Dublin in October: 31 Fun Things to See, Do & Eat

Discover things to do in Dublin in October. Find out if an October trip to Dublin is worth doing. Enjoy the best of Dublin in the Autumn.

Are you wondering what it’s like to visit Dublin in October? 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.

I love Dublin in the Fall. In October, the leaves are starting to change with trees taking on vibrant yellow and orange hues that make the shorter days feel brighter.

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

What is the Weather Like in Dublin in October?

Fall is fully underway in Dublin in October. You'll start to see bright yellow trees and red ivy screaming from the historic facades on St. Stephen's Green. 

The weather in October is a transitional month with the days quickly becoming shorter, especially as the month progresses. 

Average temperatures are likely to be in the 50s (around 15°C), but I find it often feels colder than the objective temperature would suggest due to the high humidity that is typical here. 

Bring layers and a warm Autumn jacket just in case. The weather in Dublin is unpredictable year round, but especially so in October. 

Bring an umbrella and waterproof gear in case of rain as well as sunglasses. If it rains, don't despair, the weather in Ireland changes rapidly and the sun may come out in an hour.

Things to do in Dublin in October at a Glance

Now let's take a look at things to do, see and eat in Dublin in October at a glance. Each heading is clickable and will take you directly to the item of interest.

Table of Contents

1. Take a Fall Foliage Walk Along the Grand Canal
2. Photograph Halloween Doors
3. Feed the Ducks and Swans at Grand Canal Dock
4. Join the 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour
5. Cruise Along the Liffey on a Dublin Bike
6. Take a Ride on the Viking Splash
7. Take a Drive to Mount Usher Gardens
8. Go for a Sunrise Walk on the Liffey and Grand Canal Dock
9. Go birdwatching in Rogerstown Estuary
10. Smell the flowers at National Botanic Gardens (Dahlias)
11. Visit Malahide Castle
12. Photograph Fiery Ivy on St. Stephen's Green
13. See the Book of Kells
14. Catch a Show at Smock Alley Theatre
15. Grab a Pint in Temple Bar
16. Check out the Modern Art Exhibits at the Royal Hibernian Academy
17. Book Tickets at the Abbey Theatre
18. Go for Tea and a Tour at Ardgillan Castle
19. Scare Yourself at the Bram Stoker Festival
20. Catch a Gig at the Button Factory
21. See a play at the Samuel Beckett Theatre at Trinity College
22. Watch at Tribute Band at Bord Gais Energy Theatre
23. Listen to Irish Storytelling at the Brazen Head
24. Take Advantage of Open House Dublin
25. See a show at Lir Theatre
26. Head to the Guinness Storehouse
27. Tour Farmleigh House
28. Catch a Show at the Gaiety
29. See a Show at the Dublin Theatre Festival
30. Check out Casino Marino in Clontarf
31. Visit the Dead Zoo

Things to do in Dublin in October in Detail

Let's explore cool things to do in Dublin in October in more detail. I've actually done all of these things in the month of October, 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 generally bad.

What to do in Dublin in October if the Weather is Nice

1. Take a Fall Foliage Walk Along the Grand Canal

Autumn is in full swing in Dublin in October. The best place to see the Fall foliage is along the Grand Canal, between Fenian Street and Leeson Street. 

In late October and into November, the trees along the canal turn a beautiful shade of yellow. The Fall foliage in Dublin tends to last a long time, unless there are storms and wind. 

However, even if the leaves do fall early, October is still an atmospheric time to visit Dublin and experience the changing seasons.

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

2. Photograph Halloween Doors

One of my absolute favorite things to do in Dublin in October is to take photos of the city's doors decorated for Halloween. 

You'll find all sorts of Halloween-themed decorations, from jack-o'-lanterns to ghoulish figures, surrounding the Georgian doors of Dublin. 

Don't miss the chance to take a walk (or even turn your walk into a door-focused scavenger hunt) and experience some of the over-the-top decorations for yourself!

