Dublin

Ultimate Guide to Exploring Dublin, Ireland

Overview

Dublin, the capital city of Ireland, is a vibrant and historic destination filled with rich culture, fascinating history, and warm hospitality. This guide will provide you with essential information on places to go, activities, where to eat, where to stay, transportation options, tips, and other points of interest for tourists.

Places to Visit

  1. Temple Bar: Known for its colorful buildings, Temple Bar is a vibrant district filled with traditional pubs, restaurants, and art galleries.
  2. Trinity College: Founded in 1592, Trinity College is one of Ireland’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Don’t miss the Old Library and the Book of Kells exhibit.
  3. Dublin Castle: A historic site that was the seat of British rule for centuries and now serves as the residence of the Irish President.
  4. Guinness Storehouse: Learn about the history of Ireland’s most famous beer, enjoy a pint, and marvel at the panoramic view from the Gravity Bar.
  5. Kilmainham Gaol: A former prison that played a significant role in Ireland’s struggle for independence.
  6. Phoenix Park: Europe’s largest urban park, offering beautiful landscapes, a deer farm, and Dublin Zoo.
  7. St. Patrick’s Cathedral: One of the National Churches of Ireland, this stunning cathedral is dedicated to Ireland’s patron saint.
  8. National Museum of Ireland: Comprising four branches, explore Ireland’s history, archaeology, decorative arts, and natural history.

Activities

  1. Walking Tours: Explore Dublin on foot with a guided walking tour. Options include literary tours, historical tours, and food tours.
  2. Visit a Traditional Irish Music Pub: O’Donoghue’s, The Brazen Head, and Toner’s are some of the best places to enjoy traditional Irish music.
  3. Dublin Bay Cruise: Take a boat tour to see Dublin from a different perspective, including the famous Ha’penny Bridge and Dublin Port.
  4. Visit a Viking Site: Explore Dublinia or the Little Museum of Dublin to learn about Dublin’s Viking past.

Where to Eat

  1. Patrick Guilbaud: Ireland’s only two-star Michelin restaurant, offering exquisite modern Irish cuisine.
  2. The Winding Stair: Located in the historic Tower at Dublin’s oldest working brewery, enjoy creative Irish dishes with stunning views of the city and river Liffey.
  3. Elephant & Castle: A popular spot for brunch, serving a variety of innovative dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
  4. Brat: This Michelin-starred restaurant offers modern Irish cuisine in a cozy setting.
  5. The Chop House: For traditional Irish fare, head to this classic Dublin restaurant.

Where to Stay

  1. The Merrion Hotel: Luxury five-star accommodation in the heart of Dublin with elegant rooms and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
  2. The Westin Dublin: A four-star hotel offering comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and a stylish bar and grill.
  3. The Gibson Hotel: Modern, four-star hotel with spacious rooms, a rooftop bar, and easy access to the city center.
  4. The Shelbourne Dublin, A Renaissance Hotel: An iconic five-star hotel located on St. Stephen’s Green, offering luxurious accommodations and excellent dining options.

Things to Know

  1. The Euro (€) is the official currency of Ireland.
  2. Irish English can differ from British English, with some unique phrases and words.
  3. Dubliners are known for their friendly and welcoming nature.
  4. Public transportation is reliable and affordable, with buses, trams, and trains operated by Dublin Bus, Luas, and Iarnród Éireann.
  5. Taxis can be hailed from the street or booked by phone; popular apps include MyTaxi and Free Now.

Tips

  1. Purchase a Leap Card for unlimited access to public transportation.
  2. Check opening times for attractions, as some may have restricted hours.
  3. Embrace the Irish weather – rain can be common, but it’s all part of the Dublin experience!
  4. Try local dishes such as fish and chips, boxty (Irish potato pancake), and bacon and cabbage.
  5. Don’t forget to tip in restaurants and bars; around 10-15% is customary.
  6. Visit during the St. Patrick’s Day Festival for a truly unique experience.
  7. Respect Irish culture and traditions, and always ask permission before taking photographs of people.