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Along the irish sea coast, a city where classic literature meets street-lined pubs, filled with millions of stories you simply can’t take in, in one visit..

Travel to Dublin in hopes of getting lucky and finding that pot of gold on your vacation. The city is a treasure trove that’ll charm you into coming back. Its historic castles will transport you to another world and the awe inspiring Trinity Library will take your breath away. Dublin is also home to some of the best distilleries in the world and the lively Temple Bar will keep you dancing till the cows come home.

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Dublin mixes elegant Georgian buildings, wrought-iron bridges, a battalion of booksellers, and more than 1,000 pubs. The most appealing thing about Dublin isn't the sights, or even the great pubs and restaurants. It's the people. The Dubs are fun, funny, and irreverent, and most of them love nothing better than talking to strangers. So make a point of rubbing elbows with the locals. The pub is a natural spot to do this, but almost any place will do. Ask for directions on a street corner (even if you don't need them), and you might be on your way to a brilliant conversation.

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Summer offers a real lift, as the natives spill out of the pubs into the slew of sidewalk cafés and open-air restaurants. The week around St. Patrick's Day (March 17) is, naturally, a nonstop festival of parades, cultural happenings, and "hooleys" (long nights of partying). Christmas in Dublin seems to last a month, and the city's old-style illuminations match the genteel, warm mood of the locals.

A sweater is a must year round; even summer nights can get chilly. Dublin gets its share of rain (though a lot less than other parts of Ireland), so an umbrella is a good investment.

Top Experiences

Guinness Storehouse : Ireland’s number 1 visitor attraction. Created in the 1700’s by Arthur Guinness, the ebullition house is now a multimedia exhibition.

St. Patrick’s and Christ Church Cathedrals : These two cathedrals are a 10-minute walk apart. St. Patrick’s dates back to 1220. Christ Church has hosted pilgrims for almost 1,000 years. Both showcase medieval art and architecture.

Book of Kells and Trinity College : The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript of four gospels of the Christian New Testament. Its illustrations are majestic and legendary. Located at Trinity College, there are also art exhibits and beautiful campus.

Irish Emigration Museum : Following the journeys of over 10 million people who left Ireland throughout history. The Irish Family History Centre is also here if you want to delve into your Irish past. Most of Dublin’s museums are free and there are many worth looking at.

Dublin Castle : Built over the ruins of a Danish Viking fortress, this castle began construction about 1230. It has morphed many times over the centuries depending on its uses and doesn’t resemble a castle in looks. But is used for every large state event and you can take a guided tour.

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Your ultimate travel guide to Dublin

• Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is an iconic city teeming with pubs, historic landmarks, and more.
• Insider's Dublin travel guide includes the best places to stay, cool activities, and hidden gems.
• Visit Insider's hub for travel guides, tips, and recommendations .

Dublin teems with historic landmarks, friendly residents, and the craic — Ireland's sociable nature and deep-rooted culture, which are at their strongest and most authentic in the capital. It's no wonder people refer to the luck of the Irish.

From crumbling ancient walls and centuries-old pubs to the Georgian architecture brought in by the ruling British, remnants of its long (and often troubled) history dot the city, sectioned into north and south by the River Liffey. 

But it's the ever-evolving contemporary side that you'll fall in love with first. The city's vibrancy comes partly thanks to the influx of tech giants (Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn are among the companies with European headquarters here), as well as its community-minded residents who keep the city busy and creative. Phenomenal street art and inventive shops and bars are testaments to that. 

Brimming with novelty, Dublin offers enduring charm in the curiosities you'll stumble upon, as well as serendipitous encounters with local characters – both best paired with a pint of properly poured Guinness.

Check out Insider's guide for planning your next trip to Dublin.

→ How to get to and around Dublin  

→ where to stay in dublin, → where to eat in dublin, → what to do in dublin  , → important advisories for dublin.

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CITY GUIDES , DUBLIN , EUROPE , IRELAND · January 27, 2024 Last Updated on March 13, 2024

THE COMPLETE CITY GUIDE TO DUBLIN, IRELAND

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may receive a small commission when you make a purchase using our link.

Ireland is a gorgeous island nation located just west of England and Scotland. The capital, Dublin, is the gateway to Ireland, and you cannot skip it on your Ireland Itinerary.

Dublin is a must-visit home to some of the world’s best pubs, friendly locals, and plenty to see. This ultimate guide to Dublin will go over everything you need to know for your trip – the best places to stay, where to eat, what to do, how to get around, and more.

I hope that this post, which is all about your ultimate guide to Dublin, Ireland, helps you plan the best trip ever.

Where To Stay In Dublin

Since Dublin is a major city, you will find every type of hotel within the city. I have organized these Dublin hotels into budget, mid-range, and luxury options.

Luxury Dublin Hotels

• The Fitzwilliam Hotel – The Fitzwilliam Hotel is as fancy as it sounds. The elegant decor, top-notch service, and Michelin-star restaurant will make you feel like a celebrity. If you are looking for luxury in the city’s center, look no further than the stunning Fitzwilliam Hotel.
• The Merrion Hotel – The Merrion Hotel in the center of Dublin is a proud member of the World’s Leading Hotels. The hotel is a restored Georgian townhouse and is home to a two-Michelin-star restaurant and a spectacular bar. You can find a luxurious stay at the Merrion Hotel in Dublin.

Mid-Range Dublin Hotels

• Motel One Dublin – Motel One is a lovely mid-range hotel option in Dublin. I stayed here and thought everything was wonderful. The rooms were clean and comfortable, the location was great (within walking distance to all of Dublin’s main attractions), and the staff were friendly and helpful.
• Wren Urban Nest – Located in the Temple Bar District, The Wren Urban Nest is a modern hotel that will exceed your expectations. The Wren Urban Nest has a restaurant, bar, comfortable rooms, and stylish decor.

Budget Dublin Hotels

• Clink i Lar – Clink i Lar is great if you are looking for a hostel in Dublin. You will find daily tours, restaurants, bars, and a great social scene at Clink i Lar.
• Harcourt Hotel – The Harcourt Hotel is perfect if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that is not a hostel. Located near the fabulous St. Stephen’s Green, Trinity College, and Grafton Street, The Harcourt Hotel is in the perfect location. You can also find a restaurant and bar at the Harcourt Hotel.

Best Tours To Take In Dublin

Tours enhance your trip because you learn so much more and get taken to secret spots. These are my favorite tours in Dublin.

• Cliffs Of Moher Day Trip From Dublin – The Cliffs of Moher are an absolute must-visit in Ireland. While the Cliffs are on the western coast of Ireland, they are still a doable day trip from Dublin. It is easiest to do a  tour to see them.
• Guinness Storehouse: Entrance Ticket – Every year, more than one million people visit the Guinness Storehouse to discover the history of Guinness Stout and savor a complimentary pint on a self-guided tour.
• Jameson Whiskey Distillery Tour with Tastings – Discover the secrets of crafting authentic Irish whiskey on a guided tour of the historic Jameson Distillery in Dublin, followed by a comparative whiskey tasting.
• Pub Crawl – Join a guided pub crawl and experience the best of Dublin’s nightlife. Visit fantastic pubs, enjoy free Guinness, free shots, drinks discounts, great live music, skip the lines, and get VIP nightclub entry.

What To Do In Dublin

Dublin and its surrounding areas have lots of things to do and see, everything from the world-famous Guinness storehouse to Temple Bar and cliff walks.

Here are ten of the best things to do and see in Dublin.

1) Walk across Ha’Penny Bridge

The Ha’Penny Bridge is a quick stop but also a must-visit in Dublin. The footbridge connects the northern part of Dublin to the Temple Bar District. Built in May of 1816 the Ha’Penny Bridge is a Dublin staple and a great photo op, you cannot miss it.

2) Visit Trinity College

Trinity College was one of my favorite parts of Dublin; it is one of the most beautiful college campuses I have ever visited. Located within walking distance of the famous Grafton Street and stunning St. Stephens Green, Trinity College is fantastic. The cobblestone footpaths, green spaces, vines covering the buildings, and top-notch facilities make Trinity College a student’s dream. I recommend bringing a book and enjoying the sunshine in the green spaces if you have spare time.

4) Book Of Kells

Located in Trinity College, The Book of Kells is a medieval manuscript that illustrates the four gospels. People travel worldwide to visit the Book Of Kells because it is one of the only treasures left of its kind. The Book Of Kells contains the four accounts of Christ’s life that can be found in the New Testament.

Be sure to book your tickets online to see the Instagram-famous Trinity College Library and the Book of Kells because tickets will sell out. I ended up waiting two hours because I did not book ahead.

5) Grafton Street

A quick walk away from Trinity College is Grafton Street. Grafton Street is the best street in Dublin for shopping, walking, and watching talented street performers (Ed Sheeran used to play on Grafton Street). While on Grafton Street, grab a souvenir – I always grab a sticker.

Don’t be afraid to stray off of Grafton Street into the side streets. Adorable side streets off of Grafton are perfect for a photo. St.Annes Street is stunning!

6) Visit Dublin Castle

The Dublin Castle is home to ancient artifacts, stunning architecture, and plenty to see. Some of my favorite things that I saw were the paintings on the ceiling of St. Patrick’s Hall, eighteenth-century Italian paintings, The Viceregal Throne, and the lion sculptures in the courtyard of the castle. The Dublin Castle is a must-visit in Dublin if you are interested in Ireland’s history or art.

7) Christ Church Cathedral

Just a few steps away from the Dublin Castle is the Christ Church Cathedral. The Christ Church Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Cathedral built in 1030 by the king of Dublin’s Vikings, Sitric. It is amazing to think that this Church has stood in Dublin for almost 1,000 years.

The Christ Church Cathedral is a quick visit, but totally worth it.

8) St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Built-in 1191, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland. The Gothic cathedral was one of my favorite things to see in Dublin. Both the interior and exterior of the cathedral are absolutely stunning. I thought the most notable features of St. Patrick’s Cathedral were the stained glass windows and the knights’ helmets.

You can buy tickets to see the inside of the Cathedral upon arrival; they will set you back about ten euros.

9) Drink a Guinness at the Guinness Storehouse

Believe it or not, Guinness Storehouse is Ireland’s top tourist attraction. While I am not a huge beer fan, I would still recommend you visit Guinness Storehouse . You will learn so much about beer, get to visit the Gravity Bar (stunning views of Dublin), get a Guinness, do a Guinness tasting and learn why beer is so popular in Ireland at the Guinness Storehouse.

10) Have a drink at Temple Bar

A trip to Dublin is not complete without visiting the world-famous Temple Bar. Temple Bar is a Dublin staple and is a perfect place to get a photo and listen to the almost always playing live Irish music. You can enjoy a Guinness and some traditional Irish food during your time at the Temple Bar.

11) Howth Cliff Walk

If you have a little extra time in Dublin, then be sure to check out Howth Cliff Walk. Only 30 minutes away from Dublin by train is a small seaside village called Howth, and it has a lovely hike – comparable to the Cliff of Moher. So, visit Howth if you want to add a bit of nature to your city trip.

Related Article : Guide To Howth Cliff Walk

Best Dining Spots In Dublin

Breakfast in dublin.

Dublin is home to a lovely cafe culture.

• Vice Inc. Coffee – Vice Inc. Coffee is located in northern Dublin. It is a great spot for an afternoon coffee as it opens later and can be found in the back of a bar called Wigmens. Don’t let this fool you, Vice serves up specialty lattes and insanely good Irish coffee.
• Legit Coffee Company – Legit Coffee Company is the best brunch spot in Dublin. Located in Dublin’s Liberty neighborhood, Legit Coffee Company serves primarily French food as the chef is French. Legit strides to bring all people together.
• Proper Order Coffee – Proper Order Coffee is perfect if you are looking for a quick coffee or pastries. The hole-in-the-wall coffee joint is great for grabbing food or getting work done.

Lunch and Dinner In Dublin

• The Brazen Head – You can’t go to Dublin without going to a pub. When it comes to pubs in Dublin, The Brazen Head is a local favorite. You can find great pub food, and The Brazen Head is Ireland’s oldest bar. Even if you are not looking to eat or drink, the Brazen Head is worth a visit.
• Etto  – If you are looking for a fancy dinner in Dublin, then Etto is a lovely choice. Etto is located in the center of Dublin and serves up some amazing seafood with Italian influence. Etto has a cozy atmosphere and is a lovely dinner option in Dublin.
• Wilde – Wilde is an aesthetically pleasing restaurant located on the quaint Harry Street in Dublin. With tons of natural light and elegant decor, Wilde is definitely Insta-worthy. Wilde is a steakhouse that serves it all; it is on the more expensive end.

Related Article: The Best Coffee Spots in Dublin

Getting Around Dublin

Dublin is a walkable city! I did not use the train or taxis at all while in Dublin.

If you are not a walking fan, you can take the bus, DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transport), or Luas (the tram).

I used the DART to get to Howth – it was easy and inexpensive. There are thirty-one DART stations in Dublin, so you will not have to walk far to find a station. You can find train times and destinations on the DART website .

The Luas, a tram, is an inexpensive way to get around Dublin. It is a hop-on-hop-off system that goes all around the city. The Luas can get a bit crowded so be sure to plan ahead. You can find more of the Luas timetables and routes on the Luas website .

The bus is another great option if you are looking to save a bit of money. Check out the bus routes and times . If you are looking for a simpler way to get to all the most popular tourist attractions, I recommend booking the hop-on, hop-off bus tour .

When To Visit Dublin

I love Dublin year-round. Most people opt to visit in the summer, which is lovely but don’t overlook the fall, winter, and spring in Dublin. There is something magical about a rainy day in Dublin. Cozying up in a cafe or strolling the chilly streets feels right in Dublin – more authentic.

If you visit Dublin during the holidays, you will experience the fabulous holiday decor. The winter does not get too cold in Ireland. While it definitely gets cold, it is never as bad as Slavic countries or northern parts of the USA and Canada during winter.

The summer is beautiful in Ireland, just be prepared for crowds and high prices.

Dublin Wrap Up

Dublin is the gateway to the magical country of Ireland that should not be skipped over. This ultimate guide to Dublin covers everything that you need to know. I hope that this guide helps you plan the best trip to Ireland and inspires you to spend a few days in the charming city of Dublin.

We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Dublin, Ireland. If you have any questions or advice to share with our readers, please leave these in the comments below.

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Read More About Ireland

• 72 Hours In Ireland
• Glendalough – The Perfect Day Trip From Dublin
• The 8 Most Charming Places To Visit In Ireland

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Find cheap flights to Dublin from $211

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight to dublin departing on 10/1. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to dublin.

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Flights to dublin - travel insights & trends, get data-powered insights and trends for flights to dublin to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., what is the cheapest flight to dublin.

In the last 3 days, the cheapest flight deal to Dublin was found on the route from New York , at $211 one-way and $288 return. The most popular connection is from Boston to Dublin and KAYAK users have found round-trip deals for as low as $440 in the last 3 days.

How much is a flight to Dublin?

On average, a flight to dublin costs $746. the cheapest price found on kayak in the last 2 weeks cost $383 and departed from new york john f kennedy intl airport. the most popular routes on kayak are new york to dublin which costs $777 on average, and boston to dublin, which costs $781 on average., see prices from:, what is the cheapest day to fly to dublin, based on kayak data, the cheapest day to fly to dublin is wednesday where tickets can be as cheap as $750. on the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is saturday, where prices are $834 on average., what is the cheapest month to fly to dublin, the cheapest month for flights to dublin is january, where tickets cost $726 on average for one-way flights. on the other hand, the most expensive months are june and july, where the average cost of tickets from the united states is $1,265 and $1,257 respectively. for return trips, the best month to travel is january with an average price of $458., what is the cheapest time of day to fly to dublin, the cheapest time of day to fly to dublin is generally in the evening, when flights cost $625 on average. the most expensive time of day to fly to dublin is generally in the afternoon, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $680., what is a good deal for flights to dublin, if you’re looking for cheap airfare to dublin, 25% of our users found tickets to dublin for the following prices or less: from newark airport $484 one-way - $645 round-trip, from boston $487 one-way - $642 round-trip, from washington, d.c. dulles intl airport $512 one-way - $670 round-trip., how far in advance should i book a flight to dublin, to get a below average price, you should book around 2 weeks before departure. for the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 86 days before departure., which airlines fly to dublin, aer lingus, american airlines, and united airlines are commonly used to fly to dublin from united states. see the amount of flights per week for popular airlines flying to dublin., which airline offers the most flights to dublin, of the 2 airlines that fly to dublin, aer lingus offers the most flights, with around 14 per week, followed by ryanair with 14 flights per week., how long is the flight to dublin, the duration of your flight to dublin depends on your departure and arrival airports. obviously any flights that include a layover will also be longer. the most popular routes to dublin on kayak are from boston , which takes 6h 05m, new york , which takes 6h 30m, san francisco , which takes 10h 00m, and los angeles , which takes 10h 10m., how many direct flights to dublin are there each day, there are around 38 direct flights from within united states to dublin every day. most flights depart in the evening, with 8:00 pm the most common departure time and 71% of flights departing in the evening., how many direct flights to dublin are there each week, each week there are around 263 direct flights from within united states to dublin. the most common day for departures is monday, with 16% of flights taking off on this day., how many long-haul flights are there to dublin each week, each week, there are 179 long haul flights (6-12 hour flight duration) and 84 medium-haul flights (3-6 hour flight duration) to dublin. there aren't any short-haul flights (up to 3 hour flight duration)., how many cities have direct flights to dublin, from the united states, there are direct flights to dublin from 16 cities. the city with the most direct flights is new york, with 56 direct flights each week., good to know, when to book flights to dublin, faqs - booking dublin flights, what type of amenities are at dublin airport (dub) for business travelers.

If you're traveling to Dublin for business, consider visiting Dublin Airport's Executive Lounge in Terminal 1 or the 51st&Green lounge for Delta passengers in Terminal 2 before heading to your final destination.

What is the average check-in time at Dublin Airport (DUB)?

For departures from Dublin Airport (DUB) Terminal 1, allow approximately 2.5 hours to clear security before reaching your departure gate for short-haul flights and around 3.5 hours for long-haul flights. Check-in desks in Terminal 1 are located on the first floor and are open 24/7. Terminal 2 check-in desks are located on the ground floor and open around 4 am.

Are there budget-friendly hotels at Dublin Airport (DUB)?

If you're arriving at Dublin Airport (DUB) for a vacation, you may want to consider staying in a quality hotel near the airport. Options such as Radisson BLU Hotel Dublin Airport and Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport provide convenient, cost-friendly services despite their proximity to the airport.

Where are the car valet services at Dublin Airport (DUB)?

For car valet services at Dublin Airport (DUB), check out Terminals 1 and 2 or the Express Red Car Park. In Terminal 1, the wireless car valet service is in the Multistorey at Block A, while in Terminal 2, it is located near the Multistorey entrance.

What shops are available at Dublin Airport (DUB)?

The Loop in Dublin Airport (DUB) is an excellent shopping opportunity with luxurious cosmetics, high fashion staples, perfumes, Irish whiskeys, and French wines. The Loop opens early, at 4:00 a.m. or 5:00 a.m. depending on the terminal, allowing you to shop even with early flights.

Is there a rail connection from Dublin to the airport?

While there's no direct rail connection to Dublin Airport (DUB), Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) offers suburban and intercity rail service from Dublin Heuston and Dublin Connolly rail stations. Bus services connect the rail stations to the airport.

What are the restaurant options at Dublin Airport (DUB)?

If you're looking to grab a meal before your flight from Dublin Airport (DUB), there's a variety of European and international cuisine available. Alcock & Brown in the Mezzanine Food Court is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering options for a full meal or a quick coffee and pastry.

What facilities are available for children at Dublin Airport (DUB)?

There are two play areas for children at Dublin Airport (DUB), one pre-security and one post-security. Parents can also rent baby and children’s equipment from the Stork Exchange. There they have strollers, car seats, and whatever else you may need to make your trip in Ireland as safe as possible.

How far is Dublin from central Dublin?

Central Dublin is 6 miles away from Dublin.

What is the name of Dublin’s airport?

All flights to Dublin land at Dublin. The airport code is DUB,and it can also be referred to as Dublin or Dublin Airport.

On average, a flight to Dublin costs $746. The cheapest price found on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks cost $383 and departed from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights to Dublin?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to Dublin.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket to Dublin?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Dublin is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights to Dublin?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Dublin with an airline and back with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight to Dublin?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Dublin up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Dublin

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Dublin flight deals.
• Dublin Airport (DUB) is Dublin’s primary airport option and Ireland’s busiest airport. The airport has an impressive network of short and medium hauls and even offers United States border preclearance services for U.S.-bound travelers.
• Dublin Airport’s Platinum Service is a premium service that guarantees a maximum of just 15 minutes from entering the airport to arriving at your boarding gate. Other benefits to the program include complimentary food, drinks, and shower facilities. They will even have a chauffeur meet and greet you on your return flight to Dublin.
• If you intend to use a car rental in Dublin, Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise are some of the main car rentals you may consider checking out in Dublin Airport for your preferred car model. Easily accessed at Terminals 1 and 2 of the Dublin Airport, these three companies will rent you a car at varying costs, based on the model, destination, and the involved risks.
• Bus and coach are the cheapest options for budget travelers looking to get into the city after a flight to Dublin. There are a variety of coach services that can take you to any number of locations and major sites across the city of Dublin. Many of these services are even available 24 hours a day.
• For currency exchange at Dublin Airport (DUB), you're advised to pre-order your foreign currency by emailing the ICE team the following main details; your name, currency type and amount, travel time and date, and the terminal you're flying from. This would ensure you're timely served upon your arrival.
• If you're traveling with or fall under the Person of Reduced Mobility (PRM) group, Dublin airport is fully accessible for you. It is well-equipped with ramps, accessible restrooms, lifts, wheelchairs, and parking options. You will also be assisted by an OCS to access your facilities or places within the airport.
• Many of Dublin’s premier hotels offer complimentary shuttle services both to and from the airport. As the airport is just six miles north of Dublin proper, the hotels are within quick and easy reach. Some of the hotels offering shuttle service include the North Star Hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, and Jurys Inn Dublin Parnell Street.
• Glendalough is one of the nearby cities in Dublin. To reach this city, you can either take the Aircoach or the St. Kevin’s Bus, which takes around 2h 59m. This includes about 1hour of layover time. Suppose you consider using the train. There, you may spend your day exploring the monastic sites.
• For those travelers who are thinking about blowing some steam or just relaxing after their long flight to Dublin (DUB), the airport has some amenities that may be of interest to you, including the burger king sports bar at Terminal 1 and the fitness and wellness center at the Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport's first floor.
• Dublin Airport (DUB) has both traditional Catholic facilities, Our Lady Queen of Heaven, and a multi-faith prayer room available for practitioners of other faiths. The Multi-Faith Room is open 24 hours a day and is a designated quiet area.

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On my way home I had a layover. The flight from ATL to CLT was amended 5x while I was waiting. I could have driven home sooner. Overall from Dallas, Tx to Charlotte, NC I started my trip at 4:30pm, I didn’t get home until past midnight. I know things happen, but 5x to make me run back and forth in an airport from different terminals is excessive. I also upgraded to comfort + , I didn’t feel it was worth it. There was no benefit

On my way home I had a layover. The flight from ATL to CLT was amended 5x while I was waiting. I could have driven home sooner. Overall from Dallas, Tx to Charlotte, NC I started my trip at 4:30pm, I didn’t get home until past midnight. I know things happen, but 5x to make me run back and forth in an airport from different terminals is excessive.

They did a fine job. Can't wait to use Delta in the future.

There was a loud squeaky sound the whole time we were flying.

Had a broken tray in business class. Crew just shrugged it off.

Seat back monitors and outlets were dead and not working.

Everything was great except for the seat. The backrest would not stay in the upright position.

I usually have a positive experience with Delta. Complimentary upgrades are always nice!

Flight delayed about 2 hrs so it made it a VERY late night

The crew, food, and entertainment were all good. But my screen had some sort of bug where if I turned it off, it would turn back on after 2-5 minutes. At full brightness. It made it very hard to get any shut-eye on the overnight flight. Also, the older Boeing plane, while nicely cared for (and no doors fell off 😅👏) doesn't have the nice air quality of newer planes. So I felt a bit greasy by the time we landed in Sweden.

Flight delayed from Cape Town to Washington then got diverted to miami and in miami we had to fend for ourselves , im still trying to get to Shreveport now

delay several times and wait extra long to board. no entertainment service because there are problem for some rows. always encounter some delays for the last flight of the day.

I just wrote a text which was supposed to be for the flight from Denver to spokane not Frankfurt to Denver.

On time every leg of the journey and exceptional staff at counter, gate, and on board. I haven’t travelled in US for a long time and was genuinely surprised how pleasant this was.

Hated every minute of it. This flight should have only taken 1.5hrs but was delayed over 10hours. Now I am being told I cannot be compensated or refunded my ticket price or extra leg room, which I purchased but did not receive, because the airline is throwing the blame on the 3rd party I purchased tickets through and 3rd party putting the blame on airline. No one wants to help. They received their money and that's all they care about. Im going on 3 days of still trying to get to my final destination, had to cancel car rental, car insurance and hotel. Currently staying in airport until hotels open up. Thank you Lufthansa, Kayak, Underpricer and United for making this trip the worst ever.

The delays (5 hrs) were a comedy of errors, and the multiple safety issues encountered were very concerning.

flight delays, staff only communicating when pushed, food service lasting a grand total of 7 minutes, stuck in seat from 45mins into flight until landing

Crew was great and did their best to make us comfortable and captain came out at the beginning to announce why the flight was delayed, weather situation up ahead, and kept us updated throughout the flight.

the flight from Tampa departed with a delay. The food on board was poor, usually on international airlines alcoholic beverages are offered free of charge , but here it was for a fee, the cutlery was wooden, there were no hot drinks (tea, coffee). Unfortunately, I didn't take pictures of the portions of food, but it wouldn't have been enough for a child either.And in the future, I will try not to use the services of this airline

they made me check my carryon. There was space in the overhead bins.

The Flight attendant had an attitude and didn't allow anyone any time to prepare for landing despite being absent throughout the entire trip

Flight boarded without pilots. Sat on plane for 3 hrs. after over an hour late boarding. Plane never took off. Had to deplane near midnight. Line for rebooking was 3 hours + long. I had to leave.

The flight was great but board was a nightmare. The gate was changed 4 times during the layover period

The experience was great and much better than the flight going out. of course I was in first class but the service was excellent

Cold air blew constantly on my legs almost making me numb.

Ac was broken so we deplaned, waited 2 hours, taxiing for takeoff they said the plane would not fly so we went back to the gate and got a new plane which took another hour. In all a 4 hour delay for an 80 min flight.

Missed the flight because of them and up geting a rental car

Delayd flight out of atl as always miss my conection in dfw no flight untill next day

Comfort of seats, ease of boarding. Food selection could be better

i suspect i caught flu on this flight as i could hear someone coughing a few rows back and ended up with flu a few days later. also tiresome to have to watch movies on my device by holding up smartphone screen, would have liked to have in seat display.

Flight staff very friendly and helpful where possible. Late flight and travelling with young child, cabin lights remained on for the duration of the flight which was a little disappointing considering the time of the flight. Overall very happy to travel with Aer Lingus.

Nice to be on a flight that wasn't fully booked so there were only two of us in the three seat row.

The only problem was there are games on the entertaiment system. The guy behind me played poker the entire time and poking the back of my seat. I hope they remove these.

Delayed due to weather... fine. But then the board us. Rows 15 and back had to go down the stairs and back up the back stair entrance to the plane. No assistance offered. Then they inform us that we are delayed for paperwork for an hour. So why did we board? Then, about 45min later they inform us that it'll be another 60-90mins. Really? No wifi, no seat entertainment, no drink or snacks offered. And we were not allowed to deboard.

Great travel. Wonderful experience. Hope to do it again in the near future. God willing

Aer Lingus doesn't have plug ins for devices at each seat. They also did not give me a dairy free meal as requested and confirmed by staff. It was as if I had not requested anything. Otherwise, they were great!

There were a lot of empty rows. As a single passenger I should not have been seated with 2 others. The WiFi didn’t work. The Kosher meal was awful.

Both flights were delayed due to maintenance issues. Because they where late boarding all four of our bags where left behind on our last connecting flight.

Aer Lingus interior is not the cleanest. I've seen crumbs on the seat and wrappers on the floor when I boarded

Flightl was good and on time. Only problem was the quality of the air in the cabin,didn’t appear to be clearing the air circulation.

I've done hundreds of flights in my life, and this flight was one of the best I've ever taken, From beginning to end, everything went smoothly, professionally, and with a smile and friendly attitude from all employees I interacted with. The food was delicious (and free), as were the drinks. There was just a genial and effective way in the way that British Airways organized the flight -that reminded of days in the 70's, 80's, and 90's, when flying was a fun, and exciting adventure. I enjoyed and had confidence in the abilities of the flight crew, I'll be flying British Airways several more times this summer. Thank you so much for the great experience! Cheryl Olso

My baggage did not arrived with me. Took 3 days to get it after so may calls and follow up

Terrible! I missed my flight to my final destination and British airlines and American Airlines keep pointing fingers on each other’s. Nobody wants to take responsibility

Terrible. Flight was 3 hours delayed and I missed my other flight to my final destination

Overall, terrific service, accommodations, and experience. Only reason comfort was rated lower was because it was difficult to keep a comfortable sleeping position for the overnight flight, but I also had an economy seat.

Not sure if the crew were experiencing something unknown to me,but the service of passing water was non-existent.In addition,please take consideration when providing yogurt as alternative for breakfast as some of us, could be lactose intolerant.. thanks

Very cramped seats in economy, difficult to get comfortable with your legs and feet and back. The seat width is ok but I’m average size. Food is HORRIBLE. Crew is friendly. Delays and very tight connections made it tough for navigating. We would have missed our connecting flight if it wasn’t delayed too. The terminal transit was slow and normally every 10 minutes before 8pm, after 8 pm is every 30 minutes!!!!! No free wine or drinks!! Below average attitude.

Leg room was better than expected. Lavatory’s were easy to access.crew was grea!

Horrible seat allocation. Boarding was slow. Food was average and so was entertainment. The TV terminal didn't work and so had to use remote.

Lost one checked bag.and wasted 30min waiting and filing missing baggage report. Very unsatisfied.

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Dublin Travel Guide

Ireland is poised to remain Europe’s fastest growing economy for a fifth consecutive year—and there’s no better place to embrace the Celtic Tiger 2.0 than in Dublin. The Vikings were the first to establish a settlement here in the 9th century along the River Liffey, naming it Dubh Linn (Black Pool). One thousand years later it became home to famed authors James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw, and Samuel Beckett, known worldwide for their cultural contributions. Today, the city is a major hub for tech companies like Google, Facebook, and Airbnb. Blessed with gorgeous Georgian architecture, world-class museums, libraries, and public parks, and an astonishing five Michelin-starred restaurants, the city is fueled by the ever-endearing Gaelic trait of craic (crack)—a hodgepodge of innate humor and all-around appreciation of fun.

Plan Your Dublin Trip

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The Best Things to Do in Dublin

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The Best Places to Eat & Drink in Dublin

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Dublin Travel Guide: Vacation and Trip Ideas

Tess Desjardins/Travel + Leisure

Dublin is a city brimming with history, from centuries-old cathedrals to stately manors that line the winding streets. Institutions like Dublin Castle, the National Gallery of Ireland, and St. Patrick's Cathedral have long drawn tourists looking to catch a glimpse of the city's rich history, while places like Trinity College highlight Dublin's literary past — after all, there's a reason the city is called 'the land of saints and scholars.'

Spirits lovers will find themselves right at home amongst favorite spots like the Guinness Storehouse, the Jameson Distillery, and the Teeling Distillery. And Irish cuisine, once considered a bit of an oxymoron, is on full display in Dublin. The city is now home to five Michelin-starred restaurants, plus an array of international restaurants that highlight the diversity of the city.

So whether it's history, architecture, or literature that piques your interest, or you're most focused on food and spirits, there's plenty to keep you busy on your next trip to Dublin. Here, our favorite spots in 'The Pale.'

Irish Standard Time

Best Time to Go

Winter weather in Dublin is less than ideal, with temperatures averaging in the 30s and 40s Fahrenheit. But the city offers a number of festivals that make up for the chilly weather. There's the New Year's Festival which takes place for three days at the start of each year, the Dublin International Film Festival every February, and a five-day-long St. Patrick's Day Festival in March.

St. Patrick's Day in Dublin is more so celebrated by travelers than locals. However, you'll still find quite the crowd congregating around the city's Temple Bar neighborhood indulging in the revelry. Locals view the day as more of a reflective occasion to celebrate relationships, family, and faith.

As the weather starts to get a bit nicer, travel to the city starts to pick up significantly, but that also means that prices tend to increase. In late spring and summer there are a host of festivals to keep anyone busy, including the International Literature Festival in May, Bloomsday (a celebration of author James Joyce) and Pride in June, and the Festival of Curiosity in July.

The autumn months are particularly beautiful as leaves start to change color throughout the city and its many parks. Every September, there's the Dublin Fringe Festival and the Taste of Dublin — great for foodies. And each November, celebrated authors come to the city for the annual Dublin Book Festival .

Things to Know

Currency: Euro

Current Exchange Rate

Language: English is the predominant language but signage is also in Gaelic.

Calling Code: +353

Electricity: Standard voltage in Ireland is 230v, which is within the 110-240v range most U.S. electronics use. However, you'll still need an adapter as the country uses a large "G" electrical outlet with three square prongs.

How to Get Around

Getting around Dublin and the surrounding area is incredibly easy. The DART train connects the city to the quaint villages and towns that dot the countryside and waterfront. The light rail and bus system can get you anywhere around town, and there are even bicycles for rent for a more leisurely experience. Aer Lingus is the national airline of Ireland and offers direct flights that connect Dublin to cities all over Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

Trains: The DART is the city's commuter train that connects Dublin to surrounding cities and towns. The city's light rail system, the Luas , has two lines that service 67 stations around the city. The Green line runs north to south, and the red line east to west. Travelers can purchase tickets at any of the stops.

Buses: The Dublin Bus has 120 routes and 18 night routes that connect the entire city. The fare is dependent on distance traveled and tickets can be purchased at stations and on the bus. Travelers can also purchase the Leap Card, a prepaid card that saves 24% on travel, and they can be purchased at any number of locations around the city.

Taxis: Taxis are available all over Dublin and are fast and efficient, if only a bit expensive. City Cabs (01 872 7272) and Taxi 7 (01 460 0000) are two highly rated companies that service the city. Uber is also available throughout Dublin.

Best Hotels

The westbury.

Address: Balfe St, Dublin 2, Ireland Phone: +353 1 679 1122 Website

The five-star boutique hotel in Dublin's Temple Bar neighborhood blends contemporary designs with neutral colors to offer a relaxing retreat, while still being in the heart of the city. The hotel has 205 rooms and suites, a central location close to a handful of historic attractions, and a world-class cocktail bar: The Sidecar.

The Merrion Hotel

Address: Merrion St Upper, Dublin 2, Ireland Phone: +353 1 603 0600 Website

Housed in a collection of four Georgian townhomes, The Merrion Hotel offers a five-star experience with an on-site spa, pool, and gym, plus the two-Michelin-star Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud. There's also The Cellar Bar, The Garden Room, and No. 23 Cocktail Bar, for those looking for a quick bite or fine cocktail. The hotel offers 142 rooms and suites, many of which overlook the meticulously manicured gardens.

The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection

Address: 27 St Stephen's Green, Dublin, Ireland Phone: +353 1 663 4500 Website

Just across from St. Stephen's Green, The Shelbourne is a luxury hotel that oozes history. The nearly 200-year-old property seamlessly blends historic design with modern amenities and has played host to a number of celebrities, from John F. Kennedy to Princess Grace. Guests can enjoy cocktails or bites from any of the six venues at the hotel and the on-site spa offers a range of wellness amenities perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.

The Marker Hotel

Address: Grand Canal Square, Dublin Docklands, Dublin, D02 CK38, Ireland Phone: +353 1 687 5100 Website

Situated on Grand Canal Square in the city's newly emerging cultural and business district, The Marker Hotel offers a luxury stay with loads of modern amenities. The hotel's 187 rooms and suites sport bright and stylish design with pops of color accenting contemporary furnishings. Guests can partake in rooftop yoga sessions, grab a bite or drink from any of the hotel's three eateries and bars, or unwind at the on-site spa.

The Westin Dublin

Address: College Green, Westmoreland St, Dublin, D02 HR67, Ireland Phone: +353 1 645 1000 Website

Within Dublin's Temple Bar neighborhood, The Westin Dublin offers an opulent stay in an historic building loaded with modern conveniences. The 191 rooms and suites all sport classic Irish décor and offer a signature Westin Heavenly Bed, designed for optimal sleep. The hotel is centrally located to much of what the city has to offer, overlooking Trinity College and just down the block from the many shops and boutiques that line Grafton Street.

Best Restaurants

Glover's alley.

Address: 128 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, D02 HE18, Ireland Phone: +353 1 244 0733 Website

This fine-dining restaurant led by chef Andy McFadden dishes up elegant fare with ingredients sourced by some of Ireland's top farmers. Overlooking St. Stephen's Green, Glover's Alley blends contemporary décor with imaginative dishes to offer a truly unique culinary experience. Reservations recommended.

Fade Street Social

Address: 6 Fade St, Dublin 2, Ireland Phone: +353 1 604 0066 Website

Fade Street Social offers a range of phenomenal and incredibly unique dishes — think: duck egg with pickled anchovy and glazed pork belly — that are all craveworthy. The restaurant is centrally located, just steps from Dublin Castle. There's also a rooftop terrace with wood-fired dishes and cocktails on offer, plus some of the best views around.

Chapter One

Address: 18-19 Parnell Square N, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 T3V8, Ireland Phone: +353 1 873 2266 Website

Chapter One is a Michelin-starred restaurant in the Phibsborough neighborhood, serving up dishes that combine international recipes with creative and innovative techniques. Housed in an 18th-century mansion, along with the Dublin Writers Museum, the restaurant blends history with contemporary design. Reservations recommended.

Ananda Restaurant

Address: Sandyford Rd, Dundrum, Dublin, D16 VK54, Ireland Phone: +353 1 296 0099 Website

Located about a 30-minute drive south from the city center, Ananda is a culinary hot spot that's worth the trek. The restaurant serves contemporary Indian fare and is open for dinner service Tuesdays through Saturdays, and for both lunch and dinner on Sundays. Reservations recommended.

The Pig's Ear

Address: 4 Nassau St, Dublin, D02 YX74, Ireland Phone: +353 1 670 3865 Website

The Pig's Ear is a local favorite, offering unique takes on traditional Irish dishes. The restaurant offers a four-course set menu, mainly using ingredients specific to Ireland, and is open for dinner service from Wednesday through Saturday. Reservations recommended.

Things to Do

Guinness storehouse factory.

Address: St. James's Gate, Dublin 8, D08 VF8H, Ireland Phone: +353 1 408 4800 Website

Pretty much anyone coming to Dublin has the Guinness Storehouse on their list of places to visit — and for good reason. It's not only geared toward beer lovers (though that is a main draw), but also history fanatics, offering plenty of information on the building and the surrounding neighborhood throughout the years. Learn to pour the perfect pint or just enjoy hearing of the building's 250-year history, either way, it's a great place to visit for anyone heading to Dublin.

Teeling Distillery

Address: 13-17 Newmarket, The Liberties, Dublin 8, D08 KD91, Ireland Phone: +353 1 531 0888 Website

While the Jameson Storehouse is most often visited by tourists (and is surely a place worth checking out), the Teeling Distillery is less than a 10-minute drive away and offers a less-crowded experience. The distillery has more than 230 international whiskey awards and is a favorite among whiskey aficionados. Guests can tour the facilities or partake in a whiskey tasting for the full experience.

Dublin Castle

Address: Dame St, Dublin 2, Ireland Phone: +353 1 645 8800 Website

Once the seat of the British government's administration in Ireland, Dublin Castle now welcomes world travelers interested in learning about the history of the country. The 13th-century building is situated right in the heart of the city, with easy transport to pretty much anywhere you need to go. Visitors can opt for a guided tour of the castle or visit for any number of their regular events or exhibitions.

Trinity College Library

Address: College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland Phone: +353 1 896 1000 Website

You might think that a visit to a college library wouldn't be top of mind during your Irish vacation, but Trinity College Library isn't like anything you've seen before. The 400-year-old building houses over seven million books, but the architecture is just as impressive — resembling something out of a Harry Potter movie.

