- For other places with the same name, see Dublin (disambiguation).
Dublin (Irish: Baile Átha Cliath, "Town of the Hurdled Ford") is the capital city of Ireland. Its vibrancy, nightlife and tourist attractions are world renowned and it's the most popular entry point for international visitors to Ireland.
As a city, it is disproportionately large for the size of the country with a population of 1.9 million in the Greater Dublin Region (2011); nearly half of the Republic's population lives in this metropolitan area. The central sights can be navigated by foot, with a few outlying sights, and suburbs sprawling out for miles.
The climate is mild so Dublin is a year-round destination. It's seldom freezing in winter, cool in summer and frequent light showers anytime, see County Dublin weather chart.
Understand
History
When it was founded, in 841, Dublin was settled by Vikings among a population of Celtic tribes. In the 9th century the Danes captured Dublin and had control until 1171 when they were expelled by King Henry II of England. By the 14th century the king of England controlled Dublin and the surrounding area referred to as “the Pale”.
When the English Civil War ended in 1649, Oliver Cromwell took over. Dublin experienced huge growth and development in the 17th century because many Protestant refugees from Europe came to Dublin. By the 17th century Dublin was the second largest city in the British Isles, only behind London, and a period when great Georgian style buildings were constructed that still stand today. Georgian style architecture was popular from 1720 to 1840 during the times when George I, George II, George III, and George IV of England were ruling.
In 1800, the Act of Union between England and Ireland abolished the Irish Parliament. From this point on, the Irish worked to gain their independence from England, which they finally won in 1922. The Easter rising in 1916 and the War of Independence greatly helped Ireland win their freedom.
A failed attempt to take over the several important buildings, among them the General Post Office on O'Connell Street, led to the arrest of hundreds and execution of 15, now considered martyrs for the cause. Many believe that this event helped gain sympathy for the fight for independence from Britain.
Orientation
Dublin is divided by the River Liffey. On the north side of the Liffey is O'Connell Street — the main thoroughfare, which is intersected by numerous shopping streets, including Henry Street and Mary Street, the busiest shopping district in the city. On the south side are St Stephen's Green and Grafton Street, the second busiest and most upmarket shopping area, Trinity College, Christ Church and St Patrick's Cathedrals, the main branch of the National Museum, and many other attractions.
The postal district Dublin 1 is north of the river centred on the Post Office, Dublin 2 is south centred on Trinity College, and so on out to the burbs. These districts have all been incorporated into Eircodes, which cover the whole Republic. Thus D04 followed by four alphanumerics is somewhere around Ballsbridge. These pages use Eircodes wherever possible, as keying them into an online map should drop you onto the exact address. They only apply to addresses that receive mail so a lonely megalithic tomb on a mountainside won't have one, but that's seldom an issue in downtown Dublin.
Although some of Dublin's finest Georgian architecture was demolished in the mid-20th century, a remarkable amount remains. At one point these buildings were considered a reminder of the past British imperialism and many were demolished without regard to their beauty and architectural significance and replaced with modernist or pastiche office blocks, parts of St. Stephen's Green (Dublin 2) being a prime example. Thankfully, attitudes have changed significantly, and Dubliners are now rightly proud of their impressive buildings from all eras.
There is a Dublin Visitor Centre northside at 1 1 Sackville Place opposite the GPO, and another southside at 2 118 Grafton Street by Trinity College. They're both open daily 08:30-18:00. Several other places call themselves "tourist offices" but are just marketing their own tours.
Get in
By plane
1 Dublin Airport (DUB IATA) (10 km north of city centre). Dublin Airport has an extensive short and medium haul network, and is the base for Aer Lingus, Aer Lingus Regional, and Ryanair. Terminal 2 can accommodate wide-bodied jets and is used by Aer Lingus (& Regional), American Airlines, Delta, Emirates, Norwegian and United. All the others use the older Terminal 1, some 300 m north with a walkway between. Together they offer direct flights from most major cities in UK (serving all London airports, but most frequently Heathrow) and Europe (including Keflavik, Moscow and Istanbul). North American flights arrive from New York, Newark, Boston, Chicago, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington (with pre-clearance of US customs & immigration before flying) and Toronto. Middle East flights include Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi. Domestic flights are from Kerry and Donegal; there are no flights from Belfast, Shannon or Cork. All the main car hire companies have kiosks in Arrivals - there's much better choice here than in city centre, but book ahead for the best deals. The airport has car parking short-term on-site, long-term off-site, and "meet & greet" services. The currency kiosks are run by ICE with a 10% buy/sell rate, decent value. There are the Radisson Blu and Maldron hotels at the airport and a few more at the M1/M50 junction just south and in Swords to the north. 
Between airport and city: bus and taxi are the options, there's no rail / metro link.
- Aircoach (the big blue bus) runs to city centre and several of Dublin's major hotels, which are mostly south-side. Buses run from T1 then T2 every 15 mins, taking 30 mins, fare is €7 single or €12 return. Aircoach also run to other cities, including Cork and Belfast. Taxi drivers routinely try to pick up passengers waiting at the Aircoach stop: they're forbidden to do so, but offer a similar rate and get many takers, so they persist.
- AirLink Buses 747 and 757, operated by Dublin Bus, run daily 05:00-00:30 every 10 mins or so daytime for route 747 and about every 30 mins for route 757. They take 30 mins from T1 via T2 and the tunnel into dockland; then they hit the downtown traffic and make slow progress. The 747 goes via Central Bus Station (Busáras), Connolly Railway Station, Gardiner St, O’Connell St, College Green & Temple Bar, Christ Church Cathedral, High St, Ushers Quay and Heuston Railway Station. The 757 runs further south via Custom House Quay, O’Connell Bridge, Hawkins St & Temple Bar, Westland Row, Merrion Square, St Stephen’s Green, Camden and Harcourt St. The fare (cash only) is €7 single, €12 return or free if you buy a Leap Visitor Card in the terminal before boarding.
- Local buses are much slower - allow an hour - but cheaper (typically €3.30) and may be more convenient for the suburbs. The two routes are:
- - Bus 16 via Drumcondra railway station, O'Connell St, Georges St and out to the southern suburbs of Rathmines and Ballanteer / Kingstown.
- - Bus 41 via Drumcondra railway station and O'Connell St, passing near Busáras, to Lower Abbey St. Northbound it runs out to Swords.
- The stops for the local buses are at Terminal 1 through the car park opposite Arrivals exit and then to the right. Pay with coins only, the ticket machines give change but bus drivers don't. Luggage space is limited on the local buses, and it is not unknown for drivers to turn away travellers with packs that cannot be stored.
- A taxi to the city centre should cost around €20-30, so it will match the bus if you are in a group of three or more. Taxis are legally obliged to provide an electronic receipt detailing the fare, distance and other pertinent details. Make sure to ask for a receipt as otherwise they often don't provide one.
Other destinations: many Bus Eireann routes between Dublin and other Irish cities run via the airport, see individual cities' "Get in". Within County Dublin:
- - Bus 101 runs every 20 min to Balrothery, Balbriggan and Drogheda. This bus runs from Dublin Talbot St via Drumcondra but is not available for journeys just between city, airport and Swords.
- - Bus 102 runs from the airport every 30 min to Swords, Malahide, Portmarnock and Sutton near Howth.
- - Drumcondra (Bus 16 & 41) has trains from Connolly towards Maynooth.
- - Aircoach Bus 700 runs to Leopoldstown & Sandyford, 702 to Bray & Greystones, and 703 to Dún Laoghaire, Dalkey & Killiney.
