There's nothing like autumn in Ireland when the emerald island becomes all sorts of orange and red, with falling leaves taking over the views. November is an excellent month to visit Dublin and check out the fall atmosphere and some of the year's best events. Here’s a complete guide to things happening in the city during the next month that you can participate in, including festivals, concerts, and much more:
1. Dublin Book Festival
Running since June 2006, the Dublin Book Festival showcases, supports, and develops Irish publishing, putting together nationally published books, their authors, editors, and contributors. The program includes more than 60 events in venues throughout the city of Dublin, and you can check the full list on their official website. Some of the spaces hosting the DBF events are Dublin City Libraries, The National Library of Ireland, The Gutter Bookshop, The National Botanic Gardens, and more. That’s a great chance to visit these beautiful places and also learn more about Irish literature.
Where? Dublin Book Festival will be happening all over Dublin from November 8th to November 13th. Please make sure to check their full schedule.
2. Play with rescued cats at a Cat Cafe
This cat rescue center has operated in Dublin’s north side since 2021. You can book a session to meet one of the cats for a day if you are planning for adoption, but another amazing option is to visit their vegan cafe. Purr is located in Phibsboro, and serves delicious treats and fresh coffee, you can move to the kitty playroom after eating and meet many of their rescues that love hanging out there, and love getting some love (on their terms, always).
Where? Purr cat rescue cafe is located at 31A Brunswick St N, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7, just a short walk, drive or cycle from the city center. It’s open Friday to Sunday, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
3. Dublin Gallery Weekend
Happening on the last weekend of November, Dublin’s Gallery Weekend is a great chance to know more about local artists and art. The idea of this event is to bring art to the streets where it can be accessed by everyone, with more than 40 galleries taking part in the movement. This is a completely free event taking place around the city, in spots like the Irish Museum of Modern Art, the Dublin City Gallery, and the famous Hugh Lane. You will also find art being showcased all over the city center, at some gallery doors, such as Kevin Kavanagh Gallery, The Lab Gallery, Artbox, and more.
Where? All over Dublin City from Thursday 23rd November - Sunday 26th November, you can find all the participating locations on the gallery map.
4. Watch Dublin’s Christmas Lights being lit up
November is the best time to go check the Christmas lights in Dublin without having to deal with big crowds around the city. If you love the athmosphere of the holidays, that’s the best month to be in the Irish capital and enjoy all the beautiful illumination and decoration. In 2022, the official Christmas lights of the city will be first lit up on November 13th, there’s plenty to check out then, but the most popular spots are Grafton Street, O’Connell Street, the General Post Office, and the Stephens Green Centre. Some early Christmas markets are also open during November in the city, such as the Dun Laoghaire one, on the coast of a beautiful oceanside town.
Where? Around Dublin’s city center is the best place to be if you want to see the Christmas lights being lit up for the first time in 2022.
5. Street art walking tour around Dublin
Dublin is known for its unique and beautiful street artists, who create in the city some of the most unique collections of street art in Europe. When visiting Ireland’s capital you should take some time to learn more about those artists and their histories, there’s no better way to do it than taking a walking tour guided by some street artists themselves.
The complete tour lasts around 2 hours and participants will learn about Dublin's most memorable murals, graffitis, and all the other type of art that makes the streets of Dublin. The tour ends with a visit to a hidden gem in the heart of the city center, which you only find out at the time.
Where? You can find tickets and more information about this tour at their official website, the street art walking guide costs €10,50 per person and happens every Saturday, at 2:00 pm.
6. Check the autumn leaves at Phoenix Park
November is still time to enjoy the autumn vibes in Ireland when the green island transforms completely with red and orange shades everywhere in sight. One of the best spots in Dublin to check the fall views is the famous Phoenix Park, located just a few minutes from the city center. Being one of the biggest parks in Europe, it offers a lot of space to walk around, cycle, have picnics, watch wild deer, and much more. There are also some cafes and restaurants in the park’s surroundings that you can check out during your visit, such as The Whole in the Wall Pub, and the Dash Coffee.
Where? Phoenix Park is located on the north side of the Liffey river, in the area of Dublin 8. Google Maps app will give you the best option to get there from where you are staying in the city.
7. Learn about Ireland’s folklore on a Candlelit Tales show - Nov 22th
This month you have a unique chance to hear stories about Ireland’s folklore and local tales told on a candlelit show. The event will take place at The Sugar Club, one of the most iconic venues in Dublin city. Visitors can expect to learn a lot about Irish myths, legends, and their oldest tales. Tickets cost €25 and can be purchased on their website.
Where? The Sugar Clube is located at 8 Leeson Street Lower, Saint Kevin's, Dublin 2, and the event will take place on November 22th at 7:30 pm.
