Your Complete Local’s Guide to Dublin in February 2026

Your Complete Local’s Guide to Dublin in February 2026

February in Dublin isn’t your typical tourist season, and that’s exactly what makes it special. As someone who’s spent years showing visitors around this city, I can tell you that February offers something the summer crowds miss: authentic Dublin life at a fraction of the price, with some genuinely brilliant events thrown in.

Let me walk you through everything you need to know about visiting Dublin this February.

What to Expect: The Real Weather Story

I’ll be straight with you, February in Dublin is cold and wet. We’re talking average temperatures around 5-8°C (41-46°F), with highs rarely pushing past 10°C and nighttime lows dropping to 3-4°C. You’ll see about 18 rain days throughout the month, though the rainfall itself (around 50mm) is actually less than many other months.

The wind chill is what catches people out. That breeze coming off the Irish Sea makes it feel colder than the thermometer suggests, especially along the coast at spots like Howth or Sandymount Strand.

But here’s the thing, dress properly and you’ll be grand. Layering is your friend: thermal base layer, warm jumper or fleece, and a waterproof jacket with a hood. Don’t forget a scarf, gloves, and proper walking shoes with good grip. The cobblestones in Temple Bar get slippery when wet.

The upside? Daylight hours are increasing throughout the month. Early February sees sunrise around 8:10 AM and sunset at 5:07 PM, but by month’s end, you’re looking at sunrise at 7:13 AM and sunset past 6 PM. Those extra daylight hours make a real difference for sightseeing.

Planning your accommodation? February is low season, so you’ll find excellent deals on hotels in central Dublin. I always recommend staying in the city center or Georgian Quarter for easy walking access to major attractions.

The Big Events: What Makes February Special

St. Brigid’s Day Festival (January 31 – February 2)

This is relatively new to Dublin’s calendar but it’s quickly becoming one of our most meaningful celebrations. St. Brigid is Ireland’s matron saint, and the festival honoring her has grown into a proper cultural event.

The highlight is the Brigit: Dublin City Celebrating Women festival. The Brigit Parade returns on Sunday 1 February 2026 as part of Brigit: Dublin City Celebrating Women, transforming Dublin into a vibrant city-wide celebration of women’s strength, creativity, resilience and community.

Beginning at the top of Capel Street at 3.30pm, the Brigit Parade will journey through Dublin’s historic streets, uniting large-scale puppetry, dance, music, ritual performance and community participation. Rooted in themes of renewal, creativity, care and connection, the parade is both a joyful celebration and a powerful tribute to women past, present and future.

Parade highlights this year include:

Brigit Rising–Stilt walker and Dance Procession: At the head of the parade, Brigit Rising features a stilt walker embodiment of the goddess, wearing a bespoke costume designed by Sabine Dargent. Leading an ensemble of dancers, this performance brings Brigid’s presence directly into the public realm, combining height, choreography, and symbolic movement to open the parade with strength and momentum.

Luna: One of the most striking visual centrepieces of Brigit 2026 is Luna, a fully animated giant puppet standing 4.5 metres tall. Inspired by ancient female divinities and religious iconography, Luna is the largest puppet in the parade. Her slow, ceremonial movement is accompanied by an original, immersive soundscape composed by Sal Stapleton, creating a sense of awe and reverence as she towers above the procession.

50 First Skates: Returning to the Brigit Parade, 50 First Skates is a collective of roller skaters whose synchronised movement and bold visual style bring energy and playfulness to the streets. Their performance celebrates the strength, visibility, and collective power of women, combining rhythm, colour, and motion in a joyful, forward-moving spectacle.

Since February 1st is now a bank holiday (St. Brigid’s Day), you’ll find some shops and services operating on reduced hours, but all major tourist attractions and restaurants remain open.

Dublin International Film Festival (February 19 – 01 March)

DIFF is one of Ireland’s premier cultural events, screening 11 days of the best international cinema alongside new Irish films. You’ll catch world premieres, director Q&As, retrospectives, and late-night screenings at venues across the city, including the Light House Cinema and IFI (Irish Film Institute).

This is perfect for those rainy February afternoons when you want something cultural and cozy. The festival atmosphere is brilliant, you’ll bump into proper film buffs and casual moviegoers alike in the cinema bars.

Book your festival passes early as popular screenings sell out quickly.

Borderline Festival (February 19-21)

For the music heads: Borderline Festival is now in its third year and it’s established itself as one of Dublin’s best for forward-thinking, boundary-pushing sounds. It runs across The Project Arts Centre and The Workman’s Club, showcasing Irish and international artists who are doing something genuinely different.

Time Out called it one of the “Best Things to Do in the World” after its debut, and it’s only gotten better. This is where you discover acts before they blow up.

