Dublin
Dublin is compact, historic, and full of character — a city where centuries-old cathedrals stand beside buzzing pubs, leafy Georgian squares, and colorful front doors. It’s a place where past and present mingle easily, with cobbled lanes that once echoed with Viking footsteps now lined with bookshops, cafés, and street performers. Founded by the Vikings in the 9th century, Dublin later became a key center of English rule in Ireland, playing a pivotal role in centuries of political and cultural struggle. The city is walkable and welcoming, with a charm that reveals itself in quiet parks, traditional music sessions, and the unmistakable wit of locals. From its literary legacy — Joyce, Yeats, Beckett — to its revolutionary history and thriving creative scene, Dublin is a city that tells a story on every corner.
💡Dublin: Good to Know
🛂 Visa: US, UK, Canada, Australia, and EU citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days.
✈️ Closest Airport: Dublin Airport (DUB)
💬 Language: English is the main language; Irish (Gaeilge) is official too, but rarely spoken day-to-day
🏷️ Price Level: Moderate to high; generally more expensive than mainland Europe
🍔 Big Mac Index: US: US$5.69 / Ireland: US$5.97
💰 Currency: Euro (€) | 1 USD ≈ 0.92 EUR
☀️ Best Times to Visit: May–September for milder weather and outdoor events; March 17 for St. Patrick’s Day
🚘 Transportation: Buses, trams (Luas), DART (coastal trains), taxis, and walking
🔌 Adapter: Ireland uses Type G plugs (UK-style, 230V). US/EU visitors will need adapters
🛜 WiFi: Excellent and widespread in hotels, pubs, cafés, and public areas
🏧💰 ATM and “Cash or Card”: Cards are widely accepted (including contactless). Cash still useful in taxis and pubs.
💸 Tipping: A 10–15% tip is expected in restaurants unless service is already included. Tipping in pubs is not required unless you receive table service.
🚢 Cruise Terminal Address: East Wall Road, Terminal 18. Dublin D01 WD28 (docked)
✈️ 🚇🚕 Getting There and Around
🎟️ Dublin’s public transport system includes Dublin Bus, Luas trams, DART (commuter rail), and Irish Rail services, all integrated under the Transport for Ireland (TFI) network. You can pay using a Leap Card, which offers discounted fares and can be purchased at many newsagents, vending machines, or online. Contactless payment with credit/debit cards and mobile wallets (Apple Pay/Google Pay) is also accepted on Dublin Bus, Luas, and DART, making travel simple for visitors. The TFI Live and Leap Top-Up apps are helpful for planning and payments.
✈️ Dublin Airport (DUB) is located about 6 miles (10 km) north of the city center. While there is no train or tram service, airport buses provide frequent and reliable connections. The Aircoach and Dublin Express services run 24/7 and take around 25–40 minutes, depending on traffic. Tickets cost approximately €7–€9 one-way. Cheaper options include Dublin Bus routes 16 and 41, which are part of the regular public transport system and accept Leap Cards or contactless payment, though they are slower and make more stops.
🚇 Dublin has one main cruise terminal at Dublin Port, which may include stops at Alexandra Quay or nearby docking points depending on the ship. The port is around 2–3 miles (3–5 km) from the city center. Dublin Bus routes 53 and 151 service the port area, or you can take a taxi into town for about €15–€20, depending on traffic. Some cruise lines offer shuttle buses to key points like Merrion Square or St. Stephen’s Green. While walking is possible, it's not recommended due to industrial traffic and limited pedestrian paths around the docks.
🚌 Two companies offer hop-on-hop-off buses that connect the main sights throughout the city (more info here and here).
⭐️ Top Sights in Dublin
"Dublin's name means 'Black Pool,' a term derived from a 9th-century Viking settlement."
📸 Trinity College & The Book of Kells: Ireland’s oldest university, founded in 1592, is an oasis of calm in the city center. Its main draw is the Book of Kells, a 9th-century illuminated manuscript known for its intricate detail and vivid colors. Don’t miss the Long Room Library, a breathtaking hall lined with 18th-century oak bookcases and over 200,000 of the library’s oldest books — it’s like stepping into Hogwarts.
📸 Dublin Castle: Once the center of British administration in Ireland, Dublin Castle is now a government complex and museum. You can explore the State Apartments, which host official functions and ceremonial events, as well as Viking archaeological remains in the undercroft. The courtyard and gardens make for a peaceful retreat just off busy Dame Street.
📸 St. Patrick’s Cathedral: Founded in 1191, this is the largest cathedral in Ireland and one of its most iconic buildings. The Gothic interior is majestic, and the history here is rich — Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels and former dean, is buried inside. Guided tours offer insight into the church’s role in Irish religious and political life.
📸 Guinness Storehouse: Ireland’s most visited attraction lives up to the hype. Located in the original Guinness brewery at St. James’s Gate, the multi-story experience takes you through the brewing process, advertising history, and the legacy of Arthur Guinness. End your visit with a pint at the Gravity Bar, which offers 360-degree views over Dublin.
