5 free things to do in Dublin

If you're planning a trip to Dublin then there are probably a million and one things you'd like to do. Just visit Travelodge.ie and you'll see how many places there are to stay in the city, but what about when you're there, and what if you're on a tight budget?

Luckily Dublin offers lots of free events and sights to keep the whole family busy, so whether you're staying in the Travelodge Stephens Green Hotel, visiting friends or just there on business, try and squeeze in some of the following places of interest.

North Bull Island

Sat in the middle of Dublin Bay, North Bull Island is a wildlife lover's paradise. Home to 25,000 wading birds and boasting the impressive Royal Dublin Golf Course there is something to keep even the pickiest of tourists busy. Few think about experiencing the nature reserve but those that venture that far are rewarded with some beautiful scenery and a chance to see the local wildlife in their own habitat.

Trinity College

Founded in 1592 and home to some very famous alumni in its past, Trinity College is a must-see for any academic or bookworm. You will see it on the way to the more popular tourist spot of Grafton Street but do more than pop your head in and you will not regret it. The architecture is a joy to behold and the walls and corridors creak with history. You might even catch a few of the country's future sports stars training or see the next big Irish poet reciting their carefully crafted words on the campus lawn.

Chester Beatty Library

This is more of a museum than a library, but step inside to reveal a building of wonderment. Home to hundreds of rare books and manuscripts, of which many boast intricate and beautiful illustrations, you can get lost walking around the aisles of this cultural haven. For a small fee you can even have a guided tour where a knowledgeable employee will show you all the secrets this venue has to offer.

National Photographic Archive

You'll no doubt be taking a lot of pictures while exploring Dublin, but step into the National Photographic Archive for some serious inspiration. Home to 630,000 images you can enjoy everything the archive has to offer through a number of exhibitions or sat in the calm of the reading room.