By train
The country's railways converge on the city, see Rail travel in Ireland.
- 2 Heuston (Stáisiún Heuston), St Johns Rd West, Dublin 8 (2 km west of city centre, on LUAS tram red line). Ticket office 07:00-21:00. This serves all directions except the north or the east coast. Direct trains run from Cork (2 hr 30), Galway (2 hr 30), Limerick Colbert (2 hrs 15) and Waterford (2 hr). Other services have a change at Limerick Junction, which is near Tipperary and 30 km from Limerick. From Tralee and Mallow, change at Cork. Heuston has toilets, ATM, small shops, kiosks & cafes, plus supermarkets on the streets nearby. To reach the centre take the tram: if your ticket is made out to Dubin City Centre then the tram fare is already included.
- 3 Connolly (Stáisiún Uí Chonghaile), Amiens St, Dublin 1 (north-east city centre, 200 m north of main bus station, on LUAS tram red line). Ticket office 06:30-19:00. This serves the north plus the east coast. Direct trains run from Sligo (3 hr), Belfast via Drogheda (2 hrs), and Rosslare ferry port via Wexford (3 hr). From Derry change in Belfast, from Donegal the nearest station is Sligo. Connolly is also a hub for suburban and DART trains from all around the city. It has toilets, ATM and small shops, and Madigan's bar / restaurant. The surrounding area is tacky at night.
Allow 45 mins if you need to transfer between Heuston and Connolly.
By bus
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4 Busáras main bus station has Bus Eireann services from most towns in Ireland, such as Belfast (2 hr 30), Cork (4 hr), Limerick (3 hr 30), Galway (4 hr) and Donegal (2 hr 30), all running via the airport. Other operators are Kavanaghs to Limerick and Waterford, and Citylink and GoBus to Galway. Eurolines Bus 871 runs nightly to Dublin from London Victoria via Luton, Birmingham, Lymm motorway services (with National Express connections from Liverpool, Manchester, Bradford and Leeds) to Holyhead then by ferry to Dublin Port and Busáras. Luggage lockers are in the basement, along with the pay-to-enter public toilets.
Some buses to County Dublin and neighbouring County Meath don't use the station but leave from stops in the nearby streets. Busáras is just south of Connolly railway station and 300 m east of O'Connell Street.
By boat
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Dublin has ferries from Holyhead in Wales (Stena and Irish Ferries, 3 hr 30 min), Bootle near Liverpool (P&O, 8 hrs) and Douglas, Isle of Man (Isle of Man Ferries, 3 hr 30 min). From Cherbourg in Normandy and Pembroke in Wales they nowadays only sail to Rosslare and not to Dublin. All sailings are to 5 Dublin Port 2 km east of the centre; a link bus connects the port to Busáras. The former ferry port of Dún Laoghaire, 7 km south, is no longer used: the new tunnel means that motorists can disembark at Dublin and drive straight onto the motorway without getting snarled in city centre traffic.
Another ferry route is the short crossing from Cairnryan in Scotland to Belfast, then by road or rail to Dublin.
By car
If you're visiting Dublin just for a day trip, don't bring a car into the congested centre, use a Park & Ride. From the south, use either Sandyford Luas stop, just off junction 15 of M50 on Blackthorn Rd, or Bray DART stop on Bray Rd. From the west, use Red Cow Luas stop, off junction 9 of M50. From the north east, use Howth DART station. Tariffs at Park & Ride stations are €2 - €4.
Get around
You can see much of the city on foot.
By public transport
Public transport in Dublin consists of trains, trams and buses. Unlike many other European capitals, the rail network in Dublin is quite limited, so buses are by far the main mode of public transport. Public transport is not run by a single agency, but by a number of state-contracted operators, and most information is provided separately on each operator's website. Trains are run by Irish Rail and trams by Luas, while most buses are run by Dublin Bus, except some local buses in suburban areas which are run by Go-Ahead Ireland.
Transport for Ireland (TFI) is the umbrella brand for public transport in Ireland, although its website primarily just directs you to the individual operators websites for information. However, the TFI Journey Planner is a good way to plan your journey across different modes, and the Live Departures provides real time information for all rail and bus stops. TFI also provides a number of smartphone apps including a journey planner and real time departures. Note that the journey planner app also provides real time departures, so you don't need to download both. The TFI Journey Planner and Live Departures are also integrated into Google Transit and are available within Google Maps.
Tickets and Leap Card
On trains and trams, tickets can be purchased from ticket vending machines at the station or stop prior to boarding. Train tickets are valid for the day of purchase and are needed to get through the entry and exit turnstiles at stations. Tram tickets do not have to be validated prior to boarding, but must be used within 90 minutes of purchase. On buses, you can pay the fare to the driver when boarding, however you must have the exact amount in coins. Notes cannot be taken, and if you overpay in coins, no change is given.
If you plan to use public transport a lot, consider getting a TFI Leap Card, which you can top up with credit and use to pay fares on all public transport in the city, at a 30% discount. Leap Cards can be purchased from most convenience shops at just €5 for adults and €3 for children (this is actually a deposit and if you register your card online, it can later be refunded to an EU bank account or a number of charities). You can check your credit and top up the card at most convenience shops, at train or tram ticket vending machines, and on your phone with the Leap Top-Up App.
To use your Leap Card on trains or trams, you need to tag-on by holding your card against the turnstile or validator before boarding, and then tag-off again at the turnstile or validator at the end of your journey. You will automatically be charged the relevant fare between the tag-on and tag-off locations. To use your Leap Card on buses, you need to place the card on the drivers machine, and tell the driver where you are going, and they will deduct the relevant fare. If you are making a longer journey, you can instead hold your card against the validator on the right hand side of the door where you will automatically be charged the highest fare. It's important to note that if you don't tag-on, you don't have a valid ticket, so you could be fined if a ticket inspector boards and checks your card.
Single fares are around 30% cheaper with a Leap Card than with cash. If you change between any buses, trams or trains within 90 minutes, then any subsequent fares will automatically be reduced by a further €1. The fares are also capped, so once you reach a certain amount within the same day or week (Monday to Sunday), you can continue to travel for free for the remainder of that day or week. For adults, the daily caps are €7 for buses or trams, €9.50 for trains and €10 for all modes. The weekly caps are €27.50 for buses or trams, €37 for trains and €40 for all modes. Child caps are much lower, about one third of the adult caps.
A special Leap Visitor Card is also available for tourists, which allows unlimited use of all public transport for 1 day (€10), 3 days (€19.50), or 7 days (€40), starting from the time of first use. This can be purchased at arrivals in Dublin Airport (WH Smith in Terminal 1 and Spar in Terminal 2) in some city centre tourist offices, or ordered online for delivery. Once your chosen time period expires, you can also top it up with additional time periods at most convenience shops in the city.
By train
The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) is a frequent suburban rail service around Dublin Bay, from Howth and Malahide in the north to Bray and Greystones in the south, passing through the city centre, Dún Laoghaire and Dalkey. It is a convenient way to visit some of the coastal parts of the city, and the southern section runs along the coastline with scenic views of the bay.
Along the core section between Howth Junction in the north and Bray in the south, trains run every 10 minutes Monday to Friday and every 30 minutes on Saturdays and Sundays. North of Howth Junction, services split, with every second train either running to Howth in the northeast, or continuing north to Malahide. South of Bray, every third train extends to Greystones.
