Spring is here. The weather is warmer, the lighter morning's and evenings are back and everyone's favourite bank holiday weekend is right round the corner. If you've been looking for an excuse to plan a city break, spending Easter in Dublin is the perfect opportunity. Gather the family for a well-deserved getaway or catch up with friends over a few days away from the usual routine.
The city truly comes alive during this long weekend. You'll find a brilliant mix of things to do in Dublin for Easter, from historical commemorations and vibrant family days out to quiet moments in beautiful parks. Our guide covers all the highlights you can expect to see, including grand parades, a fantastic easter egg hunt Dublin style and the absolute best spots for a traditional Sunday roast.
And every memorable trip needs a solid plan to get you there. At Aircoach, we consider ourselves the support act to your weekend. We handle the hassle of travel so you can simply get on board, relax and get straight to the good bit. No worrying about tolls, navigation or city parking - just comfortable seats and a reliable schedule to kick off your Easter bank holiday the right way.
The Headliner: 2026 Easter Parade Dublin
The annual Easter Rising Commemoration Parade stands out as the main event of the weekend. Easter holds deep historical significance in Ireland, and this parade through the city centre serves as a striking tribute to the events of 1916. As one of the most significant Easter events Dublin has to offer, it draws visitors from all over to witness the spectacle.
Crowds line the streets to see impressive marching bands, military displays, historical reenactments and the traditional reading of the Proclamation outside the General Post Office (GPO). To secure a good view, plan to arrive early and find a spot along O'Connell Street.
How to Get to Dublin Easter Parade
Navigating the city centre during major events can be a headache, but taking the coach means zero stress about finding a parking space. Our city centre stops on O'Connell Street put you right next to the action. Keep in mind that due to road closures for the Easter Parade festivities, our O'Connell Street stop usually shifts to nearby TFI stop 7402 on Gardiner Street which is only a short 10 minute walk away. Just hop off the coach, grab a hot coffee and join the crowds.
Family-Friendly Easter Activities Dublin
If you have the kids in tow, there are plenty of fantastic family-friendly Easter activities that Dublin hosts across the bank holiday.
A brilliant place to start is the beloved Dublin Zoo Easter experience. Throughout the break, the zoo hosts special seasonal trails, like their famous Great Penguin Eggventure, alongside animal encounters and Junior Easter Workshops. It's an engaging way for little ones to learn about wildlife while burning off some holiday energy.
For a magical afternoon, a visit to the grounds of Malahide Castle and Gardens is a must. They host a fantastic annual trail, letting the kids run wild to solve puzzles, meet fairytale characters and claim their chocolate prizes. It's the perfect seasonal trail that families love, all while parents get to enjoy the beautiful scenery and fresh air.
Local estates like Newbridge House and Farm also throw excellent Family Fun Days. With crafts, games and farmyard animals greeting visitors, these wide-open spaces are a breath of fresh air for busy families looking to make the most of the school break.
Where to Grab your Easter Sunday Lunch in Dublin
Your Dublin Easter weekend wouldn't be complete without a good Sunday lunch. Luckily, the city is packed with fantastic venues serving up traditional roasts with all the classic trimmings.
If you prefer a cosy atmosphere, head towards the traditional pubs nestled around St. Stephen’s Green or the lively Temple Bar area. These spots offer hearty portions of roast lamb or beef alongside a welcoming, relaxed vibe. For something a bit more upscale, the city centre has plenty of renowned restaurants perfect for a special holiday meal with the family or friends.
The best part about leaving the car at home is that you can enjoy a good drink or two alongside your roast without giving the drive home a second thought. Your dependable coach journey is already sorted, so you can truly unwind. Just remember that Easter Sunday is incredibly popular, so booking your lunch table ahead of time is vital - just like booking your coach tickets!
Getting There: We're the Bit in the Middle
We know that the journey itself is just the bit between your front door and your destination. Getting to the capital is effortless with Aircoach, and we have a route to suit your plans:
- From Dublin Airport: Direct, 24/7 services running up to every 15 minutes to drop you right in the city centre.
- From Dublin South: Convenient local routes bringing you straight from the suburbs into the heart of the action.
- From Northern Ireland: Effortless, direct express services connecting Belfast and Derry to Dublin.
- From Cork: Affordable and direct express service dropping off and picking up in both city centres.
We make the practical side of travel incredibly simple. Enjoy complete comfort with amenities like free WiFi to plan your day, charging points to keep your devices topped up and onboard toilets. Our schedules are reliable (parade day or not), getting you where you need to be, when you need to be there.
We're also the most affordable choice for your weekend away, with online fares starting from only €6. We offer smart ways to save, too. You can enjoy a 10% family discount when booking for two adults and two children online. Students and young adults can also apply their Leap Cards at checkout for a 50% discount. More savings on travel means more money to spend on your Easter bank holiday weekend.
Get Ready for Easter in Dublin
A brilliant bank holiday awaits you, packed with rich history, family fun and fantastic food. By taking Aircoach, you completely remove the stress of traffic, tolls and parking from your itinerary, leaving you with nothing to do but enjoy your well earned break.
We're here to get you there, and we'll be here when you get back. Book your seats online today to secure the best fares and let the countdown to your Easter getaway in Dublin begin.