Dublin Travel Guide

Our Dublin travel guide will help you find your way through the storied streets of Ireland’s capital, a walkable city teeming with history, literature, and charm. 

Chances are if you’re traveling to Ireland, you’ll be flying in and out of Dublin Airport. While it’s a good idea to stay in Dublin at the start and end of your trip, the city is so much more than a place to pass through! We recommend saving a few days to dig deeper and really explore this beautiful, dynamic city. 

Dublin is a gateway to understanding Ireland and her history. This Dublin travel guide is packed with local tips and contains everything first time visitors need to know.

Dublin Travel Guide: Our Top Recommendations

City Highlights: The Book of Kells, Kilmainham Gaol, Phoenix Park, National Gallery

When to Visit: Peak tourist season in Ireland is May through August. We recommend visiting in shoulder season (March/April & September/October) to take advantage of shorter lines, open tables, and more availability at the most popular destinations. Christmas season starts in November and is a magical time in Dublin, and you’ll find the best rates at the finest hotels in January and February.

Dublin Attractions: Guinness Storehouse, St. Stephen’s Green, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, The Dead Zoo, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle

B&T Restaurant Picks: Library Street, Mae, The Seafood Café, Allta, The Old Spot, Spitalfields

Stays We Love: 

The Merrion, The Wilder Townhouse, Fitzwilliam Dublin, Townhouse on the Green, The Shelbourne

Best Places to Visit in Dublin

Yes, pubs are one of the best places to visit in Dublin! The craic, the perfectly poured pint, and the trad session all combine to create an experience you’ll only find in Ireland. However, once you’re ready to stretch your legs and explore, here are some Dublin highlights worth passing a pub for!

Trinity College: Founded in 1592, Trinity is Ireland’s highest rated university and is steeped in Irish history; notable alumni include Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde, and Samuel Beckett. Trinity is also the home of the Book of Kells, a 9th century illuminated manuscript and one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions. The Old Library is worth a visit, as is a stroll through Trinity’s gorgeous campus.

St. Stephen’s Green: Just up the pedestrian-friendly Grafton Street from Trinity is St. Stephen’s Green, a 27 acre landscaped garden park in Dublin’s city center. It’s a great place to stop and people watch, but pay close attention to the seagulls! They *will* take food right out of your hands!

Museum of Literature Ireland: You don’t need to have read Ulysses to be welcomed at this special museum adjacent to St. Stephen’s Green. Opened in 2019, the museum celebrates Ireland’s rich storytelling tradition through interactive exhibits on Irish poets, playwrights, and novelists. Both the café and the gift shop are not to be missed.

General Post Office (GPO): The GPO on O’Connell Street was taken over by Irish rebels–including James Connolly and Pádraig Pearse–during the 1916 Easter Rising against the occupying British forces. The Irish Republic was proclaimed here, and is still a functioning post office. Check out the museum for a rich overview and insight into the Irish freedom struggle.

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum: A museum about Irish people leaving Ireland? Not exactly! EPIC explores the outsized impact that Irish people have had around the world, and was started from the premise that emigration is not about what you leave behind, but what you take with you. They also have great children’s programming and genealogy consultations for people searching for their ancestors. 

The Forty Foot: If you want to do Dublin like the locals, why not go for a quick dip at the Forty Foot in Sandycove? Fans of Bad Sisters will recognize this popular swimming spot, where some locals swim 365 days a year. Be forewarned: there are no changing facilities and you’ll need to be prepared to warm up fast.

Where to Eat & Drink in Dublin

This introductory list of where to eat and drink in Dublin will get you well on your way to understanding Ireland’s rightful claim to being a global food destination. Use these tips as a way to get the lay of the land, then venture beyond Ireland’s capital and visit the farmers and artisans who are producing the incredible ingredients.

Bread 41: This is our go-to spot for pastries straight from Dublin airport, and whenever we are hitting the road to venture beyond the city and want snacks for the car. Opened in 2018 by Eoin Cluskey, Bread 41 is an organic sourdough bakery committed to using local suppliers and wholesome ingredients. Our favorites include the sausage rolls, cinnamon scrolls, bostock, and morning buns. 

The Fumbally Café: The ultimate third place and one of our favorite spots in Dublin. Great for breakfast, lunch, and brunch, the Fumbally also hosts a community market with local artisan goods and sells natural wine. The Fumbally Stables next door hosts private events, yoga classes, and the occasional pop-up vintage shop. Get the Fumbally eggs with Gubbeen cheese, a sandwich, or one of their delicious seasonal special dishes. 

Loose Canon: This wine and cheese bar, located in St. George’s Arcade is hardly a secret, but it’s so tasty that we had to include it here. Perfect for lunch or a late afternoon snack, Loose Canon sells natural wine by the glass or bottle, as well as a selection of cheese toasties and Irish charcuterie boards. Great spot for people watching as well. 

The Seafood Café: It’s not always easy to get us to Temple Bar in the evenings (sorry/not sorry), but we make a beeline to chef Niall Sabongi’s Seafood Café every time we’re in Dublin. Sabongi created Sustainable Seafood Ireland more than a decade ago to help expand the market for local, seasonal fish. This is the freshest tastiest seafood at the most reasonable prices you’ll find in the city. 

Library Street: Chef Kevin Burke is responsible for some of the most exciting, delicious, and consistent food in Dublin right now. The menu is French and Italian-inspired seasonal Irish food and the wine list favors small producers and organic growers. Great for sharing with friends and date nights! Don’t miss the turbot and the pork chop, and definitely order the fondant potatoes and the cabbage.

Mae: A lovely spot for thoughtful and creative modern Irish food located over a wine shop in Ballsbridge. Mae is slightly upscale without being stuffy and the food is guaranteed to be impeccable. Chef Gráinne O’Keefe’s debut cookbook, Go And Cook Yourself, came out at the end of 2024. 

Pickle: One of the most exciting aspects of Ireland’s burgeoning food scene is the number of incredible restaurants run by immigrants who are using Irish produce to interpret their home cuisines. “Pickle country” is chef Sunil Ghai’s term for the new place created by the marriage between Irish produce and his recipes from northern India. You can’t go wrong with vegetarian thaali, butter chicken, or laal maans. Pickle also offers a chef’s tasting menu if you’re overwhelmed by all of the options!

Accommodation in Dublin: Picks for Every Budget

Accommodation in Dublin is relatively straightforward, and there are a wealth of options available for travelers at every budget. Some–but not all–hotels include breakfast in their room rates, so definitely ask for this during the booking process. The full Irish is one of the dishes Ireland is most famous for, but don’t worry, every hotel will provide a range of healthier options as well. 

Be sure to make your reservations as early as possible, because certain things like sporting events and big concerts can cause the city’s hotels to book up sooner than you might imagine. 

Below you’ll find an overview of hotels at a range of budgets, but we tend to steer clear of hostels and places where sharing rooms with strangers is the norm.

The Wren Urban Nest: The Wren is a pod-style hotel in an incredible location in central Dublin, just minutes away from Trinity College, Temple Bar, and Grafton Street. It’s an ideal stay for a traveler who wants something affordable and isn’t looking to spend too much time in their room. The Wren is also aiming to be the city’s most sustainable hotel. Rooms from €129.

Zanzibar Locke: If you’re looking for something with a bit more space that is still moderately priced, try the Zanzibar Locke! They offer apartment style hotels; each room has a tiny kitchen and most even have a washer/dryer. Zanzibar is near the Ha’penny Bridge, just across the River Liffey from Temple Bar so it’s within walking distance from all of the major attractions. The lobby has a café which serves breakfast and is a great spot to get some work done. Rooms from €182.

Brooks Hotel: The Irish are known for their hospitality, and the family-run Brooks Hotel is an ideal place to land in Dublin to feel like you’re at home while you explore the city. They’ve got great breakfast, too: Chef Patrick McLarnon has an herb garden at the hotel and regularly forages for wild food for the menu at Francesca’s Restaurant. Rooms from €153.

The Wilder Townhouse: A lovely boutique townhouse in a quiet but centrally located part of town. Rooms on the smaller side but excellent and very welcoming hospitality and service. They have a nice breakfast and great cocktail bar, with a complementary G&T upon check in. Rooms from €218.

Townhouse on the Green: Located on St. Stephen’s Green, this recently opened luxury boutique hotel has nine gorgeous bedrooms and is steps away from the best restaurants and museums in the city. The building is also home to Floritz, an upscale restaurant serving Asian-inspired dishes, and Cellar 22, an intimate natural wine bar on the garden level with an all-day menu featuring seasonal Irish food. Guests at the Townhouse enjoy a private aperitivo hour in Cellar 22 where they can mingle with guests and meet members of the hotel staff. Rooms from €209.

