Living in the city can be expensive, but only if you're not clued in.
There are plenty of things to see and do around Dublin that are completely free - making saving up for a home and maintaining a busy social life completely doable.
Don't believe us? We've teamed up with AIB to tell you about ten things you can do in the city this week without parting with your pennies.
(Psst! With the home buying calculator you can add up all you need to save for your new home including additional costs. This calculator also helps you estimate how much you need to save each month to get to your target within your timeframe. Monitor your savings' success with this handy savings calculator from AIB!)
1. The Lost Moment Photography Exhibition
When: 27th Sep - 4th November 11am - 6pm
Where: Gallery of Photography, Meeting House Square, Temple Bar
This exhibition showcases the civil rights, street protest and resistance in Northern Ireland in 1968-69. It features photography, video installations, contemporary political posters and a wealth of material from the time.
(Psst! Monitor your savings' success with this handy savings calculator from AIB!)
2. Temple Bar Markets
When: Every Saturday and Sunday
Temple Bar Markets is home to three different markets every weekend. On Saturdays, you should check out the Temple Bar food markets in Meeting House Square where you will plenty of food to drool over.
In Cow's Lane, you can immerse yourself in the Designer Mart, with over 20 stalls of the very best in Irish handmade craft and design.
If books are your thing, then the Temple Bar Book Market is a treasure trove of vintage books and vinyl records.
3. Science Gallery
Where: The Naughton Institute, Pearse Street
When: Tuesday - Sunday 12pm - 6pm
You could easily spend a day interacting with the innovative and exciting exhibitions.
4. Walk Around Trinity College
Just across the road from the Science Gallery, it makes sense to wander across and check out the historic campus of Trinity College Dublin. Check out the old buildings, the cobblestones and maybe read a book on the Pavilion green.
5. Go For A Stroll Along The Great South Wall
The beauty of this walk is its proximity to the city centre. The walk extends out from Poolbeg peninsula into Dublin Bay. There's a lighthouse at the end, so it's definitely Insta-worthy.
6. Silent Disco @ Whelan's
When: Every Monday and Tuesday from 11 pm.
Where: Whelan's
The Silent Disco events at Whelan's is the stuff of legends. 2 DJs, 2 playlists, so it can get a bit silly.
Anyone up for a laugh should check this out.
7. Lola Gonzàlez Exhibition
When: 27th September - 17th November @ 1 pm
Where: Temple Bar Gallery + Studios
This is the first solo exhibition in Ireland by French artist Lola Gonzàlez. This exhibition will be showing Gonzàlez’s first ever feature-length work. It tells the story of a man who has lost belief in his future. He travels across countries meeting different people in an effort to avoid complete despair.
8. The Circle Sessions @ International Bar
When: Every Monday, @ 8 pm
Where: International Bar, Exchequer Street Dublin
A night of storytelling, music and performance.
9. Merrion Square Park
Situated right in the heart of Dublin's city centre, Merrion Square Park is a great place to take in some of Dublin's famous Georgian architecture. There is a playground for kids and on Sundays, the railings of the park are transformed into an open-air gallery where local artists display and sell their work.
10. Howth Cliff Walk
This 6km walk can be a bit challenging but it's totally worth it. On a clear day, you'll be able to see everything around the bay as well as down into the village of Howth.
There's also a hidden cove you can walk down to when the tide is out. But be prepared, it's very steep so you'll definitely feel the burn.
Are you thinking about buying your first home? We've got your back. We've teamed up with AIB to bring you all you need to know about applying for a mortgage and buying your first home in our one-stop-shop mortgage hub. Keep an eye on the mortgage hub to guide you through your journey, and find out what you would be eligible to borrow by using AIB's handy mortgage calculator here!
