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Plan Your Dublin Holiday: Best of Dublin

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Explore Dublin

Home to so much historical architecture and countless literary legends, Dublin blends old world-vibes with friendly, down-to-earth charm. For starters, the city's super walkable, so you can get a lot done in a day. We suggest kicking things off with a few well-known sights—admire the ornate details of St. Patrick's Cathedral, explore the “heart of the city” at the Dublin Castle, and take in the sprawling campus of Trinity College. There are tons of museums to explore (many, like the Chester Beatty, are free), and the food really caters to any budget or taste: You can dive into a tasting menu at one of the city's 43 Michelin-starred restaurants or pop into a pub and get the best fish and chips of your life. Dublin is the ideal jumping off point for a host of day trips—Belfast or the fishing village Howth are a great change of pace to round out a longer trip. Check out more recs below.
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Essential Dublin

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Properties ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, and number of page views.

Travel Advice

How to do Dublin in 3 days

All the sights—and pints—you should add to your list
Read on

The best beer bars in Dublin

Any pub list for Dublin has to take two things into account. It needs to be a mix of fun, touristy spots, local go-tos, and the newer places that carry craft beers. And two, if you order a Guinness, it’s got to be poured correctly. There is absolutely a wrong way to do it and you didn’t go all the way to Dublin to get a flat pint. These are my favourite venues to satisfy all pub crawl requirements.
Alissa Fitzgerald, San Francisco, CA
  • Guinness Storehouse
    49,337
    Yes, you do have to do the Guinness Storehouse tour to be allowed to enter the Gravity Bar but with their 360-degree views of Dublin and perfectly poured pints, it is definitely worth the price of admission. The bartenders are excellent and will make a shamrock foam flourish on top of your drink that will make your Instagram followers green with envy.
  • John Kavanagh - The Gravediggers
    909
    One side of this pub is a classic Irish joint with no televisions or music while the other is a lounge area with great food including, my personal favourite, the Irish breakfast. Try the local stew called the coddle if you dare. A heads up: This was one of Anthony Bourdain’s favourite stops, and if you’re lucky, the bartenders will regale you with all their tales of the pub’s long history.
  • Mulligan's
    909
    The Mulligan’s is my favourite pub to bring a group. There is tons of space to spread out and multiple rooms to explore. They do an excellent pint of Guinness (which isn’t surprising for a place that’s been open for more than 200 years) and the selection of ales and lagers from Ireland and abroad is huge.
  • Mary's Bar & Hardware Shop
    224
    I gravitate towards any place that is truly unique and a pub that also has groceries and hardware for sale is exactly my cup of tea, or rather, pint of beer. This spot is just off Grafton Street in the former Wicklow Hotel where Irish leader Michael Collins used to hang out in his more revolutionary days. Now they carry plenty of new and local craft beers from Ireland. The cheese toasty is a must order to go with your beer.
  • Kennedy’s Bar & Restaurant
    460
    Whenever I want to feel like a local I pop out to Kennedy’s. The Guinness is stellar with plenty of regulars lined up for pints. If your group wants something different to drink, there is a full bar with plenty of local whiskeys, too. For food, don’t miss the house-made beef and Guinness pie.
  • P.Mac's
    281
    P. Mac's is the pub version of a warm hug and also happens to have tasty—and inexpensive— craft beer. I love the cosy vintage armchairs, indie rock music, dark wood paneling and candelabra. Make sure to ask the bartender for a beer recommendation and pair your pint with Tayto crisps or a dish from the full menu.
  • The Palace Bar
    446
    The Palace fulfills all of my Dublin beer drinking needs: tons of ales and lagers, excellent Guinness on tap, and a stunning Victorian interior from 1823. The beer is top notch and the vibe is super friendly with cushy red leather seats that are easy to sink into.
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Dublin Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Dublin

Mark K

Talk to everyone. Irish people like to talk.

Mark M

Irish people are friendly and open, so ask questions. People are more than willing to help. Just be aware a long conversation may ensue!

Darragh

Buy the three-day (72-hour) Freedom Ticket for great-value, unlimited travel on Dublin buses. And, do not confuse Ireland and the UK, or you may offend some locals.

Sal750

Dublin is a city that has it all, including very charming locals. There is a huge variety of restaurants for all budgets, the bars are always great and have a good vibe, best to experience the ones away from Temple bar if you want a more economic authentic experience although Temple Bar area is a must when in Dublin. There is a good public transport system but we usually like to just wander around, stopping for a coffee or a Guinness while soaking up the fab atmosphere or just stroll around the shops but for the history buffs there's so much to see. The choice is yours but Dublin has it all for me and is never a boring place to visit.

