Blog

Wondering what to do in Dublin, Ireland? Well this Irish capital has plenty to experience. Being pretty cheap to fly into, it also makes for a very easy place to visit. You can find flights from all over Europe for as low as 15 euros, or flights from the US for as low as just $100!

Dublin is a not just a great starting point for your Ireland trip, but it is a super fun city. There are plenty of things to do in and around the city, making it the perfect place to stay for a few days. Not to mention, the nightlife is really great!

Here are some of the best things to see, eat, and what to do in Dublin, Ireland. We'll also cover getting around, and how to prepare for visiting this awesome city. Here is everything you need to know for visiting Dublin.

Where is Dublin, Ireland?

Dublin is the north east part of the country of Ireland, just south of Northern Ireland (which actually is a different country on the same island). Despite not having beaches in the city, it does lie right on the coast.

How to Get to Dublin, Ireland

Despite being an island, Ireland is much more accessible than you may think. Actually, Dublin is one of the cheapest airports to fly to, and is even home to the budget airline RyanAir.

There are tons of flights to Dublin from all over Europe, as well as plenty of other big cities around the world. Many others are from the US and include New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Orlando, LA, Atlanta, Washington, San Francisco, and Boston. Other International flights that fly to Dublin include Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Qatar.

Another way to visit Dublin is by cruise ship! There are a lot of cruise lines that visit Northern Europe for the summer, and they include Dublin mostly as an overnight port. We had the great opportunity to dock every two weeks in Dublin when we were working on cruise ships, and it was one of our ports of call we looked forward to the most!

Entry Requirements for Ireland

Whenever traveling somewhere new, you'll need to know exactly what you need in order to enter. Here are the entry requirements to enter Ireland as a tourist.

Visa Requirements for Ireland

Local Adjustments

Whenever you travel there are things that could be different from where you are coming from. Here are a few of the local adjustments to keep in mind while traveling to Ireland.

Language

The official language in Ireland is technically Gaelic. However, it is really only very old generations or people living in the country side that can still speak the language.

Now English is language that is used all over the country. You will however find that there are still many signs that have both Gaelic and English.

Currency

The currency used in Ireland is the euro. Keep in mind that Northern Ireland is actually part of the UK, so they use the pound.

Outlets

Despite Ireland being part of the EU, the electrical outlets are the same as the UK. Plug type G is the one that you'll need to get an adapter for, which is triangular in shape, having 3 rectangular prongs. The standard voltage in Ireland is 230V and the standard frequency is 50Hz.

Water Potability

There are many sites that say the tap water is not suitable for drinking throughout Ireland. However, we've had tap water plenty, and never had any issues. It is recommended to stick to bottled water, but Dublin has plenty of safe drinking water as well.

Tipping Culture

Generally speaking, 10% is an average tip in a restaurant, and 15% is given for very good service. Some places in Dublin may include a service charge, therefore you won't need to leave extra unless you feel they've given exceptional service.

What to Do in Dublin, Ireland: Places to See

Dublin is a party town, but it has plenty of interesting history as well! Here are some of the things to check out in town.

1. Trinity College

Located in the heart of the city, is Ireland's most prestigious university, Trinity College. Home to 17,000 students, this university is popular amongst tourists, and even offers tours of the library inside.

2. Phoenix Park

This park lies in the northwest of the city. It is not only the biggest urban park in Dublin, but also one of the biggest in Europe, measuring 707 hectares. Phoenix park is open 24/7 and is open to the public free of charge. Check out the gardens, Ashtown castle, Phoenix Monument, and Magazine Fort.

3. Dublin Castle

Located off of Dame street, right in the center of Dublin, lies this 13th century castle. The admission is 6.50€ to enter, and 8.50€ for a guided tour. The Garda Police Museum is also located right at the Dublin Castle, and is free of charge,

4. Malahide Castle & Gardens

This 12th century castle is even more beautiful than Dublin castle, and lies just 9 miles outside the center of Dublin, in the village of Malahide. This castle sits on 250 acres of land, including gardens, a museum, and gift shop. While in the area, check out the cute village of Malahide which is located right on the seaside. 

In order to get here you can take bus 42, or the train into Malahide station (about a 30 minute journey). Tickets cost 12 euros for adults, 8 for students, and 6 for children 12 and under.

5. Christ Church Cathedral

This is the spiritual heart of Dublin, and one of the city's most popular attractions. Christ Church Cathedral is almost 1,000 years old, making it Dublin's longest working structure.

6. Stephen's Green

Stephen's Green is a Victorian style public park in the center of Dublin. This 22 acre park includes statues, fountains, and plenty of greenery. Entrance here is free of charge and even has free concerts during the summer.

7. Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Gaol is a former prison in Kilmainham, Dublin. It is now a museum run by the Office of Public Works. Entrance is available only by guided tour, and it is recommended to book in advance. You can get your tickets here.

8. St. Patrick's Cathedral

St. Patrick's Cathedral is the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland. With its 43 metre spire, it is one of the tallest churches in Ireland. It is 8 euros to enter, and has the following hours:

March- October:

Monday to Friday: 9am - 5:30pm.
Saturday: 9am - 6pm.
Sunday: 9am - 10:30pm/ 12:30pm - 2:30pm/ 4:30pm - 6pm

November - February:
Monday to Saturday: 9:30am - 5pm.
Sundays: 9am - 10:30am/ 12:30pm - 2:30pm

9. Botanical Gardens

Located in Glasnevin, just outside the center of Dublin, the National Botanic Gardens are known for their fine plant collections, which hold more than 15,000 plant species from all over the world. Entrance is free of charge, so come and check out the beautiful glasshouses, colorful flowers, and exotic greenery.

10. Glasnevin Cemetary

While checking out the botanical gardens, its worth a stop at the Glasnevin Cemetery, which holds the graves of several notable figures in Ireland. This cemetery is one of the most historically significant sites in Dublin, and tours are also offered at an extra charge.

What to Do in Dublin, Ireland: Activities

Now that you've seen the city, it's time to have some fun! Here are some ideas for what to do in Dublin, Ireland..

1. Watch a Rugby Match

If you're wondering what to do in Dublin, Ireland to fit in with the locals, then this needs to be in on your list.

Rugby is the most popular sport in Ireland, and when it comes to game time, the pubs fill up and have the most fun atmosphere. It's okay if you don't follow the sport, just grab a Guinness and join in on the fun!

2. Listen to live Irish Music

There's nothing quite like the pubs that have traditional Irish music. Although it isn't something we would typically like to listen to in our free time, it makes for a really fun atmosphere.

3. Visit the Guinness Storehouse

This is one of the top things on our list of what to do in Dublin, Ireland, Guinness is the official beer of Ireland, so heading to the distillery is a must.

Unlike other beers, there is an art to the making, distribution, and pouring of the stout. Learn how to create the perfect pour, and get your certification!

4. Tour the Jameson Distillery

Not only did Guinness come from Ireland, but let's not forget about Jameson whiskey. Located off Smithfield square, come check out the process of making this liquor, along with some fun whiskey tasting! Tickets for the Jameson Distillery are just 22 euros.

5. Go on a Bar Crawl

One of our favorite parts of what to do in Dublin, Ireland is experiencing the nightlife. There are just so many bars- so where to begin? Our personal favorite was the generation pub crawl. For just 12.50€ you can go to several bars, with a few drinks included, meet new friends, and have a great night out.

6. Take a Day Trip

Want to know what to do in Dublin, Ireland on the outskirts? While Dublin has many things to do inside the city, it also has some great places for a day trip. This is the perfect things to do if you'd like to get to experience the beauty of the nature nearby. Here are a few of our favorites.

Howth

This cute coastal town is located just half an hour outside of Dublin, and is definitely worth a visit. With its jagged cliffs, charming streets, and delicious seafood, it makes the perfect place to get away from the craziness of the city.

Wicklow

Part of the Wicklow Mountain range, Glendalough has beautiful rolling hills, winding trails, and a lake, making this the perfect place for a day of hiking.

You can reach here by taking Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus services, which reach some of the towns close to the National Park. Enniskerry lies to the north, Rathdrum, Wicklow and Arklow to the east, and Baltinglass and Blessington to the west.

Glendalough is also serviced by a private bus service – the St. Kevin’s Bus. It travels from Dublin city center via Bray and Roundwood.

Powerscourt Gardens & Waterfall

Powercourt Gardens cover over 47 acres, and offer visitors a great blend of formal gardens, terraces, statues and lakes. In order to get here, you will have to take the bus to Bray, and then hop on the 185 to Erinskerry. The estate is very large, so prepare for a nice walk over to the gardens from the entrance.

As for the waterfall, it is a lot further into the estate, and there is no public transportation. We suggest renting a car if you would like to visit the waterfall, or test your luck trying to catch a ride with someone. Taxis aren't abundant, but you can call one to bring you, if you don't have any other way.

What to Do in Dublin, Ireland: Nightlife

If it's one thing you can't miss out on in Dublin, it's the nightlife! The reason we love this city so much is because of the vibes, which you can just feel the fun and energy in every bar and club that you go to. Here are a few great spots.

Temple Bar

Temple Bar is the most famous area of Dublin to go out in. It may be full of tourists, but a trip to Dublin isn't complete without bar hopping over here. It might sound confusing, but there is a Temple Bar bar, which is also located in the Temple Bar area of nightlife.

Dicey's Garden Club

This is a place you either love or hate. This multi-level club is inside of a Georgian hotel, with several rooms, bars, and dance floors.

Live music is played every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and is particularly crazy on Sundays. Dicey's also offers great pub food deals, with different specials all week long.

Copper Face Jacks

Located right next to Dicey's on Hartcourt street, is another of Dublin's best night clubs. This iconic venue has music every night of the week, and has lines down the street from its popularity.

Cafe en Seine

This venue is one of the hottest spots in Dublin. With its glass-paneled ceilings, and upscale decor, it it definitely one of the most beautiful night clubs. Cafe en Seine is located at 40 Dawson street, and has an extensive menu for food & cocktails.

What to Do in Dublin, Ireland: Food & Drinks

The Irish cuisine is heavy, hearty, and full of flavor. Here are some of the must try foods when you are traveling through this country.

Irish Breakfast

Our favorite meal of the day in Ireland is breakfast, because they know how to do it so well! An Irish breakfast includes eggs, sausage, bacon, toast, beans, black & white pudding, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, and any kind of leftover fried potato. With all that to start your day, you will be sure to be full of energy.

Soda Bread

This is something you can find in many Irish households, with their own spin on traditional recipes. Rather than yeast, this bread is leavened with buttermilk and baking soda.

Irish Stew

This is the perfect meal to have as a family, or even in a pub. This hearty stew is made from lamb, or mutton, as well as potatoes, onions, and parsley, and sometimes carrots.

Beef and Guiness Pie

This stew is made from all the best that Ireland has to offer. The dish is made from beef, mushrooms, and Irish stout, and then perfectly cooked together and held by a light, flaky crust.

Boxty

This traditional potato pancake is a must try in Ireland. As the old Irish rhyme goes- "Boxty on the griddle, boxty on the pan; if you can't make boxty, you'll never get a man".

Coddle

Traditionally, Coddle is a dish made to use up leftovers. This dish usually consists of layers of sausage, salty bacon, and potatoes, making it the ultimate comfort food.

Barmbrack

This speckled loaf cake is a quick bread with sultanas and raisins. The bread is associated with Halloween in Ireland, where something is placed inside the bread, and the person who receives it is considered to have good luck.

Guinness

You didn't think we'd write an article about Ireland and not mention Guinness, right? Guinness stout beer is not only something to try here because that's where its made, but this beer actually doesn't taste quite as good anywhere else in the world. There is an art to pouring this stout, and the Irish have got it down to perfection.

Make sure you check out the official Guinness Brewery!

Getting Around Dublin, Ireland

Now that you know what to do in Dublin, Ireland, it's time to find out how to get there. Here is everything you need to know about getting around Dublin.

To/From the Airport

Dublin airport is conveniently located just 10 km from the city center. Getting to and from the airport to the center of Dublin is extremely easy!

Just hop on the 747 or 757 for a short ride away. (We would say give yourself a half hour). Tickets are 7 euros when purchased on the bus (bring exact change), or 6 euros if you purchase them online.

Within the City

The city of Dublin is very well connected by bus, just make sure you bring exact change. Click here for all timetables and prices.

Traveling To/From Other Cities

The two ways to get to other major cities and areas of Ireland are by bus or by train. There is just one main train station in the city. Buses are slightly cheaper, but trains run a little faster. Click here to purchase your train tickets in advance.

Things to Know When Visiting Dublin, Ireland

Now you know what to do in Dublin, Ireland, and how to get around. However, there are still a few tips that will help with your trip.

How to Dress

Dublin isn't blessed with the best weather in the world, so we definitely suggest bringing an umbrella or poncho. Even in the summer, temperatures can drop at night, so it's always good to be prepared with layers.

When it comes to going out at night, despite the weather, you'll see that people dress very nice when going out. Bring a nice dress or two with some heels, to be ready for a great night out.

The Best Time to Visit Dublin, Ireland

The summer definitely has the best weather, but the vibrant atmosphere is there to stay year-round. We personally recommend to visit in mid March for St Paddies, as the city becomes one big celebration. Grab your green and join in on all the fun that Dublin has to offer!

How Long to Stay in Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is the perfect place to visit for a weekend. The city itself is good for a day or two, and you can also spend a couple of days exploring the surrounding areas such as Howth, Powerscourt, or Glendalough, or even a day excursion to the cliffs of Moher.

As the capital of Ireland, Dublin is a must see city, full of fun things to do and cool historic places to see. Grab a Guinness and check out all that this city has to offer!

Want to see more beautiful places in Ireland? Check out our article of the Highlights of Ireland!

Need help planning your trip? We've got you covered! Now with Scratch Your Mapa Travel Planning Services you can save both time and money for your dream trip! Just click here to learn how.

Here are some other articles you'll love: