For many families, January is also about finding reasons to get out of the house, spend time together and break up the long winter weeks. Indoor attractions, creative experiences and relaxed cultural outings offer an easy way to enjoy shared time without the pressure of peak-season crowds, making the city particularly appealing during the post-Christmas lull.

This quieter period has become an opportunity rather than a limitation, allowing visitors to spend more time in exhibitions, enjoy smaller group experiences and explore Dublin’s cultural spaces at a slower pace. From live music and heritage tours to hands-on workshops and winter-only promotions, January offers a different way to experience the city.

Catherine Flanagan, CEO of the Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions, explains why January is increasingly appealing:

“January is the most peaceful time of the year for museums, galleries and attractions, an ideal time to avoid crowds and really get to spend quality time in Dublin’s amazing spaces. A key trend we are seeing this winter is visitor attractions creating ‘make and do’ style experiences – cocktail making, jewellery making, food tastings, paint-and-sip art lessons in galleries, concerts in unique spaces and book club experiences. I think we will see more of this type of ‘with friends’ alternative in 2026.”

Across the city, attractions are responding with programmes that focus on creativity, connection and atmosphere, encouraging people to rediscover familiar venues in new ways.

Below is a growing list of January offers and experiences. More will be added as venues confirm their January programme

GPO Museum
Rebel Rising / Pop Up Trad

As part of TradFest 2026, the GPO Museum will host live traditional music performances by Eilís Lavelle and Dáire Ó Maoildeirg, taking place at scheduled times throughout the day, bringing live music into one of Dublin’s most significant historic spaces. Performance times vary, and visitors are advised to check gpomuseum.ie for the most up-to-date information ahead of their visit.

Performance dates: Thursday 22 January, Friday 23 January, Saturday 24 January

Also, as part of the January programme, the museum’s Rebel Rising tour offers a powerful guided journey through the events and people that shaped modern Ireland, bringing the story of 1916 to life inside the historic GPO.

Malahide Castle & Gardens
Restoration Tour Launch

Following weeks of restoration work and the rehanging of its historic portrait collection, Malahide Castle reopens with a refreshed guided tour from 21 January. Visitors can explore 800 years of Talbot family history within newly restored interiors, guided by people closely connected to the estate. The tour offers a rare opportunity to see the castle at a moment of transition, with its stories and spaces newly revealed.

Launching Tuesday 21st January

Newbridge House & Farm
Cobwebs & Curiosities: A Georgian Winter Escape

Newbridge House opens its doors throughout January for a slower, more intimate winter experience. Tours focus on the Georgian Kitchen in the Servants’ Quarters, the Cabinet of Curiosities and the quieter rhythms of life in a 1700s country house. Visitors who book online during January will also receive a voucher for a hot chocolate in Brambles café, ideal after a winter walk through the parkland.

Available Thursdays throughout January

St. Patrick's Cathedral
TradFest

At St Patrick’s Cathedral, TradFest 2026 opens with a series of evening concerts set within one of Dublin’s most atmospheric venues. The programme begins on 21st January with Aoife Scott and Women of Note, celebrating female artists from a range of cultural backgrounds, followed the next night by a special collaboration bringing together Matt Molloy, Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill, Paddy Glackin, Derek Hickey and Mike McGoldrick with a string ensemble for Chords and Timber, Reeds and Strings, alongside poetry readings by Stephen Rea. On 24th January, A Lazarus Soul take to the stage performing songs from No Flowers Grow In Cement Gardens, blending Irish folk with alternative rock and electronic pop to explore contemporary social themes.

Christ Church Cathedral
The Knitted Bible Project

Running from mid-January to mid-February, The Knitted Bible Project presents a series of biblical stories recreated through textile art. Created collaboratively by a group of makers, the exhibition invites visitors to engage with familiar and unfamiliar stories through colour, texture and craft. Access is included with cathedral admission and the installation can be viewed during normal opening hours.