In addition to the DART line, a number of commuter rail lines also operate in Dubin:
- The Northern commuter line runs from Connolly Station to Drogheda, through the north Dublin coastal towns of Portmarnock, Malahide, Donabate, Rush, Skerries and Balbriggan.
- The Western commuter line runs from Connolly Station to the university town of Maynooth, through Drumcondra, Castleknock, Clonsilla and Leixlip.
- A short branch line operates from Clonsilla to Dunboyne. During the day, these trains are timed to connect with Western commuter trains at Clonsilla, while at peak times the Dunboyne trains continue through Clonsilla and extend into the Docklands Station in the city centre.
- The Southwestern commuter line runs to Kildare, through Clondalkin, Hazelhatch, Sallins and Newbridge. Some of these services operate to Heuston Station to the west of the city centre, while some operate through the Phoenix Park Tunnel to Connolly Station and Grand Canal Dock.
- The Southeastern commuter line runs from Connolly Station along the south Dublin and Wicklow coasts, through Bray, Greystones, Wicklow, Rathnew and Arklow, eventually extending into Wexford.
All trains in Dublin serve one of three stations:
- Connolly Station is the main commuter hub and the closest to the city centre, serving the DART, all Northern, Western and Southeastern commuter trains, and the Southwestern line trains which operate through the Phoenix Park Tunnel. It also serves Intercity trains to Sligo and Rosslare, as well as the cross-border Enterprise train to Belfast. Many of the trains through Connolly also serve Tara Street and Pearse Station, which are closer to the main shopping areas in the south city centre.
- Heuston Station is to the west of the city centre and serves the Southwestern commuter line trains which don't operate through the Phoenix Park Tunnel. It is also the main Intercity station for Dublin, serving all trains to the south and west of Ireland, including Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, Tralee, Waterford and Westport. The Red line of the Luas tram network connects Heuston and Connolly Station with each other.
- Docklands Station is in the north docklands and only serves peak-time commuter trains from Dunboyne. It is a short walk from the Spencer Dock stop on the Luas Red line, and a slightly longer walk from Connolly Station.
A map of the rail network in Dublin is available here.
The short hop zone covers all of the DART, as well as commuter rail services as far as Balbriggan, Kilcock, Sallins and Kilcoole. Single fares within the short hop zone are €2.25-€6.20 adult and €1.25-€2.55 child if purchased from ticket vending machines, while if paying with a TFI Leap Card are €1.70-€4.90 adult and €0.80-€1.94 child. Day return, 1 day, 3 day, 7 day and monthly tickets are also available. A family all day ticket is available for €20, which can be used by up to 2 adults and 4 children.
By tram
The Luas (Irish language for "speed") is Dublin's tram system. The system only launched in 2004 and the trams are modern and usually reliable. Trams run frequently from early in the morning until just after midnight each day. There are two lines:
- The Red line runs from Tallaght and Saggart in the southwest of the city to Connolly Station and The Point in the east, serving the Red Cow, St. James's Hospital, Heuston Station, Abbey Street, Busáras and the 3 Arena.
- The Green line runs from Brides Glen in the southeast of the city to Broombridge in the northwest, serving the Cherrywood and Sandyford business districts, Dundrum Town Centre, St. Stephen's Green, O'Connell Street and the TU Dublin Grangegorman Campus.
Both lines connect with each other in the city centre, where there is only a 100m walk from the Abbey stop on the Red line to either the O'Connell GPO (northbound) or Marlborough (southbound) stops on the Green line. The connection between both lines is not signposted, but you can easily see where the lines cross each other. The Red line also connects with train services at Connolly Station and Heuston Station, while the Green line connects with Western commuter trains at Broombridge.
Single fares on the Luas are €2.10-€3.20 adult and €1.00-€1.30 child if purchased from ticket vending machines, while if paying with a TFI Leap Card are €1.54-€2.40 adult and €0.80-€1.00 child. Day return, 1 day and 7 day tickets are also available.
By bus
City network
An extensive network of 150 bus routes serves most parts of the city and its surrounding suburbs. Most buses in the city centre pass through the O'Connell St area (including Mountjoy and Parnell Squares, Eden Quay and Fleet St) and the Trinity College area (including Pearse St, Nassau St, Dame St and College Green). Services vary from high frequency routes running every few minutes all day, to lower frequency routes running every hour or less, to peak-only limited-stop "Xpresso" routes and weekend-only late night "Nitelink" routes.
Confusingly, the bus network in Dublin is run by two separate companies, with timetables listed on two separate websites, and displayed at stops in two different formats. However, both companies share the same fare structure and Leap ticketing system, and all routes are included in the Transport for Ireland Journey Planner and Real Time apps:
- Dublin Bus operate all cross-city routes, and all routes which run to and from the city centre. The timetables displayed at stops refer to the time the bus leaves the terminus, not the time it will be passing that particular stop, so there is a bit of guesswork required.
- Go-Ahead Ireland operate local routes in the suburbs, as well as orbital routes which avoid the city centre. In contrast to Dublin Bus, all Go-Ahead Ireland timetables displayed at stops refer to the times buses are due to be passing that particular stop.
A schematic map of the core cross-city routes, as well as a map of the city centre stopping locations are available here. A detailed map of the entire city network, colour coded by frequency is available here (and for the far outer areas see here).
Cash fares within the city (exact amount in coins only) are €2.15-€3.80 adult and €1.00-€1.60 child, while if paying with a TFI Leap Card are €1.55-€3.00 adult and €0.80-€1.26 child. Those paying with a TFI Leap Card can also benefit from a €1 discount if interchanging within 90 minutes, and maximum daily and weekly caps. See Tickets and Leap Card.
At busier stops, an electronic sign lists the next 4 to 6 real-time departures. For all other stops, real-time departures can be checked online or in TFI apps (see By public transport above). All buses display their route number and destination on the front. When you see your bus approaching, hold out your hand to signal to the driver that you want to get on, otherwise they may not stop. If you have a prepaid TFI Leap Card, enter on the right-hand side and tag on by holding your card against the reader. Otherwise enter on the left-hand side to pay the driver.
Inside the bus, small screens display the next stop in both Irish and English, along with an audio announcement in both languages. When you see or hear your stop being announced, press one of the red buttons to signal to the driver that you want to get off.
Useful routes
The following routes are the most frequent cross-city routes, running every 8 to 12 minutes Monday to Friday, and every 10 to 15 minutes on Saturdays and Sundays:
- Route 4 operates from Harristown and Ballymun in the north to Ballsbridge and Blackrock in the southeast.
- Route 15 operates from Clongriffin and Artane in the northeast to Templeogue and Ballycullen in the southwest.
- Route 16 operates from Dublin Airport and Santry in the north to Rathfarnham and Ballinteer in the south.
- Route 27 operates from Clare Hall and Artane in the northeast to Walkinstown and Tallaght in the southwest.
- Route 39a operates from Ongar and Blanchardstown in the northwest to Baggot Street and University College Dublin in the southeast.
- Route 40 operates from Charlestown and Finglas in the northwest to Ballyfermot and Liffey Valley in the west.
- Route 41 and Route 41c operate from Swords, Santry and Drumcondra in the north to Abbey Street in the city centre, with every second bus (route 41) serving Dublin Airport.
- Route 46a operates from the Phoenix Park in the inner northwest to University College Dublin, Stillorgan and Dún Laoghaire in the southeast.
- Route 130 operates from Abbey Street in the city centre to Clontarf, Bull Island and St. Annes Park in the east.
- Route 145 operates from Heuston Station in the inner west to University College Dublin, Stillorgan and Bray in the southeast.
