DUBLIN.

Charming cobbled streets, the best pubs in Europe and a welcoming, relaxed way of life … welcome to Dublin! Jump right into the city where beer is the way of life. This small capital with a huge heart makes everyone feel right at home. Still, Dublin is not all hedonistic, as it doesn’t forget about its history and national treasures. Be it the National Museum of Ireland, the Trinity College or Dublin Castle, a visit to Dublin is as much recreational as it is educational. Furthermore, Dublin is an excellent destination for a city break for those who love to admire awe-inspiring sacral architecture – sights like Christ Church Cathedral and St Patrick’s Cathedral are among the finest in this part of Europe. And what better way to enhance your city break than by visiting the state-of-the-art restaurants, of which Dublin offers no shortage? Whatever you choose, we’re sure that your Dublin city break will leave you with memories for years to come!

Dublin Money Saving Tips

Money Saving Tips

Best Period to Visit Dublin

Best Period to Visit Dublin

Accomodation Tips for Dublin

Accomodation Tips

Getting Around Dublin

Getting Around Dublin

Top 10 Things to See and Do in Dublin

Top 10 Things to See and Do in Dublin

Other Things to See and Do

Other Things to See and Do

Money Saving Tips

Don’t waste money on taxis

Taxi services in Dublin like to overcharge the tourists, and their standard fares are also pretty expensive. Instead, try using the public transport of Dublin. Check out the bus schedule before venturing out, as the buses provide a very affordable means of transportation and are connected to most areas of the city.

Hop on a bike

If you would rather save your money even further and not use any public transport, Dublin is made well enough to get around with a bike. There is a bike share programme, funded by the city itself, called Dublin Bikes, which is a cheap and easy way to travel. The relatively small size of the city also helps.

Eat early

Many of the restaurants, the majority of which opened during an influx of tourists, nowadays struggle with earning a profit. That is why they implemented an early-bird system, where dinners are cheaper before a certain hour. Even the most expensive restaurants often provide such a discount.

Don’t drink to excess in pubs

Since there aren’t any discounts on alcohol in Dublin, such as happy hours or discounts for students, you might be better off drinking on your own than in a pub or a club. Buying a bottle of beverage in a local shop and having a drink with your friends in your hotel might be a better, more affordable option.

Listen to live music for free

While you’re drinking out, why not get some free entertainment while you’re at it? Many pubs in Dublin host live music concerts every evening, so make sure to keep an eye on the pubs you cross when you travel. The ones with free live music should have a poster on the door or one of the windows.

Go to a pub on a match day

Whenever a match is live on the TV, the pubs in Dublin fill with both locals and tourists alike, sharing a pint of beer while watching their favourite teams play. Whether it is rugby, soccer, or Gaelic games, make sure to grab a seat in one of the pubs and take the opportunity to socialise with the locals.

Don’t overpay for airport transportation

If you have just arrived at the airport in Dublin, you might be inclined just to call a taxi which will drive you to your accommodation. Think twice before doing that, as taxis, especially the ones at the airport, are very expensive. Instead, take either a city bus, which is quite slow, or take one of the private express buses.

Search for vouchers when shopping

Most shops in Dublin offer some kind of a discount or a voucher, but it is hard to keep track of every single one of them. Try downloading an app for your phone which lists the most recent codes, vouchers, and discounts for the shops in your vicinity, and you are sure to save quite a bit of money.

Get the Dublin Pass

If you plan to spend your vacation actively and visit most of the attractions and monuments in Dublin, get a Dublin Pass, which provides you with a range of discounts for the most famous attractions of the city. There are also a couple of attractions that can be entered without any admission fee with the Pass.

Use the Leap Visitor Card

You will probably need to use the public transport a lot, so why not save as much money as possible while you're at it? With the Leap Visitor Card, you will be able to use Airlink, Dublin Bus, Luas, DART, and Commuter Rail without any additional fee, for a selected time period between one day and one week.