The Fitzwilliam Dublin: Just around the corner and still overlooking St. Stephen’s Green is the Fitzwilliam, a 5 star hotel with the same owners as the Townhouse on the Green. It’s a smart, service oriented hotel with a brand new lobby and bar on the ground floor level. The Fitzwilliam does not book conferences or weddings, but prefers to look after guests with the utmost care and gracious hospitality. It’s also the home of Glover’s Alley, a one star Michelin restaurant at which customers can order a tasting menu or dine á la carte. As an added bonus for diners: chef Andy McFadden is in the kitchen every night! Rooms from €379.

The Merrion: One of our favorite hotels in Ireland! This lovely 5 star hotel is on Merrion Row across from Parliament buildings, Merrion Square, and multiple museums. The Merrion has the best customer service we’ve ever experienced, and it’s beyond welcoming for families with children. The hotel is home to one of the largest private art collections in Ireland, and its Afternoon Art Tea features pastries inspired by works of art on display in the hotel. The Merrion also has a swimming pool, spa, and hair salon. The two star Michelin restaurant Patrick Guillbaud is right next door. Rooms from €400.

Dublin Neighborhood Guide

Below you’ll find a Dublin neighborhood guide which will give you an overview of this very walkable city. Dublin is organized by postal codes, so it’s helpful to know that all of the odd numbered neighborhoods are north of the River Liffey and all the even numbers are to the south. 

Temple Bar: Temple Bar is a very busy neighborhood right on the Liffey full of pubs and restaurants. This area is thronged with tourists and is the best place to go if you’re looking to party. There is a lot of budget accommodation here, but know before you go that it’s a bit more difficult to get a good night’s sleep. We love the Irish Film Institute which is located here.

Smithfield: Smithfield is a former warehouse district that is a great place to go for coffee, international, fast casual food, and craft beer. It’s also a great destination if you’re looking for live music in pubs–the Cobblestone pub is a real standout. Be sure to check out Dublin’s oldest pub, the Brazen Head, or Panti Bar for drinks. The Jameson Distillery is also here!

Stoneybatter: Stoneybatter is a hip neighborhood in Dublin that is also known for its gay culture. Head here for brunch before spending the afternoon in nearby Phoenix Park. There are few places to stay in Stoneybatter, but it’s worth it just to visit L. Mulligan Grocer, one of our favorite gastropubs. 

The Liberties: The spirit of old Dublin is still alive here in this neighborhood, which is the historic brewing and distilling district. Yes, Guinness is here, but so are many newer distilleries like Teeling and Roe & Co. The Fumbally Café, our home away from home in Dublin, is also in the Liberties. Check out Hens Teeth and Spitalfields while you’re here, and check out the headliners at the music venue Vicar Street. 

Portobello: You’ll find some of the most popular pubs and restaurants in Portobello, including Pickle, Uno Mas, and Delahunt. We adore Gaillot & Grey, and the wine bar Frank’s; Alma and Brother Hubbard are great for breakfast and lunch. This area tends to be a bit more residential, but it’s mere blocks away from hotels like The Dean and others by St. Stephen’s Green. Be sure to check out Picado, Dublin’s Mexican grocery while you’re there.

Traveling to Dublin

As Ireland’s capital city, traveling to Dublin is a breeze! Below are a few options for getting to the city from other parts of Ireland and the world.

By Plane

Dublin International Airport is the largest airport in Ireland, so it’s typically the most convenient place to fly into from other countries. Most airports in the largest US cities offer direct flights into Dublin. 

We recommend taking a taxi into Dublin after landing. It’s about a seven mile trip, and without traffic will take about 25 minutes. This is also the easiest way to deal with luggage. Dublin Express runs a bus service to the city center from the airport and is accessible right outside the doors of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. City bus stops include O’Connell Street, Temple Bar, and Trinity College.

Public Transport

Train service to Dublin is available from towns and villages along the eastern seaboard as well as major cities like Belfast and Cork. You can also take a train to Dublin from Galway. There are three major train stations in Dublin: Connolly, Pearse, and Heuston. 

