Dublin is the largest city in Ireland and its capital for that matter. The Republic of Ireland gained independence in 1922 after lots of uprisings and Dublin was the center of many insurgences. If you are a traveler interested in the history of the country, then Dublin is the place you want to be as the struggle for independence is largely referenced here. But besides the history, you will love the rich culture of the Dubliners and their easy-going nature.
Just like any other destination, there is so much to see and do here as long as you have prepared well for your visit. The Dublin travel tips below will help get familiar with the destination and ensure you don’t miss out on anything that matters while in the city.
- Prepare for the weather
Expect no harsh weather conditions as the weather in Dublin is not particularly hot and neither does it pass for cold. Summer temperatures are bearable, with July being the warmest month. Winters are mild with January being the coolest. The republic rarely snows but it receives rains every now and then; note that even in summer months you will experience showers from time to time. With this in mind, it is paramount to carry a windproof rain jacket to keep you dry and warm regardless of which season you are travelling. A wind-proof umbrella is the other essential item you need while in this Irish capital. You can pack one, or you can buy one once you arrive in the city. Other essentials to pack are:
- Flat comfortable shoes for walking on the cobblestones in the city and uneven brick roads
- Light sweater to beat the chill when a sunny day suddenly turns cloudy
- Pants or jeans suitable for the unpredictable weather; capris and shorts may not be that convenient
- Know How to get around
Even though Dublin is compact and very easy to navigate walking, you might need transportation if your itinerary includes visiting most of the attractions. Fortunately, the options are many and finding something that suits you should not be that hard. The Dublin bus network is reliable and covers the city together with its suburbs. The bus service runs from as early as 5 in the morning to around midnight. A Leap card is usually used but you can still enjoy the services as long as you have the exact ticket change. Alert the driver about your destination when you board and you will be fine. Apart from the bus, you can use DART, Dublin Area Rapid Transit designed very convenient for users. The city also has tram services made up of the red line running from East to West, and the green line running from North to South. Renting a bike or booking a taxi should also work depending on the kind of experience you are looking for.
- Take advantage of the Leap Card
If you are not familiar with the Leap visitor card mentioned above, you should know it’s a money-saving tool you should take advantage of. The card keeps your transport expenses in check and can be used on buses, rail and DART in the city. You can get your Leap Card from the airport as soon as you arrive in 1, 3 or 7-day increments depending on the length of your stay. The good deals and convenience when using public transport make the card worth your while.
- Go with the flow when crossing the street
Unlike some cities where pedestrians wait for the walking man to cross the street, Dubliners jaywalk to their desired sides. This is one of the most helpful Dublin travel tips you can use otherwise you will be sprinting for the curb every single time you wait to cross the street like the good tourist you are. Simply jay-walk with the locals and you will be safe. It is also important to note that the streets in the city lack signs. Street names are usually painted on building sides leaving them vulnerable to fading. The signs could be covered by plants or hidden by construction activities hence the best thing to do is landmark the city as you move along because spotting a labeled street might not be as easy in this city.
- Bring your own reusable bags
One of the things that stand out for this Irish capital is how environment-oriented it is. There is relatively little litter and trash, and things like straws and napkins are rare to find. You might want to pack hand wipes and napkins to clean your hands after eating. If you must use straws for your drinks, then your other option is reusable straws and you must order before travelling. Considering that stores don’t give out any plastic bags, you should make a point of packing a few reusable shopping bags for convenience.
- Indulge in the attractions and fun activities
Dublin Ireland travel tips cannot be complete if we don’t mention the top attractions and activities you must indulge in while here.
St. Stephen Green – This is the place to be if you are looking for serenity away from the busy city. The public park is at the heart of Dublin and is home to different animals and plants. The most outstanding features in the park are the sensory garden for the blind, the great famine memorial, historic statues, and the busts built to pay tribute to famous figures. The park is amazing for picnics, especially on sunny days.
Guinness storehouse – The brewery building has seven floors with spectacular views awaiting your exploration. An entry ticket will get you a chance to explore this famous Guinness brewery and a free pint at the in-house bar. Considering how popular Guinness is around the world, it is best to book your tour online because the line can be quite long here.
Kilmainham Goal Prison – This 18th century jailhouse attracts historians from across the world. The most notorious revolutionaries and prisoners were held here, and they include Easter Rising leaders back in 1916. The former prison building has since been restored and houses exhibits that make visitors understand the struggles Irish independence went through. From here you can view Eerie Stonebreaker’s Yard where a firing squad executed 14 political prisoners.
Trinity College – This famous learning center is a short walk from Molly and dates back to the 16th century. It is Ireland’s oldest university founded by Queen Elizabeth and remains distinguished in the world to date. The buildings are impressive and so are the large quadrangles and playing fields. The art gallery here displays the famed Book of Kells which is an ancient manuscript of the four Bible gospels. Enjoy a detailed guided tour for a small fee.
Shelbourne Park Stadium – It is where you can catch greyhound racing very popular among the locals. Daily races are here giving everyone a chance to place exciting bets on the animals. The hosts are more than willing to explain how the betting works and you will also love the cozy restaurant serving a delicious menu.
Dublin bridges – Exploring Dublin bridges is one of the things you cannot miss out on when visiting the city. The numerous bridges are a result of the River Liffey which cuts through the city center flowing into Dublin Bay. Some of the bridges that will give you a relaxing and fulfilling feel of the city include Rory Omoore Bridge, O’Connell Bridge, Ha’penny Bridge, Sean Heuston Bridge, and Samuel Beckett Bridge. The most popular however is the James Joyce Bridge mentioned widely by Irish writers and novelists. It has cozy benches where you can sit and relax, read a book, or enjoy a spectacular night view under the streetlights.
Temple bar– It is where tourists flock to experience the exciting Dublin nightlife. Running along River Liffey, this area has independent shops, pubs and performers lining its streets. Enjoy drinks at the Norseman, Vintage Cocktail Club, and the Temple Bar. If markets and street festivals are your thing, then this is also the place to be during the day.
Chester Beatty – This free museum boasts an impressive collection of Islamic, Far Eastern, and Asian artifacts. Jesus’ travel journals, Iranian, narrative paintings, illuminated parchments of Egyptian descent, and Egyptian Books of the Dead are here. You might be lucky to catch free temporary exhibitions, workshops, and lectures from invited guests. Other things you can do while in Dublin include;
- Learning about Dublina
- Taking a free walking tour
- Visiting the Dublin Zoo in Phoenix Park
- Seeing the Dublin Castle
- Touring the Jameson Distillery
- Wandering through Phoenix Park
- Buy a Heritage Pass
This is among Dublin tips travel history lovers should take full advantage of. The Heritage Pass gives you access to all Office of Public Works spots within Ireland. The entry pass is the most affordable with pricing accommodating families and students. With this card, you will be able to access all historical sites in the country including Botanical Gardens, Dublin Castle, Phoenix Park, and Kilmainham Goal.
There is also the Dublin Pass which allows you entry to most of the iconic attractions in the city. With the pass, you can also use the Hop On and Off bus for free when getting around. Some of the attractions covered by the Dublin Pass include Glasnevin Cemetery, Guinness Storehouse, museums and castles, and the Jeannie Johnston Tallship.
- Book your accommodation in advance
Ensuring you have accommodation before you even get to Ireland is among the most important travel tips for Dublin. Apart from keeping your plans organized, early bookings get you the best spots according to the attractions you wish to be close to during your stay. Hotel accommodation during summer should be booked at least three months before travel. This is because tourist numbers are higher during summer and most accommodation facilities will be fully booked. When travelling during low season, three weeks before travel will fetch you a good deal. Check out the amenities available in the facility, the location and the cost to choose the most suitable for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What I wish I knew before going to Ireland?
If there is one thing I wish I knew before travelling to Ireland is that it is mainly a walkable city and driving is hazardous. Ireland uniquely never extends regular insurance and you have to buy from rental companies pushing daily prices to almost double. The traffic lights are very different and most roads are narrow, unkempt and unpaved. Driving is also on the left side and most of the roads are unlabeled; wrong turns and driving mistakes are common for visitors.
How to not stand out as an American in Ireland?
If you do not want to make it obvious that you are an American tourist in Ireland, leave your trainers at home and opt for sneakers and leather shoes. You might also need to leave your bucket hats and khaki shorts at home otherwise people will know from miles away that you are an American. The country may not be dangerous but this doesn’t mean that you won’t get robbed if you present the chance to petty thieves. It is also a good idea to avoid opening your map in public or wandering staring at buildings even if you are lost.
Is Dublin a walkable city?
James Joyce’s publication Ulysses gave Dublin the reputation of being a city best experienced on foot. The novel’s emphasis on perambulation is supported by how compact the city is; you won’t need a car to navigate the city unless it’s a convenience you need. A weekend of wandering on foot within the city is just as fulfilling as a car tour in the city.
How many days should you spend in Dublin?
Two days are good enough to spend in Dublin and to enjoy most of what the city has to offer. A week on the other hand ensures you don’t leave any stone unturned while in this Irish capital. You can use tour packages to see what best suits your vacation.
If you adhere to the above tips for travelling to Dublin, you should have the most fulfilling stay in the detailed Irish capital. There is something for every kind of traveler in this city of Ireland.
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