Our dad is honestly the chillest guy ever. He often says the best gift for him is peace and quiet at home. But that’s just frustrating for us. Because deep down, we feel he’s still expecting something even if he won’t say it out loud. He’s lucky we love him.
It took us a while, but over time, my siblings and I eventually figured out how to treat Dad right on special occasions. Sure, that often comes with lots of wrong turns, Google Map arguments, and gas station sandwiches. But hey, it’s all part of tradition now.
But this year, we’ve finally nailed it. We’ve got a solid list of activities for Father’s Day around Ireland. No matter if your dad is quiet, active, or a bit of a drunk, here are some of our top activities that we reckon will make his day special.
What can I do for Dad’s Day in Ireland?
There are a bunch of things you can do for Dad’s Day in Ireland! Some of the best ideas are going for a drive, visiting a brewery, watching sports, dining at a pub, and riding a boat.
Go for a Scenic Drive
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If your dad loves relaxing long drives, The Ring of Kerry offers among the best landscapes for Father’s Day in Ireland.
You’ll see charming towns like Killarney, Kenmare, Sneem, and Cahersiveen, so you’ll find coastal cliffs, lush green hills and distant islands, as well as historic sites with stone forts, ancient churches, and the famous Staigue Fort.
We bet your dad would also love the quaint villages with artisan shops and traditional pubs for that unique and authentic Irish charm.
Pro tip:
Make sure to start early with your scenic drive at The Ring of Kerry and go counter-clockwise! This way, you’ll beat tour buses and snag better sights by driving from Killarney through Killorglin and heading toward Kenmare last.
Do a Brewery Tour
Media credit: homeofguinness
Website: https://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/home
Address: St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8
Contact Details: +353 1 408 4800, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Last entry at 5:00 PM; building open until 7:00 PM
- Saturday – 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Last entry at 6:00 PM; building open until 8:00 PM
- Sunday – 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Last entry at 5:00 PM; building open until 7:00 PM
Fees:
- Guinness Storehouse Experience (Self-Guided Tour) – From €22 per person (midweek price)
- Guinness Storehouse Experience + Guinness Academy (with an added pint) – From €34 per person
- Guinness Storehouse Experience + Stoutie (an extra pint that features your selfie on the head) – From €30 per person
- Home of Guinness Experience (Fully Guided) – From €48 per person
- Guinness Storehouse Experience & Paddle at Open Gate Brewery – From €37 per person
Of course, which Irish dad doesn’t want a good Irish beer? Guinness Storehouse is one of our favourite attractions, great for treating your father on his special day.
Besides the great drinks, you can take a step further and explore over 260 years of Guinness history. You and your old man will learn about the brewing process through immersive activities, such as hands-on displays, scent stations, and multimedia.
Later, we say don’t forget to check out the gift shop as well. There, you can find many trinkets and eateries that offer more Guinness-infused dishes.
Friendly reminder:
We recommend choosing a late afternoon spot at Guinness Storehouse so you can head to the Gravity Bar right after, around sunset. Of course, we believe it’s smart to check the weather in advance too!
Attend a Sporting Event
Media credit: officialgaa
Website: https://www.gaa.ie/
Address: National Sports Campus, Snugborough Rd, Abbotstown, Dublin 15
Contact Details: +353 1 819 2971, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday to Sunday – Closed
Fees:
- Varies
Many fathers love sports, so we reckon this is an easy bonding session for you! For us, a Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) match, like hurling or Gaelic football, is an exciting experience you and your dad can share with pure Irish passion.
You’ll bask in an electric vibe with the most energetic fans! While the GAA match players are amateurs, we believe the intensity and talent are still there. Of course, you should totally brush up on the hurling or football teams and codes beforehand.
The way we see it, this is a great spot to cheer as loudly as you can—no angry neighbour telling your dad to keep it down when things get heated.
Cute idea:
Why not support your favourite team at the GAA by wearing their colours or jersey? We think you and your dad would look adorable, and it’s part of the fun!
Play Golf
Media credit: lahinchgolfclub
Website: http://www.lahinchgolf.com/
Address: Lahinch Golf Club, Dough, Lahinch, Co. Clare
Contact Details: +353 65 708 1003, [email protected]
Fees:
- Old Course – €375 for non-members during the season; €100 for member’s guests
- Castle Course – €60
- Club Hire – €75 per set
Playing a round of golf is also one of the simplest yet effective ways to make dads happy for Father’s Day. Lahinch Golf Club provides a scenic course as it’s on the edge of the Atlantic. It has dunes, cliffs, and a sea breeze that we reckon you’ll appreciate.
Not only that, but we also admire that this spot offers a challenging layout. You won’t get bored with the blind shots and natural hazards that amp up the thrill as you and your dad have a friendly competition.
