Dublin Travel Guide

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view of the Liffey River in Dublin at sundown

I love Dublin. There is so much literary and cultural history here you can’t help but feel inspired as you explore. It’s a lively city brimming with traditional pubs, live music and dancing (so much Irish jigging), and a hearty, vibrant food scene. And, on a cloudy day, you can really feel the angst. It gives the city a moody feel.

While Dublin does have something for everyone, I think history buffs and late-night revelers will get the most out of the city. Some of the world’s most famous writers cut their teeth here and there is a sprawling pub scene that ensures you’re never far from your next pint.

Best of all, Dubliners are a friendly, inquisitive bunch always happy to show you an exciting time.

You just simply can’t go wrong with a few days here. It’s a magical spot.

This travel guide to Dublin will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit.

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Dublin

Temple Bar in downtown Dublin, Ireland on a sunny summer day
1. Tour the Guinness Storehouse

Learn the history and brewing process of Ireland’s most famous export. Brewed in Ireland since 1759, Guinness is an Irish dry stout created by Arthur Guinness, that is beloved around the world. The Storehouse building dates to the early 1900s and Guinness originally used it as a fermentation house. Each entry ticket comes with a free pint which you can enjoy in their in-house bar. Inside, you’ll learn about the history of Guinness from how it was brewed and stored in the early days to its current production. There are interactive and interesting displays showing their advertising campaigns over the years and an immersive tasting room experience. If you book online, you get 10% off and can skip the line. Admission is 20 EUR.

2. Relax in St. Stephen’s Green

St. Stephen’s Green is one of the oldest commons in Dublin. Located right in the heart of the city, it provides a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle. The land was originally occupied by St. Stephen’s church in the 13th century and was used to graze livestock. In the late 1600s, the City Assembly decided to turn the land into a public park, and by the 18th century, it had become a fashionable place to see and be seen by wealthy socialites. Stroll along the Beux Walk on the northern edge of the park, and you’ll walk in the footsteps of Dublin’s high society. The park has a sensory garden for the blind, busts paying tribute to famous figures like James Joyce, a memorial to the Great Famine (1845-1852), and other historic statues. Plenty of plants and animals call the natural oasis home, and on a sunny day, it’s one of the best places for people-watching and picnics.

3. Take a tour of Trinity College

Founded in the late 16th century, Trinity is Ireland’s oldest university. It was founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592 and remains one of the most distinguished colleges in the world. The college has an art gallery and displays the Book of Kells, an ancient manuscript dating to 800 CE. The Old Library, which houses the Book of Kells, also houses the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic along with a harp from the 15th century that has served as the model for Ireland’s emblem. A guided tour is 33.50 EUR and includes admission into the Old Library Exhibition and the Book of Kells.

4. Tour Kilmainham Gaol

Erected in the late 18th century, Kilmainham is the city’s famous former prison. The jail once held some of Ireland’s most notorious prisoners and revolutionaries, including the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising (an armed uprising against the British). You can even view the eerie Stonebreaker’s Yard where 14 of the political prisoners were executed by firing squad. This was also where inmates bound for the prisoner colonies in Australia were held. More than 4,000 came through here before embarking on the long journey to their new homeland. The prison closed in 1924 and was restored in the 1960s. The tour is really worth taking too; it takes about an hour and a half and afterward you’ll be able to explore the museum on your own. Admission is 8 EUR.

5. Drink in Temple Bar

Although it’s crowded and touristy, Temple Bar is the place to experience Dublin’s nightlife. The area dates to the Middle Ages and fell into disrepair before being rebuilt in the 17th century. It was named after Sir William Temple, who was the provost of Trinity College in the early 1600s. The neighborhood runs along the River Liffey and performers, pubs, and independent shops line the streets. For drinks, check out the famous Temple Bar, Vintage Cocktail Club, and The Norseman. If you visit the area during the day, you’ll often find it just as lively with street festivals and markets.