While Dublin's bus network is primarily focused on cross-city routes and routes into the city centre, there are also a number of orbital routes which avoid the city centre. The most useful of these are:
- Route 17 operates around the south of the city, from Rialto via Terenure, Rathfarnham and University College Dublin to Blackrock, every 20 minutes Monday to Saturday and every 30 minutes on Sundays.
- Route 17a operates across the north of the city, from Blanchardstown via Finglas, Ballymun, Santry and Coolock to Kilbarrack, every 20 minutes Monday to Sunday.
- Route 18 operates across the inner south of the city, from Palmerstown via Ballyfermot, Kylemore, Crumlin, Rathmines, Ranelagh and Ballsbridge to Sandymount, every 20 minutes Monday to Sunday.
- Route 75 operates across the outer south of the city, from Tallaght via Rathfarnham, Ballinteer, Dundrum and Stillorgan to Dún Laoghaire, every 30 minutes Monday to Sunday.
- Route 76 across the west of the city, from Tallaght via Clondalkin, Liffey Valley and Ballyfermot to Chapelizod, every 20 minutes Monday to Sunday. A limited number of services extend to Blanchardstown (route 76a, Monday to Friday only).
- Route 175 operates across the south of the city, from Citywest via Tallaght, Ballinteer and Dundrum to University College Dublin, every 30 minutes Monday to Friday and every 60 minutes on Sundays.
Night services
On most routes, the last departures to and from the city centre are at 23:30 each night. However, three routes operate a 24 hour service, 7 days a week, with departures every 30 minutes throughout the night in each direction:
- Route 15 is a cross-city route between Clongriffin in the northeast and Ballycullen in the southwest, via the Malahide Road, city centre, Rathmines and Templeogue.
- Route 39a is a cross-city route between Ongar in the northwest and University College Dublin in the southeast, via Blanchardstown, the Navan Road, city centre, Baggot Street and Donnybrook.
- Route 41 operates between Abbey Street in the city centre and Swords in the north, via Drumcondra, Santry and Dublin Airport.
On Friday and Saturday evenings, a network of 15 Nitelink routes provide late night departures from the city centre to most parts of the city. These depart from D'Olier Street, Westmoreland Street and Aston Quay between midnight and 4am, and only operate outwards from the city centre. A map of the Nitelink routes and timetables are available here.
Normal daytime fares and tickets apply to the three 24 hour routes. On the Nitelink routes there is a higher cash fare of €6.60 and Leap fare of €4.50. As with all routes, only the exact amount in coins is accepted on the bus. However, if you don't have the exact amount, you can also purchase a prepaid ticket for the same amount from Londis or Colemans on Westmoreland Street or from Spar on D'Olier Street.
By bike
Hiring a bicycle is a handy way to get around if you want to get outside the very centre of the city and are comfortable cycling in traffic. That being said, the city is not very bicycle-friendly, either in terms of quantity & quality of bike paths, pedestrians and drivers honouring the bike paths, road space available where there is no bike path (i.e. numerous narrow roads), or driver attitudes in general.
When cycling in the city centre, be aware that cycle lanes, where they exist, are generally shared with buses, taxis, motorcycles, and parked cars; cyclists should pay particular attention when approaching bus stops where a bus is pulling out. Motorbikes are not allowed to use the cycle lanes, but many still do so. Passing on the left is also allowed only in limited circumstances but is in fact still common. When cycling in Phoenix Park, while there is a dedicated cycle lane on both sides of the main thoroughfare unfortunately pedestrians also use these.
There are bikes to hire in several locations around the city centre with the Dublinbikes scheme. A 3-day pass (which is the only pass available to non-residents) costs €5 and gives you access to the bikes. They are free for the first 30min, up to 1h rentals cost €0.50 and up to 2 hours cost €1.50, so it is a good idea to return the bikes frequently. You can purchase the 3-day pass only at stations which accept credit cards, but once purchased you can use it to rent bikes at any station. Your credit card will be preauthorized with a security deposit of €150, which will be charged in case of theft or if the bike was not returned within 24 hours. Among others, there is a Dublinbikes bike hire place located at the entrance to the Phoenix Park, Dublin 8.
By car
Driving in Dublin is not to be recommended for much of the day, particularly in the city centre. Traffic can be heavy and there is an extensive one-way system. Jaywalking is common. There are a large number of bus lanes (buses, taxis and pedal cycles are permitted to use them; others are vigilantly fined). It's usually lawful to drive in bus lanes at the off-peak times displayed on signs. If you must travel into the city by private car, do research on your required route (using GPS or even Google Maps) and seek suitable parking in advance.
It can be difficult to find parking other than in multi-storey car parks. On-street parking for short periods is allowed at parking meters, but beware of over-staying your time or you will be "clamped" by the clamping companies who patrol frequently - clamp release fees vary from €70-150 per 24 hours.
A system of two ring roads around the city has been introduced, with colour coded signs in purple and blue (see the inner orbital route map and outer orbital route map). The M50 motorway connects to the M1 (to the north of Ireland and Belfast) near Dublin Airport and to the M11 (for Wicklow, Wexford and the South) south of the city and to other motorways and national roads along its "C-shaped" route. It has been upgraded so is less congested, and is well signposted.
However, crossing the river using the M50 entails crossing the Westlink bridge. This is a toll bridge with the amount of the toll varying depending on the type of vehicle and how it is paid. The toll cannot be paid at booths while crossing the bridge but must be paid by internet or phone (or using electronic passes in the vehicle), or in certain shops. The vehicle passes through the toll gate without being stopped but the registration plate is photographed automatically. The toll must be paid by 20:00 the following day.
After this deadline, the longer the toll remains unpaid, the higher the fees involved. For foreign registered vehicles, this presents no problem as the Irish vehicle registration base does not have access to foreign ownership details, but for Irish registered vehicles, including rental cars, any fees due, including penalties for late payment, may well be reclaimed through the rental company and subsequently from the credit card of the person hiring the car. The car hire company may charge a hefty fee as well (Avis, for example, charges €30 per unpaid toll, on top of the original toll and the €3 notice fee).
Outside of the city centre, parking is generally not an issue, and ample free parking can be found outside of the M50 (and in certain areas within the M50 ring road).
By taxi
Fares are nationally regulated and taxis must use the meter. As of March 2021, city fares M-Sa 08:00 to 20:00 are €3.80 flagfall then €1.14-1.50 per km, 20:00 to 08:00 and Sunday €4.20 flagfall then €1.45-1.80 per km. In slow traffic or if asked to wait they charge by the minute, 40-50 cents.
There are many firms including Uber.
See
In summer, Dublin's top attractions can sell out. Buy tickets online in advance if you know you want to see something, especially for the Book of Kells where even early arrivals may find all the day's slots are filled.
The Dublin Pass gives you free and fast track entry to thirty-some attractions in Dublin. Adult prices are €62 for one day, €83 for two, €102 for three and €128 for five, child prices about half, and days must run consecutively. You may struggle to break even on this deal as only the Hop-on Hop-off bus tour and the Jameson Distillery and Guinness tours charge over €20; most are way cheaper and among their "free entry" attractions are many that don't charge anyhow. The Pass doesn't include the Library & Book of Kells at Trinity College, and it doesn't include any public transport.
