Brief History
The Irish capital has a lot going for it despite its compact size; an incredible and intriguing history, world-class sites and attractions, delicious food and drink, and when you combine this with the kind and honest people you are on to a winner.
There’s not a lot left from Dublin’s Viking past with the majority of the city having been in a constant state of reconstruction since the 18th Century, but this is not a bad thing. To this day, Dublin boasts beautiful Georgian townhouses, squares and monuments nestled amongst 21st century shops and hotels – it’s a unique mix which makes it stand out from the crowd.
Dublin wears its history on its sleeve and is not afraid to remind locals and tourists alike of how it came to be. The bullet holed columns of the General Post Office hark to very recent (and still raw) events while the Famine Memorial paints a silent and haunting picture of the tragedies that Dublin like the rest of Ireland has endured – for history buffs, this place has it all. If you are lucky enough to find yourself in a traditional Irish pub nursing a pint of Guinness, you should respectfully ask a local about their city. However, be warned that you shouldn’t do this if you have a flight to catch as you will find yourself glued to your seat for hours in enthrallment because Dubliners, like all Irish, are some of the best natural born storytellers in the world.
Arrival Tips
Plane
Dublin airport is massive for the size of country it serves, and it has plans of getting even bigger in the not-so-distant future. The good news for travellers is that means a lot more air links to this amazing City!
If you are travelling on Aer Lingus you will more than likely be using Terminal Two, while all other airlines will use Terminal One. Always worth checking before you head off though. During Covid, Dublin airport’s security and check-in process has received a rather poor review with many complaining about the long wait times so aim to get there earlier than normal.
Dublin airport is well connected to Ireland’s capital but is also a great hub for exploring the rest of the country – in fact you can get from one side of Ireland to the other in under 3 hours if you go by car!
Talking of transport into the city, here’s our suggestions:
Bus
This is our number one recommendation for getting to and from the city centre in the most economical way. Once you exit the terminal you can follow the signs straight to the bus terminal which is just outside the main door. From here you can buy your tickets for around €7 and enjoy the short half hour trip into the city. Getting back to the airport is just as easy, simply find one of the bus stops servicing the airport and buy your ticket on board.
Taxi/Uber/Ridesharing
Taxis and ridesharing services like Uber will generally be the fastest way to downtown Dublin but will be a lot pricier than the bus – likely setting you back over €25 so best to use this if you have travel companions and want to get there quick.
Car Rental
Renting a car at the airport is relatively straight forward and there’s a wide choice of suppliers with most allowing online prebooking. Prices can start as low as €25 per day and you can be in the city centre in 15 minutes if there is no traffic, but it can easily take 3 times longer in rush hour. Like most large cities, driving to and around Dublin, is not advised unless absolutely necessary due to expensive and limited parking options, large amount of traffic and the city being almost entirely walkable anyway. Be aware that you will often have to be over 26 to get a good price and that you will almost always be required to book using, and present on arrival, a credit card in the driver’s name.
Getting Around
Once you’ve found yourself in downtown Dublin, there’s plenty of options for getting around:
Bike
A great thing about Dublin is its promotion of eco-friendly travel options such as the bike rental scheme Dublinbikes. Using their app or website you can view a map of every storage location around the city and details such as how many bikes are available that very moment. With a few clicks you’ll be peddling round in no time!
Bus
Dublin has a great bus network that services all the main attractions with a stop on almost every street so you are never too far away from anything. A trip will only set you back a couple of Euro so what’s not to love!
Trams
A rather more limited but potentially still useful way to get around Dublin is the Luas tram system. There are two lines; the green runs North/South while the red runs East/West. A ticket costs about the same as the bus (a couple of Euro) so its only limitation is the stricter routes.
Where To Stay
There will never be a shortage of places to stay in Dublin, but if you want to avoid some of the grittier parts of the city, we recommend basing yourself in one of these areas:
City Centre
If you are after great transport links, vast shopping streets and enjoy being in the heart of the action then aim to get a hotel close to O’Connell Street. On top of the many shopping and dining options, you will also find yourself close to iconic Dublin locations such as the General Post Office and the Spire.
Temple Bar
It can’t get much livelier than Dublin’s Temple Bar neighbourhood. If you stayed here you would find yourself surrounded by a vibrant nightlife and engulfed in Irish culture. The cobbled streets in the main quarter might be a bit difficult to wheel your suitcases over but once you are there, you’ll be glad you put the effort in!
Docklands
Once a key industrial setting, now following major rejuvenation projects, the Docklands is one of the city’s wealthier neighbourhoods. If luxury stays overlooking Dublin’s famous waterway appeals to you then look no further. Located close to attractions such as the award-winning EPIC museum and a stone’s throw away from the amazing Trinity College with its Book of Kells – the docklands will not disappoint.
Best Attractions
Guinness Storehouse – €22
Welcome to the home of Guinness. Spread out over 7 floors, this colossal building houses anything and everything to do with Ireland’s other national drink. Still in the grounds of a working brewery, you can take yourself on a self-guided tour discovering all about the history, brewing process and much, much more along the way. If you’re feeling parched after all that walking, then you are in luck as every ticket includes a free pint which you can enjoy in style at the top floor Gravity Bar.
Kilmainham Gaol – €8
Once upon a time you would do anything to not end up at Kilmainham Gaol, now you need to book your tickets a month in advance! In a city with so much to offer, its unusual that a prison would top the list but this is truly a place you need to experience first-hand. As soon as you enter the icy, limestone lined corridors leading past the cells, you can’t help but imagine the thousands of souls that once called this home. Throughout your hour-long tour, your guide will regale you with stories of love and loss, and of war and rebellion but most importantly, they will share with you the human stories for those that were unlucky enough to find themselves imprisoned here.