St. Stephen's Green

Address: St Stephen's Green, Dublin, Ireland

This bucolic park is situated right in the center of town and offers a quiet retreat after a long day of exploring, or at least a respite before you continue on. Take in the views of the stately Georgian mansions that line the park or stroll along the central pond to watch for swans. On the surrounding streets, you'll find upscale boutiques and shops, plenty of restaurants, and a few landmarks.

National Botanic Gardens

Address: Glasnevin, Dublin 9, D09 VY63, Ireland Phone: +353 1 804 0300 Website

The National Botanic Gardens are about a 10-minute drive north of the city center but feels worlds away. At nearly 20 hectares, you could easily spend an entire day strolling through the beautifully landscaped gardens.

National Museum of Ireland—Natural History

Address: Merrion St Upper, Dublin 2, D02 F627, Ireland Phone: +353 1 677 7444 Website

There are three National Museum of Ireland locations, each with their specific focus — including archaeology and decorative arts and history — but the Natural History museum is a favorite. The museum hosts a number of events, and showcases a range of 10,000 unique exhibits.

Best Shopping

Clerys quarter.

Address: 27 O'Connell Street Lower, North City, Dublin, Ireland Phone: +353 1 618 1300 Website

The famed department store dating back to 1853 is being fully reimagined with a more contemporary feel. Situated on O'Connell Street and just a block from the Liffey River, Clerys Quarter will offer a hotel, rooftop bar, and plenty of shops and eateries to keep you busy all day.

Temple Bar Markets

Address: Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland Website

The Temple Bar Markets are open every Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. right in the heart of the city. Visitors can find plenty of handmade goods and bites, making for a great place to stop to pick up some souvenirs.

George's Street Arcade

Address: South Great George's Street, Dublin, Ireland Website

George's Street Arcade is filled with shops, galleries, and eateries and has been serving the community since 1881. Visitors can stroll the halls to check out any of the 32 shops or grab a bite to eat at one of the 10 restaurants on-site.

Powerscourt Townhouse Centre

Address: 59 William St S, Dublin 2, D02 HF95, Ireland Website

This upscale shopping center is housed in an 18th-century mansion and perfectly showcases the architectural heritage that is so prevalent in Dublin. Visitors can shop or dine at any of the over 40 boutiques and restaurants throughout the complex.

Brown Thomas

Address: 88-95 Grafton Street, Dublin 2, D02 VF65, Ireland Phone: +353 1 605 6666 Website

Brown Thomas is an upscale department store that's been serving the residents of Dublin for nearly 200 years. Those looking for the best in fashion will find just what they're looking for here, as some of the world's top design labels can be found at Brown Thomas, including Gucci, Hugo Boss, and Ralph Lauren, among many others.

Neighborhoods to Know

Lara Antal/Travel + Leisure

Temple Bar : Temple Bar is the heart of the action in Dublin, located in the city center on the south bank of the Liffey River. The cobbled streets are lined with historic buildings, filled with boutique shops, cafés, pubs, hotels, and hostels. If you're looking for a place to catch live music, this area is it. Throughout the week, many of the pubs invite local musicians to rile up the crowds as they enjoy a pint or two. A favorite spot amongst visitors is the neighborhood's namesake Temple Bar pub, which dates back nearly 200 years.

St. Stephen's Green : Centered around its namesake park, St. Stephen's Green is one of the priciest areas in the city and is characterized by stately Georgian architecture. Just a short stroll away, you'll find some of Dublin's best shopping on Grafton Street with dozens of luxury retailers. On the south side of the park, you'll find the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI), which highlights the country's vast storytelling history.

Christchurch : Christchurch is centrally located to a number of Dublin's best attractions, including the 1,000-year-old Christchurch Cathedral, Trinity College, Dublin Castle, and the Guinness Storehouse. In addition, travelers will find plenty of great restaurants and pubs on the surrounding streets.

Rathmines : Situated just outside of the city center of Dublin, Rathmines is an upscale neighborhood with great bars, boutique shops, and eateries. The nearby Ranelagh neighborhood has a similar feel, and both can be easily reached by taxi.

Portobello : Portobello is a city-suburb located just south of St. Patrick's Cathedral and is known for its beautiful scenery and quaint Georgian homes. The area is filled with great shops, restaurants, and boutiques, making it the perfect stop for souvenir shopping. Portobello Road runs along the canal and is a great place to take a leisurely stroll after a long day of exploring.

Compared to other European cities, Dublin has a relatively mild climate. Winters are on the cooler side but temperatures don't often drop below freezing and the summer months are very comfortable. The city gets a fair amount of rain, averaging some level of precipitation around 191 days out of the year.

Average temperatures are listed below in Fahrenheit.

January 37-47 February 36-47 March 38-51 April 40-55 May 45-59 June 49-64 July 53-67 August 52-66 September 49-62 October 45-57 November 40-51 December 38-48

Apps to Download

Dublin Bus iOs | Android

Iarnród Éireann : Irish Rail app iOs | Android

Journey Planner : Ireland's National Transit Authority app iOs | Android

Leap Top Up : Manage your Leap card on your phone iOs | Android

GPSmyCity : Literary Walking Tour of Dublin iOs | Android

Visiting Dublin: a travel guide for first time visitors

Travel guide for visiting Dublin, Ireland. expert travel tips to make the most of your time in Dublin Fair City

Dublin, the beautiful capital of Ireland, is a lovely destination: whether you come to Dublin for a city break, a work meeting or use the city as a jump-off point for visiting Ireland , Dublin has something to offer.

Looking for history? Dublin has museums and a castle for you! In need for a fun night out? Dublin has lovely pubs, music venues and great restaurants 9did you know? Yes, really, it does!). Looking for family activities: Dublin has those too!

I have been calling Dublin home for the last 15 years and, over this time, I have faced all the questions of the visitors and found all the answers as a local!

This is my travel guide to Dublin for first-time visitors.

This post contains affiliate links. Should you make a purchase through them, we might make a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

How many days in Dublin?

Dublin is a dynamic European capital with many museums and things to do, however, most of its must-see attractions can be seen and enjoyed in about 3 days

This is not to say that 3 days will be enough to see everything or that you will get bored if you stay any longer.

Rather, it is the amount of time that I believe is ideal for a visitor to get a sense of the city, see some of its main sights and feel they have actually seen the place.

With three days in Dublin, you can have a nice stroll in the city center, enjoy Dublin’s pubs and restaurants, relax in a park, see some museums and even the Guinness storehouse, one of Dublin’s biggest attractions.

Where to stay in Dublin?

Dublin is a surprisingly large city with a compact city center and large residential areas sprawling towards the surrounding counties.

The best area to stay in Dublin for sightseeing is the city center and in particular, the areas around Trinity College, Merrion Square and Christchurch.

These areas are all on the Southside of the river and put you in close proximity to most of Dublin’s main sites and attractions. These are also areas that will allow you to discover most if not all of the city on foot.

The Trinity and Merrion Square areas are a little more expensive while around Christchurch you have more mixed prices.

Another good address I always recommend is the Hilton Garen Inn on the river. Unlike the other areas above, this is a stretch of Dublin on the Northside of the river and while it is not the most atmospheric, it will well connected to the city center and pleasant (it is also where the Epic Ireland exhibition is). This is a good mid-budget option.

Hotels I recommend in Dublin city center are:

• Merrion Hotel (5 stars) – stunning and right in the city center
• Hilton Garden Inn Custom House (3 stars) – on the river, close to the center
• Radisson Blue Royal hotel city center (4 stars) – very well located for sightseeing
• Clayton hotel Chaerlemont (4 star hotel) – new hotel in an excellent central location

How to budget for a trip to Dublin

Dublin is an expensive city, surprisingly so. How much or how little you spend is always down to own decisions however, to give you an idea, consider that:

• A good room in a mid-range hotel costs easily between 100 and 200 Euro, closer to the 200 Euro mark
• A cup of coffee is about 3.60 Euro
• A beer is about 5.50 euro depending on size/brand
• A nice dinner for two in a mid-range establishment is around 60 euro
• Single hop bus ticket is 1.15 to 3.80 euro (depending on your exact journey and if you are paying cash/with leap card) – you can find more info on how to get around Dublin here

The best things to see in Dublin: Dublin must-see attractions

Dublin has many beautiful interesting attractions, most of them in the city center.

Trinity College and the Book of Kells

Trinity College and the Book of Kells, the unique medieval manuscript in its old library, is one of the most if not the most famous attractions in the whole of Dublin.

The College is right in the city center and therefore really easy to reach from almost anywhere in the city: I usually recommend it as the first stop for any Dublin trip both for location, interest and visual impact.

Worth seeing here are both the college grounds, the Library and the Book itself. Crowds can be intense so I do recommend you book tickets in advance.

A good offer is this one , which combines fast track entry to see the book and entry to Dublin castles, down the road from Trinity College and the next attraction on this list.

How to get there: any bus serving College Green, Luas Green Line Colleg Green, walking distance from O’Connell Bridge and Grafton Street.

Dublin Castle

Dublin castle is right in the center of Dublin and while not the most impressive castle you will see in Ireland, it is so significant in Irish history it rightly appears as a must-see place in Dublin.

The inside is also very beautiful and it is still now used for official State functions.

Dublin Castle is a short walk from Trinity College and you can visit both the college and the castle on the same day with this combined ticket here.

If you prefer to visit it separately, you can buy tickets on the official site or get hold of the Dublin Pass, which gives discounted and easy access to many city attractions.

How to get there: bus, walking distance from Trinity College and Christchurch cathedral

The Guinness Storehouse

Another heavyweight among Dublin attractions is the Guinness Storehouse, a place to famous and quintessentially Dublin to make a visit to the city without a stop here almost unthinkable.

The Storehouse is very touristy but also a lot of fun. The space itself is fun (it also has lovely spaces for drinks and events), the tour is fun and the view from the Gravity Bar at the end, where you can taste Guinness with a 360-degree view over the city is special.

Good to know: you don’t need to be a drinker to enjoy the tour. While you can taste a pint at the end, if you do not drink alcohol for any reason (whether you are an adult or a child) you will be offered a soda / juice instead. the tours is fun and informative anyway.

The Guinness Storehouse is very popular: I recommend you book skip the line tickets in advance here .

Jameson Distillery Visit

If you are more into whiskey than beer, then you may like to visit the Jameson Distillery in the area of Smithfield. This is a very fun visit that even I, a non-whiskey drinker really enjoyed.

The distillery itself is lovely and the tour fun (you also learn what makes Irish whiskey different from Scotch): definitely one I recommend! You can find cost and tickets here

St Patrick’s Cathedral

St Patrick’s Cathedral is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland and a wonderful place to see when in Dublin. Dating back to the 13th Century, the cathedral is said to be on a well allegedly used by St Patrick’s himself and is beautiful to visit inside and out.

Admissions to the cathedral is ticketed and you can pay the small entry fee on arrival. Tours of the church are available: you can find official info and how to pre-book here

Good to know: beside St Patrick’s Cathedral lies the Marshs’ Library, which is an old library said to be inhabited by a ghost! Make sure you add a stop here when visiting St Patrick’s, it is just around the corner from the main entrance.

Temple Bar is maybe the most famous street in Dublin, a pedestrianized road full of pubs, bars and restaurants. Temple Bar is nice during the day and can be fun at night but you need to know what you are in for, should you decided to go.

During the day and early evenings, you have a buzzy, dynamic atmosphere with lots of places to eat and drink and you have a huge variety of styles and people. later ar night, it becomes party central and you mostly have hen and stag parties.

Good to know both if you want to join them or avoid them!

Ha’Penny Bridge

Close to Temple Bar lies cute Ha’Penny Bridge, one of the most iconic bridges in Dublin. While not as impressive as the newer Calatrava ones farther down the river, the Ha’Penny Bridge is so quintessentially Dublin you simply have to see it and take a photo of its peculiar iron frame!

St Stephen’s Green Park

If you are in Dublin on a sunny day (and yes, you have many!), you may want to have a break in lovely St Stephen’s Green, the large city center park at the top of Grafton Street.

laid out with nice paths, a duck pond and kids playgrounds, this is a lovely place for a romantic stroll or just getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city and hang out with the locals.

EPIC Ireland

A newer and wonderful attraction in Dublin is the EPIC exhibition , the permanent exhibition about Irish Immigration. Hosted in a beautiful dedicated space along the Liffey, this is a place to learn about Irish emigration and find your Irish roots visiting the Irish Family History Centre located right at the exit of the museum

Fun things to do in Dublin

As well as Dublin attractions, there are many fun things to do in Dublin for all types of visitors.

Go to the pub

Dublin has a huge number of pubs and they are so varied in size, style and clientele you are sure to find one to your liking!

Some pubs offer a more traditional experience (no food, slightly older clientele, lots of chatter), some offer cooked dinners and even cater to families, some are more local, some have beer gardens and so on: whatever pub experience you are after, Dublin has one for you! Head to the streets behind Grafton street for the widest selection and just pick any you like

Go on a literary pub crawl

Dublin has a fantastic literary tradition and a wonderful way to learn about it while having a good time is to join a literary pub crawl. This will bring you to some cool establishments and will make you familiarize with Irish writers and writing thanks to the aid of skilled readers and actors. This is a great activity and something pretty special you can do in the city.

Take a hop on hop off bus tour

A hop on hop off bus tour is a touristy activity but a fun one in Dublin. While most attractions in the city center are walking distance from each other, other cool Dublin attractions such as the Guinness storehouse, the zoo and the botanical gardens are not. A hot on hof off tour is a great way to add something a little more off the beaten track to your visit.

You can see exact stops and book your ticket here

See Irish dancing

Another really fun thing to do in Dublin is to go and see Irish dancing, a show that is incredibly energetic, fun and addictive! You can see Irish dancing at the Arlington Hotel , the (wonderful) Johnny Fox’s pub on the Dublin mountains and on selected nights at O’Sullivan’s on 2 Westmoreland St, Temple Bar.

Useful Dublin Travel resources: how to get around Dublin

Dublin has a decent public transport network made of:

• Tram (the Luas)
• Light urban railway (the DART)

Bus tickets can be bough on the bus itself and must be paid with coins (no cards accepted): the fair depends on the number of stops you need to reach your destination and has a maximum fare of 3 euro.

If you are staying in the center, you are likely to only need the bus occasionally however, if you are planning on staying in Dublin longer or your hotel is not in the city center, it can be convenient to buy a prepaid visitors card that allows you good saving on individual tickets.

You can find all you need to know about getting around Dublin and how to use Dublin’s public transport here .

Visiting Dublin with kids

Dublin is wonderful to visit with kids. Most main sightseeing attractions are easy to visit with children in tow and, if you need some entertainment that is just for them, Dublin delivers with both indoor and outdoor family activities!

To give you an idea, Dublin offers:

• Imaginoslity Children Museum
• Indoor play centers (Jumpzone for trampolining, Climbing walls, Pottery painting studios etc)
• Many parks and playgrounds
• Dublinia (the interactive museum of Dublin’s Viking history)
• Dublin splash tour

You can find my full guide to visiting Dublin with kids here and the best indoor activities for kids in Dublin on our sister site learning escapes here.

What to pack for Dublin

Dublin is a relaxed city and you can be as dressy or as casual as you fancy and be pretty sure you will fit in! The variety of styles in the city is one of my favorite things about it.

However, you always have to deal with the weather and since what you get changes every few minutes, some attires are better than others! I recommend you pack for Dublin your Ireland travel essentials plus:

• Good walking shoes
• Short-sleeve tops for the summer / long sleeve tops for the winter
• LIght sweater for summer /warm woolen sweater for winter
• Light jacket for summer evenings / warm waterproof coat for winter
• Scarf, gloves and hat for winter
• A nicer dress/shirt and shoes for going out
• Sunglasses for the summer
• Power bank for phone and all your tech
• Travel adapter for Ireland (we use a 3 pin sock, like the UK)

You can find Here >>> my full packing list for Ireland, month by month .

What to eat in Dublin

In the last few years, Dublin has grown to become a real foodie destination with excellent restaurants catering to most types of palate. The most traditional food you find here is spring lamb and salmon, but ethnic restaurants now abound too.

While not as popular as you may expect in a city on the sea, seafood can be great in Dublin too. I personally love it in Howth, the coastal area of North Dublin with the fishing port.

I hope you enjoyed this essential guide to visiting Dublin: safe travels!

Mama Loves Ireland

Céad míle fáilte! A thousand times welcome! I am a travel-loving Italian Mama lucky enough to call Ireland her home. Let my articles help you plan your trip to Ireland and get ready to fall in love with the Emerald Isle, just like I did. With love. M x

10 days in Ireland itinerary

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Dublin   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Peter Unger | Getty Images

Why Go To Dublin

Like many modern cities, Dublin is a melting pot. Along with its traditional Irish culture, Dublin has been infiltrated by a host of glorious international influences. The city is the largest in Ireland, and its fast-growing immigrant population brings people from all over the world. The influence of these cultures is evident in the diverse and vibrant culinary scene that can be found here. That said, Dublin has held on to some of its classic characteristics. Known for its traditions, fine literature, folklore, customary music and dance, and fresh pints of Guinness are never in short supply. Travelers should expect to experience the traditional alongside the contemporary on their next trip to Dublin. Signing up for one of the best Dublin tours is a great way to experience Dublin's duality. The Irish capital is a mixture of history with a little debauchery that can be found on nearly every street corner.

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• # 2 in Best Places to Visit in Ireland
• # 10 in Best Places to Visit in June 2024
• # 14 in Best Family Vacations in Europe

See All 4 Rankings

Best of Dublin

Best hotels in dublin.

• # 1 in The Merrion
• # 2 in The Westbury
• # 3 in The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection

Best Things to Do in Dublin

• # 1 in Trinity College and The Book of Kells
• # 2 in St. Patrick's Cathedral
• # 3 in Chester Beatty Library

Popular Tours

Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City from Dublin

(13149 reviews)

from $ 84.72

Dublin Jameson Distillery and Guinness Storehouse Guided Tour

(1244 reviews)

from $ 121.64

Dublin Book of Kells, Castle and Molly Malone Statue Guided Tour

(2354 reviews)

from $ 64.08

Dublin Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Dublin is June through August when temperatures are warm (for Ireland anyway) and festivals fill the streets. This also constitutes the most expensive time to visit, with high hotel rates and airfare prices. It's also the most crowded time of year. If you're looking for a deal and fewer tourists, come in the winter (the low season) with your heaviest coat. Spring and fall offer a happy medium – moderate temperatures (again, for Ireland), crowds and prices.

Weather in Dublin

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Pub proficiency Dublin is pub central. Blend in with the local scene by learning this tidbit: When ordering the requisite Guinness (or any other brew), you call a half pint "a glass" and a full 16 ounces "a pint."

Pack layers No matter the time of year, Dublin is prone to cold, rainy streaks. Pack layers and a rain coat as sometimes an umbrella is not enough to keep you dry when it’s pouring outside.

Seek the building sides Street names are usually plastered along the sides of buildings rather than on signs.

How to Save Money in Dublin

Avoid eating and drinking in Temple Bar  If you can, drink and dine in areas like Smithfield, Portobello or Phibsborough for more authentic food and drinks at better prices. Many of the Temple Bar neighborhood's restaurants and bars are known for being tourist traps.

Travel in the winter  Dublin is cold and gray in the winter, but the hotel deals are hot.

Be prepared to walk  Taxis are expensive. Instead of forking over your euros, rely on your own two feet or take the bus or tram.

Consider a day trip If you're interested in seeing some of the country's most majestic places, such as Kilkenny Castle and Glendalough, sign up for one of the best Ireland tours . Tours are led by knowledgeable locals who take care of the transportation and planning for you. 

Culture & Customs

The Irish are a very friendly people, especially compared to the reputation of their stiff upper-lipped neighbors (sorry, England), so get to know them.

Dublin's official currency is the euro (EUR). Since the euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuates often, be sure to check what the current exchange rate is  before you go. Major credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops.

As for tipping, all industries in Ireland have a mandated minimum wage so tipping isn't a large part of the culture. Some restaurants will add a service charge of 10 to 15 percent to the bill so no tip is expected. If there is no service charge, it's customary to tip the same amount. When it comes to transportation, taxi drivers don't expect a tip but many travelers will round the bill up to the nearest euro or leave 5% if the driver was especially hospitable. One place to never worry about tipping? The pub. 

What to Eat

Ireland's economic revival in the 1990s was accompanied by a culinary renaissance of new, sophisticated restaurants that ditched meat and potatoes for more lively European cuisine. Now in Dublin you'll find a great mix of medium- to high-price range restaurants, which offer an astounding diversity of options. The best restaurants are found south of the Liffey, but you should be prepared to pay well for a meal. Dublin restaurants include a high value-added tax on dining.