Catherine J

Dublin is a family-friendly city with plenty to interest all ages. There is a wide and varied choice of free & paid attractions plus an endless selection of high-quality places to eat. As the song goes, "Dublin can be heaven, with coffee at eleven, and a stroll through Stephen's Green...."

Kris

My favorite things are to walk along the river, see temple bar area (go for live music and some beers if time), Guinness warehouse, St Patrick's cathedral.

What is the best way to get there?

flying

Ireland’s capital is served by Dublin Airport. The express AirLink service connects the airport with the city center from early morning until late in the evening.

train

There are three major rail hubs in Dublin: Connoly, Heuston, and Pearse stations. These stations provide intercity services to cities such as Belfast, Limerick, Cork, Galway, Kerry, and more. See the rail map for more information.

ferry

Ferries arriving from four main ports in England, Scotland, Wales, and the Isle of Man dock at Dublin Port, around 4 miles (6 kilometers) from the city center.

Do I need a visa?

If you’re visiting from Dublin overseas, see if you need a visa using the following resource.

When is the best time to visit?

Summer: Dublin is prone to rain regardless of what time of year you visit. However, to lower your chances of showers, visit during the summer months of June, July, and August, when the weather is generally warm and sunny. May and September promise the fewest crowds and mildest weather.

But to experience Irish hospitality at its best, visit Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, which honors the patron saint of Ireland. The city comes to life with colorful parades and street parties and embarks on a two-day long celebration that features plenty of whiskey and Guinness.

Get around

public transit

If you’re planning to combine different modes of public transport, save money with a LEAP card. You’ll find more info here.

bus

Dublin has an extensive bus network that services both the city center and the suburbs. Check out timetables and routes here.

train

Dublin’s DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) electric railway transports you from the city center along the Irish Sea coast to both suburbs and coastal towns.

tram

There are more than 70 tram stops in Dublin’s city center. For routes and timetables, see the following link.

On the ground

What is the timezone?

Western European Standard Time (WET), which is the same as GMT.

What are the voltage/plug types?

The standard voltage in Dublin is 230V and the standard frequency is 50Hz. The associated plug type is G, which has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern.

What is the currency?

Euro (EUR)

Are ATMs readily accessible?

Yes.

Are credit cards widely accepted?

Yes.

Is it easy to find a bank?

Yes.

How much do I tip?

Tipping is not obligatory in Ireland, however, a tip for exceptional service is always appreciated.

Are there local customs I should know?

Drinking

The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 18 years old.

Walking

Walk to the right of the sidewalk and step off to the side of the sidewalk if you want to stop to check your phone, look up directions, or want to take in a view.

Greetings

The basic greeting in Ireland is a handshake, even with older children.

For more information on local customs and Irish culture, check out the following link.

Dublin travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Exploring the City

Some travelers have indicated that for layovers longer than 5 hours, it is feasible to visit Dublin city. The city center can be reached by a short taxi ride, and attractions such as Malahide, a picturesque village by the sea, are recommended. However, adequate time must be allocated for return to the airport, especially considering the necessity to undergo pre-clearance procedures when flying to the US.

Activities Near Airport

For shorter layovers, such as 4 hours, forum users suggest staying at the airport. Attractions within the airport, such as lounges and shopping areas, provide relaxation and engagement without the risk of missing the connecting flight.

Luggage Considerations

According to forum posts, the feasibility of leaving the airport also depends on luggage logistics. If luggage is checked through to the final destination, travelers have more freedom to explore. However, with carry-on luggage only, or if re-checking is required, staying in the airport vicinity is advisable.

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Recommended Tours and Activities

According to forum posts, solo travelers in Dublin have enjoyed various guided tours that showcase the city's rich history and culture. The Jameson whiskey tour is particularly popular, offering an immersive experience into the world of whiskey making.

Outdoor and Leisure Options

For those who prefer outdoor activities, walking around the city and exploring its architecture, parks, and local spots is recommended. The hop-on, hop-off bus tours are also suggested for solo travelers wanting to cover significant landmarks at their own pace.

Social Opportunities

Solo travelers looking to engage with local culture and meet new people might find traditional Irish music sessions appealing. Venues like The Cobblestone are highly recommended for live traditional music, providing a lively and friendly atmosphere.

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Bus and Tram Reliability

According to forum posts, buses and trams in Dublin generally run on schedule, though occasional delays can occur. The Luas tram service is noted for its frequency, making it a reliable option even if minor delays occur.

Specific Bus Routes

For many users seeking specific routes, the 16 and 41 buses are mentioned as useful for traveling from Dublin Airport to the city center. Additionally, multiple buses such as the 7B, 7D, 46A, 47, 75, 75A, 84X, 114, 116, 145, and 155 have been highlighted for their accessibility within the city.

