Ireland, also known as the “Emerald Isle,” is a special little country in the North Atlantic Ocean.
In this local-approved itinerary, you’ll find Dublin’s top things to do, best restaurants to try, and perfect places to go for a fun night out. Read this article to help you plan your journey through Dublin, the heart of Ireland and the home of Guinness and craic.
How to get to Dublin:
- If you’re visiting Dublin from another country, you’ll want to fly into Dublin Airport (DUB).
- If you’re coming from London, the cheapest and easiest way is to fly. It’s possible to take a ferry from Holyhead, UK to Dublin. Check Omio for the best rates.
- If you’re traveling from another part of Ireland, consider taking the bus. Book the Aircoach on Omio for a quick and cheap ride.
Where to stay in Dublin:
Dublin has an extensive transportation system, so where you stay will not make a huge difference in your experience. Consider staying near the center if you want to be close to all the main attractions. If you’re looking at specific neighborhoods, check out Smithfield, Temple Bar, The Liberties, or Stonybatter.
I recommend searching Airbnb and Booking.com for the most afforable accommodations.
Here are some of the most affordable hostels for those traveling on a budget:
How to get around Dublin:
There are four primary ways to get around Dublin.
- Walk: Dublin is quite a walkable city. Most attractions are within walking distance of each other.
- Bus: The Dublin Bus has a large network of routes that cover the entire city and suburbs. You can buy a Leap Card for contactless payment on public transport, including buses, trams, and trains.
- Luas: The Luas is Dublin’s tram system. There are two lines, the green line and the red line, which connect many of the city’s most popular neighborhoods.
- Uber: You can use the Uber app to hail taxis in Dublin.
Things to do in Dublin:
1. Visit the Guinness Storehouse
The Guinness Storehouse is not your typical museum experience. The building is seven stories tall, with interactive displays, a tasting room, a pint pouring station, and much more. Take in the panoramic views of the city from the Gravity Bar on the top floor. Book tickets in advance on the Guinness website or check out some of these experiences on Tripadvisor and Viator.
2. Explore Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle has a complex history spanning 800 years. It was once the seat of the British administration in Ireland, until it was occupied by Irish rebels in the Easter Rising of 1916 and claimed by the Irish Free State in 1922. If you’re interested in learning more, book tickets on the website or check out some guided tours here.
3. Take a tour of Trinity College
Established in 1592, Trinity College is the oldest university in Ireland and safekeeper of the Book of Kells, an ancient latin manuscript of the four Gospels of the New Testament. Take a tour of the campus if you’re interested in learning more about the history of the institution. You can also purchase tickets to see the Book of Kells here.
4. Check out the Jameson Distillery
The Jameson Distillery has a fun tasting tour led by a Whiskey Ambassador that is definitely worth checking out, even if you’re not a fan of whiskey. Book tickets for the 45-minute Bow St. Experience on Tripadvisor or on the website.
5. Walk in Phoenix Park
Dublin’s Phoenix Park is one of Europe’s largest enclosed city parks. If you’re looking for a break from the city, take a walk around the extensive green space and historic sites.
6. Visit the Kilmainham Gaol Museum
Kilmainham Gaol Musem is a former prison turned national monument. It stands as an important reminder of Ireland’s struggle for independence. If you’re interested in visiting Kilmainham Gaol Musem, you’ll need to book tickets in advance. They often sell out so make sure to reserve your spot early.
7. Stroll down Grafton Street
Wander down the pedestrianized Grafton Street, lined with shops, cafes, and buskers singing everything from traditional Irish tunes to today’s hits.
8. Get lost in Iveagh Gardens
Known as Dublin’s secret garden, Iveagh Gardens is another city park to explore during your visit.
9. Tour Saint Patrick's Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church and Saint Patrick’s Cathedrals are less than a 10 minute walk away from one another, yet have quite different histories. You can find tours of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral on Get Your Guide.
10. Hit the pubs!
You may have noticed nearly anywhere you go in the world, there is always a local Irish pub. It wouldn’t be a true visit to Dublin without going for a few pints. In Dublin, you’ll find everything from the classic dark and cozy pub with red booth seats and live music to a trendy Victorian house turned multi-floor bar. Read more about Dublin’s bars later on in this article.
Where to eat in Dublin:
1. Roberta's
Roberta’s is an award-winning glasshouse restaurant and bar in Dublin offering impressive New-York Italian cuisine with stunning views of the River Liffey.
2. Elephant & Castle
With locations in Temple Bar and Rathmines, Elephant & Castle serves high-quality American-style dishes. The chicken wings are a house favorite.
3. 777
777 is Dublin’s contemporary Mexican restaurant known for its impressive tequila list and vibrant atmosphere. If you need more convincing to visit a Mexican restaurant in Ireland, it was recommended by Julio Bermejo of the famous Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco.
4. Bull & Castle
Dublin’s Bull & Castle is a historic pub-style steakhouse with a focus on craft beers and meats from a family of butchers.
5. Wuff
Stop by the take-away window or sit down for brunch at Wuff, Dublin’s dog-friendly cafe.
6. Container Coffee
Although it’s not exactly a restaurant, Container Coffee is a great place to stop if you need a coffee and a snack before visiting the Guinness Storehouse, which will surely be a stop on your Dublin itinerary.
Where to drink in Dublin
1. The Brazen Head
The Brazen Head is one of Ireland’s most famous pubs. It is also the self-proclamined oldest pub in the country, dating back to 1198. Enjoy a pint on their covered outdoor patio or on the dance floor while listening to some live music.
2. The Temple Bar
The Temple Bar is another major tourist attraction in Dublin, which means the drinks are expensive and it is always super crowded. That being said, the bar itself is quite charming with lots of seating, festive decor, and live music. It’s located in the heart of it’s namesake, the Temple Bar district.
3. The Bar With No Name
It’d be easy to miss The Bar With No Name if not for the large wooden snail that hangs above the door. Climb the stairs and you’ll find yourself in a young, trendy bar with tasty cocktails. It feels more like an old Victorian house than a pub, with different bars in each room and a large covered patio.
4. Love Tempo
Love Tempo has a cool, jazzy atmosphere with cherry-red booths and moody candelight. It’s a great place to sit and chat with friends over a couple of cocktails.
5. Bonobo, Smithfield
Bonobo, Smithfield is another trendy spot located in Smithfield, across the River Liffey. The dark wood and brick walls, old-fashioned drip candles, and indoor plants give the bar a classic, artistic vibe. The outdoor seating area has lots of communal tables.
6. Copper Face Jacks
Known as Coppers to most, Copper Face Jacks nightclub is a popular place to go dancing for locals and tourists alike. With multiple floors, an outdoor beer garden, a main bar, and a cocktail bar, Coppers truly has something for everyone.
7. The Camden
The Camden is an extravagant sports bar and multipurpose venue that also turns into a nightclub. There are live DJs every Friday and Saturday until 2:30am
8. 37 Dawson St
37 Dawson St has an ecclectic vintage vibe with modern art and colorful mix-matched furniture. It’s a fun place to go dancing, or stop by earlier in the day for their weekend brunch.
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