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Dublin - Top Tips

Things to Do in Dublin,July 2025: Your Ultimate Summer Guide

by xinranmao
30 June 2025 · 6 min read
Howth

July in Dublin is a magical time when the city comes alive with vibrant festivals, outdoor activities, and long summer days perfect for exploring. Whether you’re a local looking for weekend adventures or a visitor experiencing Dublin for the first time, this guide will help you make the most of everything the Irish capital has to offer during this fantastic month.

Trinity Summer Series: World-Class Music in Historic Setting

June 29th – July 6th | Trinity College Dublin | Gates 7pm

The Trinity Summer Series 2025 brings an incredible lineup showcasing local and international talent in the heart of the historic campus at Trinity College Dublin.

Why Trinity Summer Series is Special

Just a few minutes’ walk from Pearse Station and well connected by city centre bus routes, Trinity Summer Series is one of Dublin’s most accessible concert venues. The historic setting of Trinity College offers a uniquely atmospheric backdrop that’s hard to beat.

Key Performances

  • June 30th: The Teskey Brothers
  • July 1st: Simple Minds
  • July 2nd: Weezer
  • July 3rd: Rag’n’Bone Man
  • July 5th: Amble
  • July 6th: Marti Pellow

Tickets: Starting from €49.90 including booking fee, available through official channels. Plan your transport as crowds can be significant for popular acts.

Stay Close to the Music

Make the most of your concert experience with a stay at The Mont Hotel — a boutique escape just a short stroll from Trinity College. Part of the O’Callaghan Collection, The Mont offers contemporary comfort in the heart of the city, perfectly located for concerts, culture, and everything Dublin has to offer.

Live at Iveagh Gardens: Intimate Concerts in Dublin’s Secret Garden

July 2025 | Various Dates | Dublin City Centre

Tucked behind Georgian façades and lush with greenery, The Iveagh Gardens is Dublin’s best-kept secret — and the most magical place to enjoy live music on a summer evening. With water features, tree-lined paths, and an intimate setting, it offers a unique open-air concert experience right in the heart of the city.

Notable July Performances

  • July 3rd: Lucy Dacus
  • July 4th: En Vogue
  • July 6th: Train -World Tour
  • July 11th -12th: Damien Dempsey
  • July 13th: Supergrass
  • July 17th: Alex Warren
  • July 18th: Natasha Bedingfield
  • July 19th: The Murder Capital
  • July 20th: Leon Bridges

With limited capacity and an up-close experience, tickets often sell out fast — early booking is highly recommended.

The Ideal City Stay

Stay just moments away at The Green, a chic and contemporary hotel located on the corner of St Stephen’s Green. With boutique interiors and a cosy atmosphere, The Green is the perfect base for your Dublin music escape. Part of the O’Callaghan Collection, you’ll be ideally placed to enjoy both Iveagh Gardens concerts and the very best of the city’s culture, dining, and nightlife.

Dublin City Council Funtropolis

July 12th & 13th | 12pm – 6pm | Merrion Square Park | FREE

Get ready for a weekend full of colour, creativity and summer joy as Funtropolis returns to Merrion Square Park. With circus performers, interactive workshops, comedy, live music, delicious street food and more, it’s the ultimate family-friendly event in the heart of Dublin — and it’s completely free.

New for 2025: The Funtropolis Dog Show

Taking place on Sunday, July 13th, this year welcomes the debut of the Dublin City Council Funtropolis Dog Show — a celebration of our four-legged friends! Register your pup on the day to compete in categories. The Dublin City Council Animal Welfare Unit will also be onsite offering advice and tips for responsible pet care.

Catch a Show at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre

July 2025 | Grand Canal Dock

Experience world-class theatre just steps from Dublin’s Docklands. The stunning Daniel Libeskind‑designed venue hosts hit musicals, gripping plays, and one‑night‑only concerts this July.

Notable July Highlights

  • Only Fools and Horses: The Musical30 June–5 July (closing weekend)

  • Anton and Giovanni – Together Again6 July (1 night only)

  • Talking Bollox Live11 July (1 night only)

  • Leo Sayer – Still Feel Like Dancing12 July (1 night only)

  • Il Divo – XX: 20th Anniversary Tour13 July (1 night only)

  • Kinky Boots15–19 July (heartwarming Broadway‑style musical)

  • Little Shop of Horrors25 July–9 August (first in‑house production)

From nostalgic comedy classics to critically acclaimed musicals, there’s something to delight every theatre lover. Be sure to book early—many of these performances sell out fast!

Dublin Horse Show: Ireland’s Premier Equestrian Event

August 6–10, 2025 | RDS, Ballsbridge

Looking ahead to August, one of Ireland’s most iconic annual events celebrates its 150th year. The Dublin Horse Show is a true highlight of the summer — a unique mix of world-class equestrian sport, fashion, food, and Irish culture.