Trinity College and the Book of Kells – €18
Older than some countries, Trinity College has been welcoming students into its fine halls since the 16th Century. The main draw for tourists however is something a whole lot smaller. Originally written in the year 800 AD and kept safe by the college for the last 350 years, the Book of Kells is an astounding piece of medieval craftsmanship that can’t be missed on your trip to Dublin. The story of its creation and survival is almost as impressive as the intricate artwork that cover every one of its pages. By taking a self-guided tour, you can see both the Book of Kells and the library in the Long Room (often voted one of the most beautiful libraries in the world) in one go.
Free Things To Do
Dublin can be a fairly expensive city, so why not give your purse a break by spending time at some of these free attractions:
St Patricks Cathedral
At over 800 years old, this Dublin landmark is not one to miss. This imposing, gothic building dominates the area and is set in a small but charming park – it is a perfect spot for a rest after a busy day walking the streets. Entry to the cathedral will cost you €8 but most of the grandeur can be observed outside for free.
Dublin Castle
Built 800 years ago and heavily renovated during the 18th century, this solid fortress commands a position at the heart of Dublin. For free, you can walk the same grounds and inner courtyard that some of Ireland’s most important historical characters have done before you. Like St Patricks Cathedral, there are parts of the castle that require a paid ticket – namely the exquisite State Rooms which cost €8.
Temple Bar Region
A visit to Dublin simply wouldn’t be complete without stopping by its most iconic neighbourhood. Temple Bar is nestled just south of the city centre and the River Liffey and because if its central location is walkable from almost every other attraction. Even though it may be a little too ‘touristy’, you are still guaranteed to have a good time hopping between the many pubs and bars.
Monument Walks
Dotted around the city, and often in obscure locations, you will find Dublin’s collection of statues in the likeness of some of their most famous characters. From the fictional Molly Malone in Suffolk Street to the flamboyant Oscar Wilde in Merrion Square, following the trail of statues will allow you to see the lesser explored parts of the city.
Chester Beatty
As one of the highest rated museums in the country, all art lovers need to add the Chester Beatty to their travel list. Donated by the eponymous American mining magnate – this museum features an extensive collection of exhibits from around the globe. Due to its close proximity to Dublin Castle we suggest ticking them off together in the same afternoon.
Dubh Linn Garden
If you’re looking for a spot of serenity in the city then stop by one our favourite spots, the Dubh Linn Garden. Located between Dublin Castle and the Chester Beatty Museum, with plenty of seating options this hidden oasis is the perfect area to relax and soak in the beautiful surroundings away from the bustling crowds.
Escape The City
Due to Ireland’s compact size, if you have more than two days to spare on your trip to Dublin, we highly recommend getting out of the city on a day-trip and exploring the other great things the country has to offer.
Cliffs of Moher and Ireland’s Atlantic Coast
Ireland’s rugged west coast is highly documented and rightly so. From as little as €45, you can take a tour bus straight across the central belt to visit the jaw-dropping, 200-metre-high Cliffs of Moher – regularly voted one of the most spectacular sights in Ireland. Often included on the tours is a breath-taking drive up the West Atlantic Way stopping off along the way to take in the breaking waves and ocean spray before concluding in the ‘most Irish city of them all’ Galway for a taste of city life on the west coast.
Newgrange
Situated a 45-minute drive north of Dublin and reachable by car or tour bus, Newgrange is an absolute must for history-buffs and fans of Irish mythology. 600 years older than the Great Pyramids of Giza and over 1000 years older than Stonehenge, this grand structure was originally built for burials and ceremonial purposes by the stone-age inhabitants of what would become Ireland. Over the thousands of years of its existence, many myths and legends have surrounded this ancient site including those of the Daghda and his lover Boann, and once you visit you will understand why this place had such a grip over Ireland’s ancient residents.
Belfast
Now, if you are feeling particularly adventurous while you are in Dublin, you could take a day-trip to another country by crossing the border into Northern Ireland. Seeing the sights in Northern Ireland will be a long journey (often 13 hours or so) but there are tour companies that run this service from €60. Included in most tours is a trip to the capital Belfast (make sure to keep an eye out for the murals illustrating the island’s turbulent history), the famous Carrick-a-rede rope bridge, and the piece de resistance, the Giant’s Causeway.
Useful Tips
- Dublin’s weather is never too extreme which means it can be visited all throughout the year. However, expect that the warm sunny days in summer will bring out the crowds and increase the price of accommodation, and the darker winter months might make the city feel too grey. We suggest visiting in the shoulder months of Spring and Autumn where the weather can be nice (always expect rain though) and the streets are less crowded.
- St Patrick’s Day celebrations are famous the world over and if you are visiting Dublin around March 17th, expect to witness a lot of partying and a sea of green as people crowd round waiting for the parade to pass through. Be aware that the downside to all the fun and festivities is that the city centre will be particularly busy and noisy, and the accommodation may sell out a lot quicker than normal.
- Don’t expect everyone to sound like how they are portrayed in movies and TV. In general, the Irish accent has a reputation of being particularly hard to understand. The good news is that the Dublin accent is a lot easier than some more rural Irish ones but for those not used to, it can still be quite hard to pick up. If you are struggling, ask the person speaking to slow down, I’m sure they will be happy to oblige.