📸 Temple Bar District: Yes, it’s touristy — but Temple Bar is still worth a stroll for its lively atmosphere. Cobblestone streets are packed with traditional pubs, street performers, and art galleries. Stop for a pint and some live Irish music at The Temple Bar Pub, or seek out quieter corners like Cow’s Lane for local crafts and design.
📸 Kilmainham Gaol: One of Dublin’s most moving historical sites, Kilmainham Gaol is a former prison turned museum. Its stark, echoing corridors and stone cells held many of Ireland’s revolutionary leaders, including those involved in the 1916 Easter Rising. The guided tours are excellent, offering a deep dive into Ireland’s struggle for independence.
📸 Grafton Street: Dublin’s premier shopping street is more than just retail — it’s a performance space, a people-watching paradise, and a great place to soak up the local vibe. You’ll hear everything from classical violinists to full bands playing live. Stop by Brown Thomas for high-end shopping or grab a coffee and just watch the city go by.
📸 Phoenix Park: At over 1,700 acres, Phoenix Park is one of the largest enclosed urban parks in Europe. You can cycle or walk among wild deer, visit Dublin Zoo, or explore Áras an Uachtaráin, the residence of the Irish President. It’s the perfect escape if you need a break from city life.
📸 EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum: A modern, interactive museum located in the CHQ Building along the River Liffey. EPIC tells the story of how and why over 10 million people left Ireland, and the global impact of the Irish diaspora. Exhibits are digital and immersive — no dusty display cases here — and it’s widely praised for being both educational and fun.
📸 Howth (day trip): Just a 30-minute ride on the DART train, Howth is a scenic seaside village on Dublin’s north coast. It’s ideal for a half- or full-day trip, with dramatic cliff walks, fresh seafood at cozy harbor restaurants, and a charming weekend market. Keep an eye out for seals lounging near the pier!
🍽️😋 Regional Specialties
Irish food is hearty, comforting, and deeply tied to the land — think stews, breads, and potatoes, rooted in traditional country-style cooking. But Dublin is also home to a booming modern culinary scene, with Michelin-starred restaurants, creative cafés, gourmet food markets, and global fusion spots. Whether you're after a cozy pub meal, a seaside fish shack, or fine dining with Irish flair, Dublin delivers — and always with a side of warm hospitality and great conversation. The city’s rich pub culture makes food and drink not just nourishment, but a social experience.
🍽️ Irish Stew: A timeless classic made with tender lamb or beef, slow-cooked with potatoes, carrots, onions, and parsley. Each family (and pub) has its own twist, but it’s always warm, filling, and perfect on a damp Dublin day.
🍽️ Boxty: A traditional potato pancake from the north-west of Ireland, now found in trendy Dublin cafés. It’s crisp on the outside, soft inside, and often served with savory fillings like bacon, sausage, mushrooms, or smoked salmon. A must-try for brunch lovers.
🍽️ Full Irish Breakfast: A hearty morning feast: sausage, bacon, eggs, grilled tomato, black and white pudding, baked beans, toast, and tea or coffee. It’s the ideal fuel for a day of exploring — or the ultimate cure for a late night in Temple Bar.
🍽️ Fish and Chips: A staple of Irish takeaway culture. Expect fresh cod or haddock, battered and fried to golden perfection, served with chunky chips and mushy peas. Some of the best spots are near the sea — Howth or Dun Laoghaire are local favorites for this classic.
🍽️ Coddle: A Dublin-born comfort dish, traditionally made with leftovers: sausages, rashers (bacon), onions, and potatoes simmered in a broth until tender. It’s rustic, filling, and full of flavor — a true taste of the city’s working-class roots.
🍽️ Seafood Chowder: A creamy, rich soup brimming with fresh Irish seafood like mussels, salmon, and smoked haddock. Usually served with homemade brown bread — perfect for dipping. Look for it in pubs and coastal restaurants.
🥤 Guinness: Dublin’s most iconic export. The world-famous dry stout is best enjoyed in its hometown — fresher, smoother, and creamier than you’ll find elsewhere. Head to the Guinness Storehouse for the full story (and a pint with a view), or try it in a cozy pub poured by a seasoned bartender.
🥤 Irish Whiskey: Smooth, complex, and making a global comeback. Try Jameson, Teeling (distilled right in Dublin’s Liberties), Powers, or Redbreast. Visit the Jameson Distillery Bow St. for a guided tasting or cocktail-making session.
🥤 Irish Coffee: A perfect way to warm up: hot coffee spiked with Irish whiskey, sweetened, and topped with a layer of cream. Served in many cafés and restaurants — especially comforting after dinner or on a rainy afternoon.
📍🗺️ Maps, Apps & Links
🌐 Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour I
🌐 Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour II
🚕 Uber
🚕 FreeNow