North of the river
- 1 General Post Office (GPO), O'Connell St Lower, Dublin 1, ☏ 353 1 705-7000. The GPO is the headquarters of the Post Office in Ireland, built in Neo-Classical style 1814-1818. In 1916 it was occupied by Irish rebels led by PH Pearse, who read the Proclamation of the Republic outside the front door of the building. The interior was burnt out by shelling from government forces against the rebels, but the exterior survived. Subsequently the GPO was restored, reopening in 1929, and remains a busy working post office. It formerly hosted An Post Museum: this closed in 2015 but you can view the collection online.
- O'Connell Street is the broad thoroughfare running north from the river, and the main district for budget accommodation. It was smashed up in the 1916 uprising and subsequent civil war, but rebuilt; then in the 1970s the developers made one sorry mess of it. Plus their assistants: All along O'Connell Street the pieces flew, up went Nelson, and the pillar too . . . was the ditty commemorating the 1966 IRA bombing of Nelson's Column. Where it stood, next to the GPO, is now the 121 m pin of the Spire of Dublin; close by on North Earl St is the James Joyce Statue. Northbound trams glide up the street: go a block east for the southbound track. The city council are doing their best to further improve the place but it's a work in progress: pleasant enough by day, but tacky by night.
- 2 St Mary's Pro-Cathedral, 83 Marlborough Place (one block east of O'Connell St). Dublin's Catholic cathedral, built in 1825. Catholicism was always the majority religion in Ireland, but its practice was forbidden until the 19th C. The official cathedral is Christ Church, so designated by the Pope in 1300, but taken over by the Protestants in the 16th C. When the laws relaxed, St Mary's was built in neo-Classical style as a temporary or "pro"-cathedral, until such time as the Pope decrees otherwise or the Protestants hand back Christ Church; neither event appears imminent.
- At its north end at Parnell Square, O'Connell St takes a turn and becomes Frederick St. Here are the Rotunda Hospital, City Art Gallery, Writer's Museum and Garden of Remembrance.
- 3 Dublin City Gallery - The Hugh Lane, Charlemont House, Parnell Square North, Dublin 1, ☏ 353 1 222 5550. Tu-Th 10:00-18:00, F Sa 10:00-17:00, Su 11:00-17:00, Mon closed. This public gallery has permanent and temporary exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. It also houses Francis Bacon's studio which was relocated in 2001 from London. Free.
- 4 Dublin Writers Museum, 18 Parnell Sq, Dublin 1 (next to Art Gallery), ☏ 353 1 872-2077. M-Sa 10:00-17:00, (Jun-Aug open until 18:00) Su & holidays 11:00-17:00. Located in an 18th-century house, the museum is dedicated to Irish literature and the lives of individual writers such as Shaw, Joyce, Yeats & Pearse. €7.25, children €4.55, family tickets €21.
- The Garden of Remembrance across the street from the gallery and museum commemorates those who died in the struggle for Irish independence. Open daily.
- The River Liffey is lined by stylish buildings, many of which have been renovated within living memory. Just upstream from O'Connell Bridge, the 5 Ha'penny Bridge is the one on all the picture postcards and film locations, a 43 m cast-iron arch spanning the river between Liffey St Lower and Wellington Quay. Officially called the "Liffey Bridge" (Droichead na Life), it was built in 1816 to replace the cross-river ferries, with the right to charge a ha'penny toll for the next century. There were turnstiles at both ends, removed in 1919 after the toll ceased. The bridge was extensively repaired in 2001. Please don't clutter it up with "love-locks" - the last big clean-up removed 300 kg of these, and bear in mind that the 2001 repairs were by Harland and Wolff, who built the Titanic.
- Downstream from O'Connell Bridge the river broadens into dockland and the open sea, with poignant reminders of the Irish people's relationship with that sea.
- 6 The Famine Memorial on Custom House Quay depicts victims of the Great Famine (an Gorta Mór) of 1845-49, when a million died and another million fled the country. Five gaunt figures totter to the docks with their bundles as if to take ship and leave. Or perhaps they hope for scraps from those ships, which during the famine years were briskly exporting food for profit, plenty to feed everyone yet unaffordable to most.
- 7 EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum (EPIC), CHQ, Custom House Quay (10 min walk from city centre, 5 min from Connolly/Tara Station, George’s Dock Stop Luas Red Line or Hop off/hop on buses stop outside EPIC), ☏ 353 1 906 0861, ✉[email protected]. Daily 10:00-18:45 (last entry is 17:00). This museum tells the story of Ireland’s expansive emigration, and the impact it has had on the world. Features 1500 years of Irish history told through 20 interactive galleries. Adult €16.50, child 6-15 €8.00, child 0-5 free, senior 65 €15.00, student 16 €15.00.
- 8 Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship Museum, Custom House Quay (Downstream of Sean O'Casey Bridge), ☏ 353 01 473-0111, ✉[email protected]. Tours (50 min) daily Apr-Oct 10:00-16:00, Nov-Mar 11:00-15:00. The original Jeanie Johnston was a 3-masted barque sailing between County Kerry and North America 1847-1855, taking Irish emigrants west in the Great Famine, and bringing timber back east. No lives were ever lost aboard, even during her final sinking. The present ship is a replica launched in 2000, and berthed here to act as a museum. The ship has previously made cruises and served as a training vessel, but since 2010 she's not been seaworthy, and the repairs appear unaffordable. Adult €11, Senior €10, Student €10, Teenagers €9, Children €6, Infant €0.
- 9 Samuel Beckett Bridge. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, this is a harp-shaped cable-stay road bridge of 120 m. It spans the river between North Wall Quay (in Docklands, north bank) and Sir John Rogerson's Quay (near Grand Canal Square, south bank) and the whole contraption hinges through 90 degrees to let ships pass. Daytime it's busy with traffic and is most scenic when floodlit at night. Calatrava also designed the James Joyce bridge upstream.
- 10 Green on Red Gallery, Park Lane, Spencer Dock, Dublin 1 (Exiting Pearse rail station and turn right. Cross Pearse St and it will be on the left opposite Lombard bar), ☏ 353 1 671-3414, 353 87 245 4282, ✉[email protected]. W-F 10:00-18:00, Sa 11:00-15:00, Su closed, M and Tu by appointment. This one of Ireland’s most dynamic and exciting galleries. Representing some of the best Irish and international contemporary work on the market. The programme is based on 10-11 solo exhibitions and 1-2 group or thematic exhibitions per year. Green On Red participates annually in international art fairs and the gallery’s artists regularly exhibit abroad in private and public venues. Free entrance.
South of the river
Many of Dublin's top sights are just south of the river, notably Trinity College, the National Museum archaeology collections, the National Gallery, and the elegant town through Merrion Square to St Stephen's Green.
- 11 Trinity College, College Green, Dublin 2, ☏ 353 1 896-2320, fax: 353 1 896-2690, ✉[email protected]. Kells: May-Sep: M-Sa 08:30-17:00, Su 09:30-17:00; Oct-Apr: M-Sa 09:30-17:00, Su 12:00-16:30. Trinity College is the fine Georgian campus of the University of Dublin. It's generally open to stroll around in daylight hours, but it is a working university, and most interiors are off-limits to tourists. You can visit the Chapel near the front (west) gate of the College. But the big attraction (ie mobbed) is the Old Library and Book of Kells. If you've not booked online, then first buy your ticket from the machines under the new (Lecky) library just south - this is for a timed slot, and on holiday weekends may be booked out. You enter an exhibition hall setting the Book in the context of other monastic writings of its period, circa 800 AD. Next, enter the display area: only two pages are displayed at any time, one being richly illustrated with little text (or no text, on the "carpet" pages), and one page being text of the Vulgate Gospels, written in Insular Majuscule Latin. But it's difficult to enjoy, with crowds jostling round the display case. Next, go upstairs into the massive Long Hall of the library, with books and ladders and more books and ladders towering away upwards. Last but not least, exit through the gift shop, which can be entered without a ticket. Adults €13 (€10 online off-peak), students & seniors €10, family €26, under 12 years free. Audio guides €5.