Insider scoop:
We advise hiring a caddie at Lahinch Golf Club! Besides carrying golfers’ bags, local caddies can tell you all about the blind holes, bounces, and any other hidden trouble at the course.
For us, they could save you strokes and just make the game more hassle-free overall.
Book a Pub Dinner
Media credit: thetemplebarpub
Website: https://thetemplebarpub.com/
Address: 47-48 Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Contact Details: +353 1 672 5286, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 10:30 AM to 1:30 AM
- Thursday to Saturday – 10:30 AM to 2:30 AM
- Sunday – 12:30 PM to 2:30 AM
Fees:
- €10 to €20 per person
Is your dad a fan of the classic pub experience? The Temple Bar Pub offers a full-on cultural Irish experience that he would probably easily say yes to.
We think it’s got a bit of everything—live music, tasty Irish fare, and a big whiskey selection (over 450!). But if you’re still unfamiliar with whiskeys, you could try the whiskey tasting board! You can sample some of the best ones and pick your favourite.
As for the grub, we recommend the Guinness stew among others. Alternatively, you can get well-loved comfort food like fish and chips or other seafood dishes.
Something extra:
We suggest combining your Temple Bar Pub dinner with a pre- or post-meal walk across the Ha’penny Bridge.
Otherwise, you could go for a live music crawl through the district. The red facade outside is among the most photographed spots in Ireland too!
Take a Boat Trip
Media credit: corribprincesscruise
Website: https://corribprincess.ie/
Address: Waterside, Woodquay, Galway
Contact Details: +353 87 806 5366, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday – 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM, 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM, 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
- Wednesday to Sunday – 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM, 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
- Monday – Closed
Fees:
- Sightseeing River Cruise (1.5 hours) – From €20.14
- Private Cruise Hire – From €900
Should a leisurely boat trip be more of your father’s style, why not go aboard the Corrib Princess? You’ll cruise along the River Corrib and into Lough Corrib (one of Europe’s cleanest lakes), which offers you the best of Galway’s charms without any driving.
We believe this is a serene activity, with both comfy indoor and outdoor seating. The guided tour also talks about Galway’s castles, waterways, and local lore while you munch on the bar and snacks.
Must-know move:
Remember to bring a jacket to the Corrib Princess—it can get pretty breezy on the water. We know some dads are pretty stubborn. Still, we feel wearing layers can make things more comfortable even if the weather starts warm.
Get a Massage
Media credit: thebuffdayspa
Website: http://www.thebuffdayspa.com/
Address: 52 King St S, Dublin 2
Contact Details: +353 1 677 4624, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday & Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday & Monday: Closed
Fees:
- Varies
Dads are typically busy with work, and many of them haven’t really given self-care much thought. That’s why we think going to The Buff Day Spa for a chance to unwind and recharge can make hardworking fathers feel pampered and special.
There are plenty of massage options here! You could go for deep tissue, Swedish, or hot stone. Or, you could simply ask which body part your dad would want the therapist to focus on—his back, shoulder, or neck.
What’s more, we like that you can get access to the sauna and relaxation areas. And if your dad wants a facial, why join him and have a go at everything?
Savvy suggestions:
Before booking at The Buff Day Spa, we recommend looking at its website or social media pages for Father’s Day specials. You can get bundles with a massage, sauna, and express facial for better value.
Gift vouchers are available too! We think this is perfect if your Dad is currently busy and you prefer to book a custom treatment for another day.
Explore Archery
Media credit: greenhillsarchers
Website: http://www.greenhillsarchery.com/
Address: Tallaght Sports Complex, Castle Lawns, Dublin
Contact Details: +353 89 212 1799, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday: 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM
- Thursday to Tuesday – Closed
Fees:
- First Time Members Reduced Rate
- Adults – €160
- Juniors & Students – €115
- Yearly Renewals
- Adults – €190
- Juniors & Students – €130
- Shooting Fees (Hall Rental)
- Adults – €5
- Juniors & Students – €3
- Other Fees
Looking for something more active? For us, Greenhills Archery is a fantastic pick! No need to worry if you or your dad isn’t that sporty—this spot offers sessions suitable for beginners and hobbyists. You only need to want to sharpen your aim!
Besides, we believe that archery is perfect for competitive fathers who are all about skill-based fun. This requires a lot of focus and coordination, anyway. Of course, there will be safety briefings and ample equipment provided, so no need to bring anything.
Another thing we love is that the changing weather won’t spoil your fun. These archery sessions could be held indoors when it’s rainy.
Just to be sure:
If you’re hesitant to try a full session at Greenhills Archery, we recommend trying one of the shorter taster sessions here first. You can ask about these upon booking!