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

3. Feed the Ducks and Swans at Grand Canal Dock

If you visit Dublin in October, you may see ducks and swans swimming in the Grand Canal, particularly around Grand Canal Dock. 

Bring some birdseed, oats, lettuce, sweetcorn, peas, or even carrots and potato peelings to feed the birds living in the canal. Do not feed them bread. Bread is not good for the birds.

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

4. Join the 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour

If you're interested in learning more about Dublin's history, I highly recommend the 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour. The tour meets outside the International Bar in the center of Dublin and costs 15 EUR at the time of writing.

The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide who will regale you with the exciting and volatile history associated with the 1916 Easter Rising. You'll visit key sites around the city, including the Bank of Ireland (former Irish Parliament), Liberty Hall, and the General Post Office.

I particularly appreciated the opportunity to learn about the siege that took place outside the General Post Office. The Irish Freedom Fighters holed up here for 6 days fighting off the British. It was a pivotal moment in the history of Irish independence.

The tour ends at Dublin Castle, which was a symbol of British rule over Ireland. The guide will point out the statue of justice with lopsided scales over the gates of the Castle. This is a reminder that the fight for Irish independence was not easy, but it was ultimately successful.

I highly recommend this fascinating and information-packed tour of Dublin. It's a great way to learn about the Ireland's history and its struggle for independence.

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

5. Cruise Along the Liffey on a Dublin Bike

When you visit Dublin, you'll soon notice racks of heavy blue bicycles at stations around the city. This is the Dublin Bikes scheme, a public bicycle sharing system.

When we lived in Dublin, we had an annual subscription which cost €35 and allowed unlimited journeys with the first 30 minutes of each journey free.

If you're visiting Dublin in October, you have the option to buy a one-day ticket or a three-day ticket. The one-day ticket costs €3.50 and the first 30 minutes of each journey are also free. 

The three-day ticket costs €5 and also includes the first 30 minutes of each journey free.

Rental charges apply if you take the bikes out for longer journeys. The charges are as follows:

1 hour: €0.50

2 hours: €1.50

3 hours: €3.50

4 hours: €6.50

Every additional 30 minutes: €2.00

In general, with parking stations around the city, you can easily check out and check in a bike as you go about your day and it doesn't get too costly.

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

6. Take a Ride on the Viking Splash

One of Dublin's top attractions is the Viking Splash Tour. This amphibious vehicle tour takes you on a 1.5-hour journey through the city, from the streets to the water. Along the way, you'll learn about Dublin's history from the Viking period to the present day.

The tour begins at St. Stephen's Green, where you'll don a horned Viking helmet and board the amphibious vehicle. Your tour guide will likely be an over-the-top character who will keep you entertained with jokes and stories about Dublin.

The tour winds its way through the city, past some of Dublin's most famous landmarks, including Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse, and the Ha'penny Bridge. You'll also get to splash down into the Grand Canal Dock, where you can see the iconic U2 recording studios.

The Viking Splash Tour is a fun and informative way to learn about Dublin's history. It's a great way to see the city from a different perspective and to get some laughs along the way.

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

7. Take a Drive to Mount Usher Gardens

If you're looking for a beautiful place to visit in Dublin in October, I highly recommend Mount Usher Gardens. The gardens are located in County Wicklow, just a short drive from the city, and they offer stunning scenery all year round.

In the Fall, the gardens are particularly lovely, with vibrant colors from the changing leaves. You'll find a lazy river running through the property, mossy paths leading up into a forest, and a variety of flowers in bloom.

Mount Usher Gardens is a great place to spend a day exploring. The gardens are open from 10:00am to 5:30pm in Spring and Summer, and admission is €10 for adults. Mount Usher Gardens close at 5:00 pm in Autumn and Winter.

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

8. Go for a Sunrise Walk on the Liffey and Grand Canal Dock

In October, the sun rises around 7:30 AM. As a morning person, I love to take a sunrise walk along the River Liffey or in Grand Canal Dock at this time of year. 

