The only guide you need to visit Dublin
Dublin is quickly becoming a small cosmopolitan hub with a hipster edge. There are plenty of things to see, do, and eat no matter what type of trip you’re looking for. So here it is — your comprehensive guide to Dublin!
The Logistics
When to Visit
I’ll be honest, it rains on and off most of the year. Even throughout the summer months, you’ll usually get rain. June and September are crowd pleasers, where the sun comes out for a few days straight and everyone heads to the park. If you ask a Dubliner, the sun comes out the minute the kids go back to school in September. That’s the closest you’ll get to an accurate weather prediction!
Getting Around
There are buses from the airport that can get you into the city centre and then further afield. They’re great value for money, so if there is one going your direction, you’re better off than taking a taxi from the airport. Airlink Express and Aircoach are the two bus options, and between the two of them they cover most of Dublin and the surrounding areas.
For the rest of your time, you might as well take a taxi or two. The MyTaxi app is the Uber of registered cabs, of which there are no shortage. You shouldn’t have trouble hailing one on the street either. (Unless you’re here at Christmas, then things get a bit more complicated.)
The Luas tram has been connected through much of the city centre, so if you’re staying very central you can use that as well.
What to Wear
As it rains year round, you want to make sure you have semi-functional footwear if you’re going to be walking, something with a hood, and an umbrella.
Everyone will tell you that all of the umbrella users in Dublin are tourists. It’s mostly true, but the odd time you’ll get light rain without any wind and your umbrella will work perfectly.
What to Wear in Dublin
Olivia’s Top Picks
Go shopping on Grafton Street and wander the Creative Quarter
Sometimes seeing a city is just about getting lost. Head over to Dublin’s famous Grafton Street to rub shoulders with the locals. Shopping malls aren’t as big in Europe as they are in North America, and many people come in to town to do their clothes and food shopping. In and around Grafton Street is Dublin’s Creative Quarter, filled with lovely shop fronts, vintage clothing stores, bars, and restaurants. Spend some time here to get the buzz of what it’s like to live in Dublin.
See a rugby match at the Aviva Stadium
The Irish are known for being good craic (it means fun!). Experience Irish camaraderie at its best at the Aviva for a rugby match. It’s also a possibility that you might have the most fun chatting to the people in line at the bar. Follow the crowds to the nearest pub afterwards to continue the celebrations.
Have dinner with a view at Sophie’s restaurant
I always take my visitors to Sophie’s if I can. There are lots of great restaurants in Dublin now, but none can offer the view that Sophie’s does, especially as the sun sets! They have good food options, great cocktails, and a stunning view of the whole city. You can book ahead online, and I always add a cheeky note about getting a table by the window.
The Essential Dublin Itinerary
Want to make sure you can tell everyone that you’ve done Dublin? Here is a checklist to ensure you eliminate any potential travel FOMO.
- Visit the Guinness Storehouse
- Take a photo with the Molly Malone statue (see below)
- Wander down O’Connell Street and see the General Post Office
- Have a pint (preferably of Guinness) at the Stag’s Head on Dame Lane
- See the Oscar Wilde Statue in Merrion Square
- See the inside of Christ Church Cathedral
- Experience Traditional Irish Music at O’Neills Pub on Suffolk Street
- Visit the Book of Kells and the Long Room at Trinity College
- See the Poolbeg Towers that give Dublin its famous skyline
Disclaimer: there are a few things on the above itinerary that are a bit touristy. But if you want to see what everyone thinks is Dublin, you’ll want to check those out. On the other hand, if you’re looking to see Dublin like a local, check out my other Dublin itineraries.
Other Things to See & Do in Dublin
There’s a lot to do in Dublin, but it’s not always easy to find. I live here and I sometimes only hear about things when it’s too late! Depending on your interests, take a look at the options below. I’ve also written a blog with some alternative ideas for seeing Dublin on a Sunday, but many of those can be done any day!
History & Culture
- Visit Dublin Castle
- Go to the National Gallery of Ireland
- See St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- Attend a show at the Gaiety Theatre
- See the National Concert Hall
- Do the Jameson Whiskey Distillery Tour
- Or try the Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour
Play Outside
- Walk the Ericsson Skyline at Croke Park
- Do the Bray to Greystones Walk
- See the deer in Phoenix Park
- People watch at St. Stephen’s Green
- Walk Dun Laoghaire Pier with a 99 (ice cream!)
- Hike up Killiney Hill (then drive by Bono’s house)
- Wander the beautiful streets of Dalkey and visit Dalkey Castle
Treat Yourself
- Get a blow dry at Roller
- Have your nails done at Mink
- Enjoy the Sunday spa package at the Marker
- Have afternoon tea at the Merrion Hotel
- Browse the antiques on Francis Street
- Spend the day shopping at Brown Thomas
Entertainment
- See a show at the Smock Alley Theatre
- Attend a comedy night at the Laughter Lounge
- See a movie at the Stella Theatre
Eat, Drink, Sleep in Dublin
Where to Eat
Food on the Go
- Pablo Picante or Boojum for your burritos
- Chopped for your salads
Weekend Brunch
- Angelina for the atmosphere
- Drury Buildings for the weekend brunch deal
- The Ivy for the people
Dinner
- FX Buckley and Fade Street Social for steaks
- Market Bar for the best portions of tapas you’ll ever have
- Chez Max for the moules frites
- Bunsen for the best burger you’ll have in your whole life
- The Oarsman pub for Dublin’s favourite chicken wings and chips
Need more food options? Take a look at my favourite restaurants in the Guide to Eating in Dublin.
Where to Drink
There is no shortage of places to drink in Dublin, and there’s definitely somewhere for everyone. Here’s a list of some of my favourites:
Pubs
- The Stag’s Head
- The Long Hall
- O’Donoghue’s
- Doheny & Nesbitt
Bars
- Lemon & Duke
- Zozimus
- Farrier & Draper
- NoLita
Places to Lounge
- Vintage Cocktail Club
- No. 27 Bar & Lounge at The Shelbourne Hotel
Where to Stay
You want to stay close enough to the city that you can walk most places, but not so central that you won’t be able to fall asleep at night. Stay on the south side of the River Liffey to avoid the general hassle of unsavoury people at nighttime. Temple Bar is a famous neighbourhood to visit, but I wouldn’t recommend staying there unless you plan to be up all night.
In and around Stephen’s Green or Merrion Square are wonderful, central areas. They’re full of Georgian style houses that will give you a real Dublin feel. Other nice areas include Ranelagh, Ballsbridge, Sandymount, Donnybrook, and Grand Canal. With most of those you’ll have a 20-30 minute walk in to town, but the tram or buses can easily get you in to the centre too.
I pulled together a list of some really cool Airbnb’s that might be of interest, or at least start you off in the right direction.
If you’re looking for a more upscale hotel experience, the best of the best in Dublin are: The Shelbourne Hotel, The Westbury Hotel, The Merrion Hotel, and The Clarence Hotel (owned by U2).
All the Rest
Looking for more information about Dublin?
- 11 Things to Do in Dublin on a Sunday
- The Dublin Guide: Where to Eat
- The Dublin Guide: Where to Shop
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This post contains some affiliate links to help you simplify your trip planning, but all thoughts, opinions, photos, and funny comments are my own.
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