Dublin Ireland: A Complete Guide For What To Eat, See & Do

Are you planning a vacation to Dublin Ireland? Here’s my overall guide for what to see, eat, and do in Dublin your first time visiting.

I absolutely loved my trip to Dublin Ireland, and I think it has something for everyone. From an interesting history, a new culture to explore, and more alcohol choices than you can ever imagine! 

I’ll go into the main city attractions to see, give you hotel recommendations, some neat places to eat, and even some ideas for day trips from Dublin. 

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

Planning A Trip To Ireland: Why Visit Dublin?

If you’re going to Ireland, Dublin is a great place to start. It’s the capital of Ireland, the largest city, and even makes an ideal base for you to explore the rest of the country.

It has a great mix of city life and historical landmarks with a big nightlife scene, and several UNESCO World Heritage sites just a short drive away.

The people also really make this city what it is. They’re so nice, always willing to help and crack a joke. Not to mention, it’s also nice travelling somewhere you can understand and even speak the local language.

P.S. What Does Dublin Mean?

Dublin is Gaelic (Dubh Linn) for Black Pool. The city got this name because there was literally a black pool in front of Dublin Castle.

Dublin Travel Guide: Some Logistics!

Here’s all the important information for planning a trip to Dublin city, like where to stay, what currency they use …etc.

What Language Do They Speak In Dublin?

They speak English in Dublin, making it very easy to visit and speak with locals.

But did you know English isn’t actually the official language of Ireland?

The official language is Gaelic, a Celtic language native to Scotland. Although most locals don’t speak Gaelic you’ll notice that is is on all the streets signs throughout Ireland.

How Long Should You Spend In Dublin?

Dublin is a very small city, so you don’t need that much time to explore the actual city.

Dublin City only needs a day or two to fully explore, but it will all depend on what you’re most interested in doing.

But I would recommend extending your time in the city to give yourself a few days for some day trips to explore the rest of Ireland (p.s. see my top 10 day trips from Dublin here).

It lets you see the true beauty of Ireland, without adding stress of moving hotels.

Where To Stay In Dublin City – Hotel Recommendations

I’ve stayed in Dublin twice, at very different places, and would honestly recommend both depending on your budget and type stay!

For a budget friendly option, stay at a hostel, I really enjoyed staying at The Abbey Court Hostel (see it on Booking.com). We couldn’t beat the location, on the River Liffey, included breakfast, and loved the interior design with all the graffiti! See updated rates and availability here.

When I came back to Dublin with my partner, we stayed at the Zanzibar Locke Hotel (see it on Booking.com). This was perfect for the stay we needed, with more apartment vibes equipped with a washing machine and kitchenette. See updated rates and availability here.

Click here for more hotel options in Dublin, Ireland

How To Get Around Dublin City?

You have a few options for getting around Dublin City. First, you can walk pretty much everywhere. If not, there are buses, trams, and even taxis.

Is Dublin A Walkable City?

Dublin City is so small that everything is pretty much within walking distance. So once you’re in the city you don’t really need a car (in fact, I highly recommend not having a car in the city. You’ll be dealing with traffic and overnight parking).

There are a few exceptions though, like the Guinness Storehouse. Although you can walk there (I did – from Grafton Street in fact!), it’s out of the way, with not much else in the area…

Public Transit In Dublin – Buses, Trams, & Trains

When walking isn’t exactly an option in Dublin, you don’t really have to worry because there’s a public transit system of buses, trams, and trains.

See the map and schedule here.

P.S. Transportation From The Dublin Airport To The City Centre

If you aren’t renting a car in Ireland, the easiest way to get from the Dublin airport to the city centre is to take the 700 Aircoach bus.

The bus leaves every 30 minutes and will cost around €9 each way. See the schedule and buy your ticket here.

What Currency Does Dublin City Use?

Dublin is in the Republic of Ireland which uses the euro.

But! Keep in mind if you decide to visit Northern Ireland while you’re there (like Belfast), they use the pound.

Top Things To Do In Dublin

The top things to do in Dublin include some historical landmarks around the city and some paid attractions.

Go On A Walking Tour Of The City Centre

Whenever I first arrive in any new city, I immediately try to find a free walking tour, and Dublin is no exception.

A walking tour is the best way to see all the top things in Dublin city. They’ll take you to all the hot spots, give you a chance to get your bearings. Plus you might even be able to get some local recommendations.

If you’ve read any of my other travel guides, you’ll know that I’m a big fan of Sandeman’s New Europe Tours and they offer one in Dublin!

They offer two free tours a day. It’s advertised as free, but at the end, you are expected to leave tip. See an updated schedule and reserve your spot here.

Shop Along Grafton Street

Grafton Street is the main shopping street in Dublin Ireland. I’ll admit that I was hoping for some more local shops, but it’s a lot of commercialized American stores that we have back home.

