Things to do in Ashbourne

Activities, attractions and tours

Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.

Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.

Top places to visit

1. Trinity College

Ireland's most prestigious university was founded by Elizabeth I in 1592 in the hope of offering Dublin’s sons a reason to pursue their studies at home, away from the infectious threat of popery on the continent.
Learn more
Trinity College offers a welcome haven from the hustle and bustle of Dublin and it is one ivory tower you’d be happy to be trapped in for a long time.

2. St. Stephen's Green

Follow the signs to “Faiche Stiabhna”, as the Irish call St. Stephen’s Green, for an inner-city oasis. Admire the Victorian buildings, play soccer, throw a frisbee, watch people, jog, feed the ducks, doze or have a picnic in this popular Dublin park. You could also bring a novel written by one of Dublin’s great authors and read it at the very spot where they found their inspiration!
Learn more
Take a break in Dublin’s most popular public park with green lawns and flower beds, a stone bridge and statues, a swan-filled lake and a playground.

3. Guinness Storehouse

St. James’s Gate Brewery has been home to Guinness since 1759. The impressive building, formerly the Guinness fermentation plant, has been remodelled into the shape of a giant pint of the “black stuff”.
Learn more
The Guinness Storehouse is situated at St. James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin. The giant storehouse covers seven floors and is a popular point of interest for tourists - since it opened in 2000, it has received over four million visitors.

4. Croke Park

A World-Famous StadiumCroke Park certainly is impressive, however. It’s Ireland’s largest stadium, and with the capacity to seat 82,000 sporting fans, it is the fourth largest in Europe. During matches the noise and chants from the crowd can be heard all over the city of Dublin.
Learn more
Croke Park in Dublin is so much more than an impressive sports stadium. “Croker”, as it is locally known, is in many ways is a bastion of Irish identity that protects the spirit of Gaelic games from forces seeking to dislodge it. If this all sounds a bit dramatic you should take the fantastic Croke Park Experience tour to get a very real sense of just how important and deeply ingrained the GAA and Gaelic games are to Ireland’s sense of itself.

5. Aviva Stadium

Aviva Stadium is the national sports arena, where Ireland plays international rugby and soccer games. The structure has a futuristic design and stands in a picturesque area of fields and a canal. Experience the rhapsody and songs of the nation’s passionate fans in this stadium of 51,700 seats.
Learn more
Watch a game of rugby or soccer and take a tour of the changing rooms and players’ tunnel to peek behind the curtain.

6. O'Connell Street

O’Connell Street is among Dublin’s busiest and recognizable parts. It consists of a wide boulevard divided by spaces for trees and works of art. Admire the many historic buildings and peruse the upscale boutiques that line this busy street.
Learn more
Marvel at one of the world’s tallest public works of art as you stroll down this boulevard of shops and historic buildings.

7. Grafton Street

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

What to do in Ashbourne

Popular places to visit

Emerald Park

Ireland may be known for its lush forests and sparkling lakes, but that doesn’t mean your visit here needs to be sedate. For a day of family thrills, hit the rides at one of Ireland’s largest theme parks, the potato-themed Tayto Park in Ashbourne, County Meath. With a range of activities to please everyone from young children to the grown-ups, you’ll easily find something to keep you entertained.

Emerald Park

Ashbourne Golf Club

In a country packed with historic golf courses, Ashbourne Golf Club is rather rare for an Irish course, in that it wasn’t founded until the 1990s. However, what it lacks in age it more than makes up for in quality – a fantastic course with challenging holes, you’ll find that Ashbourne Golf Club easily outshines many of its competitors.

Ashbourne Golf Club

Frequently asked questions

Is Ashbourne worth visiting?
Ashbourne has a unique blend of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into nature, history or traditional cuisine, there's plenty you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Ashbourne?
Start your day with a visit to Emerald Park and Rathbeggan Lakes. Then, check out other areas of Ashbourne for tasty eats and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ashbourne?
Don't leave without visiting Emerald Park, ranked the top tourist attraction in Ashbourne.
Is three days enough to stay in Ashbourne?
Three days in Ashbourne is more than enough to enjoy the city's major highlights. Many guests book for two days on average. Emerald Park, Blackbush Golf Club and Rathbeggan Lakes are among the most popular sights. Want to see more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Dublin.
What are some activities to do in Ashbourne with kids?
Planning what to do in Ashbourne with kids has never been easier. Whether you're holidaying with teenagers or toddlers, there are loads of family-friendly sights to keep them busy here.

What to do in Ashbourne for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or fan of nature, there are loads of things to do in Ashbourne for adults.
Are there free things to do in Ashbourne?
With plenty of cheap things to do in Ashbourne, you can enjoy the area without reaching for your wallet. Check out free events and festivals or stroll through the local neighbourhoods.