Things To Do In South Dublin: "Jam-packed with accessible and sustainably operated attractions, you’ll feel welcomed from the moment you arrive"

Venture a short bus or Luas ride south from Dublin city centre, and the cityscape quickly gives way to the stunning natural surroundings of the Dublin Mountains, a top staycation destination for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and culture-seekers alike. Think: sunrise hikes, zip-lining through tree canopies and woodland yoga. Zipit Forest Adventures in Tibradden Wood offers treetop circuits ranging from 1 to 20 metres high, suitable for ages 7 and up, with over 100 obstacles including zip lines and Tarzan swings (zipit.ie).

For a more tranquil experience, the Bohernabreena Reservoir Walking Trail provides an 8.5 km loop that’s perfect for leisurely walks, offering picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. Alternatively, join Hilltop Trekkers for guided hikes that showcase the area’s natural beauty (hilltoptreks.com).

Families can enjoy a round of FootGolf at Footee (footee.ie), an 18-hole course with a mix of beautiful fairways, tricky bunkers and open parkland. Alternatively, enjoy seasonal family events throughout the year in Luggwoods Natural Forest (look out for Lapland Ireland new this year, luggwoods.ie).

Zipit Forest Adventures.

For something more serene, the banks of the Dodder River boast an oasis of natural beauty along the meandering Dodder Greenway, while the Liffey’s edge is home to a popular new wellness trend: the Riverbank Sauna (riverbanksauna.ie), a wood-fired sauna experience. You can also cycle or stroll along the Grand Canal Greenway, a scenic route that connects parkland and villages, offering peaceful stretches for walking, cycling, and wildlife-spotting.

History enthusiasts will appreciate Brú Chrónáin and the beautifully preserved Round Tower in Clondalkin, one of only four remaining in County Dublin and dating back to the 8th century. An interactive visitor centre and tranquil garden walk bring this ancient site to life.

Tech meets tradition with the Digital Heritage Trails – an immersive app-based experience that guides visitors through the villages and landscapes of South Dublin using audio, video and augmented reality.

Beyond the activity-packed parks and trails, step into the slower pace of South Dublin’s historic villages: Clondalkin, Tallaght, Rathfarnham, Rathcoole and Saggart. Each offers its own flavour of heritage, hospitality and local gems – from cosy cafés and artisan markets to leafy walks and community arts.

In Rathfarnham, explore the 16th-century grandeur of Rathfarnham Castle, once a defensive fort and now a hub of heritage and exhibitions. Nearby, the Pearse Museum, located in peaceful St Enda’s Park, honours the legacy of Patrick Pearse and tells the story of his life and ideals.

In Tallaght, the cultural beat of South Dublin can be felt at The Civic Theatre (civictheatre.ie), which stages a lively mix of music, drama and family shows year-round, while the Rua Red Arts Centre (ruared.ie) offers exhibitions, talks and workshops from leading Irish and international artists.

Just across the road, Tallaght Stadium (tallaghtstadium.ie) is home to the Shamrock Rovers and also serves as the home ground of the Football Association of Irelands Women’s National Team.

For families and market lovers, the South Dublin Summer Markets in Tymon Park North are a seasonal highlight. Each month brings themed events such as Circus Spectacular (27 July) and Cultural Food Day (24 August), combining live music, food trucks and family entertainment.

The seasonal fun continues at the End of Summer Colour Dash in Corkagh Park– a joyful, all-ages fun run where participants are doused in colour powder, while TallaWeen (tallaween.ie), a spooky spectacular lights up October with parades, pumpkin trails and storytelling.

There are plenty more dates for your diary, from Ireland’s largest LEGO conference, Dublin BrickCon in October (dublinbrickcon.com) to TradFest in January, a joyful celebration of Irish identity through music (tradfest.com) via the thrilling rapids of the Liffey Descent canoe and kayak race in September (liffeydescent.ie). Each event captures the energy, warmth, and creative spirit of this dynamic county.

Rathfarnham Castle

South Dublin is well connected by the Luas Red Line, Dublin Bus routes, and a Saturday shuttle from Tallaght to the Dublin Mountains, making it easy to get out exploring, even on a day trip. If you are looking to extend your stay, there’s accommodation to suit every taste and budget, from boutique guesthouses in Rathfarnham to family-friendly hotels like the Maldron in Tallaght (for listings, visit visitdublin.com).

Jam-packed with accessible and sustainably operated attractions, you’ll feel welcomed from the moment you arrive in South Dublin.
Whether it’s catching a sunrise over the mountains, dancing to traditional tunes in a pub garden, or browsing artisan stalls, you’ll create lasting memories as you straddle city and adventure.

• Plan your trip now at dublinsoutdoors.ie