In fact, a sunrise photo walk is one of my favorite things to do in Dublin in October. It's a great way to watch the sky come to life on a beautiful fall day.

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

9. Go birdwatching in Rogerstown Estuary

If you're looking for a day trip destination that's a little off the beaten path, look no further than Rogerstown Estuary. This hidden gem is located just 45 minutes outside of Dublin and is a great place to go hiking, birdwatching, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.

The Turvey Parklands are a great place to start your visit. From here, you can take a short walk to Turvey Hide, where you can get a bird's-eye view of the estuary. Keep an eye out for ospreys, peregrine falcons, and redshanks.

If you're feeling more adventurous, you can continue your walk to the BirdWatch Ireland Reserve at Baleally Lane. This is a great place to see a variety of bird species, including stonechats, curlews, and many more.

No matter what your interests are, you're sure to enjoy a day at Rogerstown Estuary. So lace up your hiking boots, pack your binoculars, and head out to explore this hidden gem!

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

10. Smell the flowers at National Botanic Gardens (Dahlias)

October is a great time to visit the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin on Dublin's Northside. The gardens are free to visit at any time of year, but the dahlias are in full bloom in October. 

These spectacular flowers start blooming in July and continue to provide riotously colored blooms through the first frost. They look a bit like roses, but they are often bigger and hardier. 

The National Botanic Gardens has an amazing collection of dahlias, so be sure to check them out.

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

11. Visit Malahide Castle

Malahide Castle is a great place to visit in Dublin in October. It is located just 14 kilometers north of the city center and is easily accessible by the DART train. 

The castle (one of my favorite castles in Ireland) dates back to 1185, when it was gifted by King Henry II to Richard Talbot. The Talbot family occupied Malahide Castle for over 800 years, making it one of the longest-occupied castles in Ireland.

The original castle was a wooden fortress, but it was eventually upgraded and strengthened into the imposing stone facade that you see today. The castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens, including a butterfly garden in a greenhouse. 

You can access the grounds for free, but you will need to pay €8 to access the wall, garden, butterfly garden, west lawn, and ferry trail. You can also buy a combo ticket for €14 that includes a tour of the castle.

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

12. Photograph Fiery Ivy on St. Stephen's Green

Dublin in October is awash in fiery red ivy, particularly on the Georgian buildings in St. Stephen's Green. 

The northeast corner of the park is a particularly good spot to see this spectacle, with its abundance of ivy-covered walls. 

This is one of my favorite places to come for a photo walk in the Fall, when the weather is mild and the light is golden.

If you're looking for more Autumn doors covered in ivy, Fitzwilliam Square is also a great option. It's just a short walk from St. Stephen's Green, and it's home to some of the most beautiful Georgian architecture in the city.

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

What to do in Dublin in October if it Rains

13. See the Book of Kells

The Book of Kells is a 1,000-year-old illuminated manuscript housed in Trinity College, Dublin. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

We finally visited the Book of Kells on a cold October afternoon, after waiting out the peak tourist season. Unfortunately, photography is not permitted inside, so I had to content myself with a view of the building reflected in a broken globe sculpture.

One of the most amazing things about the Book of Kells is the intricate illustrations that accompany the text. The exhibit also gives a glimpse into life in Ireland and Scotland at the time the book was created, as well as the life of a modern Trinity College student.

The tour ends in the Long Room of the Old Library, a dark wood-paneled area lined with busts of famous writers and old, musty tomes from floor to ceiling. It must be a truly inspiring atmosphere to study in.

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

14. Catch a Show at Smock Alley Theatre

Smock Alley Theatre is the oldest theatre in Dublin, dating back to 1662. The lobby features historical playbills from as early as the 1750s. The theatre has three performance spaces, including one that occupies a historic boys school.

One of the performance spaces is a square venue with three levels of stone walls. Visitors can either sit near the stage or stand along the railings that soar for three levels. 

There is also a staircase that leads to an alcove overlooking the lobby, where visitors can see the theatre's impressive stained glass windows.