For cakes, pudding, tarts, tea and more, recent travelers highly recommend you visit Queen of Tarts , a Dublin bakery on Dame Street. But if it's an entire Irish meal you're after, try the traveler-recommended L'Ecrivain for its delicious menu and intimate ambiance, perfect for a romantic dinner. Meanwhile, foodies should check out the contemporary Chapter One in the Rotunda neighborhood. Other cuisines, such as Thai, Asian fusion and Indian, are very popular, too; recent travelers especially praise the Indian restaurant, Veda , in Cabinteely Village. For a crash course in traditional and contemporary Irish cuisine, sign up for one of the best Dublin tours .

Dublin is relatively safe, especially the city center and surrounding attractions, even at the wee hours of the morning. Overall, visitors should take caution against petty crimes like pickpocketing and car break-ins. But visitors should note that the area around Temple Bar can get pretty raucous as all the drunken revelers exit the bars and clubs. There is also a drug problem within Dublin city, predominantly heroin, so visitors should be mindful of suspicious activity, street beggars and paraphernalia in alleyways. In the unlikely event that you are a victim of a crime, reach out to Irish Tourist Assistance Service , which offers free and confidential services to tourists. 

Getting Around Dublin

The best way to get around Dublin is by foot. The city's compact size makes strolling to and from the top attractions a cinch. Plus, some brisk walking will help lessen the (caloric) effects of all those pints from the pub. If you're flying into Dublin Airport (DUB), you can take a taxi, bus or airport shuttle into the city center. To save some coin, you can purchase a DoDublin hop-on, hop-off bus tour and Dublin Express airport bus combo ticket (you can purchase fares on the airport bus without buying a DoDublin Card). Aircoach also offers service between the airport and the city.

Once in the city, you can also try out the bus and tram systems, which have lines that crisscross the city. You'll find taxis lining up in ranks throughout Dublin. These are expensive, but preferred over driving a rental car. The ride-hailing app Uber also operates in Dublin, but only allows licensed taxi and limousine drivers to offer rides. Ireland has prohibited Uber from hiring out private cars.

Entry & Exit Requirements

A valid passport is required for United States citizens traveling outside the mainland by air or sea, as well as for U.S. citizens trying to re-enter the country. You won't need a visa unless you plan on staying longer than three months. Visit the U.S. State Department's  website  for the latest information on foreign exit and entry requirements.

The Ha'Penny Bridge, Dublin's oldest pedestrian bridge over the River Liffey, earned its nickname from the halfpenny toll originally required to cross. 

Explore More of Dublin

Things To Do

Best hotels.

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London, England

# 1 in  Best Family Vacations in Europe

# 5 in  Best Destination Wedding Spots in Europe

# 10 in  Best Places to Visit in Ireland

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Savvy Travel Advice

3 Days in Dublin Ireland: The Perfect Dublin Itinerary

Last updated: December 18, 2023 - Written by Jessica Norah 39 Comments

Dublin is Ireland’s capital and largest city, offering an endless number of museums, attractions, and entertainment options. We’ve put together a recommended Dublin itinerary to help you get the most out of your 3 days in Dublin. It includes all the main highlights of the city such as Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse, the Temple Bar neighborhood, and Christ Church Cathedral as well as a few lesser known sites.

We suggest using this Dublin itinerary as a starting point for planning your 3 days in Dublin, and you can edit it to create your own personalized itinerary that reflects your own needs and interests. In addition to the 3 day itinerary, we also provide tips on how to get around Dublin, a map of each day’s suggested attractions, tips on where to stay in Dublin, and how to save money during your 3 days in Dublin.

Table of Contents:

Planning for 3 Days in Dublin

Before we share our suggested day-to-day itinerary, here is some essential planning information on getting to Dublin, getting around Dublin, tips for saving money, how to find accommodation, and further resources for planning and making the most of your 3 days in Dublin.

Getting to Dublin

Dublin is easy to reach by plane and can also be reached via a combination of ferry, train, bus, or car. Dublin has one major airport, Dublin Airport with flights coming in and out from around the world.

From the airport, you can get into the city via taxi, Uber, bus, Dublin Express shuttle transfer , rental car, or by booking a private transfer .

Given that Ireland is an island with no bridge or tunnel connections, you can’t obviously reach Dublin directly by train or car if you are starting your trip outside of Ireland or Northern Ireland. If you are arriving from the UK or continental Europe, you can drive or take a bus or train to a ferry port in the UK or France, and then take a ferry to reach Ireland.

Dublin Port is the most convenient port for those wishing to visit Dublin. Stena Line and Irish Ferries both have a number of ferry routes to Dublin. The ferries take both foot passengers and cars. You can also check out the rail and sail options if your trip to Dublin will involve both train and ferry crossings.

If you traveling by train or coach to Dublin, you can check rates for tickets and schedules for both buses and trains on sites like thetrainline .

NOTE . If you plan to rent a car, please check your rental agreement as bringing a car to or from Ireland may be against your car’s rental terms (particularly if you want to take it on any ferry crossings). For instance, even cars rented in Ireland or Northern Ireland can sometimes not be brought by ferry over to Scotland or England and vice versa.

How to Get Around Dublin

Central Dublin is fairly compact and is best explored by a combination of walking and public transportation. Cabs, Uber, and bike hires are also options.

We would not recommend driving in Dublin unless you are planning to stay on the outskirts of the city or visit places outside the city as driving and finding parking in central busy locations can be difficult and parking can be expensive. If you are driving to Dublin, we’d recommend parking your car when you arrive in the city and then use public transport until you leave the city center.

Dublin has a good public transportation network which includes public buses , trams , and rail services  (for going outside the city center or outside the city). We used the bus several times on our most recent trip and found it easy to use.

There are also a few hop-on hop-off (HOHO) buses in Dublin, such as the City Sightseeing Bus and the Big Bus Open-Top Tours . If you have a Dublin Pass , you’ll get a free one day sightseeing bus ticket .

If you plan to use these buses, we recommend doing this when you first arrive in Dublin to get a good overview of the city before you start exploring. We find these tours are great ways to get a good introduction to a new city although not as practical if you are trying to get from one place to another quickly.

Best Time to Visit Dublin?

We love visiting Dublin at any time of year, and it really depends on your preferences. Dublin is a great year-round destination as most attractions are open year round in the city.

But we’d say spring, summer, or early autumn would be our recommended times of the year for a first time visit. Although winter is a great time to visit as well as it is less busy and you can enjoy the holidays, but it will also be darker and colder at that time of year. Halloween in October (believed to have originated in Ireland), Christmas in December, and St. Patrick’s Day in March are all accompanied by big celebrations and festivities in the city.

In terms of weather, you’ll have warmer days and more hours of sunlight in the summer. It may also rain less. However, whenever you visit, you will want to be prepared for rain so be sure to pack a rain jacket and/or umbrella. Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle, and all that greenery takes plenty of watering, so rain is a possibility at any time of year!

Where to Stay in Dublin for 3 Days

There are a range of lodging options in Dublin to suit all budgets and travel styles, from hostels to apartments to B&B’s to luxury hotels . If you are looking for a comfortable good-value hotel, we’ve stayed at a number of mid-range hotels in the city like the Ireland-based  Maldron hotels . We would recommend booking lodging in or near the city center to make the most of your time in Dublin.

Our current favorite way to find the best price on hotels when traveling in the UK is Booking.com. We find they tend to have the widest choice of listings, good discounts if you use them regularly, and an excellent selection of properties from hotels to apartments. See their Dublin city center listings here  to get started.

If you’d prefer an apartment or room, then you might also want to check out Plum Guide . They usually have some lovely properties available. Another option is Vrbo , who have many listings in Dublin.

If you are not finding what you want on those sites, check out our guide to the best AirBnB alternatives for lots of other accommodation booking options for your trip.

How to Save Money in Dublin

As a capital city in Europe, Dublin is not a budget destination but it is also not the most expensive city either. Generally, you’ll find that the main costs are going to be food, entertainment, accommodation, and sightseeing.

There are loads of ways to save money. Budget accommodation include hostels, budget motels, and rooms in private homes. You can save money on food by cooking for yourself or getting take away. There are also lots of free or inexpensive things you can do from admiring the city’s architecture and city parks to having a pint in a pub to enjoying a free city concert.

There are a number of great free museums in Dublin which include the National Museum of Ireland, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin City Hall, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Also keep an eye out for discount cards, coupons, and special deals to save money on tickets, tours, and meals.

Our favorite way to save money on sight-seeing in Dublin is to invest in a Dublin Pass which allows for free entry into over 35 of Dublin’s popular attractions (see full attraction list ). It also comes with a free hop-on, hop-off bus ticket and additional discounts on food, shopping, and tours. It also includes fast track entry to many of the included attractions.

We’ve used the Dublin Pass twice when visiting the city, and for a three day visit, the savings can really add up. You can read our review of the Dublin Pass to figure out if it is worth investing in for your trip and more about our experiences using it.

Other Practicalities for Traveling to Dublin

Power:  Electricity in Dublin is of the 220v standard, and power outlets use the same three pin plug that you’ll find throughout the UK and British Isles. Travelers from most countries, including continental Europe and North America will need a travel plug adapter  like these or a universal adapter like this . Be sure to leave electronics that don’t support 220v at home or you’ll need to purchase a voltage converter .

Currency: Ireland (the Republic of Ireland) is in the Eurozone, so the currency is the Euro. You can get Euros from ATM’s, banks, and currency exchanges, although credit cards are of course widely accepted throughout the country. Note that if you plan to visit Northern Ireland, you’ll need to switch to GBP as the currency in the UK is pound sterling.

Internet:  Internet access is easy to find in the form of WiFi all around the city, as well as in the majority of hotels and coffee shops, so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting online. You can also pick up local SIM cards if you have an unlocked phone. For more options on getting online when travelling, check out our  guide to getting online when travelling  to help you figure out the best options.

Water:  The water in Dublin (and Ireland) is perfectly safe to drink unless otherwise posted. If you don’t like the taste, bottled water is widely available.

Safety:  We’ve never had any problems with safety when visiting Dublin, just take basic precautions with your valuables and personal safety, and you should be fine.

Further Resources for Planning your Dublin Trip

For information on events, happenings, and more ideas for what to do in Dublin, take a look at the official Visit Dublin website . If your travels are taking you elsewhere in Ireland, check out the official Ireland tourism website and our recommended two week itinerary for the UK and Ireland which includes Dublin.

There are several great day trips you can take from Dublin. For instance we’ve done a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher . Day tours also visit Belfast and the Northern Ireland Coast which has fantastic attractions like the Giant’s Causeway, Titanic Museum, and the Dark Hedges .

If you are looking for a guidebook, you might want to get a copy of the Rick Steves’  Dublin Snapshot Guide  or latest Ireland guidebook . For a good street map to help you navigate Dublin’s city center, we personally love the laminated Streetwise maps by Michelin.

3 Day Dublin Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Dublin

Dublin has a large number of attractions, museums, shows, and potential things to do. This can be overwhelming for first time visitors so we’ve put together our suggested 3 day itinerary that takes in Dublin’s most popular attractions, museums, and neighborhoods. We’ve also tried to arrange them in a logical order so you spend less time traveling around the city and more time sightseeing.

Use this as a guide and starting point for planning your 3 days in Dublin, not as a definitive itinerary. This itinerary is pretty jam-packed and may be too packed for someone who wants to explore the city at a more leisurely pace. It also reflects some of the most popular highlights, but you’ll want to add or substitute places that reflect your own special interests. For example, it doesn’t include attractions like the Dublin Zoo, Avia Stadium, the botanical gardens, the wax museum, or trips out to Dalkey or Malahide Castle.

Be sure to check on admission days and hours for any must-see attractions before you set out as some attractions close for one day per week, or may be closed due to a special event or renovation. Many attractions have reduced winter hours and longer summer hours.

For all attractions with an admission fee, we’ve noted there is an entry fee by writing “(fee)” next to them. Note that since many people use the  Dublin Pass , the attractions that are included on the Dublin Pass (at the time of this writing) are starred (*) denoting that passholders receive free entry so they have “(fee*)” next to them. We do our best to provide the most updated information, but things change so you may want to double-check fees and check the latest list of attractions included by the Dublin Pass before your trip.

Dublin Itinerary Day 1

For the first day of our suggested 3 day Dublin itinerary, we have you exploring the area south of the River Liffey in the western part of central Dublin. Today you’ll learn about Dublin’s medieval and Viking past, have a chance to visit the city’s two famous cathedrals, pay a visit to one of Ireland’s most famous prisons, and end your day of sightseeing with a pint of Ireland’s most famous brew!

Dublin Castle

We’re going to start with a visit to Dublin Castle (fee*). There has been a castle on this site since 1166, although most of the current complex dates from the 18th and 19th century and doesn’t look too much like a medieval castle anymore. However parts of the medieval castle still exist and the State Rooms of the castle are still used for official state engagements. Many famous figures have visited the castle including Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II, and Dublin-born author Bram Stoker worked as a civil servant at the castle for several years before moving to London.

Visitors to Dublin Castle can see the excavation site of the Viking and medieval parts of the castle, the Gothic Chapel Royal, and the State Apartments. You can purchase a ticket for either a self-guided visit of the castle or guided tour. Dublin Pass holders can take a self-guided tour for free or upgrade to a guided tour for just £3 extra. Do bear in mind that access to Dublin Castle may be restricted due to government events or activities, so check the official website before your visit to avoid disappointment.

Within the Dublin Castle complex are also the Garda Museum (Irish Police museum) and the Chester Beatty Library museum. Both of these are free and worth visiting, especially the library museum, if you have time.

Christ Church Cathedral

Dating back to 1028, Christ Church Cathedral (fee*) is Dublin’s oldest medieval cathedral and is found in the heart of what was once medieval Dublin. Although it dates back to medieval times, the Christ Church cathedral that exists today is a mix mainly of Gothic, Romanesque, and Victorian elements. It serves as the seat of the Church of Ireland (Anglican church) in Dublin. Fans of the Showtime TV show The Tudors  will likely find it recognizable as many of the cathedral scenes from the show were filmed on site here.

There is a lot to see at Christ Church cathedral. First there is the beautiful nave and main building, which contains the organ, the Musician’s Corner, and some tombs including the disputed tomb of Strongbow , a medieval Norman-Welsh earl and warlord. There’s also the crypt which is the largest cathedral crypt in the British Isles. The crypt contains a number of items of interest, including monuments, a mummified cat and rat that were found stuck in the organ pipe, and an extensive silver collection.

The cathedral’s choir is very well known throughout Ireland and those who enjoy choir music may want to make time to listen to the choir for evensong which is normally performed several evenings a week in the cathedral.

You can visit the cathedral as part of a self-guided tour, or join a guided tour (additional fee) that are offered on most days at set times (check website for times). You can purchase tickets in advance here .

Next door to Christ Church Cathedral is Dublinia  (fee*), a fun family-friendly museum which tells the story of medieval and Viking Dublin. Along with the cathedral, this part of the city was at the center of medieval Dublin, although construction and city changes mean that not much else has survived from that time period.

At Dublinia, visitors can learn all about life in medieval Dublin on a self-guided visit, told through various mediums, which includes interactive exhibits. This being medieval times, there is naturally a large section dedicated to the Plague, or Black Death, which was responsible for the deaths of thousands of Dubliners. A part of the museum also covers how archaeologists have unearthed artifacts to help understand and bring the past to life. At the end of the visit, there is also the chance to climb the steps of the medieval St Michael’s Tower.

Most tours are self-guided; however, once per day, they do a guided tour in English of one of the sections of the museum with a costumed actor guide. These interactive tours are well worth taking, especially if you have children, and help bring a bit more life into the information. Check times before visiting if interested in the tour.

Dublinia and Christ Church Cathedral are next door and connected by the Synod hall and bridge. Both attractions are included for free with the Dublin Pass, but if you are not planning to buy a Dublin Pass but still want to visit both attractions, you can purchase a discounted combined ticket for both at the Dublina’s welcome desk.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

If you are interested in visiting another cathedral, you can also visit the nearby  St. Patrick’s Cathedral  (fee*). Dublin is unique for having not one, but two cathedrals and both date back to the medieval period. It is believed that St. Patrick’s Cathedral (fee*), founded in 1191, was initially intended to replace Christ Church but for whatever reason this did not happen and the two cathedrals have had to learn to co-exist together. Like Christ Church, it is part of the Anglican Church of Ireland.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the National Cathedral of the  Church of Ireland and its spire makes it the tallest church (but not cathedral) in Ireland and the largest. It is said that Saint Patrick used a well on this site to baptize people in Dublin approximately 1,500 years ago. The author of Gulliver’s Travels, Jonathan Swift , once served as dean of St. Patrick’s and is buried within the cathedral. It is an impressive cathedral and the church can be visited on a self-guided visit. An audio guide is available for an additional fee.

You can buy tickets for St. Patrick’s Cathedral here .

Interested in seeing more of Dublin’s Churches?  There are loads of churches you can visit in Dublin. If you are surprised like we were that both of the cathedrals in Dublin are part of the minority Christian faith of Ireland (Anglican), this is because both cathedrals changed from Roman Catholic to the Anglican Church of Ireland following the Protestant Reformation. If you are looking for the main Roman Catholic church in Dublin, you might want to visit St. Mary’s Church which is the episcopal seat of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Dublin. Also if you enjoy church crypts, you might to visit St. Michan’s parish church , an Anglican church with an interesting crypt that is open on most days for public tours.

Kilmainham Gaol

We’re coming towards the end of the first day of our three day Dublin itinerary. Our next attraction is a little further out of the city, but worth the trek if you have the time.  Kilmainham Gaol  (fee) is a former 18th century prison which is today run as a museum by Ireland’s Office of Public Works.

Kilmainham Gaol opened  in 1796 and closed in 1924. During this period it housed convicts convicted of crimes ranging from stealing food to murder. In the early 19th century, about 4,000 prisoners were transported to Australia. In the early 20th century, it was mainly used to house rebels and military prisoners, and the leaders of the 1916 rebellion were notably held here and executed. Film fans may recognize this as the filming location for the prison that Michael Caine is held in the original Italian Job movie .

Kilmainham Gaol can only be toured as part of a guided visit, with tickets sold for specific times of the day. Tickets are usually available for walk-ins, however this is a very popular attraction and we recommend buying your ticket in advance online to avoid disappointment.

Guinness Storehouse

Our final stop on the first day of our three days in Dublin is Dublin’s most popular visitor attraction—the Guinness Storehouse  (fee*). We think this is an absolute must for most people when visiting Dublin! It is interesting even if you are not a big fan of Guinness or even beer.

The Guinness Storehouse is on the site of St James’s Gate Brewery. This is where Ireland’s legendary drink, Guinness, has been brewed since 1759. It’s quite the success story, with over 50 million barrels of Guinness being produced annually at St. James Gate brewery. The Guinness Storehouse itself is a huge seven storey visitor attraction arranged around a central atrium. The Storehouse was built in 1904 and used for fermentation until 1988, but is no longer part of the active brewery.

The tour, which is self-guided, goes across all seven floors, and you’ll learn a bit of everything including the  founder Albert Guinness’ story,  how Guinness is made, and how the brand’s iconic advertising has changed from the 18th century to now. Once you’ve learnt everything you can about Guinness, the tour culminates at the Gravity Bar on the seventh floor. Here you’ll get to sample a pint of the good stuff (included with your ticket), and admire a spectacular view of the city. Not a bad way to end your first day in Dublin, we think you’ll agree.

This is one of the most popular attractions in Dublin so we recommend that you  buy your tickets online , which will save you money compared to buying them on-site and you also have access to the fast track queue. You also get free entry and access to the fast track queue with the Dublin Pass.

Want more Guinness? After the Guinness Storehouse closes, you might want to make your way to the Open Gate Brewery  at St. James Gate to try some of the latest Guinness beers as well as experimental batches. It is a bar which is located within the Guinness active experimental brewery facility and is currently only open to the public on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. To visit, you must reserve a spot in advance online and you must be 18 years or older to enter.

Dublin Itinerary Day 2

On the second day of your 3 days in Dublin, we suggest visiting more of Dublin’s classic sites,  seeing one of Ireland’s top cultural treasures, taking a break in the city’s most popular green space, visiting one or more of its free museums, and watching sunset over the River Liffey. Then after dinner, we recommend heading out to experience some of Dublin’s nightlife in the famous Temple Bar neighborhood. Today’s itinerary has you exploring the eastern area of central Dublin south of the River Liffey.