- Look into the posh Bank of Ireland opposite the College while waiting for your appointment with Kells. Small display of early banknotes and memorabilia.
- Temple Bar is the district just west of the College along the riverside. It's wall-to-wall pubs and eating places, the cobbled streets are agreeable but there are no specific sights except Ha'penny Bridge until the Castle area, described in "West city". It's thronged with merry-makers, and by evening the hen parties and lads' outings are steaming, raucous and upchucking.
- Irish Whiskey Museum: and not before time. Irish distilleries have for too long pumped out bland commercial fare, though the country has all the ingredients (including the know-how) to produce whiskey of character to rival single-malt Scotch. The museum is next to the Dublin Visitor Centre at the gates of Trinity College. It's open daily Apr-Oct 10:00-18:00, Nov-Mar 10:30-18:00; the bar stays open Friday till 23:00 and Sat & Sun to 22:00. Standard tour (1 hour) costs €20.
- 12 Molly Malone is the subject of a 19th century music-hall ballad, who pushed her wheelbarrow crying "cockles and mussels alive, alive-oh" before dying of a fever. She's entirely fictional, though Dublin had many such streethawkers, and she's not to be confused with Mary Mallon of Cookstowm, the all-too-real "Typhoid Mary". Her kitsch statue dates to 1988 and was originally on nearby Grafton Street, but moved to its present spot in 2014 to make way for tram tracks. She's often mocked as "The Tart with the Cart" or "The Trollop with the Scallop" and her breasts (above an unhistorical low-cut dress) have been well polished by passing hands. Alas amidst these misogynist tropes & gropes, we forget the sad fate of the cockles and mussels themselves.
- 13 National Gallery of Ireland, Merrion Square West & Clare St, Dublin 2, ☏ 353 1 661-5133, fax: 353 1 661-5372, ✉[email protected]. Tu W F Sa 09:15-17:30, Th 09:15-20:30, Su M 11:00-17:30. Impressive national collection of Irish and European Art. Free.
- 14 National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology & History, Kildare St, Dublin 2 (just north of St Stephen's Green), ☏ 353 1 677 7444, fax: 353 1 677 7450, ✉[email protected]. Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00, Su M 13:00-17:00. Excellent display of Ireland's artefacts from prehistory through the Viking era to independence. The standout is the Treasury (eg the 12th C Ardagh Chalice and 9th C Tara Brooch), and the prehistoric jewellery: gold and silver beautifully worked and carved - then chucked into the bog?? And likewise into the bog went bodies, presumably of defeated foes given the violence of their deaths. Normally when a body is buried, the flesh decays and a skeleton persists. But if you throw a body into a peat bog, the acid dissolves the bones while tannin preserves the hide. The person turns into a handbag. Free.
- 15 National Museum of Ireland - Natural History, Merrion Square, Dublin 2, ☏ 353 1 677-7444, fax: 353 1 677-7450, ✉[email protected]. Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00; Su M 13:00-17:00. The "Dead Zoo" contains a comprehensive zoological collection stored and maintained in a manner unchanged since its establishment in Victorian times. Free.
- 16 Merrion Square. This large stately square is filled with grassy and shady areas and surrounded by Georgian red-brick houses. At the northwest corner is a life-sized statue of the writer and dramatist Oscar (draw breath) . . . Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde (1854-1900), who grew up at No. 1 here. He's depicted sprawled on the embankment, with a lop-sided smirk, as if totally wasted. (As if! And him with the hollowest legs in London!) Two short marble columns are covered in his quotable quotes. On the surrounding buildings, plaques commemorate other notable residents, such as the Duke of Wellington. The fine architecture continues south, along Mount Street Upper and Fitzwilliam Street Lower. The neo-classical government buildings on Upper Merrion St can be visited by free guided tour Saturdays hourly 10:30-13:30, pick up tickets in the National Gallery lobby.
- Number Twenty Nine (Georgian House Museum), 29 Fitzwilliam Street Lower (SE corner of Merrion Square). Closed. Georgian townhouse museum recreates the lifestyle of a historic middle-class family. It's closed for renovation until 2020.
- 17 St Stephens Green, Dublin 2 (At the southern end of Grafton St). Pleasant Victorian public park. Note the Fusiliers' Arch, constructed in 1907 to commemorate the Royal Dublin Fusiliers who fell in the Second Boer War (1899-1902).
- 18 The Mansion House on Dawson Street is the office of the Lord Mayor of Dublin. You can only get in to see it (eg the plush 1821 Round Room) for special events or on occasional open days.
- 19 Little Museum of Dublin, 15 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, ☏ 353 1 661-1000. Daily 09:30-17:00. Housed in a Georgian townhouse on St. Stephen's Green, this displays the 20th C social, cultural and political history of Dublin city, with many artefacts donated by Dubliners. Visit by guided tour every 30-60 mins. Adult €10, conc €8.
- Iveagh Gardens are a block south of St Stephens Green: a hidden green space, as they're secluded by buildings.
- The Grand Canal marks the southern boundary of the inner city; the Royal Canal similarly loops across the northern city. Both were built in the 18th / 19th C to carry passengers and freight between Dublin and the Shannon and Atlantic. The Grand Canal took 47 years to construct: the expense of crossing the Bog of Allen replicated the prehistoric custom of sinking gold into bogs. And indeed Irish waterways go that far back, as the earliest dwellers could barely get about by land. The dockland visitor centre has closed but the Waterways Ireland website gives information eg on walks, navigability and fishing on this and the other canals.
West city
The original Dublin was in this area, at the confluence of the Liffey and the smaller Poddle (now culverted). Their peaty waters formed a dark pool, in Irish dubh linn.
- 20 Dublin Castle, 2 Palace St, Dublin 2, ☏ 353 1 677-7129, fax: 353 679-7831, ✉[email protected]. Daily M-Sa 10:00-17:15. Former seat of British rule in Ireland. The guided tour (hourly) takes in the medieval basements and Chapel Royal, then you see the State Apartments in your own time. You can skip the tour and just see the apartments for less. Guided tour €12, apartments alone €8.
- Chester Beatty Library, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2, ☏ 353 1 407-0750, fax: 353 1 407-0760, ✉[email protected]. Mar-Oct M-F 10:00-17:00, Sa 11:00-17:00, Su 13:00-17:00; Nov-Feb closed M. Sir Alfred Chester Beatty (1875-1968) was an American mining magnate who amassed a fabulous collection of early books and manuscripts and oriental art. He moved to London and collaborated generously with the British Museum, but in 1950 there was a falling-out and he moved to Ireland. He established the library to avoid his collection being split up; it's now in the Clock Tower in the Castle gardens. Free.
- 21 Christ Church Cathedral (Holy Trinity), Christ Church Pl, Dublin 2, ☏ 353 1 677-8099, ✉[email protected]. Apr-Sept M-Sa 09:30-19:00, Su 12:30-14:30 & 16:30-19:00; Oct-Mar M-Sa 09:30-17:00, Su 12:30-14:30. Dating back to the 11th century, this is the oldest building in Dublin, though it underwent a massive restoration in the 19th century. The oldest part is the large crypt, where amongst the items on display are a mummified cat and a rat, which got themselves stuck in the church organ in the 19th C. Adult €7, conc €5.50.