By Car

Driving around Dublin is fairly straightforward, but due to construction, road closures, and greater numbers of people commuting from the suburbs, you may hit unexpected traffic even outside of rush hour. Most hotels do not include parking, but there are many parking structures available throughout the city. We recommend renting a car as you leave Dublin, or dropping it off when you arrive from another part of the country. 

Getting Around Dublin

Getting around Dublin is very easy–it is such a walkable city, with most of the major tourist attractions being within walking distance of one another. You may need to take a cab to visit Kilmainham Gaol or Glasnevin Cemetery, but beyond that chances are you won’t need to use public transportation. Read on for some general information.

Walking in Dublin

Walking in Dublin is definitely the best way to get around. Have we mentioned that this is a really great city to get your steps in?! With a few exceptions, most of the tourist attractions and restaurants are within walking distance. Dubliners rarely jaywalk, so stick to the crosswalks. And most importantly, always look both ways before crossing the street. Cars drive on the left, so traffic may be coming from an unexpected direction.

Dublin Public Transportation

There are three main types of public transport (besides taxis) available in Dublin:

Bus: Most routes of the Dublin Bus run from 5am to midnight, with eight lines running 24 hours. Single journeys cost €2 for a short ride. Pick up a pre-paid Leap card for a discount; they’re available at Dublin Airport & at the Dublin Bus office at 59 Upper O’Connell Street.

DART: The DART is a commuter train line that connects Dublin city with suburban coastal villages to the north and south of the city. The fare is also €2 for a short ride. The Leap card is accepted on DART trains.

Luas: The Luas is the city’s tram service; the green line runs north to south, and the red line runs east to west on the north side of the city.  (Contrary to the viral videos on social media, it is not free! A ride on the Luas costs €2 for a single zone, and is payable in exact change or with a Leap card. Tickets are available at ticket machines in all the Luas stations.) 

The Leap card is a prepaid travel card that can be used on all public transportation. It makes traveling around Dublin super easy.  The Leap card also allows for transfers between the bus, DART, and Luas for no charge for 90 minutes. Cards are available for a refundable deposit of €5 and can be purchased in many shops, at Dublin airport, or ordered online and mailed to you. 

Shared Bike: If you’re feeling adventurous, Dublin also has a shared bike program with 115 stations throughout the city. They are available for rent from 5am to 12:30am with a one or three day ticket (€3.5 & €5, respectively); the first 30 minutes are free and then it’s 50 cents an hour. 

Taxis & Ride Sharing in Dublin

Most Dubliners use an app called FreeNow to take a taxi. Uber is a bit newer to Dublin, but is becoming more and more available. Taxis can also be hailed on the street.

Hotels in Dublin will be happy to call a taxi for you, as well as book one in advance, which can be super handy when returning to the airport.  

Dublin Tours

Join us in August 2025 with writer/comedian Youngmi Mayer on our “Guess What? I’m Irish!” tour which begins in Ireland’s capital. Our small group tours are a great way to see the city–especially for first time visitors–because we’ll hit some of the greats in addition to providing bespoke experiences you can’t find with any other tour provider.

We also plan private itineraries, so if you’d like some help planning your trip, please get in touch!

Best Time to Visit Dublin

The best time to visit Dublin is in the spring or the fall. That is when you can still enjoy moderate temperatures, relatively long days, and avoid the competition for the main attractions. Peak tourist season in Ireland is May to August; unsurprisingly, the summer is sunniest, warmest time. This is when Dublin will be the most crowded.

The shoulder season, which is March/April and September/October, is the ideal time to visit. You’ll still have mild weather and it will be easier to get restaurant reservations and tickets to sites like Kilmainham Gaol or the Book of Kells at Trinity College.

We also love visiting Dublin November through February because it’s a great time to take advantage of lower hotel rates. Dublin at Christmas time is also a lovely time to visit, although book your afternoon teas early! Thanksgiving isn’t a holiday in Ireland, so many places start decorating right after Halloween.

If we had to pick, we would say that September is the best month to visit Dublin because there will be shorter lines and the weather is great. Honestly, though, any time is a good time! 

How Many Days in Dublin?

Three full days in Dublin is an ideal amount of time to spend exploring the city, soaking up the culture, and visiting a variety of museums, cathedrals, and historical sites. There is more than enough to do and plenty of different food options to satisfy even the most curious traveler. There are also a variety of day trips outside of the city available up and down the eastern seaboard, should you decide to use Dublin as your base. 

The amount of time you should spend in Dublin also depends on your travel style and interests. You may want to take it easy your first day, and relax to overcome jet lag. Walking around the city–or, even better, taking a guided walking tour–is a fantastic way to familiarize yourself with the city.

Tips for Visiting Dublin

Whether you like to plan all of your activities in advance or travel more spontaneously, here are some tips for visiting Dublin that will help you make the most of your time in Ireland’s capital city. 

Tip 1: Absolutely book tickets to major attractions before your trip! This is especially necessary for top attractions like Kilmainham Gaol and the Book of Kells which are only getting busier. Plan in advance–regardless of time of year–to avoid disappointment!

Tip 2: We highly recommend that you pre-book dinner reservations when visiting Dublin. Yes, there are an array of choices to satisfy all kinds of eaters, but don’t count on being able to put your name on a list or grab a seat at the bar. Dublin restaurants tend to be quite small, and as such have very limited seating. Make those Dublin dinner reservations before you leave for the trip.

Tip 3: Be aware of Sunday/Monday restaurant closures. Though Dublin is Ireland’s capital city and has a wealth of dining options, many restaurants are closed on Sundays and Mondays. If you plan ahead (see Tip 2 above), you won’t have trouble trying to find what you like at the last minute.

Tip 4: Wear good walking shoes. Dubin is a very walkable city, with many of the can’t miss museums, restaurants, and historical sites within walking distance from one another. Walking in Dublin is the most economical way to get around the city, and it’s often the fastest. Be aware that some neighborhoods, like Temple Bar, have cobblestone streets. Sneakers or sturdy walking shoes are the best bet.

Tip 5: Look both ways before crossing the street! Cars in Ireland are driven on the left side of the road, so traffic may very well be coming from a direction you don’t expect. This is especially true on one way streets. Pay attention at crosswalks, and always look both ways to stay safe.

Dublin is a laid back, warm, and welcoming city with something for everyone. Whether you choose to cover as much ground as possible or take it slowly, you’re guaranteed to have a satisfying and memorable time.

Experience Dublin Like a Local With Bog & Thunder

Want to experience Dublin like a local on a unique guided tour which gives you access to bespoke, off-market experiences? 

Join us in August 2025 with writer/comedian Youngmi Mayer on our “Guess What? I’m Irish!” tour which begins in Ireland’s capital. 

We also plan private itineraries, so if you’d like some help planning your trip, please get in touch!

Dublin Travel Guide FAQs

Got some general questions about traveling to Dublin? Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about Dublin: 

What is the #1 attraction in Dublin, Ireland?

The number one attraction in Dublin, Ireland is the Guinness Storehouse. These days, however, the Kilmainham Gaol tour is the hardest to book tickets for.

Is Dublin a walkable city?

Yes, Dublin is a walkable city. Most of the most popular tourist attractions, historical sites, and restaurants are all within walking distance of one another. Wear sneakers or sturdy walking shoes, pack a raincoast just in case, and you’ll be all set.

Is Dublin expensive?

Dublin is not expensive compared to big cities in the United States. Dublin is, however, currently one of the most expensive places to live in Europe due to its housing crisis. 

Is Dublin worth visiting?

Yes, Dublin is worth visiting! It has everything: pub culture with brilliant drinks; delicious street food and Michelin-starred restaurants; Viking history and ancient historical sites; incredible music; an incomparable literary history; and so much more. 

How far is downtown Dublin from the airport?

Downtown Dublin is a little more than six miles from Dublin International Airport. It’s about a 20-30 minute cab ride.

What is the famous tourist street in Dublin?

The famous pedestrian-only tourist street in Dublin is called Grafton Street. It extends from St. Stephen’s Green to Trinity College.

Are people in Dublin friendly?

Yes, people in Dublin are friendly. The Irish are known worldwide for their warmth and hospitality!

What is the most beautiful area of Dublin?

The most beautiful area in Dublin really depends on you and your personal tastes. At 1750 acres, Phoenix Park is the largest enclosed park in Europe and one of the loveliest places to spend time. If the built environment is your thing, you’ll love the Georgian architecture around Merrion Square.