Hey guys and welcome back to our blog!

Today’s post is all about free things to do in Dublin (when you’re not busy flying to everywhere else in Europe and making use of those Ryanair discounts!)

There is plenty to see and do in the city – and even just outside Dublin as we venture into Wicklow – but we know you’ve probably heard of the touristy spots by now (The Guinness Storehouse, The Viking Splash, Kilmainham Gaol, Trinity College and so on). So we’ve come up with three weekend ideas to tick off your Dublin exchange student bucket list, that you may not have discovered just yet!

A student exchange is all about budgeting and getting the best bang for your buck, so we’ve listed three of our favourite walks/lunch spots to try any weekend your bank account is in need of a rest! The best part about a walk is it's free and all three walks are accessible by public transport (The Dublin Area Rapid Transport (DART) Train).

Make sure you’ve picked up a Student Leap Card to make your travel around Dublin as smooth as possible plus it caps at €5 a day and €20 a week- at just €10 for the card you will be glad of all the savings not to mention the student deals and discounts that come with it! (check out their website Here for more details).

Walks

There is nothing better than getting out and seeing the gorgeous scenery that Dublin and Ireland has to offer, but this is weather dependent of course. As I’m sure you’ve realised by now even if you haven’t been here long that our weather is slightly unpredictable! The best thing about this is it won’t cost you a cent!

If you are like me and love a walk along the coast with a nice sea breeze, Dublin has plenty of walks to offer.

Dun Laoghaire Pier (East)

A quick trip from the city centre to Dun Laoghaire will only take you 20 minutes on the DART. This is a short walk along Dun Laoghaire’s East Pier which is just under 30 minutes to go out and back. Although if you just can’t get enough, I’d recommend getting the DART a small bit further out to Sandycove and enjoy a walk past the 40 foot (a famous swimming point in Dublin- bring your togs if you are feeling brave!) and up to Dun Laoghaire East Pier. This is ideal on a day that the weather is unpredictable or cold, as it can be as short or as long as you like! There are plenty of coffee shops and restaurants you can duck into if the dreaded rain does arrive.

Top Tip: Do this walk on Sunday as the Dun Laoghaire Market is held from 11AM - 4PM every Sunday in the People’s Park five minutes from the pier. It boasts multiple street food stalls, bakeries and coffee stalls, a perfect treat before college on Monday!

Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk

Another DART journey from Dublin City Centre but this time slightly further out to Bray. This will take you 40 minutes. Bray is on the border of Dublin and Wicklow and is a lovely seaside town. Here you can walk the Bray to Greystones cliff walk which boasts stunning views of the East Coast. This will take you just over an hour and once in Greystones there are plenty of cafes and restaurants to refuel in. The Happy Pear is famous for its healthy and quirky lunch options and has a great atmosphere and energy, while another good lunch spot is the Burrito Box at the end of the walk route. You will see a restaurant called ‘La Crêperie’ and a gap in the wall beside it leads you to the Burrito Box’s outdoor food truck and sitting area. The great thing about this walk is that if you are feeling up to it you can walk the route back to Bray and if you’re all walked out you can jump on the DART back to the city!

You may also like to start the walk in Greystones and have lunch in Bray, our top spots are Platform Pizza, Box Burger, Butler & Barry and our favourite Dockyard No.8.

Top Tip: Be sure to take in the view on the DART journey between the stops Dalkey and Killiney and you will see the gorgeous coastline and Bray seafront from a far- you may also spot some surfers, swimmers and the odd seal!

Howth Cliff Walk

Yet another DART journey away is the lovely town of Howth. This will take you 30 minutes and the walk starts conveniently right outside the station! This walk is approx. two hours long. Make sure to look out for the green arrows marking the trail and it will bring you through the harbour and up to Kilrock car park. From here you will take the well-trodden cliff walk path and continue following the green arrows, enjoy the stunning views of Lambay Island and Dublin Bay. As it is a loop you will find yourself back at the seafront to finish off your walk. Head to O’Connell’s Pub for a wholesome meal and a pint to reward yourself before hopping back on the DART home.

Top Tip: On the way up to the car park at the beginning of the walk look out for a house to your left- this is where the famous Irish Poet William Butler Yeats once lived! Also, about halfway through the walk there is a perfect photo op by the Baily Lighthouse.

We hope you enjoyed this post, happy walking!