searching for things to do on your staycation in dublin? we’ve put together some fun filled activities for you that are right on our doorstep! whether you’re planning a romantic escape or a family vacation with teens, there’s plenty of activities to choose from. keep discovering, there’s so much more to dublin than just pubs and nightlife!
the gibson is lucky enough to have Surfdock just a 15 minute walk from the hotel.
have you always wanted to try stand up paddle boarding? well now’s your chance! don’t worry if you’ve never done it before. Surfdock has a 2 hour beginner session so you’re all set. experience the dublin docklands from the water while putting your balance to the test with a stand up paddleboarding lesson in the grand canal dock.
already know your way around a paddle board? Surfdock’s got intermediate lessons for you too.
if windsurfing is more your thing, give their windsurfing lesson a try and learn to glide along the water like a pro. it’s the perfect afternoon activity.
feeling a bit more adventurous? why not give wakeboarding at Wakedock a go? with sessions for first timer’s right up to advanced riders you can learn some new tricks and have some fun trying out their obstacles.
with all the equipment provided you can enjoy some water activities during your stay and take in the dockland views.
if you want to see as much of the sights of the city as possible, the best way to get around is by bike! there are plenty of safe cycle lanes around the city to get you out and about. check out Dublin Bikes to find out where and how you can hire a bike.
there’s no better way to explore dublin city than to ‘get on yer bike’!
maybe you want to get out of the city and have a leisurely cycle via clontarf to howth, taking in the stunning scenery of the north dublin coastline. get some yummy fresh fish & chips on the pier in howth before heading back to the city. there will always be plenty to explore during your city break to dublin.
alternatively take the coast road out to sandymount beach and loop back through sandymount village and via grand canal dock. check out day 3 of our sample itinerary which gives you more details of this route.
there will always be plenty to explore during your city break to dublin.
if you want to get into the groove of the music scene in dublin, this is great start point! Windmill Lane Recording Studio has just opened its doors to the public for exclusive guided tours.
the first of its kind in ireland, the tour presents visitors with an unprecedented opportunity to understand the creation and production of some of the most iconic albums and songs of the past 40 years.
let us guide you through the amazing history of these world-famous studios and the artists that have recorded here including The Rolling Stones, Kate Bush, The Cranberries, U2, Hozier, Van Morrison, Sinead O’Connor, Metallica, Riverdance, Def Leppard, Lady Gaga and so many more.
National College of Ireland (NCI) is a not-for-profit education institution based just two luas stops away from the gibson hotel at mayor square. the college offers a range of full and part-time courses in business, computing, psychology and education at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. NCI is in the process of expanding their footprint in the ifsc with plans to open their new spencer dock campus for the new academic year, meaning classes will be based just a short walk away from our front door.
If you’re looking for short-term accommodation close to National College of Ireland, check out the gibson, our fantastic location has lots of dining options, cinema, convenient transport options and the world-class 3Arena right on our doorstep.
experience a real life famine ship with a tour of the Jeanie Johnston.
let the tour guide take you back in time and learn all about the history of the famine-era.
located right in the heart of the dublin docklands and just short walk from the gibson hotel, it’s the perfect afternoon activity.
do you ever wonder how ireland has made such an imprint on the world?
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is an interactive journey about how a small island made a big impact on the world. the museum explores how every person is connected and how the irish influence has shaped the world in the last fifteen centuries. it is located in the CHQ building at one of dublin’s most historic locations by the banks of the river liffey in dublin’s docklands, the original departure point for so many of ireland’s emigrants.
this is culture made easy!
the museum’s high-tech, fully interactive exhibitions makes the EPIC experience a must during your active city break in dublin. as it is an accessible, fun and educational way for visitors to learn about irish history, culture and people.
what’s more EPIC have created a fun new Docklands Trail for families and kids!
relax and enjoy dublin from the water with Dublin Bay Cruises – sail from dublin city to howth (traditional fishing village – fantastic walks and restaurant’s) via dun laoghaire or dublin city to dun laoghaire. you’ll see fantastic sights along the way (poolbeg lighthouse, dalkey Island, clontarf and howth head)
tickets from €25, children under 3 go free, buggies’ welcome!
North Wall Quay & Grand Canal Walk
this is an excellent walk and only takes 35 mins if you don’t stop anywhere along the way. it’s a great route to explore parts of hidden dublin and to come across some great local areas that show the old traditional dublin sitting alongside the new shiny dublin, where they co-exist very comfortably. get your shoes on and get exploring! see our blog for more details!
the great south wall walk brings you all the way out to poolbeg lighthouse. sights include ships & trawlers coming into port, and the east link bridge rising for them which is quite impressive to watch. when you reach the lighthouse at the end of the pier you’ll have stunning views no matter which way you look!
do not be disappointed make sure to book your accommodation for a staycation in dublin if it is a friend reunion trip or a family break, we have rooms suitable for everyone. explore the city by foot or bike and embrace the dublin culture and then after a busy day of site seeing sit back and dine at our well-known coda restaurant home of first dates ireland. contact us today to book your trip.