Some local Irish stores that are worth checking out are the Aron Sweater Market, and Bewley’s Cafe (to pick up some Irish tea!).

These are both good spots if you’re looking to bring back some souvenirs from Ireland!

Trinity College & The Book Of Kells

Trinity College is like the Harvard or Oxford of Ireland. It’s one of the oldest universities in the world, so take some time to walk around campus.

This is also where you’ll find the Old Library which houses the Book of Kells…

The Book of Kells is a medieval manuscript and a main attraction in Dublin Ireland.

You do have to pay to see it (see prices here), but entry also gives you access to a small museums about what the scripture means and its history, and access to the Long Room. You can also book a fast track book of Kells ticket with a tour of Dublin Castle on Viator here.

The Old Library or the Long Room is EPIC. The only downside is that it’s almost always PACKED! There are so many people trying fit into this one room that it’s almost impossible to enjoy it.

I recommend either being the first entry or one of the last, that’s going to be your best chance as seeing it with a lot less people. I went right before closing, and was able to hang around until most people left.

2024 Update: A new Book of Kells Experience has opened giving you s an immersive virtual experience with videos and sounds taking you through a reimagined Long Room – check it out here.

Admire The Spire (A.K.A. The Stiffy by the Liffey)

The Spire is a monument erected in 2000 on O’Connell street, on the south side of the Liffey – you can’t miss. It’s a very tall (and very phallic-shaped) 120 metre heigh stainless steel spike.

You can connect with locals over their hatred for this monument – often referred to as either the “Stiffy by the Liffey” or the “Erection by the Intersection” (not my words, I swear!).

Take A Stroll Through St. Stephen’s Green

If the city is becoming too much for you then head to St. Stephen’s Green. It’s a giant park at the end of Grafton Street. Perfect for a mid-day stroll, or picnic lunch in the park!

Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle isn’t actually a castle, anymore! Today it serves as Ireland’s government building and a conference centre!

You can tour the State Apartments and learn more about its 700 year history in Dublin Ireland. See ticket options here.

The Liffey & Ha’Penny Bridge

The Liffey is the river running through Dublin City centre, it’s kind of hard to miss.

The Ha’Penny bridge is a pedestrian only suspension bridge crossing the river Liffey. It got its name because it used to cost a penny to cross. Now it’s free, so cross back and forth as you please!

St. Patricks Cathedral Dublin Ireland

I’m not one for visiting churches, but if you have to visit one church while in Dublin Ireland it should be St. Patricks Cathedral, I mean Ireland is the land of St. Patrick after all!

I’d even recommend paying for the tour of the church where you’ll get a great history of the church and even access to different parts of the church you wouldn’t otherwise see! 

See ticket options here.

Visit One Of The Many Museums In Dublin City

Let’s be real, you’re in Ireland, it’s most likely going to rain while you’re there!

You’re in luck though, it’s as though the city has planned for this with indoor museums for you to visit!

There’s no shortage of museums, and I’m sure you’ll find one for you!

The Little Museum of Dublin

If you’re looking for a quick, to-the-point history of Dublin Ireland, then head to The Little Museum of Dublin.

It’s a tiny museum that packs a lot of punch taking your from the beginnings of the city all the way to present day.

Find ticket and more information here.

Unique Museums: The National Leprechaun Museum & Dublinia

If you’re looking for a museum that you won’t get anywhere else, then head to the National Leprechaun Museum. The museum dives into the rich folklore history of the Irish faeries.

It’s perfect for families during the day, or a great pub scene alternative for adults at night… when the lights are off throughout the entire museum! Find out more here.

The Dublinia is another family friendly museum that takes you through Irish history starting all the way back to the age of the vikings! Find out more here.

Classic Museums: The National Museum of Ireland In Dublin City

The National Museum of Ireland is somewhat of your classic museum, although it covers several sections. There’s an Archeology department as well as natural history.

This is also where you’ll find the National Gallery of Ireland.

Explore Ireland’s Famous Alcohols

If you didn’t know before, you’ll quickly notice when you’re in Ireland: the Irish love drinking. They have two famous brews, Guinness and Whiskey.

Beer & Ireland

Irelands is famous for producing Guinness: a dry stout beer. It’s very earthy and heavy – great for drinking during the cold months of the year.

The main attraction in Dublin Ireland is The Guinness Storehouse, to find out everything there is to know about Guinness beer. 

This museum takes you from brewing to exporting, and finally to the marketing of the beer. Your ticket also includes a pint of Guinness that you can enjoy at the Gravity Bar with a 360-degree view of the city.

P.S. Tickets become more expensive later in the day and on the weekends. The Gravity Bar will also become more crowded the later you go. Although it’s a bit odd, the early you go there, the better! That’s why we enjoyed our pint first thing in the morning! Book tickets on Viator.

