The Ultimate Guide To Dublin, Ireland
Ireland is an island nation just west of England. The capital city, Dublin, is known for lively pubs, charming streets, gorgeous green spaces, stunning cathedrals, and much more. Dublin is the gateway to the Emerald Isle and is certainly worth a visit. There is so much to do and see in this enchanting city. This guide to Dublin, Ireland will have everything you need to plan the perfect trip! Read on to discover the captivating city of Dublin.
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The Ultimate Guide To Dublin, Ireland
When Visit Dublin
The best time to visit Dublin is May - December. The summer months are lovely in Dublin because of the warm and sunny weather. It is tourist season in the summer, so it will be more expensive in terms of hotels and flights.
I am a strong advocate for shoulder seasons. (the season right before or after tourist season) I visited Dublin in October and found the weather and prices to be great and the crowds to be light. The main reason I love shoulder seasons is because everything is so much cheaper.
The holidays are also a great time to visit Dublin because of the decorations.
If you are visiting Dublin this fall - A Minimalist Dublin Fall Packing List.
About Dublin
CURRENCY: Euro // cards are accepted everywhere in Dublin
SAFETY: Overall Dublin is a very safe city. Take normal precautions like you would in any city. You should try to avoid Connolly Station and Pearse Street as they are the most unsafe parts of Dublin.
PLUGS: Type G
How Long To Stay In Dublin
Dublin can easily be done in 2 days. Although if you have the time than I would stay for 4 days, so you don't miss a thing.
If you love off the beaten path travel - 27 Hidden Gems In Dublin.
Getting Around Dublin
The best way to experience a city is walking. Dublin is a very walkable city - so if you don't need to take public transportation, don't!
If you need to use public transportation I would recommend the tram. The tram goes all through the city, is easy to navigate, and is very affordable. You can get tickets for the tram in Dublin very easily by just hoping on one and paying 50 cents. More on the Dublin tram here.
If you are visiting a nearby town outside of Dublin or somewhere that is not walking distance the train is very easy to navigate and is super affordable. More on Dublin's train system here.
Another affordable way to get around Dublin is the hop on hop off buses. I love these buses because they stop at all of the best tourist attractions and frequently come to pick you back up. You can book the buses in advance here.
✈️Check The Latest Fares to Dublin here
Where To Stay In Dublin
🛎️Dublin Hostel: Abbey Court Hostel - If you are a fellow budget traveller and are looking for a good hostel in Dublin the Abbey Court Hostel is the best with great reviews and a perfect location. Make sure that you book ahead of time because the Abbey Court Hostel will sell out, especially in the summer months.
🛎️Mid - Range Dublin Hotel: Motel One Dublin - I loved my time at Motel One Dublin. Don't let the name throw you off, this is no motel. Motel One Dublin has lovely decor, clean rooms, and friendly staff. You will not find a better location in Dublin. Motel One is located right next to the famous Ha'penny Bridge and across the river is the Temple Bar district.
🛎️High - Range Dublin Hotel: The Fitzwilliam Hotel - Located near the stunning and relaxing St. Stephens Green, the Fitzwilliam Hotel offers a luxurious experience in beautifully decorated rooms and top notch service. If you are looking for a little bit of luxury in a great location the Fitzwilliam Hotel is perfect for you.
🛎️Luxury Dublin Hotel: The Shelbourne - The Shelbourne is one of Dublin's best hotels. You will be in the perfect location, in between Grafton Street and St. Stephen Green, and you will have a luxurious experience with everything you need.
What To Do In Dublin
Ha'penny Bridge
The Ha'penny Bridge is a adorable little pedestrian bridge used to cross the Liffey River to the Temple Bar district from the northern part on the city. This bridge was the first pedestrian bridge built in Dublin, May of 1816. The Ha'penny Bridge is a perfect place for some cute pictures and to get a view of the Liffey River.
You will not need more than ten minutes at the Ha'Penny Bridge as it is a stop that you will just look at for a few minutes and take a picture.
Explore Trinity College
This guide to Dublin would not be complete without a visit to Trinity College. Located in the center of Dublin is the famous Trinity College. Trinity College is known as being the most competitive and beautiful college in Ireland. The buildings are old and covered in ivy and the facilities are top-notch. If you have the time I would recommend bringing a good book and relaxing on the luscious green grass for an afternoon.