One of the top performances that has been seen at Smock Alley is the controversial play The Playboy of the Western World by John Millington Synge. Synge's play tells the story of a man whose sex appeal is tremendously enhanced when he is believed to have killed his father.

After seeing a play at a theatre so steeped in history, it can be a bit jarring to return to modern Dublin down the set of steps facing the River Liffey.

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

15. Grab a Pint in Temple Bar

In October, the tourist crowds in Dublin have somewhat cleared out, making it possible to experience Temple Bar without feeling completely overrun. If you want to see what all the fuss is about, head to Temple Bar and grab a pint at the neighborhood's namesake pub. 

Alternatively, I recommend the Old Storehouse, the Palace Bar, or the Norseman. Expect to pay a bit more for a pint in Temple Bar, but I think it's worth coming here once just to see for yourself the legendary craic.

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

16. Check out the Modern Art Exhibits at the Royal Hibernian Academy

If the weather turns bad in Dublin in October, you can check out the modern art exhibits at the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA), which is located right behind St. Stephen's Green. 

The RHA is an artist-run institution that was founded in Dublin in 1823. You can see the latest in cutting-edge Irish art here. 

Admission is free, and the gallery is open from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sundays. On Wednesdays, the gallery is open later, until 6:30 PM.

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

17. Book Tickets at the Abbey Theatre

The Abbey Theatre is Ireland's national theater. It is located in Dublin and has been in operation since 1904. 

Founded by W.B. Yeats and Lady Gregory, the Abbey Theatre stages a variety of plays, including many by Irish playwrights. It also hosts experimental theater productions and performances by international artists.

To find out what's on at the Abbey Theatre, you can check the event schedule online or by calling the box office. You can also purchase tickets online or in person.

If you are interested in seeing a play by a historic Irish playwright, the Abbey Theatre is a great place to go. When we first moved to Ireland, we saw The Plough and the Stars by Sean O'Casey at the Abbey Theatre. It was a powerful and moving play that gave us a glimpse into Irish history and culture. 

We have also seen several Shakespearean productions at the Abbey Theatre, and they have always been of the highest quality.

Whether you are interested in seeing a classic play or a more experimental production, the Abbey Theatre is a must-visit for any theater lover. It is a vibrant and exciting theater that is always at the forefront of Irish culture.

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

18. Go for Tea and a Tour at Ardgillan Castle

Ardgillan Castle is a large country house located about 45 minutes' drive from Dublin. It was built in 1738 and remained in the Taylor family for over 200 years until 1962. The castle offers sweeping views over the Irish Sea.

Visitors can tour the house, which is decorated with period furniture and art. Afternoon tea is also available in the elegant drawing room on the last Saturday and Sunday of each month.

Ardgillan Castle is a nice attraction to combine with a visit to Rogerstown Estuary, which is located nearby.

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

19. Scare Yourself Bram Stoker Festival

Bram Stoker, the author of the chilling vampire novel Dracula, is from Dublin. Each year in October, the city celebrates this historic horror writer with the Bram Stoker Festival.

The festival celebrates the legacy of one of Ireland's most iconic writers. It is a relatively recent festival, having started about a decade ago. The festival draws its inspiration from Stoker's life, his work, the Dublin of his time, and the gothic, the supernatural, and the dark and macabre.

The festival features an eclectic mix of events, from films and theater to outdoor performances and comedy to food tours. The events change annually, so be sure to check out the schedule if you plan to be in Dublin in October.

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

20. Catch a Gig at the Button Factory

Another fun thing to do in Dublin in October is to catch a gig at the Button Factory in Temple Bar. The Button Factory features a variety of artists, both local and international. 

We saw an amazing jazz performance by Clint Eastwood's son, Kyle Eastwood, and we also saw They Might Be Giants play a concert there. If you're in Dublin in October, be sure to check out the Button Factory's event schedule to see if there's something that interests you.

