Dublin events & things to do in December 2026
Start with Kilmainham Gaol, National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology, plus Christ Church Cathedral. December in Dublin averages 9°C / 47°F highs, 3°C / 37°F nights, and about 13 rainy days.
Expect 9°C/47°F days and about 13 rainy ones in December. Start with these:
- Kilmainham Gaol★ 4.7 · 3.4k reviewsThe jail opened in 1796 and is tied to Irish nationalist prisoners, the 1916 Rising executions, and penal history.
- National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology★ 4.6 · 15.5k reviewsThe Kildare Street museum displays the Ardagh Chalice, Tara Brooch, bog bodies, Viking finds, goldwork, and medieval objects.
- A Very Dublin Christmas: Rocky in ConcertDec 1 – Dec 4RDS Simmonscourt · Source: Ticketmaster
By TripSapien · Updated November 4, 2026
Dublin in December 2026
Weather
TempTemperature
47°F / 37°F
8.5°C / 2.6°C
RainPrecipitation
13d
3in · 75mm
LightDaylight
7.3h
Sea
49.1°F
9.5°C
December is wet and festive, with Grafton Street lights, pub sessions, and short daylight shaping plans.
Events & festivals
Event calendar- Dec 1
- Dec 1
- Dec 2
Show all 39 events for December
- Dec 2 – Dec 31
- Dec 3 – Dec 4
- Dec 3
- Dec 3
- Dec 4
- Dec 4
- Dec 4 – Dec 12
- Dec 5
- Dec 5
- Dec 5
- Dec 7
- Dec 7 – Dec 8
- Dec 8
- Dec 8
- Dec 9
- Dec 9
- Dec 10
- Dec 10 – Dec 12
- Dec 10
- Dec 11 – Dec 12
- Dec 12
- Dec 12
- Dec 13
- Dec 14
- Dec 15 – Dec 16
- Dec 15
- Dec 16
- Dec 17
- Dec 17
- Dec 18
- Dec 18
- Dec 19
- Dec 19 – Jan 1
- Dec 21 – Dec 30
- Dec 22 – Jan 1
- Dec 31
Holidays, observances & long weekends
Holiday and observance schedules can affect services and venue hours; confirm each place directly.
- Dec 25Christmas DayPublic holiday
- Dec 26St. Stephen's DayBank holiday
- Dec 28St. Stephen's Day (substitute day)Bank holiday
- Dec 25-Dec 27Long weekend
- Dec 26-Dec 28Long weekend
About Dublin
City overview
Dublin sits on the River Liffey where Georgian squares, Viking-medieval lanes, literary pubs, Trinity College, the Liberties, Temple Bar, Smithfield, and St Stephen's Green make a compact city-center route. The city works best on foot, with DART coastal trains and Luas trams extending the map to Howth, Dun Laoghaire, and the docklands.
Food & drink
Dublin food is pub, market, and coast-fed: a full Irish breakfast plates sausage, bacon, eggs, pudding, beans, and tomato, Irish stew slow-cooks lamb or mutton with potatoes, seafood chowder uses Atlantic shellfish, and boxty turns potato into pancakes. The Brazen Head, Moore Street, George's Street Arcade, Temple Bar Food Market, Capel Street, and Howth seafood stops add soda bread, fish and chips, oysters, and Guinness pours.
Top sights
Ranked for December suitability using weather, setting, ratings, and review volume.
- 1Christ Church Cathedral
- 2St Patrick's Cathedral
- 3EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
- 4Temple Bar
- 5Phoenix Park
- 6Trinity College and Book of Kells
- 7Guinness Storehouse
1Christ Church Cathedral
4.5★ · 12,287indoorOpen dailyThe cathedral was founded around 1030 and rebuilt in stone under the Anglo-Normans, with a crypt, tiles, and medieval city history. It stands near Dublinia and Wood Quay.
2St Patrick's Cathedral
4.5★ · 29,224indoorOpen dailyThe Gothic cathedral is associated with a 5th-century baptism site and Jonathan Swift, who served as dean. It sits south of the Liberties beside its park.
3EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
4.5★ · 12,007mixedOpen dailyThe interactive museum in the CHQ building covers Irish migration, diaspora, music, sport, politics, and family history. It sits in the Docklands near the Custom House.
Wikipedia
Show 4 more sights
4Temple Bar
The cobbled district south of the Liffey has pubs, galleries, buskers, restaurants, and nightlife between Dame Street and the river. It is crowded and expensive, but central for first-time evenings.
5Phoenix Park
The 707-hectare park dates to the 1660s and holds Dublin Zoo, the Papal Cross, Wellington Monument, deer herds, and the Irish president's residence. It begins west of Heuston Station.
Wikipedia6Trinity College and Book of Kells
Trinity College was founded in 1592, and the Old Library holds the Book of Kells, Long Room, manuscripts, and university history. The campus sits beside College Green and Grafton Street.
Timed Book of Kells tickets are safest during summer and holiday weekends.
7Guinness Storehouse
The St James's Gate visitor experience opened in a former fermentation plant and explains brewing, advertising, cooperage, and Guinness history. The Gravity Bar gives rooftop views over the Liberties.
Wikipedia
Neighborhoods
1Temple Bar and College Green
Temple Bar and College Green are central and busy, with pubs, Trinity College, the Irish Whiskey Museum, cobbles, buskers, and river crossings.
2St Stephen's Green and Grafton Street
The southside shopping-and-park district has Grafton Street, Georgian doors, Iveagh Gardens, Little Museum of Dublin, and Merrion Square nearby.
3The Liberties
The Liberties is old and working-class, with Guinness, whiskey distilleries, St Patrick's Cathedral, Francis Street antiques, Thomas Street, and market streets.
Show 27 more neighborhoods
- 4Smithfield and Stoneybatter
Smithfield and Stoneybatter mix the Jameson Bow St. distillery, Lighthouse Cinema, cafes, pubs, apartments, and quick access to Phoenix Park.
- 5Docklands and Grand Canal Dock
The Docklands feel newer, with EPIC, Samuel Beckett Bridge, Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, tech offices, canals, and riverfront walks.
- 6Rathmines and Portobello
Rathmines and Portobello are local and food-heavy, with canals, cinemas, pubs, brunch spots, and red-brick residential streets south of the core.
- 7Argos
Near the Church of St. Paul of the Cross in Harold's Cross, with protestant churches also found in the area.
- 8Artaine South
A quiet, safe residential area with local amenities like supermarkets, pubs, and restaurants nearby. Griffith Avenue is noted as one of the most beautiful streets in Dublin, and the area is well-connected to the city center and beaches by bus and DART.
- 9Astagob
Astagob, an outer area of Dublin, features St Mochta's Church in Porterstown and several Catholic churches.
- 10Baggotrath
The Herbert Park Food Market.
- 11Baggotrath East
A mix of residential calm and easy access to the city, with Upper Baggot Street just a short walk away offering supermarkets, cafes, and traditional pubs. Nearby, Herbert Park provides a green space for relaxation, while the Aviva Stadium is also close by.
- 12Baggotrath North
Baggotrath North in Dublin features High Nelly's Coffee House and the Mespil Road Lunchtime Market, offering coffee shops and public markets.
- 13Baggotrath West
A leafy area close to the city center, with access to cafes, bars, and restaurants. Nearby attractions include the Aviva Stadium, RDS Arena, and Herbert Park, along with local shops on Pembroke Road and Leeson Street.
- 14Balcurris
A Dublin neighborhood anchored by Buddy's Farmers Market, offering public markets.
- 15Baldoyle
Baldoyle developed from a former fishing village and features coastal views along its waterfront. The area has local eateries and access to scenic walks, particularly near the beach.
- 16Balheary
- 17Ballsbridge
The three-arch stone bridge known as Ball's Bridge dates back to 1791 and is a notable landmark in Ballsbridge. The area is affluent and features a mix of residential and commercial spaces.
- 18Ballybough
Just north of the River Liffey, Ballybough is a short walk from O'Connell Street and has plenty of shops, cafes, and takeaways nearby. Fairview Park and Croke Park are both close, providing green space and a venue for national sports events.
- 19Ballyfermot Lower
The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption.
