Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Dublin

Mark K

Talk to everyone. Irish people like to talk.

Mark M

Irish people are friendly and open, so ask questions. People are more than willing to help. Just be aware a long conversation may ensue!

Darragh

Buy the three-day (72-hour) Freedom Ticket for great-value, unlimited travel on Dublin buses. And, do not confuse Ireland and the UK, or you may offend some locals.

In the words of those who've been there before ...

Sal750

Dublin is a city that has it all, including very charming locals. There is a huge variety of restaurants for all budgets, the bars are always great and have a good vibe, best to experience the ones away from Temple bar if you want a more economic authentic experience although Temple Bar area is a must when in Dublin. There is a good public transport system but we usually like to just wander around, stopping for a coffee or a Guinness while soaking up the fab atmosphere or just stroll around the shops but for the history buffs there's so much to see. The choice is yours but Dublin has it all for me and is never a boring place to visit.

Catherine J

Dublin is a family-friendly city with plenty to interest all ages. There is a wide and varied choice of free & paid attractions plus an endless selection of high-quality places to eat. As the song goes, "Dublin can be heaven, with coffee at eleven, and a stroll through Stephen's Green...."

Kris

My favorite things are to walk along the river, see temple bar area (go for live music and some beers if time), Guinness warehouse, St Patrick's cathedral.

What is the best way to get there?

Flying:

Ireland’s capital is served by Dublin Airport. The express AirLink service connects the airport with the city center from early morning until late in the evening.

Train:

There are three major rail hubs in Dublin: Connoly, Heuston, and Pearse stations. These stations provide intercity services to cities such as Belfast, Limerick, Cork, Galway, Kerry, and more. See the rail map for more information.

Ferry:

Ferries arriving from four main ports in England, Scotland, Wales, and the Isle of Man dock at Dublin Port, around 4 miles (6 kilometers) from the city center.

Do I need a visa?

If you’re visiting from Dublin overseas, see if you need a visa using the following resource.

When is the best time to visit?

Summer: Dublin is prone to rain regardless of what time of year you visit. However, to lower your chances of showers, visit during the summer months of June, July, and August, when the weather is generally warm and sunny. May and September promise the fewest crowds and mildest weather.

But to experience Irish hospitality at its best, visit Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, which honors the patron saint of Ireland. The city comes to life with colorful parades and street parties and embarks on a two-day long celebration that features plenty of whiskey and Guinness.

Bus

Dublin has an extensive bus network that services both the city center and the suburbs. Check out timetables and routes here.

Train

Dublin’s DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) electric railway transports you from the city center along the Irish Sea coast to both suburbs and coastal towns.

Tram

There are more than 70 tram stops in Dublin’s city center. For routes and timetables, see the following link.

If you’re planning to combine different modes of public transport, save money with a LEAP card. You’ll find more info here.

For more information on local customs and Irish culture, check out the following link.