What to Expect

  • Top international showjumping and competitions

  • Live entertainment, exhibitions, and food stalls

  • A vibrant atmosphere that blends sport and social celebration

With a new seating configuration in place due to the ongoing redevelopment of the Anglesea Stand, advance planning is advised. Tickets are now available via Ticketmaster.

Stay Close to the Action

Make the most of your visit with a stay at The Davenport — a luxury boutique hotel just steps from Merrion Square and a short journey to the RDS. Part of the O’Callaghan Collection, The Davenport blends Georgian charm with modern comfort, right in the heart of Dublin.

Cultural Highlights: Must-Visit Dublin Attractions

Trinity College & Book of Kells

No Dublin visit is complete without exploring Ireland’s oldest university. The famous Book of Kells exhibition includes access to the stunning Old Library with its magnificent Long Room housing 200,000 of Trinity’s oldest books. During summer, morning slots fill up quickly, so book online in advance. The campus itself is worth exploring, with beautiful Georgian architecture and peaceful courtyards perfect for a summer stroll.

National Gallery of Ireland

Discover one of Europe’s finest art collections, featuring works by Caravaggio, Vermeer, Monet, and an impressive collection of Irish art. Admission is free, making it perfect for escaping Dublin’s occasional summer showers. The gallery’s beautiful atrium and shop are worth visiting alone, and the location on Merrion Square West puts you right in the heart of Georgian Dublin.

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

Winner of Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction, EPIC tells the story of Irish emigration through cutting-edge interactive technology. Located in the Dublin Docklands, this museum brings Irish history to life through immersive experiences that trace the journeys of 10 million Irish people who left their homeland. The museum’s innovative approach makes it engaging for all ages and provides fascinating context for understanding modern Ireland.

Dublin Castle

Explore 800 years of Irish history through the State Apartments, Medieval Undercroft, and beautiful gardens. Perfect for a cultural afternoon between concerts. The castle’s Dublin Castle Gardens provide a peaceful retreat in the city center.

Guinness Storehouse

No Dublin visit is complete without experiencing Ireland’s most famous export at the Guinness Storehouse. This seven-story experience takes you through the brewing process, the history of the iconic brand, and culminates in the spectacular Gravity Bar with 360-degree views over Dublin. July’s extended daylight hours make the rooftop experience particularly magical as you watch the sunset over the city with a perfectly poured pint of Guinness. The interactive exhibits and tasting experiences make this suitable for all ages, and the location at St. James’s Gate is easily accessible from the city center.

Outdoor Adventures in July

Phoenix Park

One of Europe’s largest enclosed parks offers endless summer activities:

  • Dublin Zoo: Family-friendly day out with global wildlife
  • Victorian Walled Garden: Beautiful botanical displays
  • Wild Deer: Spot the free-roaming deer throughout the park
  • Cycling Trails: Extensive network perfect for summer exploration
  • Áras an Uachtaráin: Guided tours of the Irish President’s residence

Coastal Escapes

Take advantage of July’s extended daylight:

  • Howth Cliff Walk: Spectacular coastal views and charming village
  • Dún Laoghaire: Victorian seaside elegance with excellent dining
  • Sandycove: Home to the famous Forty Foot swimming spot

Planning Your Dublin July Adventure

Weather Expectations

July temperatures typically range from 11-20°C (52-68°F). Pack:

  • Light layers: Dublin weather can change quickly
  • Waterproof jacket: Essential for any Irish adventure
  • Comfortable walking shoes: Many attractions are within walking distance
  • Sunscreen: Those sunny Dublin days can be deceiving

Transportation Tips

  • Leap Card: Essential for easy public transport access
  • Dublin Bikes: Convenient city cycling scheme
  • Walking: Many attractions are surprisingly close together

Insider Tips

  • July is peak season: Book accommodations and popular attractions well in advance
  • Pub music sessions: Usually start around 9pm, perfect for after dinner!
  • Free events: Many museums and galleries offer free admission
  • Weather apps: Dublin weather can be unpredictable, stay prepared and keep an eye of your weather app!
  • Local knowledge: Dubliners are famously friendly – don’t hesitate to ask for directions or recommendations

Creating Your Perfect Dublin July

Dublin in July offers an incredible blend of world-class entertainment, rich cultural heritage, and genuine Irish hospitality. Whether you’re watching international artists perform in historic college grounds, enjoying free family entertainment in Georgian squares, planning ahead for the famous Dublin Horse Show, or simply soaking up the atmosphere in a traditional pub, the city provides endless opportunities for memorable experiences.

Where to Stay: The O’Callaghan Collection offers four distinctive boutique hotels perfectly positioned throughout Dublin’s city centre. This Irish family-owned and managed collection includes The Alex, The Davenport, The Mont and The Green – each with its own unique identity reflecting its location and guest experience. The Davenport, located in the heart of Georgian Dublin steps away from Merrion Square, offers old-world charm with modern convenience, while The Alex provides stylish boutique accommodation near the Silicon Docks and within walking distance of major attractions. The Mont’s bold industrial design brings energetic vibes to Merrion Square, and The Green offers prime access to St Stephen’s Green and shopping districts.

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