 

Other Things to See and Do in Dublin

1. Take a free walking tour

I’m always a fan of walking tours as they offer a lot of insight into the history of your destination. Dublin Free Walking Tour and Generation Tours offer regular tours that last 2-3 hours and cover the main highlights. You’ll get a glimpse of Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, Trinity College, St. Stephen’s Green, and other iconic sights. The tours will also walk through the Temple Bar area and give you an excellent overview of what to see in the city. It’s the best way to get the lay of the land and ask a local expert all your questions. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

2. Explore The Chester Beatty

Situated at the back of Dublin Castle, The Chester Beatty boasts a wonderful and sizable collection of Asian, Far Eastern, and Islamic artifacts. You can admire Egyptian Books of the Dead, illuminated Ethiopian parchments, Jesuit travel journals, French manuscripts, Iranian narrative paintings, and more. They also host a lot of temporary exhibitions, lectures by invited guests, and workshops, most of which are also free to attend. It’s one of the best museums in the country. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

3. Learn about “Dublinia”

Dublin was founded by Vikings and this museum focuses on the city’s Viking and medieval history. It’s a historical recreation museum with exhibits like medieval street scenes and Viking longboats. They also have actors in costumes to bring it all to life (you can get dressed up in period clothing too). You can learn about crime and punishment in medieval Dublin, see period weapons and armor, and get a glimpse of actual artifacts on loan from the National Museum. You can also climb the 96 steps to the top of St. Michael’s Tower (a real medieval tower) to take in the view.

4. See Dublin Castle

At the heart of the city lies Dublin Castle, which was completed in the early 13th century. Built as a defense against future invasions, the castle acted as the English seat of governance in Ireland. In 1673, it was destroyed by fire and was rebuilt in the Georgian style. The castle remained the seat of government until 1922 when Ireland gained independence. Today, the building is used for governmental business, state receptions, and inaugurations. You can explore the grounds for free but a self-guided tour of the State Apartments costs 8 EUR. You can also do guided tours for 12 EUR.

5. Go on a literary pub crawl

Dublin has a long history of producing incredible writers. This city produced Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw, and W.B. Yeats to name just a few. The Dublin Literary Pub Crawl is a two-hour walking tour conducted by actors who perform scenes from some of Ireland’s literary greats while you enjoy a drink at four different pubs along the way. It costs 15 EUR. They also run a weekly literary walk that visits iconic spots around the city that relate to Dublin’s famous writers. These tours last two hours and cost 18 EUR.

6. Tour the Jameson Distillery

Jameson was one of Dublin’s first distilleries, dating back to 1780. It was started by the Scottish born, John Jameson, and his four sons and stayed in the family for more than one hundred years. It’s the world’s best-selling Irish whiskey and although Jameson isn’t made in the city anymore (it’s made in Cork now), their distillery remains and hosts daily tours. You can learn about the whiskey-making process and sample the product at the end of the tour. They offer classes for making whiskey cocktails and learning the ins and outs of whiskey tasting. Guided tours are 26 EUR. You can also take a whiskey blending class for 60 EUR.

7. Wander through Phoenix Park

This massive park is the second-largest enclosed city park in all of Europe. Spanning almost 1,800 acres, the homes of the U.S. Ambassador and the President of Ireland can be found here (as well as wild deer that have been living here for centuries). The park was created in 1662 and is also home to a polo field and the Dublin Zoo. You can explore the Magazine Fort, a military structure dating back to the 1700s, in the southeast part of the park. There’s even a prehistoric burial chamber that’s more than 5,500 years old tucked away in the park, west of St. Mary’s Hospital. It’s an ideal place for a quiet walk or a relaxing picnic on a sunny day.

8. Shop on Grafton and Powerscourt Center

Powerscourt Center is one of Dublin’s most popular shopping centers. Located just off Grafton Street, it’s located inside an 18th-century Georgia townhouse that’s been converted into a retail center. Admire the Rococo-style hallway, the Neoclassical music room (now a bridal boutique), and the ballroom (now an art gallery). While the intricate details within the house are stunning, the central courtyard, with its glass ceiling and crystal chandeliers, is even more eye-catching. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, this is a cool place to browse.

9. Take a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher

If you don’t have time to fully explore the west coast during your visit, try taking a day tour to the Cliffs of Moher. These cliffs, which stand a whopping 213 meters (700 feet) tall, are one of Ireland’s top attractions and a stunning sight to see up close. Most tours also include a stop in Galway, which can give you a little taste of life in western Ireland. Tours from Dublin take the whole day as you literally need to cross the entire country, but if it’s your only chance to see the Cliffs of Moher then you shouldn’t pass it up! Tours start at 69 EUR.

10. Visit Marsh’s Library

Built in 1707, Marsh’s Library is the first public library in Ireland. The library is located across from the cathedral in St Patrick’s Close. It has over 25,000 books and 300 historic manuscripts. Inside, you’ll find three traditional scholar alcoves (think “cages”) where readers would get locked in when reading a rare book so that they wouldn’t walk away with it. Famous authors like Bram Stoker and James Joyce have come to this library to research and find inspiration. You can even see what they were reading during their visits. Admission is 7 EUR.