Running from 13 January to 13 February 2026

Vintage Tea Trips
January vintage tea trips

Vintage Tea Trips offers a cosy way to see Dublin during the quieter winter weeks, combining afternoon tea with a guided sightseeing tour aboard a restored vintage bus. Departing from St Stephen’s Green, the experience blends warm drinks, fresh bakes and relaxed storytelling as the city unfolds outside.

Running throughout January, these seasonal trips are designed to swap winter blues for city views, with fewer crowds and a slower pace making it an ideal outing for friends, families or visitors looking for something a little different.

Running from Friday 16 January to Saturday 31 January 2026

Hugh Lane Gallery
Sunday Concert Series and Explore & Learn programme

The Hugh Lane Gallery continues its much-loved Sunday Concert Series during January, marking its 50th anniversary with performances hosted in the adjacent Abbey Presbyterian Church. The atmospheric venue provides a distinctive setting for world-class classical music. Alongside the concerts, the gallery’s Explore & Learn programme offers a range of engaging activities designed to help visitors of all ages connect with art and ideas throughout the month.

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
Rediscover Dublin, rediscover EPIC

For January, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is offering discounted entry as part of a month-long invitation to rediscover Dublin at a slower pace. Visitors can enjoy 20% off admission until 31st January, with entry valid from 10am to 5pm. Admission includes access to the museum’s latest temporary exhibition, Frontlines: Irish Journalists Abroad, and all ticket holders are welcome to return to the museum free of charge within 10 days of their visit.

Running from Friday 9 January to Saturday 31 January 2026, 10:00–17:00.

Trinity College Dublin
Trinity Trails walking tour and Book of Kells Experience bundle

Trinity College Dublin introduces a seasonal bundle combining the Trinity Trails guided walking tour with the Book of Kells Experience. The pairing offers visitors a deeper look at the university’s history and cultural legacy, bringing together outdoor exploration and one of Ireland’s most celebrated manuscripts.

Howth Cliff Cruises
Murder on Ireland’s Eye special sailing

Howth Cliff Cruises presents Stories from Ireland’s Eye, a special storytelling boat tour around the iconic island. The experience explores the island’s history, geology, birdlife, the Martello Tower and the tragic murder of Maria Kirwan on Ireland’s Eye, all set against the scenic coastline of Howth and Dublin Bay.

Ardgillan Castle
Self-guided castle tours

At Ardgillan Castle, visitors can explore the rooms and stories of an 18th-century country house through self-guided tours. Overlooking the sea, the castle offers a quieter winter opportunity to step inside Dublin’s architectural and social history at a relaxed pace.

Marsh’s Library
Evening tour with Teeling Whiskey Distillery

During January, Marsh’s Library hosts a special evening collaboration with Teeling Whiskey Distillery, combining an after-hours guided tour with a whiskey tasting. Taking place in Ireland’s oldest public library, the experience explores the history of the 18th-century building before concluding with a warming hot whiskey served in the library.

Visitors are guided through the atmospheric bays of Marsh’s Library before meeting Teeling’s team for a tasting and introduction to their award-winning whiskey, including their signature hot whiskey infusion. The experience offers a distinctive way to explore one of Dublin’s hidden historic spaces during the winter months.

Tour dates: Friday 23 January and Friday 30 January 2026. Time: 6:30pm–8:00pm

Do Dublin
Two-for-one hop-on hop-off bus tours

Do Dublin is offering a two-for-one promotion on its hop-on hop-off bus tours throughout January. The experience includes live guides, city commentary and flexible sightseeing, making it an accessible way to see Dublin with friends or family.

Jameson Distillery Dublin
50% off all experiences

Jameson Distillery Dublin rounds out the January offers with 50% off all visitor experiences. The promotion provides an opportunity to explore whiskey storytelling, guided tastings and the distillery’s interactive exhibits at a reduced rate during the winter period.

More January offers in Dublin will be added as they are announced. All experiences can be found on YourDaysOut and Visit Dublin, making it easy to explore the city during one of its most enjoyable and underrated months.