Book Of Kells
Located in Trinity College, The Book of Kells Is a Manuscript made in the medieval times that illustrates the Four Gospels and is very important to Irish history. After you have seen the book you will enter to the Trinity College Library that you have probably seen all over instagram. The Trinity College Library is absolutely stunning and is a must see in Dublin.
You must buy tickets ahead of time when visiting the Book of Kells and Trinity College Library because they will sell out. I didn't, so I had to wait until my last day in Dublin to go, this can be a problem if you only have a certain amount of time in Dublin. You also do not want to miss this while in Dublin, so plan ahead. Buy the Book of Kells and Trinity College Library tickets here.
There are no photographs allowed at the Book of Kells so you will have to see it for yourself.
I would dedicate at least 2 hours to Trinity College and the Book of Kells.
Grafton Street
Just outside of Trinity College is the lively Grafton Street. Grafton Street has all of the shops you could think of and has a super fun vibe to it. There are always singers and performers on Grafton Street. (Ed Sheeran used to perform on Grafton Street) Grafton is a must see in Dublin.
Stay away from restaurants on Grafton, they tend to be overpriced and not very good.
Stroll Down St. Annes Street
Many people miss St. Annes Street when in Dublin because they don't know where it is. Located just off of Grafton Street, St. Annes Street will only take a few minutes out of your day. Make sure to take a picture of the umbrellas and St. Ann's Church.
St. Stephens Green
If you are like me and need a break from the city at some point during your trip than St. Stephens Green is a perfect place to have that break. Stroll through this lovely park and admire the green grass and the pond full of ducks and swans. St. Stephens Green is a great place for a picnic or a run.
Temple Bar Pub
This guide to Dublin would not be complete without a visit to the Temple Bar Pub. On the outside of the pub you will find gorgeous window boxes and a bright red building that is absolutely stunning. Make sure to snap a picture of the pub from the outside. Once you are inside Temple Bar Pub you will find live Irish music and tons of Guinness.
The Temple Bar tends to be a bit overpriced but you cannot miss it on your trip to Dublin.
Dublin Castle
If you are looking to learn a little bit more about Ireland's history than the the Dublin Castle is the perfect place to visit. You will learn all about the kings and queens of Ireland while exploring the historical Dublin Castle. The Castle dates back to the 13th century and is well preserved.
The tickets to the Dublin Castle can be bought upon arrival. Or you can buy them ahead here.
Christ Church Cathedral
The Christ Church Cathedral is a short walk from the Dublin Castle. The Cathedral is an easy and quick stop that is definitely worth your time, and it is oldest building in Dublin. If you don't want to buy tickets to get inside then admiring the Christ Church Cathedral from the outside is an excellent idea.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
St. Patrick's Cathedral is absolutely stunning. This cathedral opened in the 1100's and is still well persevered. While in St. Patrick's Cathedral you will have the opportunity to learn all about St. Patrick and other important people in Ireland's history.
You can buy tickets upon arrival at St. Patrick's Cathedral.
Guinness Storehouse
It is impossible to walk through Dublin and not see Guinness being advertised everywhere. The Irish love there Guinness and want to make sure that you know that. The Guinness Storehouse is the most visited place in Ireland, and for good reason! It is decked out with amazing exhibits and activities to participate in.
Although beer is not my cup of tea, I still enjoyed my visit to The Guinness Storehouse. Admission is 30 euros and includes a beer at the Gravity Bar that overlooks all of Dublin.
Howth Cliff Walk
Howth is an easy 30 minute train ride from Dublin. If you are not able to visit the Cliffs of Moher on your trip to Ireland or have some extra time in Dublin Howth Cliff Walk is a lovely thing to do.
The train is only 2 euros and it brings you right to the hike. You will see marvelous cliffs that overlook the water and you will be able to enjoy Irish nature.
If you to do the entire walk give yourself an entire afternoon or morning. I did one of the shorter trails and it only took about an hour.
There are many pubs and cafes in Howth so don't worry about packing any food.
🥾Read Next - A Complete Guide To Howth Cliff Walk
The Cliffs Of Moher
While in Ireland the Cliffs of Moher is a must. The only problem is that the cliffs are on the other side of the country. You will have to dedicate an entire day and a lot of driving to the cliffs if you want to see them while in Dublin.
To drive across the whole country it only take about 2.5 hours, so seeing the cliffs is manageable. I would do a tour from Dublin so you don't have to worry about getting tickets to the cliffs and renting a car. Make sure to book the tour ahead of time because it will sell out. This tour is very good and affordable.
