Grafton Street Tours and Activities

Grafton Street
Grafton Street
Grafton Street
Grafton Street
Grafton Street


Watch the talented street performers as you search the boutiques in this shopping haven for something special to take home.

Among the most exclusive spots in European retail, Grafton Street is a boulevard full of upscale boutiques and restaurants. It is one of the two main commercial parts of Dublin and has an international array of big names. Yet the street retains its local charm with well-known street performers and traditional pubs. Bring cash and credit cards for a trip through the street’s upscale boutiques.

Peruse the stores of the main street. Shops frequently change and evolve. Enjoy the lively atmosphere among street performers, visitors and locals. Watch the musicians and mime artists who entertain in the street. Notable former performers include Irish singer Damien Rice, Mexican guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela and Glen Hansard from the band The Frames and the Dublin love story film Once.

Visit restaurants and pubs to try a traditional Guinness beer with a harp or clover emblem in the foam. Although the street is fairly busy, it is wide enough to diffuse crowds and make shopping a tranquil experience. Hunt for gems on this boulevard, which is mostly pedestrianized with immaculate red brick patterns.

Encounter the bronze life-size statue of the late Irish singer Phil Lynott. Enjoy a drink in the iconic Bewley’s Grafton Street Café, which has been here since 1927. It has a collection of stained-glass windows and majestic features including chandeliers, high ceilings and sculptures. See a performance in its Café Theatre.

Learn the intriguing history of this commercial street, which was named after the First Duke of Grafton, the illegitimate son of England’s King Charles II. James Joyce and other writers have alluded to the street in their works. Dublin’s other main shopping boulevard is Henry Street, north of the River Liffey.

Grafton Street runs from College Green, a few blocks south of the river, to the picturesque park, St. Stephen’s Green. Ride a bus to one of the many stops along the parallel road of Dawson Street. Shops open from morning until evening, with later closing times on Grafton Street than in other parts of the city.

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Popular places to visit


Top Grafton Street Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin

Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin

4 out of 5
26 - 33 Arran Street East, Dublin
Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin
Marlin Hotel Stephens Green

Marlin Hotel Stephens Green

4 out of 5
11 Bow Ln E, Dublin
Marlin Hotel Stephens Green
The Mercantile Hotel

The Mercantile Hotel

3 out of 5
28 Dame Street, Dublin, Dublin
The Mercantile Hotel
The Grafton Hotel

The Grafton Hotel

4 out of 5
Johnsons Place, 31/32 Stephens Street Lower, Dublin, Dublin 2
The Grafton Hotel
Clink i Lár

Clink i Lár

2 out of 5
35-36 Abbey Street Upper. Dublin1, Dublin
Clink i Lár
Wellington Temple Bar

Wellington Temple Bar

3 out of 5
23 Wellington Quay, Dublin, Dublin
Wellington Temple Bar
citizenM Dublin St Patrick's

citizenM Dublin St Patrick's

4 out of 5
67-69 Bride Street, Dublin 8, Dublin, Leinster
citizenM Dublin St Patrick's
The Morgan Hotel

The Morgan Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Fleet Street, Temple Bar, Dublin, Dublin
The Morgan Hotel
The Chancery Hotel

The Chancery Hotel

4 out of 5
21 Ship Street Great, Dublin Castle, Dublin
The Chancery Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Grafton Street

Grafton Street offers a vibrant mix of activities, including shopping at diverse boutiques, enjoying live music, and taking in the sights. Don't miss the chance to catch a gaelic football match nearby or indulge in a leisurely shopping break. Whether you're exploring the street's lively atmosphere or embarking on guided tours, Grafton Street is a must-visit destination in Dublin for an unforgettable experience.

Shopping

Grafton Street offers a vibrant shopping experience with Brown Thomas Flagship Store and Powerscourt Townhouse just 161m away, perfect for unique gifts. Jervis Shopping Centre, 966m away, boasts a mix of entertainment and shopping vibes for the whole family.

Recreation

Aviva Stadium, a vibrant sports venue, offers an exhilarating atmosphere just 1.6km from Grafton Street, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Vicar Street, located 1.1km away, provides an entertaining music scene, while Croke Park, another sports hub, is also a mile from Grafton Street, capturing the sporting spirit.

Adventure

For adventure near Grafton Street, hike the stunning Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk, located 24.1km away, offering breathtaking coastal views. Enjoy family fun at Funtasia Waterpark, 41.8km away, or explore the Greenan Farm Museum and Maze, 46.7km away, perfect for a delightful day out.

Nightlife

Grafton Street boasts vibrant nightlife with venues like Gaiety Theatre, offering captivating shows right on the street, and Olympia Theatre, just a short walk away, perfect for family and romance. Smock Alley Theatre, a bit further, adds to the cultural charm, making for an exciting evening out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Grafton Street

Exploring Grafton Street in Dublin offers a vibrant mix of culture and history, perfect for families and city enthusiasts alike. You can visit nearby urban parks, stunning cathedrals, and historic colleges, all enriching your experience. Don't miss the lively atmosphere of Grafton Street itself, where shopping, dining, and entertainment await. It's a fantastic spot to soak up the local vibe and create lasting memories during your holiday.

  • Trinity College: A historic university that boasts stunning architecture and the famous Book of Kells. Wander through the picturesque campus and immerse yourself in centuries of rich culture and academic tradition.
  • St. Stephen's Green: This beautiful urban park is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through its lush gardens, scenic ponds, and vibrant flowerbeds, all while soaking in the lively city atmosphere.
  • Dublin Castle: A majestic castle steeped in history, Dublin Castle offers a glimpse into Ireland's past. Explore its grand state apartments and gardens, and enjoy the blend of culture and romance that surrounds this iconic landmark.

Best time to go to Grafton Street

The best time to visit Grafton Street can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Grafton Street falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Grafton Street falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
August58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
October52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Grafton Street

To save money on your visit to Grafton Street, consider travelling during the off-peak months of December to February when prices are lower. Book your accommodation about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia, where Tuesdays often offer the best rates. Combine your hotel stay with flights for additional savings, and filter search results for eco-friendly options or budget accommodations. Walking is a great way to explore the area, keeping transport costs down while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Grafton Street are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Grafton Street about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Grafton Street is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Grafton Street is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool lets you choose your budget, preferred destination, and additional criteria. You can easily sort the results from lowest to highest price to find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you have the option to filter by hotel type—if you select the Eco-certified filter, you'll discover sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel booking on Grafton Street with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.