- 22 Dublinia & the Viking World, St. Michael's Hill, Christchurch, Dublin 2, ☏ 353 1 679-4611, ✉[email protected]. Mar-Sep 10:00-17:00, Oct-Feb 10:00-16:15. The exhibitions explore life in the Viking settlement and medieval city. Discounted admission to the Christ Church Cathedral available. €6.25, children €3.75, student €5.25.
- St Audoen's Church on Cornmarket near Christ Church is a 19th C neo-classical church built over 12th C remains. It's now the RC Polish Chaplaincy for Ireland.
- St Michan's Church on Church St north of Arran Quay was built in 1686 on Viking foundations. It has fine interior woodwork and an organ used by Handel. However the main draw was the mummified remains in the vaults: a 400-year old nun, a crusader, and the ancient Earls of Leitrim. In Feb 2019 these remains were vandalised so the vaults are closed for the forseeable future.
- 23 National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Benburb St, Dublin 7 (north of river; Luas Red line tram to "Museum"), ☏ 353 1 677-7444, fax: 353 1 677-7450, ✉[email protected]. Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00, Su M 13:00-17:00. The building itself is remarkable, a great Georgian former barracks around a parade square. Displays decorative arts and artefacts over 400 years, from rustic houses through Georgian elegance to "Proclaiming a Republic", the events of Easter 1916 when the interior decor of the Post Office took a turn for the worse. Free.
- 24 Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), Royal Hospital, Military Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, ☏ 353 1 612-9900, fax: 353 1 612-9999, ✉[email protected]. Tu-F 11:30-17:30, Sa 10:00-17:30, Su 12:00-17:30, M closed. Modern & contemporary art, formal gardens & café. Free entrance.
- 25 Kilmainham Gaol, Inchicore Rd, Kilmainham, Dublin 8 (3.5 km west of centre, Bus 16 or 79 from Aston Quay or 13 or 40 from O'Connell St), ☏ 353 1 453 5984. Apr-Sep daily 09:30-18:00, Oct-Mar daily 09:30-17:30. This prison was in use 1796-1924; thousands have passed through, including many convicts transported to Australia. It's best known as the place where the rebels from the 1916 Easter Rising were executed. (Several now lie in Arbour Hill Cemetery just north of the Decorative Arts Museum.) Access only by guided tours, every 30 mins, pre-booking essential. Adult €8, senior €4, child & student €4.
- Irish National War Memorial park and gardens are dedicated to the 49,500 Irish soldiers who died in the Great War. They're on the riverside just north of Kilmainham Gaol.
- 26 Dublin Zoo, Wellington/Zoo Rd, Dublin 8, ☏ 353 1 474-8900, ✉[email protected]. Winter: M-Sa 09:30-16:00, summer: M-Sa 09:30-18:30. Located in Phoenix Park and dating to 1830, the Dublin Zoo is the largest in Ireland, and notable for its role in wildlife conservation efforts. €15, students €12.50, senior citizens €12, children €10.50, family from €43.50 for 4 to €52 for 6.
- 27 Phoenix Park (1 km from from Heuston station or buses 25/26/66/67 to Parkgate St), ☏ 353 1 677-0095, fax: 353 1 672-6454, ✉[email protected]. The largest enclosed urban park in Europe, 2.5 km by 2 km. Includes Dublin Zoo, the residences of the President of Ireland and of the US Ambassador, the Cross commemorating the Pope's visit in 1979, a monument to the 1882 assassinations here, several sports fields, and a herd of fallow deer. Just beyond is Farmleigh mansion. But no phoenix, the name derives from Irish fionn uisce - "clear water". Free.
- The President's Residence (Áras an Uachtaráin) can be visited by free guided tour on Saturdays hourly 10:30-15:30. Pick up a ticket from the Phoenix Park visitor centre, no booking.
- Grangegorman Military Cemetery is a leafy, reflective space on the northeast flank of Phoenix Park, opposite the fish ponds.
- Farmleigh is an Edwardian mansion off White's Road at the west end of Phoenix Park. It's used to accommodate visiting VIPs but at other times can be seen by guided tour, daily 10:00-16:30, adult €8.
- 28 Strawberry Beds (6 km from O’Connell Street or bus 67 from O’Connell Bridge to Chapelizod village and walk 3 km (map rec'd)). The picturesque Strawberry Beds area lies on the Lucan Road beyond Chapelizod village. Overlooking the river Liffey this picturesque, rural locale is popular with hikers and cyclists. The three small pubs in the area (the Anglers’ Rest, the Strawberry Hall and the Wren’s Nest) are sometimes the venue for traditional Irish music.
South suburbs
- Donnybrook and Ballsbridge: take 46a bus to Donnybrook and the 4 or 7 buses to Ballsbridge. Ballsbridge is Dublin's embassy district and is home to some of Ireland's most expensive roads including 'Shrewsbury Road', which is famous for being the 6th most expensive residential thoroughfare in the world and 'Ailesbury Road' which is equally as salubrious and home to a bulk of the capital's embassies including Spain and Poland. Ballsbridge is also home to The Royal Dublin Society (RDS) which promotes and develops agriculture, arts, industry and science in Ireland. It hosts many concerts and also showcases the annual Show Jumping Competition, a major entertainment event. You can approach Ballsbridge via 'Herbert Park', a pleasant public green park and fashionable road, opposite Donnybrook Village and vice-versa.
- Ranelagh and Dartry are also worth visiting- Ranelagh is small but affluent, accessible by the Luas Green line and has several critically acclaimed eateries.
- Sandymount, a coastal suburb 3 km south-east of the centre, is another quite affluent area with a tiny park and some restaurants. It is the birthplace of W.B. Yeats. The suburb and its strand appear prominently in James Joyce's Ulysses. There is a wonderful walk from Sandymount across the north end of its beach to the South Bull Wall which reaches a finger well out into the Bay.
- 3 University College Dublin (UCD) is now a "city-within-a-city" on Belfield Campus.
- Rathfarnham Castle is originally Elizabethan but prettified in the 18th C. Open May-Sept daily, Oct-Apr W-Su.
- The Pearse Museum is in St Enda's Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16. Patrick Pearse lived here 1910-16.
North suburbs
- 29 Glasnevin Cemetery, Finglas Rd, Dublin 11 (Buses 9, 13 or 40 from O'Connell St or 40a/40d from Parnell Street. Adjacent to the Botanic Gardens), ☏ 353 1 830-1133. Tours at 14:30: Mar-Sep Daily, Oct-Feb W & F. It's two miles from the city centre. Glasnevin Cemetery runs a series of walking tours. These tours give a valuable insight into the final resting place of the men and women who have helped shape Ireland's past and present. The walking tour last one and a half hours and visits the graves of Daniel O'Connell, Charles Stewart Parnell, Michael Collins, Eamonn De Valera and many other graves of architectural and cultural interest. €5, U12 go free.
- 30 National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, ☏ 353 1 804-0300, fax: 353 1 836-0080, ✉[email protected]. Mar-Oct M-F 09:00-17:00, Sa Su 10:00-18:00; Nov-Feb M-F 09:00-16:30, Sa Su 10:00-16:30. Extensive gardens favouring alkaline-loving species. The great Palm House (where Wittgenstein often came to warm his lugubrious backside) was rebuilt in 2004, though the original Aquatic, Fern & Cactus houses are still under restoration. A gateway leads into Glasnevin Cemetery adjacent. The gardens also manage the arboretum at Kilmacurragh in County Wicklow. Free.