🚗Cliff Of Moher Tour From Dublin
Where To Dine In Dublin
Best Coffee/breakfast In Dublin
Vice Coffee Inc. - Vice Coffee is a super cool coffee shop and bar located in the northern part of the city. If you are looking for a coffee cocktail than Vice is for you!
Legit Coffee Company - Legit Coffee Company is a great place to grab your morning coffee in Dublin. The small coffee shop in the Temple Bar District serves lovely lattes, pastries, and breakfast items.
Proper Order Coffee - Located in the northern part of Dublin you will find the grab and go coffee shop Proper Order. Proper Order serves some of the best coffee and pastries in the city!
Shoe Lane Coffee - Shoe Lane Coffee has two locates on Dublin (one by Trinity College and one by Dún Laoghaire Harbor). At Shoe Lane you will find amazing coffee and food - it is also a great cafe to sit and do work in Dublin.
Beanhive Coffee - Beanhive is a great place to go for brunch in Dublin. You will find incredible latte art and full Irish breakfasts served at the lovely Beanhive.
☕Read Next - Best Coffee In Dublin
Best Restaurants In Dublin
Etto - Etto is a lovely European restaurant located right next to St. Stephens Green. Perfect if you are looking for a fancy dinner in Dublin, be sure to make a reservation at Etto.
Shouk - Shouk is a middle eastern restaurant located in the northern part of Dublin. If you are looking for a casual, yet delicious dinner Shouk is perfect.
777 - 777 is an incredible Mexican restaurant located in the Temple Bar District. The causal mexican joint is perfect for a fun night out in Dublin!
The Winding Stair - The Winding Stair is probably the most unique restaurant on this list. The restaurant doubles as a bookshop and a cafe. You can find traditional Irish dishes at The Winding Star.
Hang Dei - Hang Dei is an experience. The Chinese restaurant is set to look like a subway car. You will find amazing Chinese food and live music at Hang Dei. Make a reservation.
pubs/going out In Dublin
Temple Bar - Temple Bar is easily one of the most iconic sites to see in Dublin. you will find live Irish music and plenty of Guinness at the Temple Bar.
Bar Pez - If you are looking for something a bit more sophisticated, Bar Pez is perfect. The Spanish inspired wine bar serves up tapas and has a lengthy list of wines to choose from.
Sidecar - Located in the Westbury Hotel you will find The Sidecar, a 30s cocktail bar. The picturesque Sidecar serves all your favorite drinks along with some unique ones to try.
Best Tours To Take In Dublin
- Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City from Dublin - This is the best way to see the iconic Cliffs of Moher if you are short on time! It is a lot, but totally doable + worth it.
- Dublin Jameson Distillery and Guinness Storehouse Guided Tour - This tour is awesome if you are going to Dublin during a busier month (includes skip the line tickets) or just want to learn more about how beer is made.
- Dublin to Rock of Cashel, Cork City & Blarney Castle Guided Tour - This tour is great if you want to get out of the city and see more of Ireland (without the stress and hassle of driving).
- St Patrick's Cathedral, Book of Kells and Dublin Castle Tour - This tour is great if you don't want to navigate the city by yourself. You will see most of Dublin's main sights on this tour.
- Dublin to Belfast (Black Cab), Dunluce Castle & Giant's Causeway - This tour is super unique because you will get to venture into Northern Ireland for the day (which is technically a different country). You will have the opportunity to explore Belfast + see the incredible Giant's Causeway.
🚗Explore All The Tours In Dublin
Hidden Gems In Dublin
Dublin is full of amazing hidden gems and secret spots. Here are a few that I stumbled upon and was not expecting:
Marsh's Library - Located right next to the stunning St. Patrick's Cathedral is an adorable hidden library. Marsh's Library dates back to the 18th century and is sure does look like it too. The wooden shelves and dimly lit rooms are truly captivating.
The Cake Cafe - Situated right behind the charming Daintree Paper shop (a bookstore) sits, the equally and charming Cake Cafe. They serve coffee, breakfast goods, and of course, cake!
The Ultimate Guide To Dublin, Ireland Wrap Up
Dublin is easily one of the best cities to visit in Europe. The magnificent cathedrals, beautiful parks, piquesque streets, and friendly locals made me fall in love with Dublin. I hope that this guide to Dublin helps you plan an amazing trip to Ireland. If you liked this post I think you will love my post all about the Best Coffee Shops In Dublin, Ultimate Guide To Galway and London On a Budget.
Happy Travels,
Daisy
this is a great guide to dublin!