in the city centre
- United Coffee on Baggot Street (nestled in the front of a hardware store)
I kid you not, the coffee in Dublin is outstanding, and I miss it greatly. I would even go so far as to say that coffee is one of Dublin’s hidden gems. Why not take some time to warm up with a cuppa in Dublin in February.
4. Admire the Neon Lights of Grand Canal Dock
The days are short in Dublin in February, so why not take a self-guided tour of the neon lights of Grand Canal Dock in the evening?
Head to Barrow Street to see the ever-changing colors of the bridge connecting the different Google buildings. You’ll also find a neon forest outside of the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre near the Marker Hotel.
5. City Centre Shopping
Why not take some time to explore the shopping options in Dublin City Centre if you visit in February?
Grafton Street is a popular destination for its upscale stores, but you can also find a wider range of shops on Henry Street on the north side of the city.
The Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre has a large variety of shops and bonus! The architecture is extremely Instagrammable.
6. Sunrise Walk on the Dodder
One of my favorite things to do in Dublin in February is take a sunrise walk along the River Dodder (one of my top picks for best walks in Dublin). The days are short in February, so you don’t have to get up too early to enjoy this activity.
Grab a coffee and walk between Bath Avenue and Ballsbridge. You might even spot a cute fox, kingfisher, or even a seal along the way.
The odds of seeing a seal are low, but we saw one once in our 12 years living in Dublin, and it absolutely made our week.
7. Visit Love Lane in Temple Bar
February in Dublin is a month for love. After all, it’s the month of Valentine’s Day! I recommend heading to Temple Bar and checking out the sentiments on Love Lane to get into the romantic spirit.
What to do in Dublin in February if it Rains
If your travel weather luck gives out, here’s what I recommend you do on a rainy day in Dublin at this time of year.
8. Catch a Movie at the Dublin International Film Festival
February brings the Dublin International Film Festival to town. Winter is a great time to catch a movie, and you may even be lucky enough to encounter a celebrity in town to celebrate the premiere of their film at the festival.
We were lucky enough to see Russell Crowe in person. He did a Q&A after the screening of his film, The Water Diviner.
9. See a Performance at the National Concert Hall
The National Concert Hall is located just around the corner from St. Stephen’s Green in Dublin City Centre. If you visit Dublin in February, be sure to check out the event schedule.
You can expect to find a variety of performances, including chamber music, orchestral music, opera, ballet, and more. All performances take place in an elegant setting, making it an ideal activity to do on a rainy day.
10. Book in for a Wine Tasting at Ely’s
In February, one of the fun things to do in Dublin is to book a wine tasting at Ely’s. The location in CHQ, along the River Liffey, features atmospheric seating in a stone-lined cave.
Ian Brosnan, the sommelier at Ely’s, always has an interesting anecdote to share about the wines he presents.
If there are no wine-tasting events at Ely’s when you are in town, book yourself in for dinner and a glass of wine (or a bottle!) You won’t regret it.
11. Grab a Cocktail at the Marker
The Marker Hotel in Grand Canal Dock is a posh place to enjoy a cocktail. If you were visiting Dublin in July or August, I would recommend heading to the rooftop bar for drinks with stunning views of the city. Note that the Marker gives first dibs on tables in the rooftop bar to guests.
Of course, this post is about things to do in Dublin in February, so if you’re visiting during this month, I suggest staying inside and ordering a cocktail from the extensive menu in the lobby bar. This is a great option for a cozy afternoon or evening.
12. Tea and Cake at Kilkenny Shop
Another fun thing to do in Dublin in February is to visit the Kilkenny shop on Nassau Street. Kilkenny features a wide range of products from local designers, including jewelry, clothing, homeware, and gifts.
If you head upstairs to the first floor, you’ll find a cafeteria-style café where you can enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake on a rainy winter day.
Where to Stay in Dublin in February
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 February
Dublin Airport is very 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 land in the domestic terminal and can go straight to your connection or to baggage claim when you arrive in the United States.
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 centre, 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 train.
Should You Visit Dublin in February?
There are pros and cons to visiting Dublin at any time of year. In February, I see the pros as:
- February in Dublin is a good excuse to book in for a wine-tasting to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
- Spring is on the way and locals are excited about it.
- You’re more likely to find bargain accommodation and flights and the days are starting to get longer (compared to Dublin in January)
The cons of visiting Dublin in February are:
- While locals think February equals spring, the reality is that the weather is more likely than not to be cold and rainy.
- Some popular activities (e.g., Viking Splash) don’t run at this time of year.
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 March
- Dublin in April
- 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?
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