As Ireland’s capital and most populous city, Dublin is bursting with excitement, history, culture and plenty of sights to see. There are so many things to explore in the iconic city of Dublin, Ireland and we already cannot wait to return so we can cross more of the offerings off of our bucket lists. Planning a trip to this bustling city can be a bit overwhelming, so we have created this travel guide to help you tackle the task!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Before you set out on your adventure to the Emerald Isle, there are a few things you should know about the country and about Dublin, Ireland specifically. These are our most important pointers for you as you plan your trip.
Getting There
Dublin, Ireland is home to a major international airport, making it an incredibly accessible destination for tourists from around the globe.
Getting Around
The city centre of Dublin, Ireland is compact and walkable and we thought navigating on foot was the best way to see the city. If you are not into walking (or plan on venturing outside of the city centre) there is a plethora of options available. Buses, trams, taxis, bicycles, and more. Pick your poison! If Dublin is the kick-off point for your road trip through Ireland, we recommend you picking up your rental car at the end of your stay to avoid navigate the narrow, chaotic city streets and limited parking availability.
Currency & Credit Cards
The euro is used in the Republic of Ireland and credit cards are widely acceptable throughout the city. Heads up! If you are planning to extend your trip to Northern Ireland, the pound is used there, not the euro.
Language
English is the primary language in Ireland, but Irish (Gaeilge) is the other official language of the country. You will probably not come across many people speaking Irish, but you will be introduced to the Gaelic language almost immediately, as all street signs are in both English and Gaeilge. As for the English speaking, just be prepared to hear some interesting slang and thick Irish brogues!
Plugs
Plugs and sockets in Ireland are three-pronged (type G) so you will need an adapter for your trip. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
When To Visit
With its mild and temperate climate, Ireland is a suitable destination for travel any time of the year. They claim to often experience “four seasons in one day” so you can expect to enjoy some rain showers during your trip. Don’t fret though, those rain clouds will part to reveal blue skies! Just be flexible with Mother Nature and be sure to pack accordingly. Keep in mind that the summer months will be busier.
stay
Hotels
The Westbury
If you are looking for a beautiful hotel located at the heart of all that Dublin’s city centre has to offer, The Westbury is the place for you. The luxury, five star was recently voted the number one hotel in Ireland in the Conde Nast Reader’s Choice Awards for good reason. If staying at this hotel, don’t pass on their incredible restaurants!
The Dylan
Located in Dublin’s city centre, but away from the hustle and bustle, The Dylan is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for a luxurious boutique hotel in a distinguished neighborhood. Set in a historic building, this hotel is both beautifully modern and artfully Irish, making it the perfect hideaway for a stay in Dublin, Ireland.
eat
Restaurants
WILDE
A stay in Dublin is not complete without a meal at WILDE. The indoor terrace is bursting with lush greenery and natural light, made irresistible when accompanied by the incredible menu and delightful service. The restaurant proudly sources the very best of Irish produce and you cannot go wrong with any menu selections.
Mulligan & Haines
As the former site of Dublin Bread Company, Mulligan and Haines is steeped in literary folklore. Inspired by Chapter 10 of James Joyce’s Ulysses, where companions Mulligan and Haines enter Dublin Bread Company, the restaurant boasts that their food is a love letter to the origins of the building. A perfect place to eat if you are craving a sandwich and a cocktail.
Zaytoon
Often referred to as the best Middle Eastern restaurant in Dublin, Zaytoon has completely elevated the humble Kebab by insisting on fresh, quality ingredients. The balanced and nutritious Persian Cuisine showcase vibrant and exotic flavors in a way you won’t want to miss. There are several locations across Dublin.
The Bank on College Green
If you are looking for an incredibly beautiful restaurant to have a meal in Dublin, look no further than The Bank on College Green. Located on a site that has been occupied since Viking times, the Belfast Bank acquired the property and constructed the stunning banking hall that is now home to The Bank’s bar and restaurant. A seasonal farm-to-table menu of fresh and local ingredients compliments the relaxed atmosphere amongst opulent decor.
SOLE
SOLE Seafood & Grill is a luxury restaurant that proudly serves the best seafood in Dublin with a focus on customer satisfaction to ensure the ultimate high-end casual dining experience. The restaurant’s warm and inviting interior is impeccably complimented by elements of urban sophistication and the menu highlights the best of Irish ingredients, from sea to land to soil.
Cafe en Seine
Another of Dublin’s most iconic and stunning restaurant venues, Cafe en Seine offers extensive dining experiences including a restaurant, a host of unique bars and a stunning indoor Parisian street garden. The fantastic brunch, lunch and dinner offerings are fit for sharing, sampling and experiencing an array of wonderful flavors. Whether you are popping in for a full meal or just a cocktail, your senses are sure to be amazed.
PI
PI is a picture perfect pizzeria that packs a flavor punch with their delicious wood-fired pizza. Delicious wood-fired pizza in Dublin? Yes, you read that correctly. You can walk up and dine in, or take a “PI” to go with takeaway or delivery, leaving no excuse for a pizza-less stay in Dublin.
The Market Bar
The Market Bar is proud of the reputation they have earned for serving up delicious tapas-style dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant itself is beautifully rustic, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere for anyone seeking a delicious meal or a quick drink.
The Ivy
This restaurant fully epitomizes the words “vibrant” and “colorful”. The Ivy offers an incredibly bright and glitzy atmosphere with vivid botanical wallpaper, gilded details, and artwork that mixes Irish heritage with contemporary graphics. The restaurant caters for every occasion, serving food from dawn until dusk, with a beautiful bar serving cocktails and drinks until late.
Cafés
Be Sweet Café
Be Sweet Café is where all of your whimsical dreams can come true and it has to be Dublin’s most photogenic café. With artfully crafted coffee drinks and an array of sweet treats to satisfy any taste bud, this spot is the perfect place to pop in and get a warm drink and a pastry. The decadent decor will surely make you want to stay for a while.
The Tram Café
Abandoned tram turned café? Sign us up! With several locations across Dublin, a stop at The Tram Café can fit into any itinerary. If you are planning on taking a tour of the well-known St. Patrick’s Cathedral, add a little extra time for a stop at The Tram Café across the street. Dine in or take a coffee to go for your stroll through St. Patrick’s Park.
drink
Pubs
The Temple Bar Pub
Planning a trip to Dublin, Ireland and you have not yet added a trip to The Temple Bar Pub to your itinerary? What are you waiting for?! Located in the heart of Dublin and serving as the focal point of its namesake district, this pub is arguably Ireland’s most famous. With live music from open to close, it is the perfect place to pop in for a pint if you want that quintessential bustling Dublin pub experience.
Bruxelles
If you are staying at The Westbury, look no further than Bruxelles for your first pint in the Emerald Isle, just a stones throw away from the hotel lobby doors. With a deep history of serving locals since 1886, this pub offers something for everyone, especially with having three bars under one roof. Head down to the basement to check out the Flanders Bar and head right out to Grafton Street when you are finished.
The Hairy Lemon
This pub, The Hairy Lemon, is about as quirky and unconventional as its namesake, one of Dublin’s great characters of the 1940s who roamed the streets of the city catching stray dogs for the police. The walls are proudly painted with memorabilia, a feast for your eyes as you sit and enjoy a meal or a pint. The pub was even used for filming scenes of the blockbuster, The Commitments.
The Brazen Head
With a rich and colorful history dating back to 1198, The Brazen Head is Dublin’s oldest pub and has been serving libations since before licensing laws even existed. With three cozy rooms and an enclosed cobblestone courtyard, there is sure to be a place for anyone who is looking to soak up live music in a setting that has stood the test of time.
Oliver St. John Gogarty's
If the eye-catching green paint of Oliver St. John Gogartys doesn’t make you stop for a pint, the sound of traditional live Irish music flowing through it’s doors every day of the week surely will. Nestled in the Temple Bar District with sessions running until 2:00 AM, this pub is the place to be for anyone seeking a late night fill of music. Their award-winning restaurant also serves up traditional Irish dishes, if you fancy a full meal.
Bars
Vintage Cocktail Club
One of our favorite Dublin stops on our Ireland road trip, Vintage Cocktail Club ranks high on the L&M Approved list of bars in Ireland. This bar offers a true speakeasy experience and an ambiance that is unmatched by any you have likely experienced, made even more delightful by their carefully curated craft cocktails. Just keep your eye out for the inconspicuous door marked “VCC”, its easily gets lost amidst the surrounding sights of Temple Bar’s nightlife.
Mary's Bar & Hardware Shop
Having everything you need, from hardware to pints, Mary’s Bar and Hardware Shop is a one stop shop if you want to purchase a pack of screws while pounding a pint of the black stuff we all know and love. Located just off the hustle and bustle of Grafton Street and only a block away from Trinity College, Mary’s Bar is a convenient place to stop in at any point in your Dublin day.
Merchant's Arch
A stroll across River Liffey on the iconic Ha’Penny Bridge will lead you right to Merchant’s Arch. Settle in at the bar or ascend the incredible winding stone staircase to the restaurant above, either will land you in a perfect place to take in the live music that Merchant’s Arch offers daily. After all, what is a visit to an Irish establishment without music?
Farrier and Draper
For those who fancy a fancier place to drink a fancy cocktail (too many fancies? we think not!), Farrier and Draper is a bar filled with Art Deco opulence and an incredible atmosphere to match. Spread across three floors, starting with a bar on the entry level to their Gallery and Georgian Rooms, this unique and eclectic bar surely is a “slick spot for savvy drinkers”.
explore
TourS
St. Patrick's Cathedral
For good reason, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of Ireland’s most popular attractions. One of the few buildings left from the medieval city of Dublin and built in honor of Ireland’s patron saint, a tour of the Cathedral offers visitors a rich cultural experience. Stay for a service or explore and tour the Cathedral and the beautiful grounds of St. Patrick’s Park.
Jameson Distillery
Take a step into Irish whiskey history as you tour the Jameson Distillery on Bow Street, where John Jameson started it all back in 1780. The distillery offers tours for every level of whisky lover, but a highlight is the Secret Whiskey Tasting, where you can sample whiskeys in John Jameson’s private office. Wrap up your visit with a dram at the distillery’s Centerpiece Bar.
Guinness Storehouse
Whether or not you are a fan of Ireland’s most beloved beer, there is plenty to do and see at the Guinness Storehouse. With seven unforgettable floors filled with spectacular sights and sensations, visitors can experience the history and heart of the “black stuff” in a building that has been brewing beer since 1759. Don’t forget to grab a Stoutie and head up to the Gravity Bar on the top floor for unparalleled 360° views of Dublin.
Trinity College
Ireland’s oldest university, Trinity College, should definitely be added to your Dublin to do list as it is home to one of the most beautiful libraries in the world and a treasured masterpieces of Celtic art the Book of Kells. Get a close up look of the pages of the Book of Kells, one of the most beautiful, intricate and ornate documents in existence, and obtain an in-depth lesson on the artistry and symbolism of the world famous manuscript that was originally written and crafted by Celtic monks on Scotland’s Isle of Iona in 800 AD. Apart from the Book of Kells and the Long Room, you can easily get lost in time when wandering through the campus’ beautiful architecture.
Irish Whiskey Museum
The Irish Whiskey Museum is run by an Irish family who is truly passionate about Irish whiskey. Set in a historic building on Grafton Street, visitors can choose from a variety of tours and masterclasses to learn the complete and unbiased history of Irish whiskey. Feeling experimental? Try their whiskey blending class!
Dublin Castle
A visit to Dublin Castle is the perfect way to discover the historic heart of Dublin, as it is one of the most important buildings in Irish history. Constructed in the thirteenth century on the site of a Viking settlement, the castle has a rich and complex past with its history of old seats of power. Visitors can explore the grounds, the subterranean chamber, the Chapel Royal, the Medieval Record Tower and an extensive art collection.
Christ Church Cathedral
Renowned for its beauty and architecture, Christ Church Cathedral was originally a Viking church and is almost as old as Dublin itself. Christ Church has been a popular pilgrimage for almost 1,000 years, and that shows in the lush history that visitors can take in when touring the cathedral. A notable feature is the twelfth century crypt, which at 63 meters long, is the oldest and longest in Ireland. The crypt is home to many incredible and stunning historical artifacts. Fun Fact: Christ Church also has a world record number of bells available for full-circle ringing.
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum shares unique insights into Ireland’s history and culture by sharing the stories of the country’s emigrants. One of Europe’s Leading Tourist Attractions, at this museum you will explore 20 interactive galleries that will push you beyond stereotypes to discover what it truly means to be Irish. EPIC proudly boasts that emigration is not about what people leave behind, but what they bring with them.
St. Michan's Church Crypt
If you visited the crypt at Christ Church and want to see more of the spooky side of Dublin, Ireland, head over to St. Michan’s Church to meet the resident mummies. Founded in 1095, St. Michan’s was the only church on the north side of Dublin City until 1686, and still has its original Victorian organ. Below the church, visitors can view five long burial vaults containing mummified remains of many of Dublin’s early influential families, the death mask of Wolfe Tone, and the coffins of the 1798 rebels John and Henry Sheares.
GPO Museum
A tour in a post office? Why, yes indeed. Dublin’s award-winning GPO (General Post Office) Museum offers an immersive and interactive experience telling the story of the 1916 Easter Rising. The museum is housed withing the historic GPO and is one of the newest museums in Dublin, Ireland, where visitors can learn about major milestones of modern Irish history.
Dublinia Viking Museum
At Dublinia Viking Museum, visitors can travel back in time to Viking and Medieval Dublin, to the heart of the old city. Walk where Vikings walked before and learn about Dublin’s rich past in an interactive and engaging experience. A visit to this museum would not be complete without climbing to the top of the medieval St. Michael’s Tower for great views of the city.
Sights
Anne's Lane
As you walk through the streets of Dublin, Ireland you may stumble upon the colorful umbrellas of Anne’s Lane. Located right outside of Zozimus Bar, close to Grafton Street, you will see the spectacular exhibit suspended in the sky above.
Ha'Penny Bridge
Molly Malone Statue
If you are familiar with the popular Dublin anthem about her cockles and mussels, the name Molly Malone is sure to ring a bell. Located off of Grafton Street, near Trinity College, you can visit “The Tart With The Cart” that commemorates the semi legendary tragic heroine who’s ghost still wheels her barrow through the streets of the city.
Love Lane
Another colorful hidden gem of Dublin is the spectacular Love Lane, a popular alleyway filled with adorable messages. Once a filthy Temple Bar back lane, the lane now serves as an open-air gallery.
Poolbeg Lighthouse
When flying into Dublin, you may have noticed the bright red Poolbeg Lighthouse as you were looking out the airplane window. Starting at the Great South Wall car park, take a 4km walk out to the lighthouse at sunset to experience the evening light as it reflects off the water of Dublin Bay.
Outdoors
Vico Bathing Place
Looking for a place to dip into the waters of the Atlantic? Vico Bathing Place (or Vico Baths), complete with a natural seawater pool, is one of Dublin’s most popular swimming spots, perfect for a sunrise cold plunge with breathtaking views.
Velvet Strand Beach
If you want to take a moment in nature to stroll along a wide strand of sandy beach, head north of Dublin City to Portmarnock and enjoy the serene sights of Velvet Strand Beach. Walk along the beach, opt for a horse ride, or wade into the waters of the Atlantic. The choice is yours.
Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park is the largest enclosed public park in any capital city in Europe and is proudly branded as the place “where Dublin goes to breathe”. Home to one of the oldest zoos in the world, Dublin Zoo, and Áras an Uachtaráin (president’s residence), the 1,750 acre park is the place to be if you want to escape the bustle of the city centre. Be sure to keep your eyes out for the many deer that call Phoenix Park their home.
ShopS
Aran Sweater Market
If you know you want to commemorate your trip to the Emerald Isle with one of the popular Aran fisherman sweaters, head over to Aran Sweater Market, located right outside of Trinity College near Grafton Street. Having grown from being a cornerstone of the small island community of Inis Mor, to one of the country’s leading suppliers of authentic Aran Knitwear, this is THE place in Dublin to get your treasured token of your time in Ireland.
Chupi
There is no better place to purchase a piece of jewellery in Dublin than Chupi. Designed by Chupi Sweetman, her award-winning pieces are intended to mark every chapter in life’s perfectly imperfect journey. Chupi is committed to protecting the environment and each piece is created with sustainability in mind, making your purchase one you can feel good about. Head to their beautiful flagship store in situated in the historic Powerscourt Townhouse, just off Grafton Street, to see the collection for yourself.
Jam Art Factory
Looking to take home a piece of contemporary Irish art from your visit in Dublin? Jam Art Factory is an independent gallery that serves as a hub for exciting prints, beautiful illustrations and thoughtful gifts. We are partial to the colorful storefront on Temple Bar’s Crown Alley, conveniently located right next to Vintage Cocktail Club, one of our favorite bars in Dublin.
day trips
Wicklow
County Wicklow, located just south of Dublin, is home to beautiful mountains and coastlines that offer an incredible backdrop to a wide variety of outdoor activities. Hike through an amazing network of trails in Wicklow National Park, take a tour of the Wicklow Town Heritage Trail, tackle one of the Glendalough walks, cycle the Blessington Greenway, soak up the views of the Ballinastoe Woods Boardwalk, get lost in the Russborough House maze, or head off on the Sally Gap Drive. There is so much to do and see in County Wicklow, making it well worth a day trip from Dublin.
Kilkenny
With rich historic roots, a visit to vibrant County Kilkenny is one that many Dublin locals will recommend and any tourist will enjoy. Located southwest of Dublin, a day trip to Kilkenny is a bit more of a journey than the aforementioned trip to County Wicklow, but will be rewarding nonetheless. Take a ramble around Kilkenny Castle, wander around the medieval Jerpoint Abbey, experience the romance of Kilfane Glen and Waterfall, discover the impressive calcite formations of Dunmore Cave, kayak in Graiguenamanagh, wander the cobblestone streets of the Medieval Mile, or pop into one of the many pubs, distilleries or bars in Kilkenny for a pint.
As we are sure you have gathered, there are endless opportunities for a trip to Ireland’s capital city. From exploring it’s historic past, to reveling in the nightlife of Temple Bar, and all things between, a stay in Dublin, Ireland will be far from boring. During our trip to Ireland, we packed a lot into out time in Dublin, but could have easily added days to the trip in this area alone, to explore more of the city’s offerings as well as those in counties nearby. More for our next visit, we suppose.
xoL&M
Over To You
Are you ready to book your trip to Dublin, Ireland now? If so, what spots are at the top of your list to visit? Have you been to Dublin? Tell us if anything on our list made it onto your trip itinerary. Tell us all about all things Dublin, Ireland in the comments below, we want to hear from you!