Trinity College and the Long Room

Trinity College  Dublin, officially the College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth near Dublin, is the only college of the University of Dublin. It was founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592 and is widely regarded as the finest university in the country. The college has a rich history and is an impressive place to wander around and visit.

One of the most popular attractions in Trinity College is the Old Library (fee), also known as the Long Room. This dates from the 18th century, and houses over 200,000 books which are kept across two  floors. The library is over 200 ft long, and is a sight you have to see when you visit Dublin! When you visit Trinity Library, you can also see a section of the Book of Kells . This 9th century decorated copy of the four gospels is the world’s most famous medieval manuscript and is regarded as Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure.

Entry to both the Book of Kells and the Long Room are included in the same ticket, which you can buy directly from the Trinity College Dublin website , or in person when you arrive. You can also take a walking tour which includes the Book of Kells as well as Dublin Castle.

Molly Malone Statue

No visit to Dublin would be complete without a visit to one of the city’s most famous inhabitants —Molly Malone. Or at least, her statue. Molly Malone, as you are likely aware, is a fictional character who features in one of Ireland’s most well-known songs , which tells the story of a fishmonger plying her wares in Dublin. As you can probably tell from the photo below, many tourists like to touch her statue, particularly her breasts, and unfortunately this has caused some of the bronze to be worn off.

The statue of Molly Malone was historically located on Grafton Street, but due to construction work on Grafton Street at the time of writing, she can currently be found just outside the Irish tourist information office on Suffolk Street.

Grafton Street

On your walk from the Molly Malone statue to the next site, the Little Museum of Dublin, we recommend walking along Grafton Street. This is one of the best known streets in Dublin and one of the city’s main shopping streets. It’s a lively place with lots of stores, restaurants, cafés, and street buskers (street performers). The majority of the street is pedestrian-only making it a friendly place for walkers and tourists.

Little Museum of Dublin

If you are interested in life in Dublin through the 20th century and up to the present day, then you should consider a visit to the Little Museum of Dublin (fee*). This museum of the people will take you on a journey through life in 20th century Dublin. It has over 5,000 artifacts on display across three floors, including a room devoted to Ireland’s most famous musical exports: the rock band U2.

It’s worth noting that the Little Museum of Dublin, as the name suggests, is a relatively small museum. As a result, visitor numbers are carefully managed, and the main exhibition has to be seen as part of a guided tour which lasts about an hour and begins at the top of every hour. Slots on these tours can fill up quickly at busier times of year, so to avoid disappointment we would recommend booking in advance, which you can do here . If you don’t want to do the tour, the temporary exhibitions can be seen on a self-guided visit.

St. Stephen’s Green

Once a marshy common grazing area, St. Stephen’s Green is one of the Dublin’s most popular green spaces and a nice place to take a short break from sightseeing. It includes trees, a lake, a playground, a number of labeled plants (including some in Braille), fountains, statues, and memorials. This city center park is located just across from the Little Dublin Museum.

Those who enjoy gardens and green spaces might want to also visit the nearby Iveagh Gardens , a Victorian era garden featuring a rose garden, cascades, and yew maze. The garden is free to visit.

Dublin’s Free Art Museums & History Museums

We recommend using the afternoon for time to visit a museum or two. Dublin offers a number of free museums which include three locations of the National Museum of Ireland, the National Gallery of Ireland, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art. You can’t visit all of these museums so I’d based your choice on your interests, time, and location.

In terms of today’s itinerary the nearest museums to St. Stephen’s Green (10 to 20 minute walk) are the National Gallery of Ireland, National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology, National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, and Dublin City Hall. But you can adjust the itinerary to fit as needed.

All the museums mentioned offer free general entry at the time of writing. Temporary and special exhibitions usually require a ticket and fee, and these are normally free for those with Dublin Passes.

History & Science Lovers:

• National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology – This museum tells the history of Ireland through archaeology, presenting a wide range of objects from metalwork to weapons to religious objects to  preserved Iron Age “bog bodies”. Includes objects from Ireland as well as those found in other parts of the world.
• National Museum of Ireland – Natural History – This museum houses a large collection (around 2 million specimens) of zoological and geological artifacts and exhibits collected from around the world.
• National Museum of Decorative Arts & History – A museum that will appeal to both art and history lovers. It is filled with decorative arts, jewelry, furniture, costumes, weapons, Asian art, & history exhibits.
• Dublin City Hall  exhibition – An interesting exhibit that tells the story of the city of Dublin from the first Viking invasion to the fights for Irish independence to modern Dublin. Notable artifacts on display during our visit included the Seal of Dublin City, the Great Mace of Dublin, The Sword of the City, and one of the original Proclamations from the 1916 Easter Rising. Note the City Hall suspended its entry fee in 2016 and was still free when we visited last in 2017 but the entry fee may be reinstated in the future (free for Dublin Pass holders).

Art Lovers:

• National Gallery of Ireland  – This is Ireland’s national collection of Irish & European art, including works by Burton, Turner, Monet, and Caravaggio. This would be my choice if I was only going to visit one art museum in Dublin (although modern art lovers would probably prefer one of the other museums).
• Irish Museum of Modern Art – Ireland’s largest collection of modern and contemporary art by both Irish and international artists located in a 17th century hospital building arranged around a large central courtyard. A good bet for modern art lovers.
• Hugh Lane Art Gallery – A contemporary and modern art museum housed in a 18th century former home that includes the Francis Bacon studio. Founded in 1908, it is believed to be the first public gallery of modern art in the world.

Sunset over the River Liffey & Ha’Penny Bridge

We’re coming to the end of the second day of our three day Dublin itinerary, and what better way to finish off than by watching the sun set over the River Liffey, which runs right through the center of the city. If the weather is good, we can highly recommend taking a moment to enjoy the sunset view of Dublin. Most of the city center bridges along the River Liffey will offer you a good view. The most famous bridge is the Ha’Penny Bridge , a cast iron pedestrian bridge built in 1816.

You might also want to take a boat tour of the river during your trip to Dublin. If you are interested in taking a boat tour of the River Liffey or exploring the beautiful Dublin Bay (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), there are a number of boat tour options in Dublin, including dinner cruises. Just be sure to book in advance.

Temple Bar District

If you are not too tired and want to experience some of the Dublin nightlife, we recommend exploring the popular Temple Bar District. It is a good place discover the “craic”, the all-encompassing Irish word for having a good time. This is the party capital of Dublin, and if you’re seeking out pints of Guinness, live music, and lots of the aforementioned “craic”, this is definitely the place to come.

Yes, the prices are higher than everywhere else in town, and it’s also going to be full of tourists. But there are plenty of locals out here too, and you’re pretty much guaranteed a good time.

The most visited bar is The Temple Bar , but there are loads of bars in this area to grab a pint and many also offer food. A few others to consider are The Palace Bar , a traditional Victorian-era pub, The Brazen Head which is believed to be Ireland’s oldest pub dating back to 1198, and Buskers which offers a more contemporary bar atmosphere with modern cocktails.

If you prefer, you can also take an evening pub crawl tour with a guide, like this one . This can be a fun way to experience some new venues and meet different people from around the world.

Dublin Itinerary Day 3

On the final day of our Dublin itinerary, we recommend crossing the river to explore the area of central Dublin north of the River Liffey. In the morning, we recommend learning a bit more about Dublin’s history by visiting a few of the recommend museums to learn about Ireland’s emigration history, the 1916 Easter Uprising, and Dublin’s rich literary history. It is a busy morning/afternoon if you want to visit them all so if you want a more relaxed day, I’d choose the attractions that are of most interest rather than trying to visit them all. Then later in the afternoon we recommend sampling some Irish whiskey and then going out for a night of traditional Irish food, drink, and entertainment. 

Jeanie Johnston Tallship & Famine Experience

The Jeanie Johnston tallship (fee*) is a remake of the original Jeanie Johnston, a three-masted sailing ship that was originally built in Quebec, Canada, in 1847. It was one of the so-called “famine ships”, which was used to transport emigrants between Ireland and North America. During the Great Famine in Ireland from 1845 to 1849, about one million people died in the country and a million more people left Ireland to seek a new life, primarily to the United States, the UK, Canada, and Australia. Liverpool was a particularly popular city for emigrants and it is estimated that today about three-quarters of the population has Irish roots.

Today you can take a guided tour of this replica ship built in the 1980’s, and learn about life on board for both the emigrants and crew. The Jeanie Johnston made 16 voyages carrying emigrants across the Atlantic to North America, and she was particularly noteworthy as she didn’t lose a single passenger or crew member on any of her voyages. It can be quite a moving experience, particularly if you had family who would have undertaken a similar voyage. On our tour, one of our fellow tour participants became quite emotional when he revealed that his ancestors had actually sailed on one of the original famine ships from Ireland.

Visits are given as part of a guided tour which lasts about 50 minutes. Be sure to check on tour times before you visit.

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

Ireland has experienced a number of periods of mass emigration, not just during the Great Famine, and many Irish people continue to emigrate. If you want to learn more about the Irish emigration experience, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum  (fee*) is a museum that tells the story of Irish emigration around the world. I reland is a country that has had its fair share of troubled times and this has led to an estimated 9 to 10 million people having emigrated since 1700! 

Through a self-guided interactive experience, the museum guides you through the personal stories of many people who have emigrated and their journeys. You’ll learn what caused them to emigrate, what that process was like, and what their new lives were like in their new home country. If you’ve ever visited Ellis Island in New York and learnt about immigration into the USA, this is a great counterpart to that experience. We both enjoyed the museum, and learned a great deal.

The museum is located in the CHQ building which is also home to several restaurants and cafes if you are looking for a convenient coffee, meal, or snack after your visit.

You can buy your entry ticket in advance online here .

Trying to find out more about your own Irish heritage? If you are specifically trying to find out more about your own Irish heritage, you might want to stop in at the Irish Family History Centre afterwards (located near the EPIC gift shop) to look up genealogy information. You can also book a private consultation with a on-site genealogist for more assistance.

GPO Witness History Exhibition

If you’re interested in learning a little bit more about 20th century history in Ireland, particularly the 1916 Easter Rising , a visit to the GPO Witness History Museum  (fee*) should be high on your list. This is found in Dublin’s General Post Office (GPO) on O’Connell Street, a beautiful Georgian building built in 1814 and one of Ireland’s most famous buildings.

In the self-guided exhibition you’ll learn all about the events of the 1916 Easter Rising as well as the events leading up to the uprising and the subsequent effects. On Easter Monday 1916, a group of Irish republican rebels who wanted Irish independence from Great Britain stormed the GPO and seized control of the building. This forced occupation lead to a bloody 6 day affair, which lead to the death of over 450 people which included civilians, British military officers, police, and rebels. The exhibition uses direct witness accounts, documents, and interactive exhibits to tell the story. There’s also a memorial to those who were killed in the rebellion, including an outdoor sculpture for the children killed.

It’s an informative and interesting experience, and definitely worth a visit for those interested in this period of Irish history. There is also a cafe on the ground floor, and we enjoyed coffee and pastries here after our visit.

Dublin Writers Museum

Time for some literary themed attractions. Ireland is famous as being a nation of storytellers and Dublin is a UNESCO designated City of Literature. One of the best places to learn about the literary heritage of Dublin is at the Dublin Writers Museum (fee).

This museum has displays dedicated to some of the most notable writers in Irish history, including James Joyce, Jonathan Swift, George Bernard Shaw, Oscar Wilde, and William Yeats to name but a few. It is housed in a beautiful 18th century mansion on Parnell Square, and is next door to the present-day Irish Writers Union.

For anyone with an interest in writing and Ireland’s literary heritage, this is definitely a museum not to be missed. Visits are self-guided and tickets can be purchased on-site.

James Joyce Centre

If you want to learn more about Irish writers, you might want to seek out information on specific writers. One of the most famous Dublin born writers is James Joyce who wrote the 20th century classic Ulysses ( free on Kindle ), and the James Joyce Centre (fee) is dedicated to the author and his writings.

Here you can learn all about both the life of James Joyce, as well as his famous novel, told via film and exhibits. The museum also has the front door from No. 7 Eccles Street on display, which readers of Ulysses will know as being the home of protagonist Leopold Bloom.

Other Dublin Literary Spots? If you are looking for more literary spots consider visiting the  National Print Museum , doing a  Dublin Literary Pub Crawl , seeing some of Dublin’s beautiful libraries (Trinity’s Long Room, Marsh’s Library, Chester Beatty Library), or browsing for books at some of Dublin’s many popular book shops. The birthplace museum of George Bernard Shaw (33 Synge Street) was closed several years ago but there are hopes that it will re-open. But even if closed, you can see the plaque outside as well as many others literature related plaques in Dublin such as the one on Bram Stoker’s birthplace at 15 Marino Crescent (private home) and the plaque at Oscar Wilde’s childhood home at Number 1 Merrion Square (owned by the American College Dublin).

Jameson Distillery

Time to learn about (and drink!) another famous Irish beverage: whiskey! One of the most well-known Irish whiskeys is Jameson’s Whiskey, which you can learn about and sample at the Jameson Distillery on Bow St.

This is a fully guided tour through the former Jameson Distillery at which you’re going to learn all about the history of Ireland’s most famous whiskey, which was distilled at this site from 1780 until 1971. The tour is a lot of fun, and you get to try Jameson’s whiskey, as well as compare its flavor to other leading whiskeys to see if you can tell the difference. At the end of the tour you also get a whiskey to enjoy at the bar at your leisure.

Tours can be booked online , which is the best option to avoid disappointment as this is a popular attraction. Although you can also buy tickets and book a tour on arrival. Holders of the Dublin Pass have a free tour included .

Want more Irish Whiskey? If you are interested in Irish whiskey, there are several other whiskey experiences and tours you can take in Dublin in addition or as an alternative to the Jameson Distillery tour. If you are interested in visiting an active whiskey distillery, you might try the distillery tour and tasting at the Teeling Whiskey Distillery  (fee*) which opened in 2015 and is the first new distillery in Dublin in 125 years. A free Teeling distillery tour and tasting is available for Dublin Pass holders. Other Irish whiskey experience options include the Irish Whiskey Museum Experience  (fee) and taking a whiskey tasting tour  (fee) with a local around Dublin’s pubs. Book any of the whiskey experiences or tours in advance if you can as they are all popular.

Not interested in Whiskey? If whiskey is not of interest, I’d skip this visit. You can spend more time at the prior attractions or alternatively consider sitting down to relax for an afternoon tea or a coffee nearby, visiting Dublin Zoo  (fee*) within Phoenix Park, visiting the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland (fee*), or exploring one of the city’s many free museums (see Day 2 list).

Traditional Irish Night Out

Ok, we’re coming to the end of our three days in Dublin! How about going out with a bang, and celebrating all that is fun in Dublin, with a night of Irish food, drink, and some traditional Irish entertainment?

There are a number of locations offering various types of traditional Irish evening entertainment whether you just want to find a pub with some live music or you want to go to an entertainment show. We’ve attended the  Traditional Irish Night show at Dublin’s Belvedere Hotel and you can read about our experience . We also heard good things about Taylor’s Irish Night , although this is located a little south of the city center. Other options include the Irish House Party  dinner and show, a dinner cruise on a canal barge , or an evening pub crawl with traditional Irish music.

Save Money in Dublin with the Dublin Pass

We think a great way to save money is on sightseeing with discount passes and cards. Our recommended way to save money on sight-seeing in Dublin is to invest in a Dublin Pass .

We’ve used these on a couple of occasions when visiting the city, and for a 3 day trip that includes visiting a number of attractions, the savings can really add up. You can read our Dublin Pass review for more information.

As noted before, the Dublin Pass is popular among travelers to Dublin and one we recommend for active sightseers to the city. We wanted to give you an example of the cost savings over 3 days in Dublin if you have a Dublin Pass.

The following is based on the above itinerary for 2 adults:

if you used the sightseeing bus and visited all of the main attractions listed on the suggested 3 day Dublin itinerary included in the Dublin Pass, it would cost you €198.5 at normal adult admission prices (April 2023 prices). A 3-day Dublin pass currently costs €109. This means you would save €89.5 per person or €179.00 for 2 adults!

Obviously you might not want to visit all the sites listed, but you can see from the above that even if you visited fewer sites, you would still save money with the pass if you plan to visit a number of attractions in Dublin.

The pass can also save you time by allowing you to skip the ticket lines and join fast-track lanes at many sites. Definitely a discount pass worth checking out before your trip to Dublin.

Walking Tours of Dublin

If you’d like to take a guided walking tour of Dublin, which can be a great way to learn about the city from an expert guide, then there are a few options to choose from. Different walking tours focus on different subjects, with some being more broad, whilst others might narrow down on a specific subject. Here are a few to give you some ideas of what is available.

• This full day tour of Dublin with one of our favourite walking tour companies, Take Walks, includes Trinity College, the Book of Kells, the Guinness Brewery, Dublin Castle, and a whisky distillery.
• This personalizable private walking tour with a local can be adjusted to meet your interests and availability
• This 2.5 hour guided bike tour lets you cover many of the highlights of the city
• This 1.5 hour guided walking tour focuses on the spooky history of Dublin, from ghosts to cults!
• This 2-3 hour walking tour covers the main highlights of the city as well as a few hidden gems. A good general introduction to the city.
• This 3.5 hour food tour will have you sampling many of the city’s famous dishes and drinks
• This 3 hour food tour with Devour Tours (we love their food tours!) has you sampling some of the best of the Dublin food scene

As you can see, there are plenty of tour options to choose from!

And that’s the end of our 3 day Dublin itinerary! Hopefully this Dublin guide and itinerary has given you a good idea for what you can do with 72 hours in Dublin.

What would you do with 3 days in Dublin? Have you been do Dublin? If so, what were your favorite things to do? If you are planning a trip to Dublin, feel free to reach out with any questions as you plan your trip. Just type any comments or questions in the Comments section below and we’ll be happy to answer them.

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Alex Post author

October 2, 2023 at 10:16 am

I am currently planing on visiting Dublin for the first time and this is exactly what I needed! Great descriptions of the many places to visit and plenty of options. I will definitely use your Google Maps itinerary and adapt it to my personal preferences.

Thanks a lot!

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

October 2, 2023 at 6:24 pm

So glad you are finding our Dublin itinerary suggestions helpful in planning your upcoming trip. Yes, we try to give a lot of suggestions so people can tailor an itinerary to their own interests, budget, and speed. If you have any questions as you plan your trip to Dublin just shout!

Best, Jessica

Tony Post author

August 20, 2023 at 9:16 pm

G’day guys, from the land Aus,

Great Blog and really insightful information on Dublin.

We are in the early stages of planning an extensive trip Sep/Oct 2024, with intentions of touring Ireland/Scotland primarily, and then spending some in London.

We are looking at spending around 14 days touring each location(Ireland/Scotland), which seems to be the recommended duration. We have looked at Touring companies and they can become quite expensive. We are looking to self drive, organise our own accommodation etc. giving us flexibility in what we see and where we go.

Thus, do you have any suggested itineraries for both Ireland and Scotland. Any advice would be extremely helpful

We have read your Blog London Itinerary: 6 Days in London which will suit what we are looking for from London.

Many Thanks Tony

August 23, 2023 at 12:35 pm

Glad you enjoyed our blogs on Dublin and London, you should be able to put together your own personalized itinerary based on those posts. Also I would consider if the city passes would be worth it for your trip, if spending 6 days in London I would definitely recommend it there.

So if you were considering a touring company, I would recommend taking a look at Rabbie’s, they are an Edinburgh based company and lead tours all over the UK and Ireland. You can see their Ireland tours here and their Scotland tours here . They offer a big range of tour options, from short day trips to longer (10-14 day) trips.

What I might recommend if you like the idea of tours but also want some independence is to consider something like basing yourself in places and taking tours from there. You can easily independently tours places like Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, etc. and many places you can easily get to via train (or bus or ferry). Then for seeing more countryside, islands, and smaller places, most can be reached via tours (such as day tours or longer 2-5 night tours) from the larger cities. That would give you a nice mix of tours and independent travel without needing to worry about driving and there would be less to plan/book, and might be a happy medium between booking a tour and planning everything yourself.

Happy to help you plan an itinerary but would need to know an idea of the sort of places you definitely want to go, activities you like to do, budget, hobbies, general plan of travel (starting/ending point), etc. A couple who loves castles, museums, & shopping is going to want a very different itinerary who someone who is focused on golf, whisky distillery tours, birdwatching, and beaches.

You can see our Scotland content across our two blogs and here . We don’t have nearly as much Ireland content but you can see what we have here and here . We have guides on all the major cities in Scotland as well as Dublin and Belfast and day trip ideas for lots of places and that should give you a good idea of the kinds of places you are likely going to want to visit. But of course we have been to many places we haven’t written about, especially in Scotland, where we’ve traveled pretty extensively over the 5 years we lived there. The other thing that might help you have an idea of what kind of places you want to visit is the Rabbie’s tours (and other tours) as they often cover the highlights and things travelers are most interested in seeing.

Are you planning to fly between Ireland and Scotland, and then train from Edinburgh to London?

Anyway, hope that helps get you started, and happy to help with more questions and an itinerary as you get further into your planning!

Leonie Cornell Post author

October 17, 2021 at 7:35 am

Hi. I love your 3 day itinerary. We aim to be in Dublin for 4 nights and so 3 and a bit days. Love HOHO buses, and so will probably do the Dublin pass. We then have an 11 day tour booked ( or it will be once we organise.) This tour was meant to be in 2020, and so our dream is already 3 years old. We are in our late sixties, so a little reluctant to hurry around. But really interested in Guinness storehouse, the Gaol, EPIC and I might want to to see Trinity college again ( had a half day in Dublin in 2013 as part of a whistle stop tour of UK and Ireland) Your advice is timely and very recent so gives me a lot of hope. Do you know how early you need to book things like the Guinness storehouse? I am worried that using the pass we will only be able to book once we arrive and pick up the pass and may miss out.

October 17, 2021 at 2:06 pm

I am happy to hear that you are working on rebooking your trip to Ireland! And glad that you are enjoying our Dublin itinerary and yes, I think if you are planning 3-4 days in Dublin, you’ll probably save money with a Dublin Pass as long a you plan to visit several of the attractions which it is sounds like you plan to do.

Our itinerary is pretty busy, so I think since you want a more leisurely visit, I’d do less than what we suggest each day so you are not in a huge rush. It should help you choose the places and attractions that are of the most interest to you. You can also stretch out these attractions over an extra day or two as well if you do want to do/see a lot.

If you get the Dublin Pass, depending on the number of days you have in Dublin, I’d make sure you do all the things included on the Pass on consecutive days. So if you have 4 days total and a 3 day Pass, you might use the first day to sightsee and visit any places that are free or not included on the pass (e.g., the Gaol, Trinity College) and then do the rest on the other three days (HOHO bus, EPIC, Guinness Storehouse, museums, Saint Patrick’s, etc.) to make the most of your pass.

Now, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed things quite a bit in terms of the Dublin Pass. The Dublin Pass is now an online only product, so you can order it at home. As of 2021, there’s no longer a physical pass to pick up. Instead, the pass is a QR code that you can show on your smartphone, or you can print it out at home before you travel. We recommend having it both on your phone and to print the QR code as well as back-up (just in case there is an issue with your phone, such as it runs out of battery, etc.).

When you buy the pass, you will be sent the pass code (a number), your QR code, and instructions. You can then use this to book any attractions that require reservations, you’ll just need to put in your Dublin Pass details. There’s a list of those you can see here , along with instructions on how to book.

Most attractions did not require reservations before the pandemic, but a number of attractions to require reservations now so it is good to pre-book attractions at least a couple of days before you plan to visit. Some attractions also have more limited hours and opening times so I’d recommend checking on all the places you plan to visit to ensure they are open and to see if they require reservations. For the Guinness Storehouse, they recommend booking at least 24 hours in advance, but we’d suggest booking as soon as you have your pass and know your exact dates.

Using your pass number to book does not activate the pass. The pass only activates the first time an attraction scans the code. So you can start making reservations for attractions as you soon as you purchase your passes.

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have any further questions.

Wishing you a great trip to Dublin! Jessica

October 17, 2021 at 4:07 pm

thank you Jessica. That solves many of my questions. I have used a city pass before, so I should have realised the activation only happens at the first attraction. But I can book attractions ahead without paying upfront, so that is good. We hope to spend 3 weeks all up in Ireland and including Northern Ireland, so getting excited now. regards

October 19, 2021 at 5:41 am

Happy to help!

Yes, so you do have to purchase the Dublin Pass upfront to book attractions, of course, but you can do that before you leave for your trip (as soon as you make the purchase). But you don’t have to pay for the individual attractions that are included with the pass to make the bookings, you just need to give them your pass information to secure the bookings.

3 weeks is a great amount of time to spend in Ireland and Northern Ireland – so much to see and do and wishing you a wonderful trip!

Jenny Post author

July 26, 2020 at 3:11 pm

Hi! How much woul it take to travel to Dublin, Ireland?..I am from Phils. I am looking forward for an answer. Thanks?

July 27, 2020 at 10:48 am

It really depends on what you plan to do, where you plan to stay, and how long you plan to stay in Dublin. You can stay on a lower budget if you want to stay say in a hostel, eat at lower priced eateries or cook your own food, take public transit, and buy an attraction pass to save money on attraction fees.

I’d check out prices to get to Ireland, lodging you are interested in, and attractions you really want to visit to get an idea of how much your trip may cost. Once you are a bit further in your planning and know what you want to do and can tell me more about your budget, I would be happy to help you decide if your budget is reasonable or not for what you want to do.

Just note that now, as in most countries, there are travel restrictions for anyone traveling to Ireland from overseas. Travelers from most countries are currently are subject to a 14 day quarantine on arrival.

Janet Hindman Post author

November 2, 2019 at 7:44 am

This is very helpful. Some girlfriends and I are planning a trip to Ireland. We plan on staying in Dublin and doing a few day trips out but primarily just staying in the Dublin area. Thanks for sharing all this wonderful information.

November 2, 2019 at 8:08 am

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and glad you found our information helpful!

Yes, there is plenty to do and if you have more than 3 days in Dublin there you can take your time and explore at a more leisurely pace. We give lots of suggestions in our itinerary and those suggestions can be spread out over several days. If you plan to visit several attractions (especially higher priced ones like Guinness Storehouse), you might want to consider the Dublin Pass to save money.

Also plenty of day trips you can take from Dublin to nearby places when you want a break from the city! Just let us know if you have any questions.

November 2, 2019 at 8:48 am

Thanks. Yes we are planning on about an 8-9 day stay

Borislava Apostolova Post author

April 26, 2019 at 6:45 am

Very helpfull and usefull!!!Thank you!

April 27, 2019 at 10:33 am

Glad you found our Dublin itinerary helpful! Best, Jessica

Patty O'Brien Post author

January 17, 2019 at 11:08 am

Your article is very helpful. I will be visiting in February for 6 1/2 days- along with my daughter and her friend (18 year old). I have printed out the map and 3 day itinerary. We are just doing one big day trip up to Belfast and Giant’s Causeway and I booked a day/time for the Goal. Other than that we are just going to wing it.

[in October 2017 I took the two of them to Ireland and we did the Southwest – Lahinch to Dingle to Kerry to Tipperary – back up to Ennis – and they loved it – driving was frightful for me – but fun. This time I want to relax and soak it all up. no driving!]

January 17, 2019 at 12:40 pm

Great, glad to hear that you are planning another trip to Ireland, sounds like you had such a great experience back in 2017. There is plenty to do and see in Dublin and surrounds without a car. Laurence also recently wrote a Dublin Pass review which may be useful in saving money since you will be in the city for several days.

We also have a post on things to do in Belfast and a guide to highlights of the Causeway Coastal Route that may be of interest for your day trip to Northern Ireland.

Have a wonderful trip! Jessica

Frances Scheele Post author

January 16, 2019 at 10:27 am

this information seems to fit the bill for me. I will be 80, still active, and do not want to play mountain goat and climb mountains or explore very large castles. I do use tours as they provide transportation for me. I would also like information on seeing Belfast and Waterford. these are the cities that interest me the most and I know I would be able to see. thanks for all that you can provide. Fran Scheele

January 16, 2019 at 11:52 am

Glad you are finding our Dublin itinerary helpful for planning your time in Dublin. You can reach both Belfast and Waterford easily by train from Dublin, or you can join a guided tour from Dublin.

We have a guide to the top things to do in Belfast as well as a suggested 2 day itinerary that you can check out.

If you’d like to do a day tour to Belfast or 2 day tour, we’d check out these options on GetyourGuide and Viator . Some also visit other destinations in Northern Ireland like the Giant’s Causeway, Castle Ward, and the St. Patricks Centre.

We don’t have any posts on Waterford Ireland although we did get some Waterford crystal when we were last in Ireland 😉 You can get to Waterford by train on your own or you can take a guided day tour from Dublin, such as this one (by train) or this one (by coach) .

Hope that helps, and let us know if you have further questions. Wishing you a wonderful trip to Ireland.

Bill Post author

January 7, 2019 at 5:17 pm

Thank you so much for this! It is so helpful in our planning! I can’t seem to find your write up for the day trip to the cliffs of Moher. I’d love to learn how you chose to do that.

January 7, 2019 at 5:44 pm

Hi Bill, Glad you are finding our Dublin itinerary helpful! Oh, yes, I mention a day trip to the Cliff of Moher but didn’t include the link as it is on our other travel blog (Finding the Universe) and you can read about the day trip here . I will also add it to the article. Just let us know if you have any other questions. Best, Jessica

sally sullivan Post author

July 21, 2018 at 10:19 am

Hello, We love visiting Dublin Ireland and this post lists some of our favourite places! We also made time to go on a wonderful pub tour in the wicklow mountains with Rural Pub Tours. Its a small group tour which enables you to see unique pubs that would otherwise be difficult to get to. Shane is the owner and driver and he is so much fun. If you decide to check it out, you won’t be sorry!

July 22, 2018 at 12:53 pm

Hi Sally, Glad you enjoyed our Dublin itinerary and thanks for the pub tour tip! Maybe we’ll check it out the next time we are in Dublin and want to do something outside the city. Best, Jessica

Rob+Ann Post author

May 4, 2018 at 11:02 am

This is an awesome itinerary! Although, we could be entirely happy just stumbling around Dublin for a few days. It’s such a great city, at once charming and exciting, historic and modern. What we didn’t do – but will next time – is invest in the Dublin Pass! Besides the savings, we find the passes often get us to go places we might otherwise pass by. Pinning this one for later – Thanks guys!

May 6, 2018 at 12:38 am

Hi Rob & Ann, Yes, we definitely agree about the passes. We find that city passes like the Dublin Pass often encourage us to stop by museums or attractions we probably would not have visited otherwise because of the entry fees. Hope you get back to Dublin soon! Best, Jessica

andrew Post author

May 2, 2018 at 1:07 am

Amazing, Dublin is a must visit the place, from the beautiful historical monuments to museums, picturesque landscapes to the trendy flea market. Visiting Dublin is a treasure, I have been there and fall in love with the astonishing city.

May 2, 2018 at 12:02 pm

Hi Andrew, Thanks for taking the time to comment – yes we love Dublin too 😉 We haven’t been to the flea market there, perhaps on our next trip if it is happening! Best, Jessica

Jessica Post author

May 1, 2018 at 6:38 am

What a treasure trove of incredible information! I visited Dublin a few years back, but would love to go again. I especially loved the experience at the Guinness Storehouse! I pinned this for my next trip there, thanks!

May 1, 2018 at 1:33 pm

Hi Jessica, Yes, the Guinness Storehouse is definitely a crowd pleaser and they seem to keep just adding new parts to it 😉 Glad you enjoyed our Dublin itinerary and hope you get a chance to return to Dublin to see more! Best, Jessica

Anna Post author

May 1, 2018 at 1:40 am

Hopefully, I´ll get a chance to visit Dublin any time soon. You’ve put together such a great itinerary! I love cities where you can walk a lot! The Old Library in the Trinity College has been on my travel bucket list for a while! I get super excited every time I see that many books

May 1, 2018 at 1:27 pm

Hi Anna, If you love books and literature, you’ll probably really love Dublin as it some great literary spots. If you like libraries, there is obviously the beautiful Trinity College Long Room but you would probably also like Marsh’s Library and Chester Beatty Library. There are also a few good literature related museums as well as some great book shops 😉 Hope you get a chance to visit Dublin soon! Jessica

Nath. Post author

April 30, 2018 at 7:09 am

Thanks for creating this great guide to Dublin Jessica and Laurence :).

I also recommend going to see a play (often with fantastic actors) at the Abbey Theatre or at the Gate Theatre. Temple bar can be fun but drinking there is expensive.

A couple of good pubs with live Irish music: O’Donoghues Bar or The Cobblestone. Two great traditional pubs: The Brazen Head or Mulligan’s.

My first impression on discovering Dublin: grey buildings, grey sea, grey sky. But don’t let that put you off, Dublin is an old city with a young population and lots on offer.

You’ll leave with a warm fuzzy feeling.

April 30, 2018 at 7:25 am

Hi Nath, Glad you enjoyed our Dublin itinerary and thanks so much for those great recommendations! We’ve been to The Brazen Head but not the other pubs you recommend, only so many pubs you can visit each time 😉 We’d love to see a play or other performance in Dublin at one of the theatres – and will try to do that on our next trip.

Oh, yes, the weather can have such a major factor in first impression when traveling. We had OK weather in Dublin on our last trip but I remember my very first visit to London (similar experiences in Edinburgh and Aberdeen) – it was cold, raining, hailing, and windy! Not a good first impression but seeing it in the sunlight the next day and exploring some of the attractions helped change that 😉

Anda Post author

April 29, 2018 at 2:09 pm

Great guide for visiting Dublin. A lot of useful information in it, like always. It’s good to know what the Dublin pass covers. I didn’t realize you would need to a voltage converter in Ireland.

April 30, 2018 at 2:45 am

Hi Anda, Yes, Dublin has a lot to offer and the Dublin Pass can be a good investment if you plan to visit a number of the covered attractions. We’ll probably use it again on our next trip to Dublin as there are still several sites we haven’t visited that are included on the Pass.

Yes, like all of Europe (and most of the world), Ireland uses 220v but some countries (particularly the USA) do not and the USA uses 110v. You don’t want to plug a 110v applicance into a 220v outlet or vice versa without a converter. You could damage the device and/or the electrical system (I’ve accidentally ruined a handheld water heater and flat iron this way over the years). Now the good news is that most newer electronics are dual voltage these days meaning that work with both 110v and 220v (e.g., laptops, tablets, phones) but most other things (e.g., curling irons, flat irons, hair dryers, DVD players, some phone chargers) are not. It should be labeled on the device or in the manufacturer’s book. We buy dual voltage appliances or have two of things (e.g., flat irons) for the things we travel with a lot.

Anisa Post author

April 29, 2018 at 12:41 pm

Wow such a comprehensive list of attractions in Dublin, one of my favorite cities. I have been a few times but did not know about some of the museums you mentioned. I will have to check them out on my next trip.

April 30, 2018 at 2:37 am

Hi Anisa, Glad you enjoyed our post, and glad we could mentioned a few additional places to visit on your next trip to Dublin! Best, Jessica

Lolo Post author

April 29, 2018 at 12:16 pm

I am a full on believer now of these city passes! They definitely save a lot of money, especially when transportation is included! I just said to my husband a few minutes ago, we should look into other city passes! I think this was a sign haha

Hi Lolo, Yes, we often use discount city or region passes, as they save us a lot of money since we go to so many places. Although you do have to watch out as some are not the best deals especially if you are not visiting a ton of attractions. But I’ve used them in the USA, Europe, Korea, etc. and have found them a really good way to save money without skipping places we want to visit. The Dublin Pass is one we’d definitely recommend as it is easy to save money if you plan to visit several more pricey attractions! Best, Jessica

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Nina Near and Far

How to have adventures near and far.

Dublin Travel Tips: 21 Essential Things to Know Before You Go

Getting around Dublin is it’s own adventure.  A typical evening trying to cross the street goes something like this: The cars are going the wrong way, crossing the street when the street sign says “walk” is your number one safety risk, and there’s bubble bath overflowing from a nearby fountain. Everything will be explained, and you can take advantage of these Dublin travel tips to have an amazing experience in Ireland’s capital.

Once you get the hang of things, this city is enchanting and full of places to discover. I enjoyed 3 days in Dublin on my visit. In this post, I’ll pass on some hard earned wisdom (and by that, I mean misjudged “walking distance”) for getting around. You can focus on taking in the sights!

These Dublin travel tips will take you deep in to the city centre and far out to surrounding areas, and save you time and money! 

Dublin Travel Tips

1. get a great deal on public transportation.

These transportation Dublin travel tips will save you money. One of Dublin’s best-kept transportation secrets is the Leap Visitor Card . The card comes in 1, 3, and 7 day increments. No more trying to load exactly the right amount of cash on to your card to get around Dublin during your visit, or trying to calculate how many zones you’ll cross each day.  I think there’s still money on my Oyster Card from London!

Where to buy a Leap Visitor Card: the easiest way is to pick up a Leap Visitor Card in the airport on arrival. You will be all set to ride the bus, DART, rail, and Luas around Dublin. Check out the Dublin Bus website before you travel and map out a few key roots from wherever you’re staying to hubs like O’Connell Street and Trinity College. 

You’ll be amazed at how far you can get on the DART! Go on a cliff walk in Howth or walk the harbour in  Dún Laoghaire by taking the DART 20 minutes out of Dublin.

• 1 day (24 hours) – €10.00
• 3 days (72 hours) – €19.50
• 7 days (168 hours) – €40.00

2. Order a Taxi in Dublin (but not on Uber)

There’s an app for that , but it’s not Uber in Dublin. If you want to skip public transport, you will have to call a taxi. The taxi services in Dublin do have their own apps, that allow you to instantly request a taxi, or to book one for a upcoming date and time.

I order a taxi a day in advance using the NRC Taxi App and, happily, the driver pulled up 5 minutes before the specified time!

3. Take the Hop on and Off Bus Strategically

While most of the things that you want to see in Dublin are with in one area, some are a little further away. The majority of the tourist attractions are within walking distance of Trinity College, with some exceptions. Glasnevin cemetery, the zoo, the Guiness Storehouse, and Kilmainham Gaol are out of the way, and too far to walk . Public transit is definitely an option, but it’s even easier to get between these sites with a Hop on and Off Bus pass. The Hop and Off Bus pass can be purchase on it’s own, or as part of the Dublin Pass .

Navigating the  Streets of Dublin

4. watch out for the lack street signs .

The street signs, or lack thereof, was one of the first things that I noticed in Dublin. Streets names are often painted on the sides of buildings, so they fade overtime or get covered by plants or construction. If you’re used to looking for street signs out by the road, like I am, you might find you’re just not quick enough to spot the streets that are labelled.

A valuable strategy for finding your way around Dublin is landmarking and pubs . This is what many locals suggest themselves on forums like Reddit, and it did help me find my way around!

5. Crossing the Street in Dublin

You’re an adult, you know how to cross a street. Stand at the corner, wait for the walking man to light up, and cross, right? Nope. This Dublin travel tip is a little bit unique, but it’s honestly important for safety. If you wait for the walking man and cross at the proper light in Dublin, it is somehow, inexplicably, more dangerous than jay-walking. It doesn’t make sense, but that’s the way it is.

When you jay-walk along with the Irish, you arrive safely at the other side. When you wait for the walking man to cross the street like a good Canadian, you find yourself sprinting for the curb as a truck lurches towards you. Trust the locals. They have a sixth sense specifically for crossing the street. You will feel most comfortable if you go with the flow of pedestrians.

6. Where to find Adapters

Successfully forgot all of your international outlet adapters at home, or brought the wrong one? The tourism centre on O’Connell Street has you covered.

7. Where to score free Wifi

If you’re really in need of wifi, buses and Starbucks are a couple of the easiest ways to get online. Dublin City buses are all equipped with free wifi, so even standing near a few buses can get you online for long enough to figure out your next move. For longer stretches, make your way to a Starbucks location. Within the touristy areas, there’s one just down the street from the main entrance of Trinity College.

Dublin Attractions

8. buy the heritage pass.

History lovers will love this Dublin travel tip. Get access to all Office of Public Works attractions in Ireland with the Heritage Pass . It’s one of the most affordable entry passes there is. Student and family pricing is available, and it gives you access to historical sites all over the country. Dublin Castle, Kilmainham Gaol, Phoenic Park, and the Botanical Gardens are just a few of the sites included in the pass. You can purchase the Heritage Pass in Dublin, at various pass locations.

9. Wake up Early to have Dublin to yourself

Dublin, like many cities, is quietest first thing in the morning. Early means something different anywhere, and in Dublin it’s around 8AM. Things that have no line up or crowds then will have lines down the block and around the corner by noon. This includes the Book of Kells , Temple Bar area, and Stephen’s Green.

