If you are thinking of traveling to Dublin, Ireland, you are in the right place. Dublin is the capital and largest city of Ireland. It is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and lively atmosphere. If you’re planning to visit Dublin, here are a few things you might want to know:
- Visa requirements: Depending on your country of origin, you may need a visa to enter Ireland. You can check the visa requirements for your country on the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) website.
- Getting there: Dublin is served by Dublin Airport, which is located about 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of the city center. There are several airlines that offer direct flights to Dublin from major cities around the world. You can also travel to Dublin by ferry from the UK or France.
- Getting around: Dublin has an extensive public transportation network that includes buses, trams (called the Luas), and trains (called the DART). You can also rent a car or take a taxi to get around the city.
- Things to see and do: Dublin has a wealth of cultural attractions, including the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, and the National Gallery of Ireland. The city also has a vibrant nightlife, with many pubs, restaurants, and live music venues.
- Accommodation: There are a wide range of accommodation options in Dublin, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. Prices can vary depending on the time of year and demand, so it’s a good idea to book ahead.
Where to Stay in Dublin?
Let us share with you some of the things you need to know when traveling to Dublin. Dublin has a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are a few suggestions for where to stay in the city:
City center: If you want to be in the heart of the action, consider staying in the city center. This area is home to many of Dublin’s top attractions, including Trinity College, Temple Bar, and Grafton Street. There are also plenty of restaurants, pubs, and shops in the area.
Southside: The southside of Dublin is a popular choice for travelers, with a variety of neighborhoods to choose from. Sandymount and Ballsbridge are both upscale areas with a range of accommodation options, while Rathmines and Ranelagh have a more laid-back atmosphere.
Northside: The northside of Dublin is less touristy than the southside, but it still has plenty to offer. Glasnevin is a residential area with a number of hotels and B&Bs, while Drumcondra and Phibsborough are more affordable options.
Suburbs: If you’re looking for a more suburban setting, there are several suburbs around Dublin that offer accommodation. Some popular options include Malahide, Howth, and Blackrock. These areas are often quieter and more residential, but they are also further from the city center.
It’s a good idea to do some research and compare prices before booking your accommodation in Dublin. Prices can vary depending on the time of year, demand, and location, so it’s worth shopping around to find the best deal.
Where to go in Dublin?
Dublin is a vibrant city with a wealth of cultural attractions and things to do. Here are a few suggestions for places to visit during your stay:
- Guinness Storehouse: This popular attraction is located at the site of the Guinness brewery and offers a fascinating insight into the history of the famous Irish stout. The tour includes a tasting experience and a visit to the Gravity Bar, which offers panoramic views of the city.
- Trinity College: Located in the heart of the city, Trinity College is one of Ireland’s oldest and most prestigious universities. The college’s main campus is open to the public and includes several historic buildings, beautiful gardens, and the Old Library, which houses the Book of Kells, a 9th-century illuminated manuscript.
- National Gallery of Ireland: This art museum is home to an impressive collection of Irish and European art, including works by Rembrandt, Monet, and Vermeer. The gallery is located in the heart of the city and is free to enter.
- Temple Bar: Located in the center of the city, Temple Bar is a lively area known for its pubs, restaurants, and live music venues. It’s a popular spot for tourists and locals alike and is a great place to experience the city’s nightlife.
- St. Stephen’s Green: This beautiful park is located in the heart of the city and is a popular spot for relaxing and taking in the sights. The park is home to a variety of birds and flowers, and there are plenty of benches and paths to explore.
Places to Visit in Dublin
Dublin is a city with a rich history and a wealth of cultural attractions. Here are a few more places you might want to visit during your stay:
- Kilmainham Gaol: This former prison is now a museum that offers a fascinating insight into the history of crime and punishment in Ireland. The gaol was used to hold political prisoners during the struggle for independence and has a number of interesting exhibits and artifacts.
- Dublin Castle: This historic castle, located in the heart of the city, was once the center of British rule in Ireland. It is now open to the public and offers guided tours that explore its history and architecture.
- The Chester Beatty Library: This library, located within Dublin Castle, is home to an impressive collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artifacts from around the world. It is considered one of the best museums in Dublin and is free to enter.
- The National Museum of Ireland: This museum has four branches, each dedicated to a different aspect of Irish history and culture. The Archaeology Museum, located in the city center, is home to a collection of ancient Irish artifacts, including the famous Ardagh Chalice.
- The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA): This museum is located in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham and is home to a collection of modern and contemporary art from Ireland and around the world. The museum also has a café and a gift shop.
Guinness Brewery
Would you like to witness the adventure of existence of Ireland’s famous black beers? A huge factory on the banks of the River Liffey. The Guinnes Brewery, which was produced until 1998, was turned into a giant museum in 2000. They teach the visitors of the museum how beer is made, how black beer differs from others, and a few little secrets about hops and barley.
The pub, located on the roof of the museum, with a view of Dublin, is a nice place to discover the most popular beer after tasting and bring the evening to you, moreover, it also offers special Irish tastes. Providing a unique experience in its authentic environment, Guinness Brewery is suitable for both individual travelers and groups. The museum fee per person is 16.5 euros, and 13 euros for students and under 18s. While 6-12 years old is 6.50 euro, 14.85 euro is charged for the group.
National Museum of Ireland-Archaeology – National Museum of Ireland
The National Museum of Ireland, also known as the Natural History Museum, has been known as the Zoo of the Dead since 1857. Since its opening, the museum’s distinctive Victorian architecture can be seen as a historical site, as the exhibition space has not changed. The museum has a special room with animals native to Ireland, from mammals to insects, that live in their natural habitat. When you first enter the museum, you encounter a 20-meter-long giant whale skeleton on the ceiling.