Use of Leap Card

Some travelers mentioned the Leap Card as an essential tool for public transport in Dublin, covering buses, trams, and local trains. This card is recommended for ease of travel and cost efficiency across different modes of public transportation.

Alternative Transport Apps

There is also information on using the FreeNow taxi app for accessing regular taxis, providing another convenient option for travelers who prefer car transport at certain times.

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Popular Restaurants

According to forum posts, some recommended dining options in Dublin include Chapter One for a luxurious dining experience, The Trocadero for a memorable meal, and Yamamori for Japanese cuisine. Pichet is also highlighted for a special dining experience.

Casual and Pub Dining

For more casual dining or pub food, travelers have called out The Harbourmaster and Urban Brewing for good experiences close to the Convention Centre. Grogans Pub is recommended for simple pub fare and a traditional atmosphere.

Outdoor Dining

For those seeking outdoor dining options with a cozy, garden-like setting, Rolys in Ballsbridge and Marco Pierre White’s in Donnybrook have been recommended. These spots provide a heated outdoor patio and a great outdoor area, respectively.

Family and Group Friendly

For family or group gatherings, The Trocadero is frequently mentioned as a go-to place. It is known for good Irish food and a pleasant ambiance, suitable for special occasions like anniversaries.

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Parking Options and Prices

According to forum posts, Dublin Airport offers various parking options, including the Red and Blue Car parks, which are accessible via shuttle to the terminals. The Red Car park is about 5 minutes by shuttle, while the Blue Car park is around 15 minutes away. Prices are competitive, with rates such as €89 for a week and €159 for 16 days mentioned by some travelers.

Alternative Parking Suggestions

Some users have suggested alternatives like renting a private driveway through services like JustPark, which could be cheaper but also comes with risks such as lack of security. However, this option is not commonly practiced in Ireland and might not be ideal for everyone.

Official Airport Parking

For many users, using the official Dublin Airport parking seems the most reliable choice. It offers direct access to the terminals and the assurance of security. The airport's official website provides options for both short-term and long-term parking, with detailed information on prices and booking.

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Connection Times for Flights

According to forum posts, typical connection times at Dublin Airport can vary. Some travelers have successfully booked and planned for connections as short as 90 minutes between international flights. They followed airside signs connecting Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which are effectively part of one building, making transfers more manageable without having to pass through additional security checks.

Concerns and Recommendations

However, some users expressed concerns about the risk of tight connections. Delays in the arriving flight can make a short connection time stressful. It is recommended to check if both connecting flights are booked under a single ticket, as this often ensures that the connecting time is feasible and approved by the airline.

Experience with Specific Airlines

Specifically, for flights involving Aer Lingus, travelers noted that if both segments are with this airline, connections are typically smoother. Aer Lingus flights mostly operate from Terminal 2, and the internal walkway between the terminals takes about 5-7 minutes, which has been deemed manageable by several passengers.

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Live Music Venues

According to forum posts, numerous pubs in Dublin offer live music. Some travelers suggested pubs in the Temple Bar area, such as The Temple Bar Pub, Auld Dubliner, Gogarty’s, The Old Storehouse, and Darkey Kelly’s. Whelan’s outside of Temple Bar is also recommended for its live music scene.

Traditional Irish Music

For those specifically looking for traditional Irish music, Devitt’s Pub on Camden Street has been mentioned as a good spot. O’Donoghue’s Pub on Merrion Row and the Cobblestone Pub in Smithfield are also popular choices for traditional music.

Additional Recommendations

Other venues like Bad Bob’s and Bruxelles are suggested for a mix of live music options. Gogarty’s in Temple Bar is noted for having music throughout the day, especially suitable for tourists.

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Public Transport Options

According to forum posts, visitors can reach Kilmainham Gaol using various public transport methods. Some travelers suggested taking the Red Luas line to Suir Road, followed by a short walk. Alternatively, Dublin Bus routes 123, 69, 79, 13, or 40 provide access to the Gaol, with varying walking distances from the respective stops.

Private Transport Suggestions

For those preferring taxis, it was mentioned that large taxis can accommodate groups and can be booked using local apps. This option is considered efficient, especially for larger parties or those short on time.

Historical Significance

Travelers have called out Kilmainham Gaol's historical importance, noting its role in Irish history. Several users recommended prioritizing a visit to this landmark due to its educational and emotional impact, suggesting it as a must-see in Dublin itineraries.

Additional Resources

Travelers looking for more detailed planning and options can refer to the official Kilmainham Gaol website, which offers additional information on planning a visit, including other nearby attractions and facilities.

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Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.