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

21. See a play at the Samuel Beckett Theatre at Trinity College

The Irish theater scene is one of the best in the world, and there are many theaters to choose from on a trip to Dublin. 

The Abbey Theatre is a popular choice, but there are also many other theaters worth visiting. One of my favorite out-of-the-way places to see a show is the Samuel Beckett Theatre at Trinity College.

The Samuel Beckett Theatre is the campus theater of the School of Creative Arts at Trinity College. It is open during the academic year, when it showcases the work of academics, practitioners, and students within the School. 

Outside of term time, the theater hosts visits from some of the most prestigious theater and dance companies in Ireland and around the world. 

The Samuel Beckett Theatre is also a venue for the Dublin Theatre Festival, the Dublin Fringe Festival, and the Dublin Dance Festival.

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

22. Watch a Tribute Band at Bord Gais Energy Theatre

If you're looking for a night out at the theater, I recommend catching a show at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin's Grand Canal Dock. In addition to hosting some of the most popular musical theater productions in the world, the theater has also been known to host tribute bands. 

For example, I saw a musical with my mom dedicated to the music of The Carpenters. During our time in Dublin, we also saw performances related to The Osmonds and Meat Loaf.

The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre is one of Dublin's premiere performance venues. Aside from the performances themselves, the architecture is stunning and worth visiting in its own right. 

The theater was designed by Daniel Libeskind, and its angular design is a striking contrast to the more traditional architecture of Dublin.

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

23. Listen to Irish Storytelling at the Brazen Head

If you're looking for a unique and entertaining way to spend an evening in Dublin, I highly recommend booking a spot at the Brazen Head's storytelling event. 

This centuries-old pub is home to some of the best storytellers in Ireland, who will regale you with tales of fairies, leprechauns, and other Irish folklore.

The event takes place every night of the week and includes a three-course meal, so you can enjoy a delicious dinner while you listen to the stories. 

The food is hearty Irish fare, but it's not the main attraction. The real star of the show is the storytelling, which is both informative and entertaining.

The storytellers are all experts in Irish folklore, and they bring the stories to life with their passion and enthusiasm. You'll learn about the history of Ireland, its culture, and its people through these fascinating tales.

The Brazen Head is also a beautiful pub, with a rich history dating back to 1198. The walls are lined with portraits of famous Irish patriots, and the atmosphere is both cozy and welcoming.

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

24. Take Advantage of Open House Dublin

Open House Dublin is a free festival of architecture that takes place in Dublin each year in October. The festival features over 100 guided tours, films, exhibitions, and events that showcase the city's outstanding architecture. 

During the festival, you can get inside buildings that are usually closed to the public, such as the Ballroom Physical Laboratory at Trinity College Dublin and Iveagh House, which is home to Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs.

The Ballroom Physical Laboratory is a fascinating building that was built over 100 years ago. It features a fascinating array of historical lab equipment in period cases. You can also sit in the historic lecture hall where Erwin Schrödinger gave his famous lecture titled "What is Life?"

Iveagh House is a beautiful Georgian mansion that was built in the 1860s. It is now home to Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs. The house is decorated with lavish period furniture.

If you are interested in architecture or history, Open House Dublin is a great opportunity to explore. The festival will give you the chance to learn about the city's architectural heritage and to see some of its most iconic buildings up close.

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

25. See a show at Lir Theatre

The Lir Academy is an Irish drama school and conservatory located in Dublin as part of Trinity College Dublin. It has an associated theater, the Lir Theatre, which is a great place to see a performance. 

The Lir Theatre is particularly convenient if you are staying near Grand Canal Dock. Performances there are generally short runs, lasting for a weekend or a week, and often feature modern and unique works. 

If you are visiting Dublin in October, be sure to check out the event schedule and catch a performance at the Lir Theatre. The Dublin theater scene is a great way to spend an October evening, especially if the weather is not cooperating.

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

26. Head to the Guinness Storehouse

The Guinness Storehouse is Dublin's most popular tourist attraction. It is located in the Liberties neighborhood, and you can book a tour online. I recommend visiting in October, when the crowds are smaller.