The museum basically consists of three parts: archeology, decorative arts and history, urban life. There are Irish historical remains in the archeology section, some items used by the soldiers in the history section, and documents and items that give clues about the Irish in urban life.
The museum is open between 10.00-17.00 on weekdays and 14.00-17.00 on weekends. Entry to the museum is free.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patricks Cathedral is Ireland’s 800-year-old oldest and largest cathedral. The cathedral, which was built between 1220-1260, has preserved its structure since its construction. At the same time, the ‘living stones’ section is a section that shows how the cathedral witnessed the city. Home to the tombs of great people like Jonathan Swift, who wrote Gulliver’s Travels, the Cathedral has a mystical structure as well as a lush garden. st. Patricks is the one who brought Christianity to Ireland, and on March 17, St. Patricks Day. Especially visiting the Cathedral on this date will make you feel the Irish spirit.
The cathedral is open from 09:30 to 17:00 on weekdays from March to October, from 09:00 to 18:00 on weekends, and from 09:30 to 17:00 on weekdays between November and February, from 09:00 to 17:00 on weekends.
Phoenix Park
Established to the north of the River Liffey, Phoenix Park is known as the largest urban park in Europe and the legacy of the era known as the George Era (1714-19830). In the park, there are long roads covered with trees on both sides, the official buildings of the President of Ireland, the fourth oldest zoo in the world suitable for natural life, the ‘Dublin Zoo’, and the Wellington Monument.
The park is suitable for the natural life of animals, such that you may encounter deer or squirrels during your stroll, and you can watch swans in the lake. There are also bicycle and walking paths in the park. It will be very pleasant to rent a bicycle in the park and tour the park. The park has a visitor center where children are taught about wildlife and the history of the park. Next to the visitor center is the pre-17th-century Ashtown Castle.
Transportation: You can reach the park by bus lines 25, 26, 37, 46A, 66, 66B, 67 and 69 or by taking the Laus Tram and getting off at Heuston Stop.
When to go to Dublin?
Dublin is a city that can be visited at any time of year, although the weather and the number of tourists can vary depending on the season. Here are a few things to consider when deciding when to visit Dublin:
Weather: Dublin has a temperate maritime climate, which means it experiences mild winters and cool summers. The average temperature in the city ranges from around 7°C (45°F) in January to around 19°C (66°F) in July. Rain is common throughout the year, with the wettest months being October and November.
Crowds: Dublin is a popular tourist destination, and the number of visitors can vary depending on the time of year. The busiest months tend to be July and August, when the weather is generally at its best. If you want to avoid the crowds, you might want to consider visiting in the shoulder season (April-May or September-October), when the weather is still pleasant and there are fewer tourists.
Events: Dublin hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year, which can be a great time to visit if you’re interested in a particular event. Some of the most popular events include St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), the Dublin Fringe Festival (September), and the Dublin Book Festival (November).
Ultimately, the best time to visit Dublin will depend on your personal preferences and the type of experience you’re looking for. If you want to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife and cultural events, then summer might be the best time to visit. If you prefer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, then you might want to consider visiting in the shoulder season.
What to eat in Dublin?
Your trip to Dublin continues, if you can’t decide what to eat, then it’s time to talk about what to eat in Dublin. Dublin has a rich culinary tradition and offers a wide range of dining options to suit all tastes. Here are a few dishes and drinks that you might want to try during your stay in the city:
- Irish stew: This hearty dish is made with lamb, potatoes, and vegetables and is a staple of Irish cuisine. It’s often served in pubs and restaurants around the city.
- Fish and chips: This classic dish is a popular choice in Dublin, and you’ll find many pubs and restaurants that serve it. It’s typically made with cod, haddock, or plaice, which is coated in batter and fried, served with chips (fries) and tartar sauce.
- Guinness: No visit to Dublin is complete without trying a pint of Guinness, the famous Irish stout. The brewery is located in the city, and you’ll find it on tap in most pubs.
- Irish breakfast: If you’re looking for a hearty start to the day, you might want to try an Irish breakfast, which typically includes eggs, bacon, sausage, black pudding, and grilled tomato.
- Seafood: Dublin is located on the coast and has a long tradition of seafood, so you’ll find a wide range of seafood options on menus around the city. Some popular choices include oysters, mussels, and salmon.
- Pub grub: Pubs are a central part of Irish culture, and many of them serve food, ranging from sandwiches and salads to more substantial dishes like burgers and steak. It’s a great way to experience the local atmosphere and try some traditional Irish fare.
Is it Safe to Travel to Dublin?
Dublin is generally a safe city for travelers, and the crime rate is relatively low compared to other major cities. However, as with any destination, it’s always a good idea to take some basic precautions to ensure your safety:
Keep an eye on your belongings: As with any city, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas like public transportation or tourist attractions.
Be aware of your surroundings: Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and avoid walking alone in poorly lit or isolated areas.
Use licensed taxis: If you need to take a taxi, it’s a good idea to use a licensed taxi service to ensure your safety. You can hail a taxi on the street or book one in advance through a reputable company.
Follow local laws and customs: Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs to ensure you don’t inadvertently break any rules or offend locals.
Overall, Dublin is a safe and welcoming city, and most visitors have a trouble-free trip. By following these basic precautions, you can help ensure that your visit is enjoyable and safe.
