Dublin, Ireland - Travel Guide

Dublin offers a vibrant mix of historical charm and modern energy. Explore ancient castles and cathedrals, enjoy lively pubs with traditional music, and immerse yourself in a rich literary heritage.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$100/day

Mid-range$150/day

Luxury$600/day

Known For

IrelandEuropeRiver LiffeyPhoenix ParkGuinnessJameson

🇮🇪 Country Information: Ireland

CapitalDublin

CurrencyEuro (€)

Language English , Irish (Gaeilge)

Phone Code+353

Electricity230V (Type G)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service: 10
15% in restaurants, rounding up for taxis, a few euros for hotel staff

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas
Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's good to have cash for smaller establishments
Bringing some cash is advisable for convenience, especially outside major cities
There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Punctuality is valued, especially for appointments
Politeness is highly regarded; "please" and "thank you" are important
It's common to buy a round of drinks in pubs
Avoid discussing sensitive political or religious topics with strangers
Dress codes are generally relaxed but can be smart
casual for dining out

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Ireland is considered very LGBTQ+ friendly with robust legal protections, including marriage equality since 2015.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, and possession of illegal drugs can lead to severe penalties

Special Laws

It is illegal to drink alcohol in public places in some areas, check local bylaws
Pedestrians should use designated crossings and be aware of traffic, especially from the right (driving on the left)

Common Phrases

HelloDia duit (dee-ah gwit)

CheersSláinte (slawn-cheh)

PleaseMás é do thoil é (maws ay duh hull ay)

Excuse meGabh mo leithscéal (gahv muh lesh-kayl)

Thank youGo raibh maith agat (go rah mah ah-gut)

Climate

Dublin's climate is generalized as a marine oceanic climate.

Climate Zone: Marine Oceanic

Best Time to Visit

No super hot or cold seasons
No hurricane or earthquake season
No monsoon season
Flooding can occur, particularly after heavy rain, but there isn't a specific "flood season
"

Getting There

Fly directly to Dublin Airport (DUB) from major international hubs; costs and times vary by origin
Take a bus from various cities across Ireland, typically 3
4 hours from Cork or Galway, costing €20
30
Irish Rail offers train services from other Irish cities, e
g
, Cork to Dublin (2
5
3 hours, €30
40)

Getting Around

Dublin Bus is the main public transport
Luas tram system for specific routes
DART commuter rail along the coast
Free Now and Uber are popular ride
sharing apps

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations recommended (MMR, DTP, Chickenpox)
No specific altitude sickness concerns
Probiotics generally not required
No malaria risk

Staying Connected

eSIMs are widely available
Major providers include Vodafone, Three, and Eir
Airalo, Nomad, and Holafly eSIMs work well

Local Cuisine

Irish Stew must_try

This hearty, traditional dish is made with tender mutton or lamb, potatoes, onions, and carrots, often simmered in a savory broth. It is the ultimate

Full Irish Breakfast breakfast

A substantial morning meal featuring bacon rashers, sausages, fried eggs, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast. Crucially, it includes both black an

Guinness alcohol

The iconic Irish stout beer, instantly recognizable by its dark color and creamy head, made from hops, roasted barley, yeast, and water. It embodies I

Fish & Chips street_food

A classic take-away found in local chippers, featuring fresh fish coated in a light, perfect batter, served with high-quality thick-cut potato chips (

Boxty regional_speciality

A traditional Irish potato pancake made by mixing mashed potatoes with buttermilk, baking soda, and flour, then cooked until crispy. This celebratory

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Kilmainham Gaol Tour Attraction

Book several weeks to 3 months in advance

Tickets sell out very quickly due to limited capacity and high demand, especially during peak season.

High-Demand Restaurants (e.g., Uno Mas, Etto, The Delahunt) Dining

Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance

The most popular casual and fine dining restaurants in Dublin are nearly always booked out weeks ahead.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

The Book of Kells Experience Attraction

Book 1–4 weeks in advance

Tickets for specific dates and times can sell out, particularly on weekends and holidays.

Guinness Storehouse Tickets Attraction

Book 1–3 weeks in advance

Booking in advance guarantees entry for your preferred time slot and usually secures a better price.

Jameson Distillery Tour tour_or_activity

Book 1–3 weeks in advance

Tours have limited capacity and popular time slots, especially those focused on tasting experiences, sell out.

Fun Facts

1. The Guinness factory has a 9,000-year lease on the St. James' Gate Brewery that was signed in 1759, and the annual payment remains just £45.
2. The famous 'MGM Lion' was actually born in the Dublin Zoo, surprising many who assume the iconic animal came from elsewhere.
3. Dublin's O'Connell Bridge is the only traffic bridge in the whole of Europe that is thought to have the same width as its length.
4. The name 'Dublin' comes from the Old Irish Gaelic phrase 'Dubh linn,' which translates to "Black Pool," referring to a murky lake used by Vikings.

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