10. Get the Dublin Pass for a Day

The Dublin Pass includes entry to many of Dublin’s iconic attractions, and free use of the Hop on and Off bus to get around. The pass goes on sale frequently, so buy online in advance if you think you’ll make good use of your pass. The Dublin Pass  includes the Guiness Storehouse, the Jeannie Johnston Tallship (highly recommend), the Glasnevin Cemetery, and multiple castles and museums. I love including a city pass + hop on and off bus tour in any city I visit, because it lets you get around easily and see a lot!

11. Plan Ahead (but don’t over plan)

There are some attractions in Dublin that you will have to plan ahead to enjoy. This includes some of the walking tours , like Kilmainham Gaol which typically to be booked at least 3 days in advance. You can see a lot of the highlights with as little as 2 days in Dublin if you plan ahead.

There’s a lot to discover in Dublin, too. When planning my trip I decided to leave a couple an afternoon. This was perfect, because it gave me time to return to areas that I wanted to spend more time in, and to add in activities that I only learned about while already in Dublin.

Food and Dining

12. no napkins or straws.

Dublin is a wonderfully environment-oriented compared to Canada and the United States. On my visit, I quickly noticed less of things like napkins and straws (yay!) You will also notice relatively little trash and litter. That said, if you eat a crumbly muffin with a gooey centre, you will want to clean your hands. Pack some hand wipes ( check out these eco-friendly ones ) or napkins and keep them in your bag. If you really prefer drinking out of straws, there are plenty of reusable straw options available for order before you travel.

13. Vegetables & Cheap Meals

Dublin is famous for it’s beer and all things potato based. Believe it or not, you might just find yourself craving vegetables while you’re here.

The best (and cheapest) place to get your leafy greens and vitamin D on the go is Chopped . Pay €4.50 for a smoothie packed full of fruit, vegetables, or both, or try a salad or wrap for around €6.50. There is a Chopped location just down the street from Trinity College and the Bank of Ireland, on Westmoreland street and you will find many other locations around the city.

Enjoying an evening out and looking to splurge and have a great meal? Check out one of these places .

14. Bring Reusable Bags

On the same note as there not being many napkins or straws around, many stores don’t give out plastic bags. Bring your own reusable bags. I’ve been bringing reusable shopping bags on trips with me for years, and they always come in handy. 

( Browse fold-up reusable bags here . )

15. Tipping in Ireland

This is not just for Dublin, but most of Ireland. Tipping exists and is welcome, but staff are not dependent on your tips for their wages. It’s appropriate to leave a tip for good service, typically around 10%.

On day tours and walking tours, it’s appropriate to tip the tour guide. Dublin’s free walking tours, in particular, are purely-tip based. Please at least $10 per person!

Day Trips from Dublin

17. plan day tours in advance.

If you’re planning on an organized tour, this is something that you will want to book in advance. I like to book day tours through sites like Viator and Expedia  because there are typically lots of honest reviews available on the site and detailed information about the tours. If you choose to rent a car and drive yourself, here are some helpful tips !  There’s so much to see in Dublin, but you’re definitely going to want to get out of the city to see Ireland’s incredible landscapes, too. I wrote a guide to my favourite day trips  here.  

The day tours leaving from Dublin typically all start from the same place, just down the street from the main entrance of Trinity College. 

18. Take the DART out of Dublin

Dublin is more expansive than most people realize, and it has smaller communities branching off from it that are absolutely beautiful. Most day tours involve a few hours of driving, but you can escape the city with a brief train ride too.

Take the DART from central Dublin, to outlying areas like Howth, Dún Laoghaire, and Greystones. These areas are completely different than central Dublin, and have incredible views of the ocean. Hiking in the cliff walk in Howth was one of my favourite parts of my Ireland trip!

19. Ride the bus to Belfast

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland, and worth exploring on your own time. I took M1 bus from Dublin to Belfast and it was way easier than I expected. The drive is only 2 hours, and a return ticket is 20 euros. If there are any other cities you want to explore on your time, I’m sure the bus can get you there too!

Preparing for the elements

20. ireland’s weather.

Throughout the day you will experience sunshine, rain, and skies of grey. On my visit there were only a couple of truly rainy days, but it rained for at least a few minutes every day. Carry a rain jacket or umbrellas with you, or step in to a shop to wait it out.

It’s not particularly hot in Ireland (usually, there are exceptions to this) and it can actually be surprising chilly even on warm days, if the sun is hidden.

21. What to wear in Dublin

Mostly, regular outfits like jeans and t-shirts are just fine in Dublin. Don’t take up space in your suitcase with cute sundresses, because you likely will not wear them very much. 

• Footwear: wear flat shoes that you walk in. There are a lot of cobblestones in Dublin, and uneven brick roads everywhere. I love Keds , and wore them every day that I was in the city.
• Rain jacket: while you don’t necessarily have to bring it everyday, definitely have it packed for days where the forecast is calling for rain.
• Light sweater: a sunny day can turn cloudy very abruptly, so it’s nice to have a light sweater with you in case it gets chilly. My go-to place for sweaters and light cardigans is usually Gap .
• Pants/ jeans:  if I were going to Dublin again, I don’t think that I would even bother to pack shorts or capris. The weather is just too unpredictable if you’re out all day. Jeans are a safe go-to for a range of temperatures, and you can layer t-shirts and sweaters.

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Get started finding a cheap flight to Dublin on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

We recommend using the ‘Flexible Dates’ calendar at the top of the page to see the price of plane tickets on the surrounding dates. This allows you to pick the cheapest days to fly if your trip allows flexibility and score cheap flight deals to Dublin.

Roundtrip prices range from $64 - $291, and one-ways to Dublin start as low as $47.

Be aware that choosing a non-stop flight can sometimes be more expensive while saving you time. And routes with connections may be available at a cheaper rate.

Airlines that fly to Dublin ( DUB)

You have several options for which airline you choose to travel with to Dublin. There are 10 airlines flying into DUB: British Airways, Fly Play, Icelandair. 

Cheap plane tickets may be available from different airlines at different times and with unique terms. It’s best to understand the details of each airline’s offer before judging its value.

For example, if you plan to check a bag or bring a carry-on, check whether the cheap airfare deal includes a baggage allowance. If not, verify whether the baggage fee is higher than the difference of other airline plane ticket deals offering free checked/carry-on baggage in exchange for a slightly higher airfare. 

Additionally, your preferred frequent flyer membership programs may influence your choice of cheap airline. Expedia allows you to enter your membership numbers during checkout to earn points from your airline and Expedia Rewards—all while getting a great deal and planning all your travel in one online platform.

Find the best deals

At Expedia, we source many flight deals from multiple providers, so you can easily find the best deals that are right for you. A great strategy for getting the best deals can be to make sure you book and travel at the optimal times. Airfare to Dublin (DUB) varies throughout the year based on seasonal demand. You’ll see the lowest rates for roundtrips to DUB in January and in November for one-ways.

Cancellation & flexibility

To change or cancel eligible flights, go to ‘My Trips’ and navigate to your itinerary. If you booked within the last 24-hours, you might be able to cancel your flight for free. Learn more about flight changes or cancellations from our customer service portal . Some plane tickets are available with no change fees, which you can filter for during your search.

Frequently asked questions

• Get your trip off to the best start possible by being well prepared. Pack your passport, travel documents and medications first. Next, consider downloading the latest movies on your tablet for a guilt-free binge session. Or, bring that book you’ve been saving for a rainy day. Lastly, a few healthy snacks and a good-quality neck pillow will go a long way to making the flight as comfy as possible.
• It also pays to check with your airline regarding what you can’t take on board your flight. Utility knives, razor blades, swords and batons are among the prohibited items. Anything explosive, flammable or sharp is generally not allowed in your carry-on bag. Don’t forget to pack any sports equipment like baseball bats or ski poles in your checked luggage.
• The aisles of an aircraft aren’t the place for a fashion show. Layer up in comfy clothes and bring a sweater since it can get cool in the cabin on long-haul flights. Sneakers or enclosed, flat shoes are best for longer journeys.
• Reduce your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition which can be caused by sitting for extended periods, by regularly walking around the cabin. Alternatively, do some lower limb exercises in your seat. If you’re at higher risk of developing DVT, consider wearing compression socks or tights.

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Dublin location ranked one of the world’s best ‘hidden gems’ by travelers

According to a new study, ireland is one of the top three countries in the world with the most highly acclaimed but lesser known tourist destinations..

Drimnagh Castle has been revealed as Dublin's top ‘hidden gem’ location according to a new study.

Research conducted by Tour Operator Software Provider Bókun (part of the Tripadvisor family)  has uncovered local ‘hidden gem’ locations around the world, according to tourists.

Bókun examined over 1,000 local destinations using Tripadvisor reviews containing the phrase "hidden gem." Their analysis revealed the best places to travel worldwide, according to real consumers. 

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Ireland was one of the top three countries with the world's most "hidden gems." The Emerald Isle ranked the third most likely place to spot a "hidden gem" location worldwide, claiming 6% of the total wonders. Taking first place was England with 33% of total wonders, closely followed by the United States of America in second place with 31%.

Dublin, Ireland's capital, made a remarkable impression on tourists, with a total of nine destinations appearing on the global list of "hidden gem" spots. From the nine that made it to the list, Drimnagh Castle emerged as the front-runner. Claiming the top spot in both Dublin and Ireland overall, 19% of all reviews called the historical site a ‘hidden gem’ location. 

Among the nine acknowledged spots in Dublin were Casino Marino, Marsh’s Library , Dublin City Gallery , and Richmond Barracks. This recognition shines a spotlight on Dublin as a city with huge cultural significance, placing it amongst some very esteemed wonders worldwide.

And following behind Drimnagh Castle in second place in Ireland overall was Kilfane Waterfall and Glen in Co. Kilkenny , with 19% of reviews overall mentioning its noteworthiness. Ireland's third-best hidden gem was the National Botanic Gardens in Kilmacurragh (14%).

Read below for the top hidden gems in both Dublin and Ireland overall.

Hidden Gems in Dublin:

• Drimnagh Castle
• Casino Marino
• Marsh's Library
• Richmond Barracks
• St. Audoen's Church
• Chester Beatty
• Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane
• 14 Henrietta Street
• The Little Museum of Dublin

Top 10 Hidden Gems in Ireland

• Kilfane Waterfall and Glen
• National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh
• Dooks Golf Club
• Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre
• Victor's Way
• Old Irish Ways
• Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens

For more information on Bókun's study of "hidden gems" worldwide, click here .

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14 Things To Do in Dublin, Ireland On a Long Layover With AerLingus

Utilizing a long layover is one of the best traveler hacks out there. With AerLingus offering most flights with a stopover in Dublin, if you're going to stop there anyway, you might as well leave the airport and get some exploring in. Dublin is a relatively small city, and with even just one day, you can tick a few things off of your Irish bucket list. Here are 10 recommended things to do on a long layover in Dublin with AerLingus.

UPDATE: 2023/05/12 13:37 EST BY KHYATI DAND

More Things To Do in Dublin, Ireland On a Long Layover With AerLingus

It can be very hard to kill time on long layovers but that's not something travelers flying to Dublin have to worry about. With the entire city at one's disposal, long layovers in Dublin are an excellent way to explore the Irish capital. This list was updated to include more things that travelers can do on stopovers in Dublin when flying with AerLingus.

RELATED: 10 Places Perfect For Exploring While On a Long Layover

See The Book Of Kells At The Trinity College Library

The Library of Trinity College in Dublin is one of the oldest libraries in Ireland and nothing will make time fly by quicker than the dark aisles of its 16th-century reading halls. The library has over 7,000,000 volumes of books on its shelves but if there's one thing that visitors must see, it's the Book of Kells -- the four Latin Gospel manuscripts dating back to the 9th century. No matter the time of the year, the library always has at least one volume on display for the public to see.

Catch A Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Flights can get pretty darn tiring. Oftentimes, there's very little energy left for anything exciting on a layover, let alone exploring an entirely new city . In that case, hop-on hop-off bus tours offer visitors an excellent means through which to see Dublin without much physical exertion on their part. Simply catch an open-top double-decker bus, grab a seat in a corner, and watch Dublin's top attractions pass by as you listen to audio guides for context.

Get A Taste Of Irish Food

What better way to spend a layover in Dublin than to eat your way through the Irish capital? Food blogger Ketty Quigley's Delicious Dublin Tours take visitors on a three-hour walking trip around the city with stops at plenty of famous eateries in between. As local experts tell tales of Dublin's food history, visitors will not only taste the best of local Irish food, but they will also learn of its past and present. These tours operate regardless of the weather in the notoriously temperamental capital.

Hop Onto A Viking Splash Tour

Long layovers in Dublin are one thing if you're alone or in the company of a fellow adult, but finding entertainment can be a far more tedious task when traveling with kids. A Viking Splash Tour is an excellent adrenaline-filled activity -- and an incredibly unique one at that -- for both adults and kids to take part in when in Dublin. The tours take place on a restored World War II amphibious vehicle that functions much like a bus on the roads but transforms into a boat as it mightily glides into the Grand Canal Dock, splashing passengers on board with the cold waters of the canal.

Drink At Temple Bar

What visit to Ireland is complete without a proper pint of Guinness? Head to the place that does it best, and arguably the most famous bar in not only Dublin but all of Ireland: Temple Bar Pub. Not to be confused with the neighborhood that is called Temple Bar, Temple Bar Pub is an infamous landmark pub with the traditional bright red exterior, welcoming you in to have a pint or two.

Related: 10 Pubs You Need To Grab A Brew At While Visiting Dublin

Dublin Castle

Despite popular belief, there's a lot more to do in Dublin than just drinking. Ireland is home to several castles, and Dublin Castle is one of the finest . Having been built in the thirteen century, Dublin Castle has since served as home to English and British administration. In 1922, Dublin Castle was given to the Irish government, where it now serves as a popular tourist hotspot. For an entry fee of about 8 euros, you can head inside and see the collection of art, as well as take in the majestic red velour and gold-plated interior.

Related: 9 Things To Do In Dublin: Complete Guide Beyond The Pubs To This Irish Capital

Chester Beatty

Within the confines of Dublin Castle is what Lonely Planet has described as one of the best museums in Europe: Chester Beatty. Also known as Chester Beatty Library, this museum is home to the collections of Sir Chester Alfred Beatty, a philanthropist and mining magnate who was given the title "King of Copper" due to his fortune. The collections at Chester Beatty include but are not limited to Arabic treatises on religion, Western manuscripts, pieces from Persian poets, and even Japanese art.

Shop At George's Street Arcade

Looking to get a little shopping in on your long layover in Dublin? George's Street Arcade is one of the best places in the city of Dublin to do so. Centrally located close to other major tourist spots, George's Street Arcade has shops ranging from Brazilian-made fashion at Carnaval to Mystic Ireland Crystals. There are also plenty of eateries on site, like the top-rated vegan burgers at Flip Burgers and proper wine and cheese at Loose Canon.

Take A Guinness Brewery Tour

Back to booze because, hey, it is Ireland, after all. Aside from Irish whiskey, the most popular alcoholic beverage in Ireland is Guinness. The Irish take their Guinness seriously. There's a craft behind pouring each one which amplifies the overall taste. If you're curious to know the art behind this extremely popular beer, head to the Guinness Brewery for a tour.

Related: You Need 90 Minutes To See The Guinness Storehouse, And Here's What The Ultimate Self-Guided Tour Looks Like

Visit Jameson Distillery

If you're more into whiskey, or better yet, if you want to add a second boozy adventure to your layover in Dublin, the Jameson Distillery is a great addition to your activities. Learn the history behind one of the most popular Irish whiskeys in the world. Created in 1780 by John Jameson, the long-standing tradition behind making Jameson can now be experienced as a tourist. The tour options range from a simple visit to cocktail classes.

See Local Music At Whelan's

Who doesn't love a good Irish folk band? While you are bound to find live music at pretty much any pub in the city, Whelan's is one of the best. You can check out their calendar on their website to see who's playing, and it's recommended to book a table in advance since this place quickly fills up. Enjoy a beverage while listening to some classical local Irish music.

Drink High Tea On A Vintage Bus

Are you less interested in whiskey and stouts and more interested in feeling posh with a cup of tea in hand? There are many tours to book in Ireland , but one of the more unique experiences in Dublin offered on GetYourGuide is a high-tea tour while riding on a vintage bus . Priced at about $50 per person, a high-tea tour in Dublin is a fun way to experience the city from a double-decker bus that's been refurbished to be its fanciest self. The tour comes with food options, including those that are vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free friendly.

Cross Ha'Penny Bridge

The Ha'Penny Bridge is a pedestrian bridge located in central Dublin. It was built in May 1816 over the River Liffey and remains a popular tourist attraction to this date. Its central location is close to the popular Temple Bar neighborhood, and the best part about ticking Ha'Penny Bridge off of your bucket list during a short layover is that it's only going to take a few minutes to see it.

Free Walking Tour

One of the best ways to quickly explore any city while learning a bit about its history is by taking a free walking tour . Explore Dublin by foot, see plenty of major tourist hot spots, and learn the history through a local tour guide, all for zero cost. The tour is offered several times a day, meaning it's likely you can fit it into your Dublin layover regardless of what time you land.

Taking the train in Ireland – what you need to know

Apr 19, 2024 • 11 min read

A train travels along the Rosslare, Wexford to Dublin line in Ireland © Irish Rail

Traveling by train is one of Ireland ’s great, if under-appreciated, pleasures.

It’s a small island and the rail network is limited, so no journey is especially long – but riding the rails across the country is one of the loveliest ways to enjoy the rolling countryside.

Compared to its European counterparts, Irish trains aren’t especially spectacular, but this is a country that doesn’t need high-speed or sleeper trains: you roll along at a maximum of 160km/h (99mph) and before you know it you’re on the other side of the island.

The particular nature of Irish demographics has shaped train travel in Ireland: with around a quarter of the population clustered in the greater Dublin region, it makes sense that most train journeys begin or end in the capital. In Northern Ireland the same is true of Belfast .

Irish trains might not be especially quick or super luxurious, but they’re an efficient and eco-friendly way of exploring the island – so long as your explorations are focused on the major cities and towns. Here is our essential guide to train travel in Ireland.

The lowdown on rail travel in Ireland

Irish trains are efficient, relatively frequent and usually on time.  Irish Rail/Iarnród Éireann operates the entire network of trains in the Republic, from intercity trains linking the major urban centers to the busy commuter network that services the greater Dublin region.

There are two main lines into the west and three into the south and southwest; spurs off the main lines connect to a host of smaller towns throughout the country. There’s also a line to Belfast, from where  Translink services connect the city with the Antrim Coast and Derry (Londonderry) .

Within the greater Dublin region, a network of commuter services connects the capital with a host of suburbs and dormitory towns in the surrounding counties. Dublin’s coastline between the northside suburbs of Howth and Malahide, and Greystones in County Wicklow is served by DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transport) trains.

There are some notable gaps in the country’s rail network, with no services in counties Donegal , Monaghan and Cavan , and no trains into West Cork . Some towns – like Buttevant in Cork or Annacotty in Limerick – are on the rail line but they’re bypassed as they have no functioning station.

Ireland’s bigger train stations – including Cork , Limerick , Galway , Sligo, Belfast and the two in Dublin – are all pretty well stocked when it comes to picking up supplies and other assorted sundries for your journey. Most other stations will have a small shop.

Train tickets are relatively good value

The good news about traveling by train in Ireland is that it is relatively inexpensive compared to train travel in some places, such as the UK, for example. If you buy it online, a standard one-way fare between Dublin Heuston and Kent Station in Cork costs €30–35, and around €55 in first class.

Online is the best place to buy your tickets for train travel in the Irish Republic. Not only do you get the best fares (with savings of up to 50% compared to buying the ticket at the station), but you can purchase your ticket up to 90 days in advance and reserve a seat when you do.

You have the option of collecting your bought ticket from a machine at the station as you’re boarding, or downloading a QR code at the point of purchase. If you wait to buy your ticket at the station, you’ll pay significantly more and have to get there early to queue up at the ticket kiosk.

For travel in Northern Ireland, you’re better off buying the ticket at the station as only a limited number of tickets are available online. Show up a short time before your intended departure time and just buy your ticket there.

Only a handful of services offer first class, but upgrading is relatively inexpensive. On average, expect to pay around €20–25 more to sit in first. There are three kinds of first class service on Irish trains. CityGold is on direct Dublin to Cork services, and includes an onboard host and a complimentary newspaper on selected early morning services. The Enterprise service between Dublin and Belfast offers the same, plus a fine breakfast. Premier Class is similar, but is only available on direct services between Dublin and Tralee and some Dublin to Cork trains.