11. Go to the National Leprechaun Museum

This quirky museum focuses on the folklore and mythology of leprechauns and fairies. A tour of the museum includes fun exhibits of giant furniture and other optical illusions. I had a lot of fun playing here with my friend and listening to the oral history of Ireland’s famous folklore. It was surprisingly informative and really fun. On Friday and Saturday nights, there is a DarkLand tour featuring tales from the darker side of Ireland, including some grim Irish folklore (it’s not suitable for kids). It costs 18 EUR for the daytime tour and the DarkLand tour costs 20 EUR.

12. See Newgrange

Located 45 minutes north of Dublin by car, Newgrange is a prehistoric burial mound that dates back over 5,200 years (which makes it older than both Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids). Human remains, as well as other artifacts, were found in the massive tomb, which is composed of a ring of stone topped by dirt. Inside are several chambers and passageways. Every year on the Winter Solstice, a beam of light streams down the perfectly aligned entrance passage to illuminate the interior of the burial chamber. Admission is 18 EUR. If you don’t have a car, there are day trips from Dublin to Newgrange and the Boyne Valley for 85 EUR.

 

How to Stay Safe in Dublin

Dublin is very safe and the risk of violent crime here is low. Petty theft and pick-pocketing can occur around high-traffic areas like Temple Bar (especially at night when people are drinking) as well as on crowded public transportation but as long as you keep an eye on your valuables you should be fine.

Some of the rougher parts of town you may want to avoid are Tallaght, Ballymun, Ringsend, Crumlin, Cork Street, Finglas, and Inchicore.

Scams here are rare, but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, be sure to follow standard safety precautions (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). For specific information about Dublin, check out one of the many incredible solo female travel blogs on the web. They’ll give you tips and advice that I can’t.

Don’t leave valuables inside a car if you rent a vehicle as snatch and grabs on tourist vehicles are common in Dublin.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 or 999 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase quality travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Where to Stay in Dublin

Dublin has a ton of fun, affordable hostels as well as a few budget hotels worth staying at in Dublin. Here are my suggested accommodations in the city:

If you’re not sure which neighborhood to stay in during your visit, here’s an article I wrote that can help you decide. Here’s a post with more of my hostel recommendations and another with more hotel recommendations.

Dublin Travel Costs

The city of Dublin, Ireland lit up by the water on a dark night

Accommodation

  • Hostel Dorms – 26-40 EUR per night
  • Hostel private rooms – 107-120 EUR per night (double during the summer)
  • Budget hotels – 95 EUR per night
  • Airbnb private rooms – 45-120 EUR per night
  • Airbnb apartments – 125-200 EUR per night
  • Campsite – 20 EUR per night

Food

  • Sit-down restaurants – 20-55 EUR
  • Casual take-out places – 10-16 EUR
  • Fast food (think McDonald’s) – 10 EUR
  • Beer – 6-7 EUR
  • Cappuccino/latte- 4 EUR
  • Bottled water – 2 EUR
  • Groceries for a week – 45-65 EUR

Dublin Suggested Budgets

Backpacker – 75 EUR Per Day

On a backpacking budget, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all of your meals, and take public transportation to get around. You’ll need to limit your drinking and stick to free/cheap activities like walking tours and visiting the Gaol. If you plan on drinking, add 5-15 EUR per day to your budget.

Midrange – 185 EUR Per Day

On a mid-range budget, you can stay in a private hostel room, budget hotel, or Airbnb room. You’ll be able to eat out for some meals at cheap fast-food places, enjoy a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi, and do more paid activities like touring Trinity College or visiting the Cliffs of Moher.

Upscale – 295 EUR Per Day

On a “luxury” budget, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, rent a car for day trips, and do as many tours and excursions as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

Dublin Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Dublin isn’t a super cheap city to visit anymore. Rising living costs and an explosion of tourism have made it a lot more expensive in the past few years, especially since the pandemic. But it doesn’t need to break the bank either because there are still a few ways to cut your costs! Here are some tips to help you save money in Dublin:

