Dublin in November: 14 Fun Things to See, Do & Eat

Discover things to do in Dublin in November. Find out if a November trip to Dublin is worth doing. Enjoy the best of Dublin as Fall turns to winter.

Are you wondering what it’s like to visit Dublin in November? 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 November in Dublin, winter is definitely on the way with the smell of peat in the air. This is the perfect time of year to cozy up in the pub with a pint and perhaps listen to an Irish trad session.

Let’s explore a variety of cool things to see, do, and eat in Dublin in November to help inspire your own trip to Ireland at this time of year.

What is the Weather Like in Dublin in November?

Expect colder and wetter weather as November progresses with average temperatures in the low 50s (around 10°C). There is a higher probability of rain in November, but inclement weather is a risk at any time of year in Dublin. 

Bring a few warm layers just in case. I also recommend bringing a hat and gloves since it often feels colder than the objective temperature would suggest.

Because Dublin is located so far north, the days are short in winter. By the end of November, the sun rises after 8 am and sets around 4 pm. This is a great time of year to cozy up with a pint at the pub.

As always, bring a wind-proof umbrella or waterproof gear to ensure that you have a pleasant experience even if the weather doesn't cooperate. Who knows, you might get lucky and experience a week of sunshine. I've seen it all in my 12 years living in Ireland!

Things to do in Dublin in November

Let's explore cool things to do in Dublin in November in detail. I've actually done all of these things in the month of November, 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 November if the Weather is Nice

Let's start with the optimistic scenario and explore some cool things to do in Dublin in November if the sun comes out during your trip. 

1. Catch a Rugby Match

Going to a rugby match at Aviva Stadium in Dublin is a great way to experience the city's lively atmosphere and passion for the sport. We caught a match of quintessential Irish rivals: Leinster vs. Munster. Dublin is in Leinster and they are the hometown favorite. 

The atmosphere is electric, with a sell-out crowd fully engaged in cheering on their team. The pre-game festivities include drummers welcoming "The Boys in Blue" and a drum-toting lion mascot who amps up the crowd's enthusiasm. 

Throughout the match, the crowd erupts in chants of "Come on You Boys in Blue," adding to the immersive experience. One of the perks of attending a match at Aviva Stadium is that the beer prices are reasonable, unlike in some American stadiums, with prices only slightly higher than a local pub.

2. Walk the Dodder

Walking along the Dodder River in Dublin is a pleasant way to experience a different side of the city. Visitors can walk the Dodder from where it merges with the River Liffey near Grand Canal Dock and all the way past Bushy Park and into Rathfarnham. 

This walk offers a variety of scenery, from edgy street art to pleasant waterfalls, as well as views of Aviva Stadium. The Dodder walk can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on the chosen starting point and how far you decide to go.

3. Kick up the fallen leaves on a walk along Northumberland Road

Northumberland Road in Dublin is a tree-lined street that runs from the Grand Canal to Ballsbridge Village. The impressive homes on Northumberland Road were constructed in the 19th century. 

Built by the Earl of Pembroke at the turn of the 20th century, the grand homes feature brick archways, elegant stairways, and colorful doors. I like taking a walk along Northumberland Road in November when I can kick up the fallen leaves like I did when I was a child.

As an added bonus, I think Northumberland road is one of the best places to hunt for and photograph beautiful Dublin doors.

4. Check out the Fall Foliage on Merrion Square

Checking out the fall foliage on Merrion Square is a fun thing to do in Dublin because, in November, the leaves on the trees in the square change color to beautiful yellows and oranges. The fall foliage in Dublin lasts for a long time, unless there are storms that blow the leaves away prematurely. 

A walk around Merrion Square in the fall offers an opportunity to take photos while the light is golden and the weather is mild. If you’re looking for ivy-covered doors alight with bright red foliage, Fitzwilliam Square is a short walk from Merrion Square. 

Merrion Square as a smaller park than St. Stephen’s Green, but is very popular with locals. On Sundays, local artists hang their paintings on the railings around Merrion Square in an open air art gallery.

5. Walk Georgian Dublin

Walking Georgian Dublin during the Autumn season provides a unique opportunity to witness the vibrant colors of fall foliage against a backdrop of historical architecture. 

I am a huge fan of door photography. The Georgian doors around Merrion Square, Fitzwilliam Square and St. Stephen's Green as well as Baggot Street, Haddington Road, and Leeson Street feature some amazing Georgian architecture. 

I love how the buildings are often boldly decorated to go with the seasons. In November you'll see plenty of orange wreaths and pumpkins. At the end of the month, you'll start to see fabulous Christmas decorations begin to appear.

What to do in Dublin in November if it Rains

Weather is always a crapshoot in Dublin (at any time of year). If you get unlucky and encounter a spell of wet weather, I've got you covered with plenty ideas of things to do in Dublin in November if it rains.

6. Catch a Gig at Whelan's

Whelan's is a well-known music venue on Camden Street in Dublin, celebrated for its intimate atmosphere and consistent offering of live music, spanning a variety of genres. Catching a gig at Whelan's is a particularly enjoyable activity for rainy Dublin evenings.

Whelan's is a Dublin institution, with nightly live music offerings. Whelan's is a prime spot to enjoy up-and-coming Irish artists. Many artists who started their careers at Whelan's have gone on to achieve mainstream success with major record labels.

Whelan's offers a variety of performance spaces: free music in the front bar, larger gigs on stages located in the back or upstairs, with the venue's walls adorned with posters commemorating past performances.

7. Tour Drimnagh Castle

Drimnagh Castle, located a short distance from Dublin City Centre, offers a unique way to escape the rain while experiencing Irish history and architecture. As the only castle in Ireland with a water-filled moat, visitors can cross a drawbridge and imagine themselves transported back in time. 

Once inside, guided tours reveal the castle's evolution from the Norman era to the present day. The castle's banquet hall, adorned with carvings made by the volunteers who helped restore it, serves as a testament to Drimnagh Castle's illustrious past and the dedication of those who brought it back to life.

8. Experience the 14 Henrietta Street Tenement Museum

If you find yourself seeking refuge from a rainy Dublin day in November, the 14 Henrietta Street Tenement Museum offers a fascinating journey through the city's social history. This restored Georgian townhouse, once a symbol of opulence, later housed generations of working-class Dubliners. 

A 75-minute guided tour reveals the building's "de-gentrification," illustrating the lives of former residents against a backdrop of Irish history. 

Stepping inside, you'll be struck by the stark contrast between the building's grand origins and its later years as an overcrowded tenement, even lacking indoor plumbing until the 1970s.

9. Catch a show at Vicar Street in the Liberties

Vicar Street in Dublin's Liberties neighborhood is a great place to catch a performance. We've seen music and comedy here including Lake Street Dive and the kinds of Irish sketch comedy, Foil Arms & Hog. 

Perhaps stop in for a whiskey tasting before the show. That's what the Liberties is known for with 4 of my top 5 favorite whiskey distilleries in this part of town.

10. See a show at the National Concert Hall

The National Concert Hall offers a sophisticated escape from a rainy Dublin day. Located in Dublin City Center, just a short walk from St. Stephen’s Green, the NCH provides a diverse range of performances, including chamber music, orchestral music, opera, and ballet, all within an elegant setting. We saw Oklahoma! performed on a rainy day in November.

11. Eat a Proper Carvery at O'Neill's (Thanksgiving!)

November heralds the arrival of Thanksgiving in the United States. If you find yourself in Ireland on a rainy November day, go for the equivalent on an American Thanksgiving dinner: carvery. 

O'Neill's in Dublin City Centre does a fabulous carvery. Choose from turkey, ham, or roast beef served with vegetables, multiple kinds of potatoes, cranberries and more. Irish carvery digests better when you wash it down with a Guinness, of course.

12. Dublin ImprovFest

Improvised Comedy is another fun thing to do on a rainy day in Dublin in November. ImprovFest Ireland takes place in mid-November (November 13-16 in 2024). Check out workshops and performances where everything is made up on the spot.

13. Indulge in Tea at the Shelbourne

On a rainy Dublin day, afternoon tea at the historic Shelbourne Hotel offers a comforting escape. The Shelbourne is considered by some to have Dublin's most famous afternoon tea service, making it the perfect place to escape the dreary weather. 

Imagine settling into plush velvet chairs while enjoying a warm pot of tea, chosen from a wide array of traditional black, exotic green, and herbal varieties. The elegant surroundings, complete with a live piano player, add to the experience. 

The Shelbourne also holds historical significance, having played a part in the 1916 Easter Rising, and visitors can view artifacts from this pivotal event on display throughout the hotel.

14. Sip Vino at O'Brien's Wine Tasting

O'Brien's Wine Fair, typically held at Dublin Castle or Mansion House in Dublin City Centre, offers a luxurious escape from the rain. Attendees can enjoy tasting fine wines from around the globe while experiencing the unique atmosphere of this historic venue.

Where to Stay in Dublin in November

I lived in Dublin for 12 years, so I haven't availed of that many hotels here. However, I can personally recommend the following hotels based on my experience staying there:

1. 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.
2. The Grand Canal Hotel is a more budget-friendly option with a craft beer bar called The Gasworks attached. It's close to the Google offices in Grand Canal Dock.
3. 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.

I can also recommend a few other hotels that my family has stayed in:

1. The Marker is a posh hotel with a fabulous rooftop bar in Grand Canal Dock.
2. The Dylan is a boutique hotel in a historic building in Ballsbridge. It's walking distance to Dublin City Centre and just around the corner from the vibrant shops, restaurants, and pubs on historic Baggot Street.
3. The Schoolhouse Hotel is truly unique and is located in a historic school house. It's also home to one of my favorite pubs in Ireland.

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 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 accommodation along Gardiner Street on the North Side. This is definitely an edgier part of town and I wouldn't recommend it. 

Getting to Dublin in November

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 November?

There are pros and cons to visiting Dublin at any time of year. In November, I see the pros as:

1. Dublin is a relatively short flight from the U.S. East coast. Plan a trip around Thanksgiving to make your vacation days count!
2. You'll have the perfect excuse to spend time indoors in the pub.
3. The city is beginning to gear up for Christmas. Expect cools lights and bustling shops.

The cons of visiting Dublin in November are:

1. It's a very dark time of year to visit with limited daylight hours.
2. The weather can be cold and wet.
3. Some attractions have moved to winter hours which means you'll need to plan your day carefully to avoid disappointment if you arrive somewhere too late.

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 April

Dublin in May

Dublin in June

Dublin in July

Dublin in August

Dublin in September

Dublin in October

Dublin in December

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