Dublin City University

Photo by Caroline @ Native Wanderer


Situated on the north side of Dublin, Dublin City University is close to Dublin Bay and the River Liffey and is home to some of Ireland’s largest performance spaces. It is a justifiably popular point of interest for visitors travelling to Ireland’s bustling capital.

The university was built in 1975 and currently has around 12,000 students. It gained university status in 1989 and was designated as a Changemaker Campus by Ashoka U for its work in social innovation. The early focus of Dublin City University was on science and technology and it has a large business school with a heavy focus on entrepreneurship.

Among its graduates are famous Irish comedian Ardal O’Hanlon and journalist Mark Little. The institution is also consistently ranked in the top 50 universities in the world.

The campus spreads over 85 acres and includes several theatres, cafes, restaurants and bars. The Helix Theatre is a popular venue for gigs, plays and dance performances and has three stages: the Mahony Hall, the Theatre and the Space. The Mahony Hall is Ireland’s largest concert hall and seats 1,260 over two floors.

The Helix has hosted world-class performances, including the St. Petersburg Ballet, the Russian State Philharmonic Orchestra and several hit West End shows.

Visit Dublin City University and enjoy the natural beauty of its surroundings before settling down to enjoy world-renowned performances in one of its plush, spacious theatres.

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Things to do near Dublin City University

Near Dublin City University, visitors can engage in popular activities such as football and various sports, while also exploring the vibrant art scene, including intriguing art exhibitions. The university's surroundings offer a blend of athletic and cultural experiences, making it an exciting destination for those looking to immerse themselves in both sports and the arts.

Shopping

Omni Park Shopping Centre is a mere 1.3km away, offering a lively atmosphere perfect for families. For a bit more adventure, Jervis Shopping Centre and Brown Thomas Flagship Store are both 4.8km from Dublin City University, providing a fantastic shopping experience with a vibrant city vibe.

Recreation

Croke Park, located 3.2km from Dublin City University, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. The 3Arena, 4.8km away, is perfect for entertainment seekers with its vibrant concerts. For a family-friendly experience, the National Aquatic Centre, 8.0km distant, provides a fun aquatic adventure.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Clara Lara Fun Park with its exhilarating zipline and ropes course, located 4.8km from Dublin City University. For climbing enthusiasts, Awesome Walls Climbing Centre offers challenging routes, also 4.8km away. For family fun, Funtasia Waterpark, 35.4km distant, provides exciting water attractions.

Nightlife

Dublin City University offers vibrant nightlife with nearby theatres like the Gate Theatre, Ambassador Theatre, and SFX City Theatre, all just 3.2km away. Enjoy a cultural evening filled with romance and entertainment, perfect for families and friends alike.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Dublin City University

When visiting Dublin City University, you can explore a variety of attractions including charming streets, historic castles, and the vibrant university atmosphere. The area offers a rich cultural experience, perfect for families and those seeking to immerse themselves in the local heritage. With a mix of educational sites and leisurely pursuits, there’s something to captivate every traveller's interest.

  • Trinity College: Explore Ireland's oldest university, famed for its stunning campus and the Book of Kells. Immerse yourself in its rich history and vibrant cultural atmosphere while strolling through its picturesque grounds.
  • O'Connell Street: Experience the lively heart of Dublin on O'Connell Street, the city's main thoroughfare. Enjoy the bustling atmosphere, iconic monuments, and eclectic shops that showcase the vibrant urban culture of Dublin.
  • Dublin Castle: Discover the enchanting Dublin Castle, a symbol of the city’s history and architecture. With its romantic gardens and rich cultural significance, it offers a captivating glimpse into Ireland's past.

Best time to go to Dublin City University

The best time to visit Dublin City University can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Dublin City University falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Dublin City University falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
March43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
April46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
October52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Dublin City University

To save money during your visit to Dublin City University, consider travelling between December and February when accommodation prices are lower. Booking about a month in advance can yield the best rates, with Tuesdays typically being the cheapest nights to stay. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and combine your hotel with flights for potential savings. Explore free activities around the university, and utilise Dublin's public transport for affordable travel options. Don't forget to look for Eco-certified hotels for sustainable choices that fit your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Dublin City University are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Dublin City University about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Dublin City University is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Dublin City University is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You may be able to save some money by combining your hotel reservation at Dublin City University with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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