  1. Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
  2. Ask for student discounts – A valid student ID can get you discounts of up to 50% on attractions throughout the country. If you are a student, always ask for student discounts as many places offer them.
  3. Drink less – Ireland’s pub culture can hit your wallet hard. Temper the cost by visiting happy hours, drinking at home, or skipping drinks altogether.
  4. Eat the pub food – Eat at the pubs for hearty Irish food that won’t destroy your wallet. It’s not healthy, but it’s affordable and delicious!
  5. Get the DoDublin Card – This tourism card includes access to six of the city’s main attractions. If you’re planning to see a lot, this card can save you money. It’s 55 EUR.
  6. Get an OPW Heritage Card – If you love to tour heritage sites, pick up this card. It provides free access to most of the castles throughout the country. The card costs 40 EUR. This is a must for people visiting multiple cities in the country!
  7. Stay with a local – Couchsurfing connects you with locals who can give you a free place to stay and introduce you to the city. It’s an excellent way to save money and make new friends!
  8. Eat early – Many restaurants have budget dinner options if you eat early (usually before 6pm). You won’t have as much variety since it’s a set menu, but it will be cheaper.
  9. Take a free walking tour – Free walking tours are the perfect way to see the main sights on a budget. Refer to the suggestions above for the companies to go with!

How to Get Around in Dublin

The view overlooking the landscape around Dublin, Ireland

Public transportation – There is an extensive bus system in Dublin which runs through the city center and into the suburbs. Buses run from 5:30am to midnight and a single ticket costs 1.50-3.10 EUR depending on how far you go. A day pass is 8 EUR.

The Airlink Express bus travels from the airport to downtown. A single ticket costs 9 EUR.

The city also has a light rail system. There are two lines to choose from and trams run from 5:30am to midnight. A single ticket costs 2-2.60 EUR and a round-trip ticket costs 4-5.20 EUR.

For travel to the suburbs, there’s the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) which operates from 6am-midnight. Single fares cost 2.60-4.95 EUR depending on the distance.

Taxi – Taxis in Dublin can be expensive, with a daytime starting rate of 3.80 EUR. The rate is 1.14 EUR for each additional kilometer so skip them if you can!

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Dublin but is regulated so it’s the same price as taxis. Skip them if you can!

Bicycle – DublinBikes has self-service bicycle rentals around the city. A day pass costs 3.5 EUR and the first 30 minutes are free (after which an hourly fee is charged).

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as 25 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. However, you’ll only need a car if you’re leaving the city to explore. Drivers need to be at least 21 years old. Also, keep in mind that they drive on the left here.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars.

When to Go to Dublin

Dublin’s mild, temperate climate makes it a pleasant destination to visit year-round, keeping in mind that you’re guaranteed to encounter rain no matter when you visit!

The summer months (June-August) are the warmest so this is when the city is at its liveliest. However, keep in mind that this is peak season so you’ll compete for accommodation. This is when you’ll encounter the most crowds and prices are a little inflated too. Average temperatures during this time hover between 13-20°C (56-68°F) but sometimes can climb up to 25°C (77°F) or more. Though it’s the driest time of year, there are still eight or more days with rain every month so be sure to pack layers and rain gear. The days are long with up to seventeen hours of daylight, so it’s a wonderful time to enjoy all the outdoor activities and events in the city.

Winters can be drizzly with short daylight hours, but temperatures rarely fall below freezing. Daily highs average between 8-11°C (47-51°F). It’s chilly, grey, and grim. Some people find that unflattering, but I actually enjoy its moody charm. The days are short with only about eight to ten hours of daylight and the sun sets as early as 4 PM in mid-December. It’s also the wettest time of year with eleven or more days with rain every month. Just dress warmly and be prepared for lots of indoor activities.

Saint Patrick’s Day in March is huge in Dublin and the city becomes crowded with locals and tourists ready to get their party on. During this time, hostels and hotels fill up quickly and prices spike. Temperatures are still mild and Ireland is just as beautiful as ever.

Overall, the shoulder season (April-May and September-October) is my favorite time to visit. Aside from St. Patrick’s Day, you’ll find prices to be a little lower and the city to be less busy. The weather is decent enough for exploring too. High temperatures range between 12-17°C (53-62°F) so you’ll want to pack layers. There are also eight or more days with rain so bring an umbrella!

Dublin Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  • Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
  • Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
  • Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
  • HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
  • Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
  • The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
  • Trainline – When you’re ready to book your train tickets, use this site. It streamlines the process of booking trains around Europe.
  • Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
  • FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
  • SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
  • LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
  • Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
  • Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

Nomadic Matt's Guide to Paris

There’s a lot of free information online but do you want to spend days searching for information? Prob not! That’s why guidebooks exist.

While I have a lot of free tips on Europe, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorite restaurants, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc etc), and cultural tips.

I’ll give the insider view of Europe that I got from years of traveling and living here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go.
Click here to learn more about my book on Europe!

Dublin Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Dublin travel and continue planning your trip: