Dublin Travel Guide
So you’re heading for a trip to Dublin, Ireland and you want to be sure you make the most of it with all the best places to stay, eat, and things to do.
Let me just start by saying: you’ve already made all the right choices by choosing a Dublin, Ireland vacation. There’s no place in the world I’ve found like Dublin. With it’s history, warm people, and lively culture, your trip to Dublin will be absolutely unforgettable.
This Dublin Travel Guide will ensure you get the most out of your time in the city.
Skip to a section:
- Where to stay
- Things to do in Dublin
- Where to eat
- Getting around in Dublin
- Money and tipping
- Weather and what to wear in Dublin
* This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you. These affiliate links help support the future of whereversomeday.com. Your trust is everything to us, so rest assured that we only recommend products we know and trust.
Where to Stay in Dublin
There are two boutique hotels I’d highly recommend for your trip to Dublin. Both are located on Harcourt Street, right in the middle of Dublin city center, within easy walking distance to the majority of sites. Both hotels offer reasonable prices, convenient amenities, comfortable rooms, and (get your Instagram ready) photogenic decor.
The Dean
Very trendy and super Instagram-able, The Dean is a great choice for your stay in Dublin. The Dean boasts a rooftop bar and restaurant (Sophie’s) you’ll want to visit regardless of your accommodations.
> Here’s a link to book your stay at The Dean in Dublin, Ireland.
The Green
Central, cozy, and stylish – The Green is a boutique hotel conveniently located on Harcourt adjacent to St. Stephen’s Green. We loved that the rooms conveniently included a few Type A power outlets for our U.S. electronics.
> Here’s a link to view and book your stay at The Green in Dublin, Ireland.
What to Do in Dublin
Guinness Storehouse
The Guinness Storehouse is a must-see for your trip to Dublin, Ireland. Not just a tourist trap, while visiting for work many of my coworkers and lifelong Dublin residents raved about the place! Even if you’re not the biggest Guinness drinker, the museum is really worth the visit.
Most importantly, you’ll learn to pour the perfect pint of “the black stuff” – an essential rite of passage for any Dublin vacation.
PROTIP: You can save 25% by purchasing tickets on the Guinness Storehouse website here.
Trinity College and Long Room
If you’ve ever seen an image of tall expansive wooden bookshelves that look like something out of a Harry Potter movie, it was likely of the Long Room at Trinity College.
A glimpse of the increasingly Instagram-famous Long Room is a part of The Book of Kells Exhibition. The Book of Kells is the oldest book in the world, which contains the four gospels of the New Testament. No matter your beliefs, it’s worth the stop to see the oldest book in the world.
After the Book of Kells Exhibition, you’ll be directed to the ‘Old Library’ which is where you’ll find the Long Room.
> You can buy tickets for The Book of Kells Exhibition & Old Library here.
PROTIP: To avoid the crowds, aim for early morning ticket times.
Irish Whiskey Museum Tour
Some will tell you visit the Jameson Distillery, but I’d highly recommend the Irish Whiskey Museum instead. Why? Because you’ll get to learn about all Irish whiskey – not just focus on Jameson.
We booked the “Whiskey Blending Experience” which included a tour with a fantastic storytelling guide (drinks in hand!) then an interactive tasting and blending lesson with 4 Irish Whiskeys. It was one of the highlights of our trip, but definitely recommend eating before you go – there’s a lot of Irish Whiskey flowing on this tour!
The Irish Whiskey Museum also offers other types of tours so you can book what’s right for you.
> Here’s a link to book your Irish Whiskey Museum tour now.
St. Stephen’s Green
St. Stephen’s Green is a charming, peaceful park nestled right in the middle of Dublin city center. It’s on your way to most of the city sights, so take a little detour through the park to enjoy the views or – better yet – have a picnic lunch by the pond.
> Here’s a Google Maps link to navigate to St. Stephen’s Green.
Shopping on Grafton Street, Dublin
Along Grafton Street just beyond St. Stephen’s Green you’ll find a hopping shopping area. Between big name brands and local favorites you’ll also find live performers and gelato stands.
It’s on Grafton Street where you’ll also find the famous Aran Sweater Market – where you can pick up a souvenir traditional Irish Fisherman’s sweater or a cute scarf and gloves.
> Here’s a Google Maps link to navigate you into the central area of Grafton Street.
Pub Hopping in temple bar
Temple Bar is a busy riverside area of Dublin with lively pubs and live music. If you’re looking for a night out (or hey, even an afternoon out), this is where you should go! With cobblestone roads paving their way through around old pubs, restaurants, and shops, you’ll definitely be feeling in the Irish spirit. While Temple Bar is a bit touristy, you’ll still find that magical Irish vibe.
Confusingly enough, there is actually a bar/pub in the Temple Bar area called Temple Bar. The Temple Bar been open since 1840 and has over 450 different kinds of Irish Whiskey – reportedly Ireland’s largest collection.
Note that the Temple Bar is usually very crowded. Definitely aim to stop in, but you may want to aim for earlier in the day if you’d prefer a little less fuss.
Cathedral Tours
At a minimum, you should definitely check out St. Patrick’s Cathedral while you’re in Dublin. This cathedral has been a part of Ireland’s history for over 800 years, and offers a peaceful, breathtaking moment no matter your faith.
> You’ll also want to check out: How to Travel on a Budget
Where to Eat in Dublin
The Hairy Lemon
For that traditional Irish fare you’ve been craving and the lively pub vibe you dreamed of, check out The Hairy Lemon.
No reservations are accepted, and this place gets crowded – for good reason! So aim for lunch or an early dinner during the week.
I recommend: the Traditional Cottage Pie and a Guinness
PROTIP: As a small place with pub setup, table service dining at The Hairy Lemon isn’t exactly clear. Here’s what you need to know: table service is at the right side of the building and pub to the left. There’s no clear host stand with waiting area so you’ll just stand near the seating area and let an employee know you’d like a table. They’ll set you up as soon as one becomes available.
Sophie’s
This trendy rooftop restaurant offers views of the Dublin skyline. You’ll find an excellent menu, inspired cocktails, and friendly service.
I recommend: the Potato Gnocchi the ‘Tonight We Dance’ cocktail
> Make a reservation for Sophie’s Dublin, Ireland here.
Green Bench Cafe
This lunch spot is legendary with locals! While the fare is seemingly simple as soup and sandwiches, everything is made from scratch in-house, and you’ll be dreaming of it long after you’ve returned home. You may find the line out the door, so make sure to plan a little extra time.
I recommend: the Spiced Pork sandwich
Note: Green Bench Cafe is only open on weekdays until 4 PM – so plan accordingly!
Getting around in Dublin
As a bustling city, I don’t recommend renting a car in Dublin. You’ll find it extremely difficult (not to mention expensive) to park. Even if you plan to road trip elsewhere in Ireland after your time in Dublin, wait to rent the car until you’re leaving the city.
The best way to get around is by taxi or on foot. If staying in a central location like the hotels I mentioned above, you’ll find the city sights extremely walkable.
Arrival from the Airport
The best way to transfer from the airport to your hotel in Dublin is by taxi.
Once you have your bag, walk towards the exit and look for overhead signs for taxis. As you exit the airport, look for little stands that say taxi and get in line (if there is one). Someone will be there directing people to taxis.
You can pay with euros or credit card. Not all taxis have credit card readers, so just tell the person directing if you need to pay with credit card. They’ll get you in a credit card-enabled car.
Uber and lyft ride-sharing apps in Dublin, Ireland
Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft aren’t an option in Dublin. However, you can request a taxi with an app called FREE NOW. You can download FREE NOW for iPhone here or Android here.
Money in Dublin, Ireland
Ireland uses the Euro, and you’ll likely want to pick up some cash at the airport before you get into the city.
PROTIP: Skip the currency exchange counter at the airport. Instead, pull out cash in Euros from an ATM for a much better exchange rate/ fee situation.
Tipping Culture
You do need to tip in Ireland. Now, because people in the service industry there make a very reasonable living wage, you don’t need to go overboard like in the U.S., and you don’t need to tip for every occasion. Generally, 10% or rounding up is a very acceptable tip in Dublin.
When you should tip in Dublin:
- In a restaurant where you’re served at a table for a meal like dinner or a nice lunch
- Long taxi rides (think 20+ minutes)
When NOT to tip Dublin:
- Quick serve meals
- Average taxi rides around the city center
- Pub service
Bill/ check Payment Culture in Dublin
This nuance is mostly targeted for U.S. travelers, but heads up that you will typically have to ask the server in a restaurant for the bill when you’re ready to leave. In the U.S. we’re used to the check showing up right after dessert is offered, along with a false nicety of “I’ll just leave this here but no rush!” (read: GTFO of here).
The genuine Irish warmth holds true in restaurants, where you’re welcome to stay and chat. Of course, if you appear to be camping out they will ask if they can get you anything else a few times, or eventually ask you if you would like the check.
Paying in Pubs
In contrast to paying in restaurants, the standard in pubs is to pay for your drink when you order it. ‘Leaving it open’ (a.k.a racking up your open bar tab and waiting to pay when you leave) is not really a thing in Ireland.
Weather and what to wear in Dublin, Ireland
Ireland’s temperatures tend to be very mild. It usually doesn’t get too hot or cold, usually hovering in the 50-60 degree (F) range.
While the temperatures are relatively mild, Dublin is in a rainy climate. It’s not so much that you’ll see a full-on downpour, but more of a misty drizzle. All this to say – you should expect to bring a rain jacket and a few sweaters.
I didn’t have a raincoat, so I invested in this cute jacket from Amazon before the trip. It was the perfect weight and rain protection for Dublin weather! I’m always a sucker for details and a cute lining so this has quickly become my new fav jacket. I definitely recommend for your trip to Dublin.
> You’ll also want to check out: How to Travel with Only a Personal Item Backpack
