University College Dublin Tours

University College Dublin
University College Dublin
Originally founded in 1854 as part of the Catholic University of Ireland, then reformed in 1880 and declared a university in its own right in 1908, University College Dublin is one of the Republic of Ireland’s oldest and most prestigious education institutions.

The university quickly established a reputation for attracting the best students and faculty in the country, including Fr. Gerald Manley Hopkins and writer James Joyce, becoming one of the most well-respected centres of learning in Europe.

By the 1940s, University College Dublin had outgrown its existing site in the city centre and a move to a new site at Bellfield was proposed. The new campus was located two and a half miles south of the city. Its design incorporated existing Georgian structures along with notable modern buildings, including the iconic water tower.

Today, University College Dublin plays a big part in city life, being home to around 30,000 students and 1,300 staff who add a huge amount to the social, artistic and sporting life of Dublin. Any visitor to the city should pay a visit to the campus and surrounding student areas, where they’ll discover a vibrant, fun and energetic scene.

Particular highlights include the Newman House building at St. Stephen’s Green and The Gardens behind Earlsford Terrace. Former University College Dublin buildings in the city centre have also become home to various government facilities, with one even being home to the Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Department.

Best Lodging Options Near University College Dublin

Find the best attractions near University College Dublin

During your visit to University College Dublin, explore the vibrant urban park, attend events at the conference venue, or dive into a good book at the library. Don't miss nearby attractions like Dublin Castle, Trinity College Dublin, and the scenic Dublin Bay, all just a short distance away. These cultural and family-friendly experiences will enrich your city adventure in Dublin.

  • The Convention Centre Dublin: Located 4.8km from University College Dublin, this modern venue is perfect for business events. Its striking architecture and state-of-the-art facilities create a professional atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for conferences and exhibitions.
  • St. Stephen's Green: Just 3.2km away, this beautiful urban park offers a peaceful escape in the city. With lush gardens, walking paths, and tranquil ponds, it’s a perfect place for families to relax and enjoy outdoor activities amidst Dublin's vibrant atmosphere.
  • Grafton Street: Situated 4.8km from the university, this bustling street is a shopper's paradise. Known for its lively atmosphere, street performers, and a mix of high-end shops and local boutiques, it’s a must-visit for experiencing Dublin's city vibes.

Best time to go to University College Dublin

The best time to visit University College Dublin is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
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 CloudyAverageAverage
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 CloudySlightly LowAverage
November46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for University College Dublin

To save money on your trip to University College Dublin, consider visiting between December and February when hotel prices are lower. Book your stay about a month in advance for the best rates, and look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Utilize Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly accommodations and explore package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to filter for eco-friendly hotels to support sustainable travel while saving money.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around University College Dublin 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 University College Dublin 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 University College Dublin is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around University College Dublin is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to customize your travel plans by setting your budget, choosing your ideal location, and more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your options by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your University College Dublin hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.