See more on Borderline festival

Mind Body Soul Expo (February 27-28, March 1)

Taking place at the RDS, this is Ireland’s largest holistic wellness event with free admission, over 200 exhibitors, and 150 complimentary talks, workshops, and classes. Whether you’re into yoga, meditation, holistic therapies, or you’re just curious, it’s a fascinating day out and a nice contrast to the pub-heavy side of Dublin.

See more

The Dublin Card Show (February 28)

For collectors and gaming enthusiasts, Ireland’s biggest trading card event returns to the Convention Centre Dublin. It’s grown massively over the past two years and attracts vendors from across Ireland and internationally.

What to Do: The February Edition

Essential Indoor Experiences

When the weather turns (and it will), Dublin’s indoor attractions come into their own:

Trinity College & The Book of Kells – This 9th-century illuminated manuscript is stunning regardless of season, and February means shorter queues. The Long Room of the Old Library is one of the most beautiful spaces in Ireland. Skip the line with advance tickets.

Guinness Storehouse – Ireland’s most visited attraction, and for good reason. The seven-floor journey through Guinness history culminates in a pint with 360-degree views over Dublin from the Gravity Bar. February crowds are manageable compared to summer madness. Book your Guinness Storehouse experience.

Epic Irish Emigration Museum – Consistently wins awards, and it’s genuinely engaging interactive storytelling about Irish emigration. Located in the rejuvenated Docklands area, it’s about 20 minutes’ walk from Trinity College.

National Museum of Ireland – Multiple locations, all free admission. The Archaeology branch on Kildare Street houses the famous Tara Brooch and Ardagh Chalice. Brilliant for rainy afternoons.

Teeling Whiskey Distillery – Dublin’s first new distillery in over 125 years. The tour and tasting is excellent, and it’s in the Liberties, one of Dublin’s most characterful neighborhoods. Reserve your distillery tour.

Making the Most of Dry Days

When you get a clear February day (and you will get some), these are my top picks:

Howth Cliff Walk – Take the DART (suburban rail) 30 minutes north to Howth village. The cliff walk offers spectacular views of Dublin Bay, and you can reward yourself with fish and chips at Beshoff Bros or seafood chowder at The Oar House. The walk takes about 2-3 hours, and the fresh sea air is glorious even in winter.

Phoenix Park – One of Europe’s largest urban parks, bigger than London’s Hyde Park and New York’s Central Park combined. Home to wild deer, the Victorian People’s Flower Gardens, and Áras an Uachtaráin (the President’s residence). February is quiet, and you might spot the deer more easily than in summer.

Dublin Bay Coastal Walk – From Sandymount to Dún Laoghaire, you can walk along the seafront with the Dublin Mountains as your backdrop. Stop in Blackrock or Dún Laoghaire for coffee and a warm-up.

St. Stephen’s Green – Right in the city center, this Victorian park is beautiful year-round. The duck pond, gazebos, and landscaped gardens offer a peaceful escape from Grafton Street’s shopping bustle.

Walking Tours (They Run in Any Weather)

Dublin has some of the best walking tours in Europe, and local guides run them year-round. My favorites:

• 1916 Easter Rising Tour – Deep dive into Irish revolutionary history with knowledgeable guides who bring the streets to life
• Traditional Music Pub Tour – Combines history with live music sessions in authentic pubs
• Alternative Dublin Street Art Tour – Explores the city’s vibrant art scene!

Most tours are pay-what-you-think-it’s-worth, though I’d suggest €10-15 per person as fair. Browse and book walking tours.

Where to Eat & Drink: Local Recommendations

February is perfect for Dublin’s cozy pub culture. Here’s where I send visitors:

Traditional Pubs

The Cobblestone – In Smithfield, this is where traditional music sessions happen organically. No tourist show here, just musicians playing for the love of it.

O’Donoghue’s – On Merrion Row, famous as the birthplace of The Dubliners. Still has nightly traditional music sessions.

The Long Hall – Victorian pub on George’s Street with original fixtures, chandelier lighting, and a proper old Dublin atmosphere.

Restaurants Worth Booking

Chapter One – Michelin-starred dining in a Georgian basement near Parnell Square. Book well in advance.

The Winding Stair – Overlooks the Ha’penny Bridge with a menu celebrating Irish ingredients. The oysters and seafood chowder are exceptional.

Bunsen – For the best burger in Dublin. No reservations, just queue. The one on Wexford Street is my local.

777 – Inventive Mexican small plates in a buzzy Temple Bar location (yes, Temple Bar has some good spots if you know where to look).

Cafés for Rainy Afternoons

Kaph – Specialty coffee on Drury Street with excellent pastries
The Fumbally – Wholesome food and great coffee in the Liberties
Brother Hubbard – Middle Eastern-inspired brunch and lunch, two locations (Capel Street and Harrington Street)

Getting Around Dublin

Dublin is compact and very walkable, which is ideal given February weather. Most major attractions are within a 30-minute walk of each other.

Public Transport

Leap Card – Get one immediately. It’s a rechargeable smart card that works on buses, DART, Luas (tram), and saves you about 30% on fares. Available at newsagents and convenience stores throughout the city.

Dublin Bus – Extensive network covering the entire city. Key routes for tourists include the 16 (to Terenure/Rathfarnham), 39a (to Dún Laoghaire), and 46a (to Phoenix Park).

DART – Coastal suburban rail. Runs from Howth in the north to Greystones in the south. Perfect for visiting Howth, Dún Laoghaire, or Bray.

Luas – Two tram lines (Red and Green) connecting different parts of the city. The Green Line gets you to Leopardstown for the racing festival.

Walking – Honestly, this is the best way to experience Dublin. Wear comfortable, waterproof shoes.

Day Trip Options

If you’ve got extra time, February is actually a good month for day trips because tourist sites outside Dublin are quiet:

Glendalough – Ancient monastic site in the Wicklow Mountains, about 90 minutes south. The mountain scenery is dramatic in winter. Book a Glendalough day tour.

Newgrange – 5,000-year-old passage tomb, older than the pyramids and Stonehenge. About 50 minutes north. Book well ahead as visitor numbers are restricted. Reserve your Newgrange tour.

Cliffs of Moher – A full-day trip (3 hours each way) but the cliffs are spectacular in any weather. Winter means fewer coaches and lower prices. Compare Cliffs of Moher tour options.

Money-Saving Tips for February

1. Accommodation deals – Hotels drop prices significantly in February. Book directly with hotels and mention you’ve seen lower rates online – they’ll often match or beat them. Plan your stay here, see our top pics on accommodation
2. Restaurant deals – Many restaurants run early bird specials (usually 5-7 PM) with 2-3 courses for €25-35.
3. Free attractions – National Gallery, National Museum (all branches), Natural History Museum, Chester Beatty Library, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral grounds are all free.
4. Dublin Pass – If you’re hitting multiple paid attractions, the Dublin Pass can save you 30-40%. It includes fast-track entry at major sites plus hop-on-hop-off bus access.
5. Supermarket meals – Tesco Metro, Dunnes Stores, and SuperValu have decent prepared foods and meal deals if you want to save on a lunch or dinner.

Practical Information

Currency – Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for smaller pubs and cafés.

Tipping – 10-15% in restaurants if service charge isn’t included. Round up taxi fares. €1-2 per drink for bartenders if you’re impressed with their service.

Pub Hours – Most traditional pubs open around 10:30 AM and close at 11:30 PM Sunday-Thursday, 12:30 AM Friday-Saturday. Temple Bar stays open later.

Shop Hours – Generally 9 AM-6 PM Monday-Saturday, with late night Thursday (until 8-9 PM). Sunday 11 AM-6 PM in the city center.

Safety – Dublin is generally safe. Watch for pickpockets on crowded buses and around Temple Bar at night. Don’t leave bags unattended.

What to Pack: My Checklist

• Waterproof jacket with hood (essential)
• Layers: thermal base layer, fleece or warm jumper, lighter long-sleeve top
• Jeans or warm trousers
• Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes or boots
• Scarf, gloves, warm hat
• Small backpack or crossbody bag
• Reusable water bottle
• Power adapter (Ireland uses UK-style three-pin plugs)
• Umbrella (compact, sturdy one that won’t flip inside out in the wind)

February won’t give you sunny terraces and outdoor dining, but it will give you the real Dublin. You’ll see locals going about their lives, pubs filled with actual Dubliners rather than just tourists, and streets you can walk without battling crowds.

The festivals happening this February : particularly St. Brigid’s Day, Brigit Festival and the DIFF Festival, offer genuine cultural experiences. The weather might be challenging, but there’s something special about warming up in a traditional pub with a pint of Guinness after a bracing cliff walk, or discovering a brilliant band at an intimate venue on a rainy night.

Pack the right clothes, embrace the weather, and you’ll have an authentic Dublin experience that the summer visitors miss entirely.

Come join us. We’ll have the fire lit and the pints poured.

Ready to book your Dublin adventure? Here are my top recommendations:

• Compare hotel deals in Dublin
• Book attraction tickets and tours
• Reserve airport transfers
• Get travel insurance

Have questions about visiting Dublin in February? Drop us an email or visit our other Dublin guides at Dublin-360.com.

Find Your Perfect Stay!