Dublin Travel Tips: What To Know

what to know about traveling to dublin

Dublin is a city of contrasts, where the traditional and contemporary coexist. It is a melting pot of cultures, with a diverse culinary scene influenced by its large immigrant population. The city is known for its traditions, literature, folklore, music, dance, and, of course, its pubs.

Dublin is a walkable city with a compact centre, making it easy to explore on foot. The River Liffey divides the city into the Northside and Southside, with the city centre in between. The broader city is made up of a series of villages, from central neighbourhoods like Portobello to coastal districts like Sandymount.

The best time to visit Dublin is during the summer months of June, July, and August, when the weather is warmer and there are outdoor events and festivals. However, this is also the most expensive time to visit, with higher hotel rates and airfares. Spring and autumn offer milder weather and fewer crowds, while winter is the cheapest time to visit and a great opportunity to experience Dublin's Christmas celebrations.

When visiting Dublin, it's important to plan ahead for certain attractions, such as booking restaurant reservations and guided tours in advance. Public transportation is easily accessible with the Leap Card, and there are several discount passes available for attractions and transport.

So, whether you're interested in history, culture, food, or just having a good time, Dublin has something for everyone!

Characteristics Values
Best time to visit June to August
Cheapest time to visit September to November
Currency Euro (EUR)
Voltage/Plug Types 230V, Plug Type G
Timezone Western European Standard Time (WET)
Official Language English
Main Religion Christianity
Top Attractions Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Temple Bar, Guinness Storehouse, The Little Museum of Dublin, Kilmainham Gaol Museum, Dublin Zoo, The Book of Kells, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
Transportation Dublin Bus, DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit), Luas (tram), DublinBikes, Taxi
Airport Dublin Airport (DUB)

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Getting Around: Dublin is a walkable city, but there are also buses, trams, trains and taxis

Dublin is a walkable city, with many of its attractions within walking distance of each other. A self-guided walking tour of the city, for example, covers many of the city's iconic sites on the south bank, and takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete. The walk is approximately 1.5 km.

However, if you don't want to walk, there are plenty of other ways to get around the city.

Buses

Dublin Bus is the main provider of short to medium-distance bus journeys within the city. Bus Eireann provides bus services for longer journeys within the Dublin area. Some short-distance routes are also provided by private operators, such as Go-Ahead Ireland. Buses serve all areas of Central Dublin and many suburbs in the Greater Dublin Area.

Buses in Dublin typically run from 5 am until midnight. On core routes, you can expect a bus every 5-15 minutes during rush hour (7 am-9 am and 5 pm-7 pm). There are also 10 bus routes across the city that operate 24 hours a day.

You can pay for tickets on the bus using cash or a smartcard called a 'Leap Card'. Paying with a Leap Card is the cheapest option and can be purchased online or from outlets in Dublin. You can also buy a Visitor Leap Card if you're in Dublin for a few days, which allows you to travel for 1, 3, or 7 days for a set price.

Trams

The Luas is Dublin's tram system, consisting of two lines: the Green and Red lines. The two lines interconnect and cover large parts of Dublin city and county. Services are very frequent, with trams running every 4-6 minutes during peak times.

Trains

There are three types of commuter rail services in Dublin: the Luas trams (a light rail service), the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) trains, and Commuter trains.

The DART is a high-frequency service along Dublin's coastline, serving Central Dublin and suburbs along the coast. Trains run very frequently, with a train every 10 minutes on the Malahide to Bray section of the line during peak times.

Commuter trains serve the suburbs in the north, west, and south of the city. They are usually frequent during rush hour but less so during off-peak times.

Tickets for trains can be purchased from stations, although some stations are unstaffed, in which case you will need to buy tickets from a machine. You can also use a Leap Card, which provides a discount of up to 31% on travel.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available in Dublin and can be hailed on the street or found at designated taxi ranks. All licensed taxis use a meter to calculate fares and are obliged to display passenger information, including rights and responsibilities, and fare information.

Typical fares for taxis in Dublin are calculated using a formula: an initial charge of €3.80, plus €1.14 per km or €0.40 per minute. A premium rate applies during the evenings and at weekends.

You can also use a taxi to and from Dublin Airport. The average cost of a taxi from the airport to the city centre is between €25-€30.

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Clothing: Pack casual, comfortable, and waterproof clothing

When it comes to clothing, Dublin is a casual kind of place, so pack accordingly. You can wear pretty much whatever you want, and smart casual is the most you'll need for fancy dinners, the theatre, or a concert hall. Even most workplaces like to keep it casual as there's a general perception in the city that dressing up is only for special occasions.

Irish summers are warm but rarely hot, so you'll want an extra layer for when the temperatures cool, especially in the evening. The ever-changeable weather will likely determine your outfits, but a light waterproof jacket (preferably with a hood) and waterproof shoes should always be within reach, for the almost inevitable rain.

Dublin is a walkable city, so make sure to pack comfortable shoes. You'll definitely be doing a lot of walking to get around.

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Food and Drink: Try traditional dishes and drinks, like a Full Irish breakfast, and a pint of Guinness

When visiting Dublin, there are a plethora of traditional dishes and drinks to try. A staple of Irish cuisine is the Full Irish Breakfast, a protein-rich meal that is sure to fill you up for the day ahead. This hearty breakfast typically includes rashers (thinly sliced bacon), sausages (black or white pudding), fried eggs, roasted mushrooms, tomato halves, and baked beans. It may also come with potato dishes such as potato farls (pan-fried potato flatbread), boxty (potato pancakes), or leftover potato mash. On the side, you'll find toast, butter, and jam, with tea and orange juice as the traditional beverages of choice.

