Pendulum Summit Weekend 2026: Hotspots, Happenings and Highlights

Extend your stay to make the most of your time in Dublin with lots to do during the weekend after Pendulum Summit 2026!

Keep the momentum and inspiration flowing with this curated weekend itinerary, blending culture, sights, history, food, and events on Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th January 2026.

Start Saturday with Culture, Coffee & Curated Strolls

Ease into the weekend with a nearby foray into Dublin’s Classic Cultural Quarter, a short walk from any city centre hotel. Enjoy the highlights of the city’s historic heart:

Trinity College & The Book of Kells

  • Walk through Trinity College Dublin’s cobblestone quadrangles, an Oxford-style campus in the centre of the city that speaks to centuries of Irish scholarship. (They even have a special Trinity Trails guided walking tour).
  • Reserve time for the Book of Kells exhibition; a concise but deeply memorable look at medieval art and scholarship.
Old Library at Trinity College showing sculptures and an illuminated globe

Old Library at Trinity College, Dublin City Centre

Dublin Castle & The Chester Beatty Museum

  • The perfect mid-day visit with the Dubh Linn gardens embedded in its centre. Explore the castle grounds and courtyards which are all walkable without a booking.
  • Pop into the Chester Beatty Museum and its scrumptious Silk Road Cafe nearby, a hidden gem filled with globally significant art collections and manuscripts.

Grafton Street, St. Stephen’s Green & its Cultural Gems

Soak in the rhythm of the city with a quick stroll south through quintessential Dublin nearby…

  • Grafton Street is the perfect change. Refuel with a relaxed coffee at the historic coffee house Bewley’s Oriental Café. Indulge in window-shopping in Georgian splendour along the way.
  • End up at St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin’s elegant Victorian park, the perfect little green oases to soothe the soul.
  • The square is flanked by The Little Museum of Dublin, a charismatic local history museum in a Georgian townhouse. Gain entry with a VERY entertaining guided tour. Open 9:30am to 5:00pm every day (Last entry at 4:30pm).
  • Walk across the square to the newest cultural must-see: MOLI – Museum of Literature in Ireland. An immersive display of Ireland’s literary heritage. Dublin is a UNESCO City of Literature, didn’t you know? Open Monday – Sunday, 10.30am to 5.30pm. Last admissions at 4.30pm.

The Epic Emigration Museum

Staying close to the Convention Centre? This award-winning foray into the Irish Diaspora is right on your doorstep.

  • Set in the restored vaults of Dublin’s Docklands’ CHQ Building, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum tells the global story of Irish emigration through immersive, digital-first galleries, interactive displays and personal stories.
  • Open 7 days a week. 10.00am – 6.45pm (Last entry 5pm)

Slow the Pace: Guided Walks & Mindful Moments

The Irish Traditional Music Tour

Discover Ireland’s rich musical roots, from ancient Celtic traditions to Dublin’s baroque and modern music scenes, on this 2hr guided walking tour through the city’s historic streets and venues.

  • Typical start time: Late morning / early afternoon (often around 11:00 am – check availability close to your visit)
  • Advance booking recommended – See info here.

Qigong at the Rooftop Garden, Chester Beatty

Slow things down with a free Qigong session on the rooftop garden at the Chester Beatty Building. A gentle, meditative practice focusing on breath, movement and balance.

James Joyce Walking Tour

Walk in the footsteps of one of Ireland’s greatest literary figures through our Dublin streets and explore the settings that shaped James Joyce’s life and work.

  • Typical start time: Late morning or early afternoon (varies by date)
  • Tickets: €25. Advance booking recommended – See info here.

Dublin Sightseeing Bike Tours

Cover more ground with this 2.5–3 hour relaxed guided urban bike tour of Dublin. Explore historic neighbourhoods, parklands and waterfront areas, with accessible local insight on tap.

  • Typical start time: Morning and early afternoon departures available
  • Advance booking recommended – See info here.

Saturday Night Comes Alive: Evening Gigs & TradFest

If you’re up for some local craic and weekend gigs, we’ll have you sorted in no time…

TradFest 2026

You’re in luck this weekend, as you won’t have to leave Dublin for quality traditional Irish music. Catch TradFest 2026, a dynamic celebration of Irish music in venues all across Dublin.

TradFest 2024 - Murice Lennon plays at The Pepper Canister, Dublin City

TradFest 2024 – Murice Lennon plays at The Pepper Canister, Dublin City

There are multiple live events that range from intimate sessions to featured performances – See this year’s lineup and book here.

Johnny Fox’s Saturday Experience

Perched high in the Dublin Mountains, a uniquely Irish country-pub experience awaits. Johnny Fox’s is also a destination known for hearty food, traditional music gigs and convivial atmosphere! There’s even a shuttle service that brings attendees there and back from the city centre available with bookings.

Nature Lovers, We’ve Got You Covered on Sunday

Coasts, castles, and fresh air are never far when you’re in Dublin!

Dún Laoghaire pier and its bustling town

Head south for fresh sea air with a bracing Dún Laoghaire promenade walk on the pier with its distinct Victorian features. You’ll get there easily with a southbound DART train from the city centre. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to local cafes and restaurants.

Howth Cliff Walk

Stick to Dublin’s north coast on the DART all the way to Howth. A charming coastal village with great panoramic views should you wish to ascend on the Howth Cliff Walk.

Howth Cliff Walk at Howth Head, County Dublin.

Malahide Castle and Gardens

Head Northbound and you’ll find more coastal delights. Visit Malahide Castle and Gardens for a blend of historic grandeur, scenic gardens and coastal village charm. Lookout for Tradfest gigs happening there on Saturday and Sunday.

Hellfire Club

Need some adventure? High in the Dublin Mountains, the Hellfire Club combines folklore, views and fresh air. This short hike rewards visitors with panoramic city-to-sea vistas and a dose of local legend!

Some Handy Pointers!

Book ahead online, especially for any guided tours and evening gigs. Arm yourself with a LEAP CARD to make the most of effortless transport links like DART, Luas, and Dublin Bus services, which keep you moving from city heritage to coastal views.

Here are some go-to sites to explore even more event listings

  • Dublin Nights Mapped: Explore things to do in the city after 6 pm with this new interactive guide!
  • Dublin.ie: Visit our website for a portal to many more of Dublin’s hidden gems!

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