- 20Ballyfermot Upper
- 21Bankfarm
- 22Belcamp
Belcamp House, a Georgian building once used as a school, attributed to architect James Hoban. The house is located off Malahide Road in Balgriffin.
- 23Blackrock
The scenic Blackrock Park and the historic Blackrock baths, which were popular in the 19th century. The area has a reputation for being affluent, with local shops and eateries lining the streets.
- 24Blackthorn
Stops like Imaginosity: Dublin Children's Museum, Naomh Olaf's Food Market, and Two Fifty Square - The Roastery. Premier Suites Sandyford offers modern apartments with kitchens and balconies.
- 25Blanchardstown
A mix of supermarkets, bars, and restaurants, with the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre nearby for shopping and entertainment. The area is also close to Phoenix Park, which includes Dublin Zoo and bike rental options.
- 26Booterstown
A mix of residential streets and local amenities, with shops, cafes, and restaurants nearby in Blackrock and Stillorgan. Blackrock Park and the Merrion Strand are close for outdoor activities, and Gleeson's pub offers food and live music.
- 27Botanic Garden
- 28Bullock
Close to the seaside, with easy access to Dalkey, Dun Laoghaire, and Glasthule, where there are shops, restaurants, and cafes. The area features the Forty Foot for swimming and is near Killiney Hill Park for outdoor activities.
- 29Burrow
Burrow Beach, also known as the Hole in the Wall, is a green flag beach with lifeguard services during the summer months. It sits next to Claremont Beach and offers views of Portmarnock Strand across the water.
- 30Buzzardstown
Day trips
15km / 30-45min by DART from Tara Street or Connolly
Howth
The fishing village has cliff walks, seafood, harbor seals, Howth Castle grounds, and views back to Dublin Bay.
60km / 1.5h by bus tour or car from Dublin
Glendalough and Wicklow Mountains
The monastic valley has round towers, lakes, trails, and mountain scenery; public transport is limited, so tours are common.
15km / 25-30min by DART from Connolly
Malahide Castle
The castle, gardens, village streets, marina, and coastal walks make a light northside day.
Getting around
Dublin Bus, Luas trams, DART coastal rail, commuter rail, and Leap cards cover the useful visitor network. Walk the center, use Luas for Heuston-Smithfield-Docklands, and use DART for Howth, Malahide, and Dun Laoghaire.
Planning a Dublin trip?
Add your dates and we'll check every place for closures, limited hours, and booking needs in December.
Common questions about Dublin in December
- Best rainy-day things to do in Dublin in December
December averages 13 rainy days in Dublin, so keep these indoor stops as realistic backups.
- Kilmainham Gaol — The jail opened in 1796 and is tied to Irish nationalist prisoners, the 1916 Rising executions, and penal history. It is west of the center near the Irish Museum of Modern Art.
- National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology — The Kildare Street museum displays the Ardagh Chalice, Tara Brooch, bog bodies, Viking finds, goldwork, and medieval objects. It is beside Leinster House and Merrion Square.
- Christ Church Cathedral — The cathedral was founded around 1030 and rebuilt in stone under the Anglo-Normans, with a crypt, tiles, and medieval city history. It stands near Dublinia and Wood Quay.
- St Patrick's Cathedral — The Gothic cathedral is associated with a 5th-century baptism site and Jonathan Swift, who served as dean. It sits south of the Liberties beside its park.
- What to pack for Dublin in December
Pack for December's weather, not a generic Dublin checklist.
- A warm coat and insulating layers for average highs around 9°C / 47°F.
- A heavier evening layer because nights average 3°C / 37°F.
- Compact rain gear and shoes that handle wet pavement across about 13 rainy days.
- How many days do you need in Dublin
- 3 days covers the main Dublin highlights at a realistic pace. Add 3 extra days if you want the listed day trips.
Show 1 more question
- Is Dublin worth visiting in December
- Yes. December in Dublin averages 9°C / 47°F highs, 3°C / 37°F nights, and about 13 rainy days.
Ready to plan Dublin?
You've seen what's on — now get a day-by-day Dublin plan for December 2026, every place checked for your exact dates.