Some discounts and offers apply

There are discounted fares for children and young adults aged between 19 and 25, as long as they have a valid discount card. Under fives and those aged 66 and over travel for free.

The commuter network in the Greater Dublin area has a fare cap of €6 for travel between the capital and a host of towns in the surrounding counties.

There are two rail passes aimed at visitors. The Trekker Four Day (€88) offers unlimited travel for adults on all Irish Rail services on four consecutive days from the date of issue. The Explorer (adult/child €128/64) provides five days of travel on all services in a 15-day window.

However, before investing in either, be sure that you plan on making the most out of it. The limited rail network means that connections are limited and traveling between some destinations involves backtracking: Cork and Waterford are both on the south coast, but to get from one to the other means travelling to Limerick, while Sligo and Westport are only 140km (87 miles) apart along the west coast, but to go between them by train you’ll have to travel through Dublin – which is on the other side of the country.

In Northern Ireland, the Sunday Fun Day Tracker ticket gives passengers unlimited train travel on a Sunday for £9 (£4.50 for children). Tickets are available from all ticket offices, the mLink ticketing app and from the conductor on the train.

These are the busiest times to travel by train

Unsurprisingly, peak times for train travel coincide with busy rush hour periods. Early morning services to Dublin from cities including Cork, Galway and Limerick can be busy, especially if the train is due to arrive in Dublin around the start of the working day. Friday evening trains departing Dublin can also be quite busy. However, as online bookings also include the option of booking a seat, you’ll never have to stand.

The commuter network is busiest on weekdays from 7am to 9am and from 4:30pm to 6:30pm as thousands of people travel in and out of work. You can’t prebook seats on these services, so plenty of people do end up standing. Keep an eye out on changing schedules, especially for weekend and holiday travel, as frequencies diminish.

The train network is limited, but it has some benefits over road travel

There are no rail links to any Irish airport, which means you’re relying on taxis, private cars or buses once you arrive in the country. Irish ferry ports are better connected to rail lines, however, and you can catch trains in Rosslare, Dublin and Larne; there is no rail link to Belfast Port.

If you want to reach the more remote corners of the island, then the Irish rail network is quite limited, and a car will give you the flexibility you need. However, rental fees can be very expensive and fuel is another considerable cost, with the price of unleaded and diesel hovering between €1.75 and €2 a liter. Parking is also pricey in all urban centers, especially Dublin.

Traveling by bus is the cheapest way to get around, but it can be a slow business, as most make lots of stops along the way. There are some direct express services, but they are at the mercy of traffic, which can also add considerable time to a journey compared to traveling by train. Plus, buses don’t have bathrooms, with those traveling longer distances relying entirely on rest stops.

On board facilities vary depending on the type of train

There are two kinds of Irish trains: InterCity and commuter. InterCity trains are all the same – relatively modern with comfortable seats in standard class and fancier recliners in first – and they travel at speeds of up to 160km/h (99mph). There’s no journey in Ireland that is longer than 2½ to 3 hours. Commuter trains are slightly older, with less comfortable seats; older trains are used on some small-distance spur lines in rural areas and are very basic (facilities include seats and a toilet).

While Ireland’s flagship service is the one between Dublin and Cork, the fanciest train is the Enterprise service between Dublin Connolly and Belfast Lanyon Place, which is a joint venture between Irish Rail and Translink. This train is on a par with most services you’ll find in mainland Europe and first class is the most luxurious of any in the country.

All InterCity trains have three-pin sockets at every row where you can plug in a charger or a laptop. Most commuter trains in the greater Dublin area also have sockets. All trains have toilets and there is a cross-network wi-fi service operated by Irish Rail, but it is patchy and inconsistent. Translink has its own wi-fi network, which is accessible on all bus and rail services in the north, but, like in the Republic, you’re at the mercy of signal strength and contention levels.

Food options are pretty limited. There is a trolley service on the Dublin to Cork service, while the Enterprise between Dublin and Belfast operates a full service menu in a dedicated dining car; first class passengers also get a pretty good breakfast as part of their ticket.

Some trains on the Dublin to Cork route have a “quiet carriage” (usually Carriage G, marked in purple when booking) where the use of phones is prohibited and passengers are encouraged to keep noise levels down.

You can bring a bike on any Irish Rail train for free, although there are some restrictions during busy periods (such as sporting fixtures and concerts). The Dublin to Cork line is the only one to have a dedicated bike storage area; all other InterCity trains have (very) limited bicycle spaces within the passenger compartment – it’s not unusual for only two bikes to be allowed into the compartment, so be sure to book in advance. Bikes are not allowed on commuter and DART services during peak hours – before 10am and from 3:30pm to 7pm Monday to Friday.

There are many scenic train routes: here are the best

No matter where you are in Ireland you’re going to find a beautiful landscape or two, but some journeys are worth keeping your eyes wide open for.

Dublin to Sligo

Once you’ve gone past the huge suburban sprawl of the greater Dublin area, the landscapes get quite gentle; beyond Mullingar the train skirts alongside the edge of beautiful Lough Owel. For the best views, sit on the left-hand side of the train.

Dublin to Belfast

The Enterprise service is the best in the country, with the most comfortable seats and the best food options – especially in first class. The train skirts alongside the Irish Sea between Malahide and Balbriggan, so be sure to sit on that side as you travel (on the right-hand side if you’re traveling to Belfast).

Derry (Londonderry) to Coleraine

The Translink service between Northern Ireland’s second city and Coleraine is a stunner, a 40-minute journey along the Causeway Coast that comes with beautiful beaches, huge cliffs and unimpeded views out over the North Sea.

Downpatrick to Inch Abbey

It’s only a 10-minute journey, but the trip from Downpatrick in County Down to the monastic ruins of Inch Abbey takes place in a vintage steam train (or a 1960s diesel train) that chugs its way along the line, over the River Quoile and past the drumlin-specked landscape.

Cork to Cobh

One of Ireland’s most scenic trips is the 25-minute trip from Cork City to the seaside town of Cobh , which takes you along the river (sit on the right for the best views), past marshy Harper’s Island and over the bridges on Lough Mahon and the Slatty Water. You can always stop off at Fota and visit the  wildlife park  there.

Book in advance for wheelchair access to trains

All InterCity services are nominally accessible, but if you do need assistance you will need to book it in advance so that suitable arrangements can be made. This usually means that a conductor will have a ramp ready for wheelchair access, but we have also heard plenty of anecdotal evidence of staff simply lifting a wheelchair onto a train, which depending on the individual can either be a help or an annoying hindrance. Whatever you do, make sure to communicate your requirements before you travel as assistance is not guaranteed otherwise.

For passengers with learning difficulties or any issue where there may be a challenge with communication (such as autism) Irish Rail staff are trained to recognize visual cue cards such as the  JAM card , which inform the interlocutor of the holder’s condition. JAM cards are available online or at mainline train stations in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Sligo.

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The Best Ireland Itinerary (Irishman’s 2024 Guide)

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: April 15, 2024

We spent 8 months and €15,728 building what is, in my opinion, the best Ireland itinerary library available anywhere.

It became clear long ago that there is no such thing as a ‘one-size-fits-all’ Ireland travel itinerary.

For example, some of you will have a car while others will be relying on public transport.

So, we created a library of Ireland itineraries that let you pick a starting point, trip length, method of transport and much  more.

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows about our Ireland itinerary library

Click to enlarge

WAIT – please take 10 seconds to read the points below before you scroll. It’ll make finding your perfect Ireland trip itinerary easier:

1. You can pick your trip length and starting point

Two of the key elements in any Ireland itinerary are the length and the start point. Our road trip itineraries range from 3 days right the way up to 4 weeks. There are also multiple start points including the main ferry terminals and airports in Ireland .

2. You can pick a mode of transport

You can pick an Ireland trip itinerary based on how you plan on getting around Ireland . We have Ireland itineraries that  only  use public transport for those of you doing Ireland without a car . We also have itineraries for those of you that plan on renting a car in Ireland .

3. You can decide how fast you want to travel

Love to squeeze as much as possible into each day? Our ‘Fast Trips’ are just for you! Prefer to take it easy and avoid moving accommodation too often? You’ll love our ‘Slow Trips’.

4. You can choose a travel itinerary for Ireland to suit your fitness

Travelling with someone that has poor mobility? No problem – we have low fitness Ireland itineraries. Want to tackle some of the different hikes in Ireland? We’ve medium-high fitness itineraries just for you!

5. You’ll find our different itineraries starting from 3 days below

Now it’s time for you to find the best Ireland itinerary for  you . We’re gong to start at the 3 day Ireland itineraries and then work our way up to 21 days. Dive on in!

3 days in Ireland

3 days in Ireland is a fairly small amount of time, so you need to be careful – you can easily fall into the trap of trying to do much.

The result is that your itinerary will be over-packed and you’ll spend most of your time in the car/on public transport.

The best Ireland itinerary for 3 days is one that finds a central base and that sees you explore around you on day trips.

Some people with a small amount of time like this can feel disheartened, but don’t – you can see many of the best things to do in Ireland in 3 days. You just need a logical itinerary.

4 days in Ireland

4 days in Ireland is a decent chunk of time. However, if you have the flexibility to chose when to visit Ireland (many don’t), try and arrive during summer or spring.

These two seasons boast plenty of daylight hours so, although you only have 4 days, you’ll still have plenty of time to explore.

These shorter road trips can be tricky to map out at times so, when it comes to planning a trip to Ireland with only 4 days to work with, take your time.

The best Ireland itinerary for 4 days is one that uses 1 – 2 ‘bases’ max and that explores a specific corner of Ireland, e.g. Kerry and West Cork.

5 days in Ireland

Click to enlarge map

5 days in Ireland is arguably the perfect amount of time to explore a section of Ireland.

These are our most popular Ireland itineraries and it’s a trip length that many people visiting Ireland choose.

If it was me, I’d try and fly into either Shannon or Dublin. Landing in Shannon places you right on the Wild Atlantic Way with everywhere from the Aran Islands to the Cliffs of Moher close by.

We’ve had our Ireland vacation itinerary guides live on our site for over a year and they’ve racked up some great reviews. Enjoy!

6 days in Ireland

6 days in Ireland is a lovely amount of time to play with and you can easily cover a decent bit of land during this time.

The beauty of 6 days, also, is that if you’re flying a good distance to get to Ireland, you can take some time out to banish the jet lag.

The best Ireland itinerary for 6 days, in my opinion, is one that doesn’t stretch itself too thin.

If you’re starting in Belfast, for example, tackle the Causeway Coastal Route and then explore the many places to visit in Donegal .

7 days in Ireland

Our itineraries for spending 7 days in Ireland mark the start of our longer Irish road trips.

Trips of this length are great as they give you a lot of flexibility when it comes to what you can do (even if it’ll see the cost of a trip to Ireland increase steadily).

If you’re visiting for 7 days, try and visit during summer or spring as the weather in Ireland tends to be better then and you’ll get more bang-for-your-buck.

8 days in Ireland

8 days in Ireland provides you with options. You aren’t too hard pressed for time and 8 days ensures you don’t have to rush at any point (unless you want to!).

With 8 days, you can explore several counties in depth or you can go full-steam-ahead and try and squeeze in as much as possible.

The best Ireland trip itinerary for 8 days, for me, would be starting in Dublin and then working down through Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford and then around through Cork and Kerry.

9 days in Ireland

So, you’re spending 9 days in Ireland . Wonderful! However, you want to see all of the ‘main’ attractions during this time and you’re worried it’s too much.

It’s likely (and I’m basing this on getting emails from endless visitors) that you’re trying to pack in too much to the point that you’ll spend all your time moving accommodation and travelling.

9 days is a lovely chunk of time. But don’t get carried away. You can see and do  a lot  during this time frame. You just need to decide how much travelling about is ‘too much’.

10 days in Ireland

The second most popular of our Ireland vacation itinerary guides are the ones focused on spending 10 days in Ireland .

This is a mighty amount of time for an Irish road trip and it gives you a huge amount of flexibility.

For this trip length, you could easily pick 3-4 bases and fit a huge amount in while still taking it nice and handy. Or, you could go full whack and try and see as much of the island as possible!

11 days in Ireland

Our itineraries for spending 11 days in Ireland have gone down well since we published them last year.

In particular, the ones that use public transport have received good feedback, especially as planning buses and trains for this number of days was a nightmare .

The best Ireland itinerary for 11 days is up for debate. Personally, I think if you have this amount of time to play with the island is your oyster – you just need to pick a well-thought-out route, which is our Ireland trip itinerary library comes in.

12 days in Ireland

If you’re spending 12 days in Ireland , you’re in for a treat. You can see a whole lot in 12 days, from the  many  castles in Ireland to islands, cliffs and lots more.

You don’t have to worry too much when it comes to picking a start point for a trip of this length, as you’ve a bit of room for error.

If I had the option, I’d start in Cork and drive the Wild Atlantic Way, taking in the likes of Kinsale , the Beara Peninsula , Doolin and Achill Island .

13 days in Ireland

If you have 13 days in Ireland you’ll be the envy of many, and for good reason – you can cover a lot of ground in a 13 day Ireland trip itinerary.

We’ve created 56 different Ireland itineraries for a 13-day trip (yes, 56) and they’ve been used by over 100,000 people in only a few short months.

The different routes take in everywhere from County Mayo and County Clare to some of the most charming small towns in Ireland . Check ’em out below!

14 days in Ireland

Our 14 days in Ireland itineraries were some of the most enjoyable to research, plan and write as we had a fair idea that this trip length would be popular.

Thankfully, it was! Those of you planning a 2-week Ireland trip itinerary are on the cusp of a bucket list road trip that you’ll remember for a life time.

Although I’d argue that there’s no best Ireland itinerary for a trip this length, we’ve created 56 different options for you to choose from at the link below.

15 days in Ireland

15 days in Ireland poses a great number of adventure opportunities. If you’re doing Ireland on a budget , you’ll need to be careful about where you pick as your bases.

I’d avoid the various cities in Ireland along with key tourist towns and, if you can, stay slightly off-the-beaten-path.

We spent a huge amount of time mapping out our 17-day Ireland itineraries and, based on initial feedback, they’re going down very well already!

16 days in Ireland

16 days in Ireland is the stuff of road-trip-envy. You’ll have the chance to see a massive amount of Ireland during this time.

As was the case with all of our Ireland vacation itinerary guides, we spent a lot of time planning our 16-day routes.

At the link below, you’ll be able to pick a trip based on start point, fitness level, mode of transport and how fast you like to travel.

17 days in Ireland

17 days in Ireland is, yep, a good chunk of time. We found these Ireland itineraries tricky to plan out at times, especially the ones that use public transport.

However, we got there in the end and these routes have been read over 70,000 times in recent months.

The best Ireland itinerary for this length of time is one that doesn’t go overboard when it comes to moving hotels and that takes the time to experience each of the areas it uses as a base.

18 days in Ireland

18 days in Ireland is a massive amount of time to work with. However, it’s worth getting a sense of the lay of the land with a trip of this length.

Although you can see plenty on an 18-day Ireland travel itinerary, the aul trap of spreading yourself too thin is an easy one to fall into.

Our 18-day Ireland itineraries took a fair bit of time to map out and I’m confident you’ll find them  very  useful.

19 days in Ireland

19 days in Ireland is another considerable amount of time. However, and I’ll sound like a broken record, it comes with advantages and disadvantages.

It’s easy to fall into a trap when planning an Ireland itinerary of this length and think,  ‘Ah, sure we’ve loads of time – we’ll just head over and play it by ear!” .

19 days requires a lot of planning as there are  many  moving parts with a trip of this length. Luckily, you’ll find the best Ireland itinerary for 19 days at the link below.

20 days in Ireland

Few people, aside from those of us that live here, get to spend 20 days in Ireland .

This is a massive amount of time and it gives you the opportunity to either explore one corner of Ireland in depth or squeeze in as much as possible.

For example, you could explore Kerry (the Ring of Kerry , Dingle Peninsula , etc) and then work your way through West Cork, Waterford, Wexford and more.

The best Ireland itinerary for 20 days is one picks an adequate number of bases near key areas of interest and that avoids falling into the trap of trying to ‘fit everything in’.

21 days in Ireland

21 days in Ireland is a huge amount of time, and this comes with both pros and cons.

You could arguably map out the best Ireland itinerary imaginable with 3 weeks, but you’ll also need to spend a lot of time planning.

This was the hardest of our Ireland vacation itinerary guides to create and the research phase took over 12 days. We did the hard work for you – cheers!

FAQs about the best Ireland trip itinerary 

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from Ireland vacation ideas to detailed train itineraries.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What is the best Ireland itinerary?

I’d argue that there is no best Ireland travel itinerary – no ‘one size fits all’. We’ve created hundreds of Ireland itineraries for you to choose from, in an attempt to help you find the best Ireland itinerary based on your situation.

How many days in Ireland is enough?

It depends. If you’re looking to see specific things and they’re close together, 5 days could be plenty. If you’re looking to see the West of Ireland, you’ll want at least 7. There is one one clear answer.

Is Rick Steves Ireland itinerary good?

By all accounts, Rick Steves Ireland itinerary guides are pretty good. I’ve spoken to many Americans, in particular, visiting Ireland for the first time who swear by Rick’s itineraries.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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Nicola Doyle

Thursday 7th of April 2022

Do you have a guide to travelling around Ireland with a dog?

Keith O'Hara

Friday 8th of April 2022

Hey Nicola - I don't, but this is weird timing. Myself and my dad have been chatting about doing a trip with our dog who's an absolute nightmare in the car. So, while we've nothing on planning a trip in Ireland for those with a dog yet, but hopefully it's on the horizon!

Friday 6th of August 2021

Hello. Thanks for all your posts. They are very informative and helpful.

One questions, when planning can we assume the driving times we see on Google Maps are more or less accurate? I know there are a lot of country roads and I didn't know if this was taken into account by Google.

Thanks again!

Heather Cripe

Sunday 18th of April 2021

Hello Keith,

I’m just writing to thank you for doing this. I do not have a set date for when I can come to Ireland but reading the info you provided and the extensive comments you’ve answered, I almost feel like I’ve been to Ireland already! I know that’s when I can finally plan my trip, this website will be my go to for planning my trip! God bless you Keith!

Monday 19th of April 2021

A fine message to wake up to! Thanks a million Heather - I'm glad you found it useful. Hopefully your visit is just over the horizon.

Cheers from a cold and sunny Dublin!

Sunday 17th of May 2020

Hi Keith, I am planning to take my grandparents to Ireland next spring. My grandmother has always wanted to go and never got the chance to travel. However, they are not in the best of health and I don't think they could handle walking an hour+ (which seems to be the best/only way to see some of the main spots you mention in your recommended itineraries).

Do you have any recommendations for best places to go that don't require much of a hike? My Grandparents would love: beautiful landscapes, local places that don't feel touristy (they always manage to make friends with locals while out eating, etc), places of historical significance.

Hey! A lot of people planning a visit to Ireland have this problem, but it can definitely be worked around.

Say, for example, they're very limited mobility wise, if you took them to Donegal, there's plenty of places where you can literally drive right up to for an incredible view.

Here's a couple of examples:

- The Slieve League Cliffs: you can drive right up to the 'main' view - Ballymastocker Bay: you can pull in on the road above and grab an incredible view - The Inishowen 100 drive: there's an endless number of great views on this (the one at Tra Na Rossan is unreal!

If you're looking for lovely little towns, you can't bate Ardara (Nancy's pub, in particular, is lovely!).

I hope this helps!

Lynda rendell

Wednesday 29th of April 2020

Hi Keith Just found your page. It’s brilliant My husband retires 2021 and we are planning on visiting his great great grandfathers Museum in Mayo His mother’s birthplace in Connemara and auntie in Newlawn we then want to end up in Galway and Dublin Have you any advice of B&B pubs en route to these places We are hoping to go for 15 days so any advice or help would be greatly appreciated we will be travelling from Heathrow Airport UK We’ve never been to Ireland before so we are really really looking forward to it thank you

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We'll be staying in Dublin by Trinity College - maps says 25 minutes by car to airport, how early should we plan to get to the airport?

Is the 25 minute by car to the airport accurate?

2 replies to this topic

25 minutes to get to the airport by car that early on a Saturday morning will be fine, but do allow an extra half hour if the car is a rented car that has to be returned.

I suggest arriving at the terminal door 120 minutes before if checking luggage or 90 minutes if only with hand luggage.

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