Best Period to Visit Dublin

Tourism

Those looking for a less crowded experience when exploring Dublin should consider a city break there around spring and fall – that’s when the temperatures are moderate, crowds are not overwhelming, and prices are reasonable. Prime season is a whole different story, offering extremes on all ends – that’s June through August.

Weather

The highest temperatures in Dublin fall between May and September, with around 19°C highs in July. Winter, which occurs between November and February, brings around 2°C lows, so nothing extreme as well.

Money

Peak season – June through August – brings the highest prices for entertainment, food and accommodation. Spring and fall offer a golden medium, with prices returning to their "normal" levels, and winter is the time to scoop some substantial discounts.

Events

Dublin International Film Festival (February-March)
International Literature Festival Dublin (May)
Bloomsday (June)
Taste of Dublin (June)
Dublin LGBTQ Pride (June)
Dublin Irish Festival (July-August)
Electric Picnic Festival (August)
Big Grill BBQ & Craft Beer Festival (August)
Dublin Fringe Festival (September)
Dublin City Liffey Swim (September)
Dublin Festival of History (September-October)
Dublin Theatre Festival (September-October)
Oktoberfest Dublin (September-October)
Dublin Book Festival (November)
New Year's Festival (December-January)

Accomodation Tips

Apartments

If you want to experience a city break from a whole new perspective, then choose an apartment instead of a hotel for your accommodation. Renting an apartment instead of staying in a hotel allows you to feel like a local, without the temporary feeling of a hotel.

Budget (1-2 star) hotels

Cheap hotels in Dublin can be booked for as low as €10 per night. Just don't expect anything fancy – budget hotels in Dublin are nothing to write home about. But hey, you don't travel to Dublin to stay in your hotel room, right?

Standard (3-4 star) hotels

Standard hotels, ones with 3 and 4 stars, cost a bit more than their cheaper counterparts, but give a lot in return. This range of hotels in Dublin is more appropriate if you're travelling with your family. Additionally, the location of these hotels is usually much more convenient, providing easy access to the popular tourist attractions of Dublin.

Luxury hotels in Dublin

Luxury hotels in Dublin ensure a memorable stay. With their diverse facilities, excellent service and the most sophisticated amenities, they are sure to satisfy even the most demanding guests. This comfort comes at an additional price, as nightly rates for luxury hotels in Dublin start around €200.

Getting Around Dublin

Bicycle

With a well-developed system of cycling routes, flat terrain and an affordable bike rental system, Dublin is the ideal cycling city. Due to the small size of the city itself, you can easily cover the distance between the attractions and your accommodation in less than an hour. You can also easily access the suburbs while you’re at it. Just make sure to drive carefully around the city centre, as buses often cross the lanes reserved for bikes due to traffic.

Bus

You can take a free timetable for the buses at any station or kiosk, which will help you with getting around using this method of transportation. Buses are also quite cheap in Dublin, making them a good alternative to using a bike. Keep in mind that most buses do not allow a bike to be taken with you aboard. There are also many different bus service providers, so make sure to check which one has the best prices.

Car

Driving around Dublin is definitely not a pleasant experience, as parking is a nightmare and traffic jams are frequent. During daytime, you are almost certain not to find any free parking spot so you will have to resort to paid parking. Also make sure not to leave your valuables visible inside of the car, as car theft and break-ins are quite frequent.

Taxi

The standard flag fall for taxis in Dublin is €3.60 during the daytime and additional €1.10 per kilometre on top of that. Keep in mind that there is a number of extra charges, such as an additional €3 for each extra passenger, €2 for telephone bookings et cetera. Thankfully, there is no extra charge for large luggage.

Tram

There is a light-rail system, called Luas, in the city of Dublin, which has two lines: the green line and the red line. The green line connects Saint Stephen’s Green with Sandyford in South Dublin, running through Ranelagh and Dundrum. The red line connects the Point Village and Tallaght, running through the north quays and Heuston Station. The green line departs every five to fifteen minutes, and the red line departs every twenty minutes.

Tickets and Passes

• Leap Visitor Card – the most convenient public transport card, allowing unlimited travel over a selected time period on most of the public transport services. One day costs €10, three days €19.50, and a whole week costs €40.
• Freedom of the City – for €33 (or €16 for kids), this card provides three-day unlimited travel on all bus services. This card also allows you the use of Airlink as well as the Hop-on Hop-off bus tours, and, moreover, provides free entry to the Little Museum of Dublin.

Top 10 Things to See and Do in Dublin

Book of Kells Early Access Tour

With the early access, you can skip the crowds which begin to appear after the library opens. Without any other people except your group, you will be able to scan and analyse the Book of Kells at your own pace. The tour also includes a tour of the Dublin Castle, along with the Trinity College’s library.

Skip the Line Guinness Storehouse Tour

No need to wait in long lines to get a good look at the history and means of productions of the most famous beer in Ireland – Guinness. Take a look at the enormous, seven-floor tall recreation of a Guinness glass. After the tour, you will be provided with a complimentary pint of Guinness for free.

Dublin’s Original Temple Bar Pub Crawl

This pub crawl will take you along five different Dublin pubs with a guide who will help you find your way around the most-visited places in the city. Each stop includes a set of free drinks, allowing you to save your money while at it. The pub crawl also allows you VIP entry to one of Temple Bar's nightclubs.

Cliffs of Moher Tour

This tour will take a whole day out of your schedule, so prepare to save some time. The tour starts in the city of Dublin and will take you along the Cliffs of Moher and Galway City, where you will be able to marvel at the Irish countryside of the Wild Atlantic Way, which is a coastal road difficult to navigate by yourself.

Northern Ireland Highlights Day Trip

A day trip which will take you along the most famous sights of Northern Ireland, starting from the city of Dublin. A knowledgeable guide will accompany you and show you the quickest routes between the sights, which include Giant’s Causeway and Belfast, as well as the Peace Wall and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.

Blarney Castle Day Trip from Dublin

With a guaranteed admission at Blarney Castle, Cahir Castle and the Rock of Cashel, this trip provides a comfortable transit from Dublin in an air-conditioned coach. You will be able to learn on the history of the castles from a well-accustomed guide as you travel across the beautiful countryside of Ireland.

Kilkenny City, Wicklow Mountains, and Glendalough Day Trip

This trip will provide you with a means to escape the crowded city of Dublin for a whole day with included transportation. You will be taken to the city of Kilkenny, Glendalough, and the Wicklow Mountains with guide commentary at each stop to teach you some of the history of these places.

Dublin Traditional Irish Music Pub Crawl

With private seating guaranteed at some of Dublin's most crowded pubs, this pub crawl allows you to explore the nightlife of the city of Dublin. A musician guide will take you to some of the best places to hear traditional Irish music, and you can even opt-in for a three-course dinner at Flanagan's before the tour.

Dublin Historical Walking Tour

If you would rather have someone who knows what they are doing tell you the history of the city rather than having to discover it yourself, this walking tour is a perfect opportunity to gain some insight on the information regarding Dublin under the supervision of a Trinity College history graduate guide.

City Sightseeing Dublin Hop-on-Hop-off Tour

Visit the attractions and monuments of Dublin at your own pace with this hop-on-hop-off tour. With a large number of separate buses and a wide variety of stops, this tour allows you to quickly travel between spots. An upper deck provides an unobstructed view of the surroundings, and audio commentary is provided for free.

Other Things to See and Do

Sandeman’s free walking tour

If you want to save some money while learning the history of the city, try the Sandeman’s Dublin Tour, which starts at Dame Street every day at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The tour will take you on a three-hour-long trip along the attractions of the city with well-informed and agreeable guides to show you on your way.

Dublin Bikes

Why would a pay-to-rent method of transportations be included in this list of free attractions? The trick is, the first thirty minutes of the rent is free, so if you make sure to swap between bikes every half an hour, you can have a pleasant afternoon, riding along the parks and cycling routes of the city for free.

Podcast Tours

While nothing beats a tour guided by an informed and professional guide, these are often expensive and have crowds of tourists swarming to them. Instead, put on your headphones and play these podcasts which will guide you on your way along the streets of Dublin and its historical highlights.

Dead Zoo

This weird museum is formally called the Museum of Natural History, but everyone calls it a "dead zoo" due to its appearance. You will be taken back to a world of Victorian times with polished wood, brass fittings, and glass cases. Not only is it the oldest public museum in Ireland, but it is also free every day.

The Grand Canal

Take a hike down the Grand Canal for a tranquil and peaceful evening, as you stroll down the dirt road with trees and statues around you. Starting at the Portobello Road and heading towards Grand Canal Quay, the road is a home to many trendy restaurants and small-time theatres where you can get some entertainment for free.

Decorative Arts and History branch of the National Museum

Located in the Collins Barracks building, which dates back to the early 18th century, this branch of the National Museum showcases some of the more aesthetically pleasing pieces. With a wide collection of historic ornaments, local craftwork, and old-fashioned handmade crafts, this is a place sure worth visiting.

Henrietta Street

With a set of old-fashioned red-brick Georgian mansions lining its sides, the Henrietta Street is a host to the housings of the wealthiest families of 1700s Ireland. With gorgeous and lush greenery along it, it is a perfect place for an afternoon stroll, allowing you to marvel at the most iconic architecture of Ireland.

Science Gallery

Not only is this museum free to enter any time of the year, but it also hosts one of the most interesting interactive exhibitions in the country. The building consists of two floors, both packed with explaining the workings of science and nature, as well as its application to everyday life, so make sure not to skip it.

Irish Museum of Modern Art

If you are an art enthusiast, make some time in your schedule to visit the Irish Museum of Modern Art, where you can notice a large collection of contemporary paintings and installations. The building itself is a former hospital, making it even more interesting to visit, and is surrounded with marvellous gardens.

Visit the parks

The city of Dublin is filled with many picturesque city parks where you can stretch out and take a walk. Saint Stephen’s Green is probably the most popular one and is a great spot to watch the daily life of the locals. The Merrion Square provides a more tranquil experience, where you can sit down and unwind after a day of sightseeing.

National Gallery

Not only modern art has dedicated art galleries to it, so if you are into more traditional methods of expression, make sure to visit the National Gallery. The gallery has a vast collection which stretches across seven centuries and includes a famous piece by Caravaggio as well as portraits of Ireland’s famous figures.

The Dublin City Gallery

Yet another art gallery dedicated to modern and contemporary art exclusively, but worth visiting nonetheless. The gallery not only hosts a wide collection of installations, performances and paintings from local and foreign artists but is also home to a reconstructed studio of the painter Francis Bacon.

South Wall

If you run out of places to walk in the evenings in Dublin, which is rather unlikely, you can always stroll across the South Wall, which will take you into Dublin Bay. The walk is approximately one kilometre long and ends near the Poolbeg Lighthouse, which is also a beautiful monument worth seeing.

National Botanic Gardens

Being a perfect place for nature enthusiasts and for anyone who likes to spend time surrounded by lush greenery, the National Botanic Gardens host a number of historical greenhouses in every season. The park around the gardens creates a unique, colourful atmosphere, and the greenhouses possess some exotic plants.

National Museum

Offering an informative tour on the Celtic heritage of Ireland, as well as its medieval legacy, the National Museum is the place to visit if you want to learn some history. With such famous artifacts as Tara Brooch and the Ardagh Chalice, the National Museum showcases some of the most treasured items from the past.