Speaking of tea, no trip to Dublin is complete without sampling their famous tea and coffee. The Irish are known for their love of tea, consuming the second most in the world after Turkey. So, be sure to indulge in a hot, strong cuppa, preferably Barry's Tea, alongside your Full Irish Breakfast. And if you're looking for a caffeine kick in the afternoon, try a classic Irish coffee.

When it comes to drinks, Guinness is the iconic choice. This dark stout, crafted from barley, hops, water, and yeast, is a must-try in Dublin. Visit the Guinness Storehouse at St. James Gate to learn about its history, dating back to 1759, and even learn how to pour the perfect pint. With exhibitions and activities across seven floors, it's an unmissable Dublin experience.

For a true taste of Dublin, indulge in some locally sourced meat and seafood. Try the Dublin Coddle, a speciality made with sausages, rashers, potatoes, onions, and herbs, often including barley—the key ingredient in Guinness! Head to John Kavanagh The Gravediggers or The Quays Temple Bar to savour this delicious dish.

If you're a seafood lover, Dublin has plenty to offer. Delahunt, housed in a converted Victorian building, serves up lapsang souchong home-smoked salmon, while The Exchequer gastro pub pairs cockles and mussels with spiced sausage, Bulmers cider, and homemade bread. For a more casual experience, The Mourne Seafood Bar offers a relaxed setting to sample local oysters au naturel, Japanese-style, or Rockefeller, all paired with pints of Guinness.

And don't forget to leave room for dessert! Barmbrack, a sweet cake made with bread, sultanas, and raisins, is a traditional treat. This Halloween speciality, often shortened to brack, includes a ring, bringing fortune to whoever finds it. You can find delicious Barmbrack at bakeries like The Butler's Pantry and The Firehouse Bakery.

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Safety: Dublin is generally safe, but watch out for pickpockets and be cautious in busy areas

Dublin is a relatively safe city, but it's always important to stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy areas and tourist destinations. Here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind when visiting Dublin:

  • Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, are common in crowded places like popular tourist spots and public transport. Always keep your belongings secure and be vigilant, especially in busy areas. Consider carrying your bag in front of you, and if you have a backpack, think about using a small padlock on the zippers.
  • Stay informed about the latest tourist-targeted scams, and be cautious if something seems too good to be true. Be wary of unsolicited help or overly friendly strangers who approach you with offers that seem suspicious.
  • When travelling at night, it is advisable to do so in groups and stick to well-lit streets. It is also wise to carry a form of personal safety device, such as pepper spray.
  • Avoid displaying valuables, such as expensive jewellery, cameras, or other gadgets in public. Keep them concealed, and use them discreetly.
  • If you rent a car, ensure that any belongings left in the vehicle are out of sight.
  • Dublin is known for its pubs and nightlife, but intoxicated individuals may present unpleasant encounters, especially in central neighbourhoods around closing time. It is recommended to visit popular areas like Temple Bar earlier in the evening to avoid potential issues.
  • When using public transportation, stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Antisocial behaviour has been reported on Dublin's LUAS light-rail system.
  • While Dublin is considered safe at night, standard safety practices should be followed. Popular areas can be bustling, and it is important to remain vigilant and aware, especially when exiting pubs and clubs.
  • Dublin has a robust public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains. The Leap Card is a reusable prepaid card that simplifies payment and provides discounts on standard fares.
  • In an emergency, contact the Garda Síochána (Irish police force) or medical services such as the ambulance service. The universal emergency number is 112 or 999.

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Money-Saving Tips: Avoid eating and drinking in Temple Bar, and consider visiting in winter for lower prices

Dublin is known to be an expensive city, with high hotel and restaurant prices. However, there are ways to save money when visiting.

One of the best ways to save money in Dublin is to avoid eating and drinking in the Temple Bar area. The Temple Bar neighbourhood is a tourist trap, with overpriced and mediocre food and drinks. Instead, head to areas like Smithfield, Portobello, or Phibsborough for more authentic and affordable food and drinks.

Another way to save money is to visit Dublin during the winter. The city is much quieter during this time, and you can find great deals on hotels. While the weather may be cold and grey, it's a perfect time to explore the city without breaking the bank.

If you're looking for entertainment, take advantage of Dublin's pubs, which often feature free live music and entertainment. You can also seek out free attractions, such as museums and art installations.

When it comes to transportation, avoid taking taxis as they can be expensive. Instead, opt for walking, or use the bus or Dublin's bike-share program.

Lastly, if you're looking for food, consider taking advantage of early bird specials offered by many restaurants. By dining earlier in the evening, you can enjoy discounted prices on delicious meals.

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Frequently asked questions

Dublin is a very walkable city, and getting around by foot is the best way to explore. However, if you need to go further afield, there are buses, the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit), the Luas (tram), DublinBikes, and taxis.

Dublin is a casual city, and smart casual is generally the most formal you'll need to be. The weather is changeable, so it's a good idea to wear layers and always carry a waterproof jacket and shoes.

There's no bad time to visit Dublin, but the summer months of June, July, and August are warmer, and the city comes alive with outdoor events and festivals. Spring and autumn are good times to visit if you want to avoid the crowds, and winter is the cheapest time to visit, with the added bonus of festive decorations.

The currency in Dublin is the euro. Credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are readily available.

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