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.
Keep the momentum and inspiration flowing with this curated weekend itinerary from Dublin Brand, blending culture, sights, history, food, and events on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th January 2026.
Start Saturday with Culture, Coffee and 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 and 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, Dublin City Centre
Dublin Castle and 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 and its Cultural Gems
Soak in the rhythm of our city with a quick stroll south through quintessential Dublin nearby.
Grafton Street is the perfect change of pace. Refuel with a relaxed coffee at the historic coffee house Bewley’s Oriental Cafe. 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 oasis 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. Open Monday to 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 to 6:45pm, last entry 5:00pm.
Slow the Pace: Guided Walks and 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 2 hour guided walking tour through the city’s historic streets and venues.
Typical start time: late morning or early afternoon, often around 11:00am. Check availability close to your visit.
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.
Walk in the footsteps of one of Ireland’s greatest literary figures through Dublin’s streets and explore the settings that shaped James Joyce’s life and work.
Typical start time: late morning or early afternoon, varies by date.
Cover more ground with this relaxed 2.5 to 3 hour 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.
Saturday Night Comes Alive with Evening Gigs and TradFest
If you’re up for some local craic and weekend gigs, we’ll have you sorted in no time.
TradFest, Temple Bar and Dublin Surrounds
You’re in luck this weekend, as you won’t have to leave Dublin for quality traditional Irish music.
Catch TradFest, a dynamic celebration of Irish music across venues in Temple Bar and the wider Dublin region.
There are multiple events ranging from intimate sessions to featured performances. Book ahead 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 a convivial atmosphere. There’s even a city shuttle when you make a booking.
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.
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. Look out 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.
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, Dublin
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 6:00pm with this new interactive guide.
Dublin.ie: Our What’s On section is another portal to many of the city’s hidden gems.
Where To Stay
Recommended
Clayton Cardif Lane Hotel
6 Minute WalkCONFERENCE
At Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane, we’re always dedicated to experiences that are all about you.
Located in the heart of Dublin, a short stroll from the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and Dublin’s Docklands, it’s a place that has everything from food, culture and entertainment. Make the most of your stay at our Club Vitae Leisure Centre, with one of the largest swimming pools in Dublin city along with a separate kids pool. If you want to explore the area, we’re conveniently located within walking distance of the city centre, and Pearse DART station which connects you across the whole of Dublin.
Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel is a sleek, contemporary landmark inspired by the elements and overlooking the waterfront of Grand Canal Square. This luxury hotel in Dublin is in an ideal position for exploring the city’s main tourist attractions and its main business and financial district. It is conveniently close to the IFSC and the Convention Centre Dublin.
