Exploring Dublin On Good Friday: Things To Do

Good Friday is not an official public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, but some schools and businesses do close on that day. If you're looking for things to do in Dublin on Good Friday, you could visit one of the many museums, art galleries, or historic sites that the city has to offer. Here are some ideas:

- The Little Museum of Dublin

- The National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology

- The Book of Kells and the Old Library Exhibition at Trinity College

- Kilmainham Gaol

- Dublin Castle

- The Irish Whiskey Museum

- The EPIC Irish Emigration Museum

- The Guinness Storehouse

- St Patrick's Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral

- The National Botanic Gardens

Kilmainham Gaol

The conditions in the prison were harsh, with no segregation of prisoners. Men, women, and children were incarcerated in cells measuring roughly 28 square metres, with up to five people in each cell. They were provided with only a single candle for light and heat, which had to last for two weeks. The women's section was located in the west wing and remained overcrowded despite the addition of 30 cells in 1840.

The museum is highly rated by visitors, who praise the knowledgeable tour guides and the emotional impact of the site. It is recommended to book tickets in advance, wear warm clothing, and allow approximately 90 minutes for the visit, including the hour-long tour and time to explore the museum.

St Patrick's and Christ Church Cathedral

St Patrick's Cathedral

St Patrick's Cathedral, founded in 1191, is a must-see for visitors to Dublin. The largest cathedral in Ireland, it has been at the heart of the country's history and culture for over 800 years. The present building dates from 1220-1259, though little remains of the original construction beyond the baptistry. The site is also said to be that of a well used by St Patrick himself to baptise people into Christianity 1500 years ago.

The cathedral has witnessed some of the most important developments and changes in Irish Christianity. It was here that the first performance of Handel's Messiah took place in 1742, and it was also home to Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels, who was Dean of the Cathedral from 1713 to 1745. Swift is buried in the cathedral, alongside his friend Stella.

The cathedral is also the source of the Irish phrase "to chance your arm", which originates from a feud between two families in 1492. The phrase refers to an attempt to end the dispute, in which the Earl of Kildare cut a hole in a door in the cathedral and thrust his arm through it to shake hands in friendship.

Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral is the local cathedral of the Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough. It is also the seat of the Archbishop of Dublin, though unusually, St Patrick's is not. The two cathedrals have shared a long and sometimes tense history, and for centuries, they functioned together in the diocese. The current designation of Christ Church Cathedral as the sole diocesan cathedral was only made in 1871, following the disestablishment of the Church of Ireland.

The Dublin Mountains

Shankill to Scalp Viewpoint

This 6km walk takes you through the leafy forests of Rathmichael and Carrickgollogan Wood, where you can spot rabbits and birds, and admire the Noble Fir and Birch trees. You'll also pass the old Lead Mines Tower before reaching the 'Scalp' viewpoint, which offers incredible views. This walk should take between 1.5 and 2 hours. To get to the starting point from the city centre, take the DART from Connolly Station to Shankill and start your hike from Brady's of Shankill, a pub in the village.

Ticknock Forest Trail

For a more challenging hike, try the Ticknock Forest trail. This 8km walk starts from the car park off the R113 or, if taking public transport, from Carthy's Green off the Ballyedmonduff Road in Ballinteer. This route takes you through stunning forests of Japanese Larch and Sitka Spruce, with spectacular views along the way. Climb Three Rock Mountain and discover the romantic Fairy Castle ruins. At 537m, this is the highest point of the Dublin Mountains Way, offering dramatic views of the city below. This walk should take between 2 and 2.5 hours. To get to the trail via public transport, take the green Luas line to Dundrum and then catch the 44b bus to Ballinteer.

Glenasmole and Tallaght

This 6km route is considered the final stage of the Dublin Mountains Way. Start at Cruagh Wood and head to Featherbed Forest, before emerging at Piperstown Hill, where you can admire the Glenasmole Valley, an area of conservation along the River Dodder. Here, you'll find the Bohernabreena Waterworks, built in 1887 to supply water to the mills along the river. Continue on to Sean Walsh Park in Tallaght, where a map board marks the end of the Dublin Mountains Way. This walk should take between 1.5 and 2 hours. To get to the starting point, you'll need to drive and park at the Cruagh Wood car park. If using public transport, start at Sean Walsh Park, a 5-minute walk from the Tallaght Luas stop, and double the walk by heading to Cruagh Wood first.

Marsh's Library

The library was built for the Most Rev. Narcissus Marsh, the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin and former Provost of Trinity College, Dublin. The library's collection includes over 25,000 books and 300 manuscripts, with subjects ranging from medicine, law, and science to travel, navigation, mathematics, and classical literature. The collection also features early printed books, with around 80 books dating back before 1501.

The library features its original 18th-century fittings, including wooden galleries, antique bookcases, and seating. Visitors can also see bullet holes in some of the bookcases from the Easter Rising, when Jacob's Biscuit Factory next door was occupied. There are wire alcoves, known as 'cages', which were introduced in the 1770s to prevent theft.

The Howth Cliff Walk

Starting Point

The most convenient starting point for the Howth Cliff Walk is the train station in Howth. From there, follow the green arrows on the well-posted markers along the route. There are four loops that start at the station.

The Route

From the station, head along the seafront, next to the often busy main street. Beyond the entrance to the East Pier, the path climbs a modest incline and rounds the "Nose of Howth." Turn right onto Balscadden Road, which leads to the Kilrock parking lot and the start of the cliff path.

The Cliff Path

At this point, you will have reached the clifftops and can enjoy views of Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island, as well as Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains. The path continues through a thick undergrowth of heather and gorse but is well-trodden and never becomes overgrown.

After about two miles, you will see the Baily Lighthouse. Before reaching the lighthouse, turn right and uphill towards the Howth Summit car park.

The Return Journey

From the summit, the walk is mostly downhill, and the signposted route will lead you back to Howth Village. Alternatively, you can walk down the main road through the village and pay a short visit to Howth's old Saint Mary's Abbey.

Preparation

Dining Options

After the walk, there are plenty of cafés, pubs, and restaurants in Howth Village to reward yourself. You can enjoy fresh fish and chips or other local delicacies.

Frequently asked questions