4 Ways to Beat the Dublin Winter Blues

Sunday night, as we drove back from Cork, the temperature gauge on the dashboard hovered between -1 and +1 Celsius. Luckily it was a dry evening or it would have been a harrowing drive. Just the day before, we got caught in a gusty freak snow squall on an otherwise sunny day, and there were iced over puddles in the parking lot when we left the hotel. Back in Dublin, the sun is shining today, but I’m skeptical.

There are hints that spring is coming, but we’re still a ways away from daffodils here in Dublin. For the next few weeks, while we’re still in winter survival mode, I thought we all might need a few tricks to beat the Dublin winter blues. I know I certainly do!

1. Get Some Fresh Air

It’s not always possible, what with the wind and the slushy snow and rain, but getting fresh air is an instant mood changer. A walk around the block, or even better, a stroll down a beach with a friend as the sun sets, can lessen the feeling of being trapped inside by the weather. We like to bundle and head over to Hole in the Wall Beach in Sutton for the best sunset views or Portmarnock Strand for a view of Howth head.

I also like to keep an eye out for the first green shoots in our garden, which always makes me feel like spring is just around the corner (even when it isn’t). We have paperwhites and hyacinths starting to poke through already!

2. Take the Glasnevin Cemetery Tour

This one’s a little quirky, but taking the Glasnevin Cemetery Tour is a fun excursion on an afternoon – and will perhaps remind you that things could be worse than enduring a Dublin winter? And you can even give yourself a reward at the end – a pint or two in Gravedigger’s Pub around the corner. It’s one of the cosiest around and they’re gaining a reputation lately for their tapas, of all things!

3. Make a date for the Lighthouse Cinema

With Oscars season upon us, we may as well take advantage of the good movies out. Make a date with a friend or loved one to have lunch and a movie at the independently run Lighthouse Cinema in Smithfield. Try Third Space, L. Mulligan Grocer, or Oxmantown for lunch, and catch one of their matinees.

4. Get Cosy

One of the things that has helped me cope with the dark, dark days of winter is to embrace the season as much as possible. I try to remind myself that it’s candle season (in the summer you can’t light candles until about 10pm!). On normal weekday evenings, we light candles at dinnertime and it makes the dark evenings much less dreary.

We don’t have a fireplace in our house, but my friend Ruth just did a great post on three of the best firesides in Dublin you can cosy up to with a hot drink. I can’t wait to park it in front of the fire at the Cobalt Cafe, a new-to-me spot!

And when in doubt, pick up a decadent hot chocolate. Here are my 5 current favorite spots for cocoa in Dublin!

Are you planning a visit to Dublin? These are great spots to try, no matter when you arrive! If you’re looking for a place to stay, try Expedia to book your winter visit.