The tour takes you through the history of Guinness, from its humble beginnings to its status as an international icon. You will learn about the brewing process, the advertising campaigns, and the cultural impact of Guinness.

The highlight of the tour, for me, is the Gravity Bar, which offers stunning views of Dublin city. You can enjoy a pint of Guinness while taking in the scenery. If you are feeling adventurous, you can also try your hand at pulling your own pint.

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

27. Tour Farmleigh House

Farmleigh House is an estate near Phoenix Park that was formerly owned by the Guinness family. It is now used to entertain visiting dignitaries, including former U.S. President Barack Obama.

When you enter the grounds of Farmleigh House, you will see cattle and donkeys grazing. Take a tour inside the impressive mansion, and then spend some time exploring the grounds.

A Victorian greenhouse adds to the atmosphere. Don't miss the sunken garden, which is dramatically placed behind Farmleigh House. 

The hedges in the sunken garden are shaped into peacocks and spirals, which is a clear sign that a lot of time and care has been put into its design. Farmleigh House also has a traditional walled garden that is fun to explore.

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

28. Catch a Show at the Gaiety

The Gaiety Theatre is another historic venue in Dublin City Centre, close to St. Stephen's Green. It has been a Dublin institution since 1871. 

The theater is famous for its holiday Pantos, musicals, drama, concerts, dance festivals, and more. We saw Riverdance performed here, as well as the poignant show Once.

If it rains during your visit to Dublin, why not check out the event schedule at the Gaiety and spend a few hours warm and toasty inside, seeing a delightful performance?

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

29. See a Show at the Dublin Theatre Festival

Theater in Dublin is the highlight of my recommendations for things to do in Dublin in October. Not only are there some amazing theater venues to check out, but October is also the month of the Dublin Theatre Festival. 

You'll find an amazing selection of performances at some of the venues I've already recommended, as well as others throughout the city. Some of the events even take place on the streets of Dublin.

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

30. Check out Casino Marino in Clontarf

Casino Marino is a small summer home or pleasure house located near Clontarf. It was built in the late 1750s and is only accessible during guided tours, which take place daily until the end of October. 

Tours are scheduled at 10:00 AM, noon, 2:00 PM, and 4:00 PM. Admission costs €5 for adults, €4 for students and seniors, and is free for children under 12.

I particularly enjoy visiting Casino Marino in October because of its connection to Bram Stoker. Did you know that Stoker stayed at Casino Marino while writing Dracula in 1897? 

If you're looking for a unique and interesting way to spend an afternoon in Dublin, I highly recommend visiting Casino Marino. It's a beautiful and historic building with a fascinating history.

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

31. Visit the Dead Zoo

The Museum of Natural History is one of my favorite free things to do in Dublin. Known locally as the "Dead Zoo," the museum's centerpiece is its collection of Victorian-era taxidermy. 

The carefully curated exhibits on two floors feature animals from all over the world, including some that are now extinct. You may even see a specimen that was collected by Charles Darwin himself.

If you're visiting Dublin in October and the weather isn't cooperating, a trip to the Natural History Museum is a great way to spend an afternoon. You'll learn about the natural world and see some amazing creatures, all for free.

⏫ back to 'at a glance'

Where to Stay in Dublin in October

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 October

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 October?

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

1. You can experience Dublin for Halloween (Bram Stoker of Dracula fame was born here after all).
2. Flights and accommodation will likely be a bit cheaper than during peak season.
3. The Dublin Theatre Festival is on in October.

The cons of visiting Dublin in October are:

1. The weather can be unpredictable.
2. The days are getting shorter especially once the clocks change. 

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 November

Dublin in December

I also invite you to check out my comprehensive one-stop-shop post covering all the fantastic things to do in Dublin throughout the year. Or, why not dive deeper and explore the best places to visit in Ireland as a whole?

Did you enjoy these travel tips about things to do in Dublin in October? Sharing is caring...