North Bull Island

Located near the city centre lies one of the most important nature conservation areas of Ireland. You are sure to have a good time here and make sure to bring your kids and friends to watch the birds, as there are more than a hundred and eighty different species flying around the premises of the island.

Temple Bar

The best-known district of Dublin is known mostly for its famous pubs and vibrant nightlife, but there are also quite a number of culture spots there. There is the Gallery of Photography, which hosts exhibitions of local and foreign photographers, as well as the Icon Walk, which presents some colourful pieces of art.

Chester Beatty Library

If you are into reading books, there is no better place in Dublin than the Chester Beatty Library to fulfil your hobby. Filled with the extensive collection of Alfred Chester Beatty, who was a rich bibliophile, the library holds ancient scrolls, books, and other literary pieces, situated across two floors of tall bookcases.

Phoenix Park

Being Europe's largest inner-city park, a stroll along the Phoenix Park can easily take you a whole day. There are plentiful of flat, green areas for a picnic, dirty roads surrounded by woods for a tranquil stroll, and other attractions, including a large population of deer which like to walk around the park.

Áras an Uachtaráin

While visiting the Phoenix Park, make sure to take a tour of the president’s house. Every Saturday a free walking tour departs from the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, taking you into the house to show you just how a president lives. Make sure to come early, as the tour operates on a first-come-first-served basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the best hotels for Dublin city break?

    Our list of the best hotels in Dublin are: The Westbury Hotel, The Shelbourne Dublin Autograph Collection, The Marker Hotel, Radisson Blu St Helen's Hotel and The Merrion Hotel. Discover the full list of best hotels in Dublin.

  • What are the luxury hotels in Dublin?

    The finest examples of luxury hotels in Dublin include Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin, Westin Dublin, Conrad Dublin, InterContinental Dublin, The John Fitzgerald Suite, The Gibson Hotel and Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin. Discover the full list of luxury hotels in Dublin.

  • What are the cheap hotels in Dublin?

    Those trying to visit Dublin on a tight budget will find everything they need in hotels such as Clayton Hotel Dublin, Jurys Inn Dublin Parnell Street, The Ripley Court Hotel, Arlington Hotel O'Connell Bridge, Jurys Inn Dublin Christchurch, Hilton Garden Inn Dublin Custom House and Maldron Hotel Smithfield. Discover the full list of Cheap hotels in Dublin.

  • What is the best period to visit Dublin for a city break?

    Taking factors such as weather, crowds and prices, the best months to visit Dublin for a city break are May, June, July and August.

  • What are top 5 things to see and do in Dublin?

    Dublin offers plenty of exciting attractions and things to do. Must-sees in Dublin include: Book of Kells Early Access Tour, Skip the Line Guinness Storehouse Tour, Dublin’s Original Temple Bar Pub Crawl, Cliffs of Moher Tour and Northern Ireland Highlights Day Trip.

  • How much does an Dublin city pass cost?

    A city pass in Dublin costs around €59.

  • How much does public transport in Dublin cost?

    24-hour ticket for public transport in Dublin costs around €10.

  • What are the best night clubs in Dublin?

    The best night clubs in Dublin include: The Grand Social, The Workmans Club, Opium, Four Dame Lane and Dtwo.

  • What are the best bars in Dublin?

    Judging on the reviews and customer opinions, the best bars in Dublin are: PantiBar, The Long Hall, The Cobblestone, Drop Dead Twice and The Palace Bar.

  • What are the best places to eat in Dublin?

    Your choice of the best restaurants in Dublin may vary depending on your taste, however, Chapter One, Brother Hubbard, The Fumbally and Bastible are some of the most popular choices.

  • What are the top 5 best restaurants in Dublin?

    Top 5 restaurants in Dublin include: Variety Jones, The Vintage Kitchen, Sano Pizza, Mr Fox and Pickle Restaurant.