Whiskey & Ireland

Whiskey has been produced in Ireland going back hundreds of years, and though their Scottish neighbours like to lay claim its invention, the Irish will always say they got there first (seriously, read about the controversy in my post about surprising food origins!).

I recommend visiting The Whiskey Museum on Grafton Street. It’s a guided history tour about whiskey in Ireland with a tasting session at the end. If you’re a bit of a lightweight (like me), I recommend not going on an empty stomach! Book tickets on Viator here.

Whiskey Distilleries In Dublin

If you’re more interested in visiting a whiskey distillery in Dublin Ireland there are actually two in the city you can visit: Jameson and Teeling.

I haven’t heard anything about the Teeling distillery, but I’ve visited the Jameson Distillery and would recommend!

The Jameson Distillery offers a few upgrades to their basic tour. For example, we were able to book a cask draw experience where we tasted the whiskey directly from the cask – which was pretty cool!

Dublin City Night Life

Part of the Irish love for alcohol is going out at night to enjoy it.

So they have a great nightlife and pub scene. You can sign up for different pub crawls or you can head to Temple Bar on your own.

Temple bar is both the “party district” and the cultural centre of Dublin City. During the day there are markets, but at night tourists will all flock there for a good time. You’ll find mostly crowded pubs and overpriced drinks, but you’ll still have an unforgettable night.

P.S. It’s known at the pints will become increasingly more expensive throughout the night in Temple Bar.

Where To Eat In Dublin Ireland

My favourite place to eat in Dublin Ireland was The Celt. This is a fun little pub that’s outside of the tourist epicentre of Dublin. They have live, traditional Irish music 7 nights a week and delicious food (I recommend the classic Irish stew with a side of mashed potatoes).

An easy place to eat, just off of Grafton Street, is O’Neils Pub. I had the fish and chips and I think they were the best I had on my entire trip. But they were also my first in Ireland, so I might be a little biased!

Fun Day Trips From Dublin Ireland

If you are interested in seeing some more of Ireland, I recommend doing some day trips from Dublin. This way, you don’t always have to pack up all your belongings and move every second day.

Here are some of the essential day trips from Dublin, but if you have some more time, check out my full top 10 list here.

Visit Northern Ireland & Giants Causeway

I went on this organized tour from Viator to the Giant’s Causeway and Northern Ireland.

The first part of the day explores Belfast, which has a completely different history than Dublin. You’ll get to choose between the Titanic museum or a black cab tour of the city.

I highly HIGHLY recommend choosing the black cab tour. You’ll be driven around by two local guides (a Protestant and Catholic) who will each describe the troubled history of the city. This way, you get to hear both sides of the story.

Just a heads up, Northern Ireland is a part of the UK (so bring pounds if you have!).

The next part of your day bring you to The Giants Causeway – a UNESCO world heritage site. Here, you’ll have some free time to walk around and take in the sights of these strange – but entirely natural – rock formations.

Before heading back to Dublin, you’ll stop at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope bridge. You can cross the rickety bridge – at your own risk – to the other side. Joking! It’s completely safe.

Book the Northern Ireland highlights tour on Viator →

Visit Cork and Blarney Castle From Dublin

For our second day trip from Dublin, I went on this organized tour with Viator to visit Cork and Blarney Castle.

Cork is the second largest city in Ireland. They’ll give you a short tour and then you’ll have some free time to walk around before heading to your second stop of the day: Blarney Castle.

Blarney Castle is famous for a stone at the top of the tower. Legend says that if you kiss the stone, you’ll get the gift of the gab. Be prepared to wait in line to go up though… and it’s LONG! But it’ll be worth it!

You’ll also stop at the Rock of Cashel castle ruins along your route. It’s a great stop filled with history, photo-ops, and a beautiful place to appreciate the Irish countryside.

Book the the Blarney Castle & Cork organized tour here. Or see more day trips from Dublin through Viator here.

P.S. The Reality About A Day Trip To The Cliffs of Moher From Dublin…

If you know anything about Ireland, it’s probably the Cliffs of Moher. And if you haven’t, they’re basically giant sea side cliffs (surprising, I know). The Cliffs of Moher might just be the most popular day trip from Dublin.

But when I looked into visiting the Cliffs, I found that it wasn’t worth the trip if you’re doing it in a day from Dublin. They’re actually pretty far from the city so it would be a lot of just driving.

But the worst part about it all… you might not even get to see the cliffs at all.

As I mentioned, the weather in Ireland is VERY temperamental. So there’s a high chance of rain or fog. If it’s anything but sunny, you won’t be able to see the full effects of the cliffs, if you’re able to see them at all.

The reality is that with limited time, a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin is risky and costly.

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• The Cliffs Of Moher: Average Cliffs Or Worth The Hassle?

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Last update on 2024-05-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API