Dublin Indoor Activities 2025

Top Indoor Activities in Dublin for Families  

Dublin has an array of options when it comes to indoor activities for families. The city's commitment to creating engaging, educational experiences means you'll find plenty of options to keep children entertained while adults remain equally engaged. And if you want a mix of indoor and outdoor attractions, you’ll enjoy our blog on free family activities in Dublin.  

Try Escape Rooms

For families seeking adventure, Incognito Escape Room on Usher's Quay or Escape Dublin on Aungier Street offer themed challenges like "Cabin in the Woods" that require teamwork and problem-solving skills. These hour-long experiences provide the perfect opportunity for families to bond while working together to escape complex scenarios.

Visit AquaZone

Based in Blanchardstown, AquaZone Waterpark is one of the best things to do in Dublin on a rainy day. The indoor waterpark, which is located at the National Aquatic Centre, offers a total of eight pulsating rides, including the FlowRider for indoor surfing, a lazy river for relaxation, and slides like the Masterblaster, Green Giant, and Dark Hole that rank among Ireland's most exciting water attractions, just what you want for a thrilling family day out.

Get Curious at Explorium

Located in Sandyford, Explorium houses over 250 interactive exhibits that make learning about sports and science incredibly engaging. It is one of the best indoor activities in Dublin for families that combines learning with fun. With climbing walls, AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality) adventures, and hands-on experiments, it's designed to ignite curiosity across all age groups. There’s also a dedicated space for young adventurers aged 2 to 7 years offering creative play areas and interactive zones.

Take a Vintage Tea Trip

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Dublin city, an afternoon tea tour with Vintage Tea Trips should be on your bucket list. The tour will take you on a short trip through the popular landmarks of the city in a vintage double decker bus while you indulge in some delicious afternoon tea and listen to the Irish storytelling. 
 

Dublin Indoor Activities: Cultural and Educational Experiences

Dublin's museum scene is extraordinary, with over 40 museums scattered throughout the city. Below are some of our top picks.  

The National Gallery of Ireland

Right in the heart of Dublin, the National Gallery of Ireland is a cultural institution which is a must-do for anyone even slightly curious about art. Founded in 1854, it houses a rich collection of nearly 17,000 artworks, featuring masterpieces by celebrated artists such as Caravaggio, Vermeer, Titian, Monet and Picasso, to name just a few. The gallery is one of the most popular free things to do in Dublin, and holds a significant archive dedicated to Jack B Yeats, Ireland’s best-known painter of the 20th century. Open seven days a week, it’s located just steps from Trinity College and Merrion Square.  

Kilmainham Gaol  

Kilmainham Gaol provides a sobering but essential glimpse into Ireland's struggle for independence. The guided tours through this historic prison are both educational and emotionally powerful, offering insights into Irish history that you won't find elsewhere.

You will discover the stories of people held here as ordinary criminals alongside those who fought for Irish independence. From the 1798 rebellion to the 1916 Easter Rising, the Anglo-Irish War (1919-21), to the devastation of the Irish Civil War (1922-23) all these important events have a chapter in the story of Kilmainham Gaol.

The Chester Beatty Museum

One of the city's cultural treasures, the Chester Beatty museum houses an extraordinary collection of rare books, manuscripts, prints, and artworks from across the globe. You can explore everything from ancient Egyptian papyrus and medieval European manuscripts to exquisite Islamic texts, East Asian scrolls and decorative art. It's a peaceful haven for those seeking quiet contemplation and cultural enrichment.

Indoor Activities in Dublin for Adults

Indoor activities for adults in Dublin extend far beyond traditional tourist attractions. The city's burgeoning beer scene includes brewery tours at Guinness Storehouse and smaller craft breweries that offer tastings and behind-the-scenes experiences.

Furthermore, Dublin's vibrant theatre scene provides year-round entertainment, from intimate productions in small venues to grand performances at the Gate Theatre and Abbey Theatre. These cultural institutions offer everything from classical Irish plays to cutting-edge contemporary works.

For those interested in literary history, James Joyce Centre provides immersive experiences into Ireland's rich literary tradition. It often hosts readings, workshops, and special events that appeal to book lovers and culture enthusiasts.

Moreover, art galleries in Dublin showcase remarkable collections of modern and contemporary art. From the contemporary spaces in Temple Bar to the more traditional galleries around St. Stephen's Green, Dublin's art scene offers diverse perspectives and styles.

Unique Indoor Experiences in Dublin

Escape Boats moored on the Grand Canal offer a unique twist on traditional escape rooms, combining problem-solving challenges with Dublin's waterway heritage. These floating adventures provide a memorable experience that's distinctly Dublin.

Virtual reality centres throughout the city offer cutting-edge entertainment, from immersive gaming experiences to virtual travel adventures that transport you to other worlds without leaving Dublin.

And if you want to find even more ways to spend your time explore unique things to do in Dublin for groups.  

Where to stay in Dublin?  

If you plan to stay in Dublin city centre, have everything on your doorstep, and be best placed for daytrips outside the city, we recommend 1 of our 4 city hotels, Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane, Clayton Hotel Charlemont, Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, or Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge, all of our hotels have excellent transport links and are walking distance from some of Dublin’s top attractions.

If you would prefer to base yourself just outside Dublin city centre, Clayton Hotel Leopardstown and Clayton Hotel Liffey Valley are excellent choices. Both are well connected by public transport and close to unique local attractions, while still offering easy access to all that Dublin has to offer.