- Drumcondra is a relatively expansive and bustling Victorian suburb, boasting several good parks as well as Griffith Avenue, said to be Europe's longest tree-lined residential avenue. To the east of Drumcondra is Croke Park, the centrepoint of Gaelic sports; the canal-side route to Croke Park should be approached with some caution especially at night. To the west of Drumcondra is Glasnevin which can occupy a visitor nicely with the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin Cemetery (containing many historically significant tombs) and good restaurants can be found in the Botanic Gardens and on The Rise, off Griffith Avenue.
- Clontarf (accessible by DART/commuter rail) is a great seaside location to spend an afternoon.
- 31 Bull Island Nature Reserve. A large recreation area. Bull Island has a 5 km beach, Dollymount Strand (Dublin's best beach), and is an important habitat for birds. Also nearby the island is St Anne's Park, a former Guinness family home estate, which has ponds, follies, walks and a world-famous Rose Garden, as well as a coffee shop and artists' studios. The ideal way to visit them is by bicycle. Go via Amien's St, North Strand, Fairview and then follow the coastline. There is an excellent bike path almost all the way. It can also be accessed by walking from Clontarf Road DART station or bus route 130 from the city centre.
Do
- So Padraig comes for a job in construction, and the hiring boss says "So can you tell me, what's the difference between a joist and a girder?"
- "Sure, everyone knows that. Joist wrote Ulysses and Girder wrote Faust."
Tours
- 1 Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2. M and F 10:30 and 14:30. Leinster House is home of the Houses of the Oireachtas, the parliament of Ireland, and can be visited by free tours. Tours include visits to the Dáil and Seanad Chambers. You need to be there at least 15 min before with an ID/passport/drivers license and sign up at the entrance in Kildare Street Gate. Max. 30 people per tour. Tours last approx. 30 min. Free.
- 2 Guinness Storehouse, St James's Gate, Dublin 8 (Buses 40/123, closest Luas Red line stop at James's), ☏ 353 1 408-4800. Daily 09:30-17:00 (open until 19:00 in Jul & Aug). Closed Good Friday and Dec 24-26. Retells the story of Dublin's most famous drink. The exhibition is interesting and is self-guided. Price of entry includes a pint at the seventh floor Gravity Bar, which has great views over Dublin and forms the head of the giant pint of Guinness formed by the atrium. Outside, tourists will encounter horse drawn carriages for hire. Beware as they charge €30 for the short walkable 2km (1 mi) ride back to the city centre. Adults €15 (10% discount for booking online), students and seniors €11, children 6-12 €5.
- 3 Teeling Distillery, 13-17 Newmarket, Dublin 8 (5min per bus from Trinity College). Daily 10:00-18:00. Last tour at 17:40. New distillery since 2015 in Dublin. Good guided tour with different tastings in the end. Teeling tasting €15, Teeling Trinity tasting €20, Teeling single malt tasting €30. Don‘t take the first choice! You don‘t want to drink a cocktail in a distillery.
- 4 Old Jameson Distillery, Bow Street Distillery, Smithfield, Dublin 7, ☏ 353 1 807-2355. Daily 09:30-18:00. Last tour at 17:30. Closed Good Friday and Christmas holidays. This ex-distillery hasn't produced whiskey in a while, and if you are expecting to see whiskey making, you will not find it here. However, there is a tour and recreation of the process, and whiskey tasting afterwards. Adult €12.50, students and seniors €10, families €25.
- 5 The Lazy Bike Tour Company, 4 Scarlet Row, Essex Street West, Temple Bar, Dublin 8, ☏ 35314433671, ✉[email protected]. Daily 09:30-17:50. The Lazy Bike Tour Company offers tours of Dublin by electric bike. They use state of the art, retro, funky orange bikes to get you around the city. The tour takes in some the major sights in the city as well as taking you off the beaten track to show you a very real side of Dublin. Tours last around 2 hours and are guided by local guides full of information. €25.
- Walking Tours. Dublin city is famous for its characters. A great way to experience and live the city is by learning about it from people who are characters themselves - Dublin Tour Guides. Tours can vary from 1-hour to 4-hour in length and include, as well as the standard sightseeing tour, tours on topics like the paranormal and ghosts, music and song, literature, historical, 1916 Rising, and even Irish mythology. There are various walking tour companies and freelance tour guides available in Dublin. Anyone interested in geeky history should try the Ingenious Dublin tours, that cover history of medicine, Irish inventions (yes, there are lots!), great Irish scientists (lots of those too). They have walking tours and self-guided MP3 tours.
- Dublin Literary Pub Crawl, 'The Duke Pub', 9 Duke St, Dublin 2 (Just off Grafton St). 2. This is the most ingenious crash course in Irish literature, history, architecture and pub bonhomie yet devised... It combines street theatre with the 'craic' that makes Dublin pubs the liveliest in Europe. It is a highly enjoyable evening that gives you the pleasant notion of replacing brain cells as you drown them. The tour is a kind of rough guide to the cultural, religious and political life of the city. Performances by professional actors are central to the experience, not forgetting a fun-filled quiz with prizes for the winners. Can be a bit formal at times but this one's been going a long time and is well worth the experience for such an unusual tour. There's just enough time to stop in each pub for a pint as well. €10-12.
Performing Arts and Concerts
- 6 Abbey Theatre (National Theatre of Ireland), 26/27 Lower Abbey St, Dublin 1, ☏ 353 1 878-7222. Ireland's national theatre. This is a particularly good venue for presentations of Irish plays. The Abbey also shows classic and contemporary theatre from around the world.
- 7 Gaiety Theatre, South King St, Dublin 2, ☏ 353 1 677-1717. The oldest continually operating theatre in Dublin hosts popular musical shows, opera, ballet, dance and drama. Admission prices vary.
- 8 Gate Theatre, Cavendish Row, Parnell Square, Dublin 1, ☏ 353 1 874 4045, 353 1 874 6042. Has a focus on European and American theatre ranging from classics to modern plays. It was established as a theatre company in 1928.
- 9 National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, ☏ 353 1 417 0000. Offers classical concerts. Frequent performances by the resident orchestra, the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra.
- 10 Bord Gáis Energy Theatre (Grand Canal Theatre), Grand Canal Square, ☏ 353 1 677 7999. The theatre offers a wide range of shows featuring ballets, musicals, family shows, drama, concerts, comedy and opera. The modern building was designed by Daniel Libeskind and completed in 2010.
- International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival. An annual event held in May, celebrating the contribution of gay people to theatre, past and present. The Festival was founded in 2004 to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Oscar Wilde, in his native city. With an emphasis on new or recent International and Irish works with a broadly gay theme or relevance, the Festival has grown to become the largest event of its type in the world.
Sports
Bloody Sunday Sun 21 Nov 1920 saw shocking killings in Dublin. Ireland was nominally still part of the UK, but had declared independence, and civil war broke out. That Sunday morning, the IRA killed 16 British intelligence officers in Dublin. In the afternoon, Dublin had a Gaelic football match against Tipperary at Croke Park. Police, army and "Black and Tan" paramilitaries arrived mob-handed, officially to search the spectators for suspects. They began firing indiscriminately into the crowd: 12 were fatally shot (including a Tipperary player) and two more were crushed in the stampede to flee. It was a huge blow to the legitimacy of British rule. See Thurles for more on the link between Gaelic football and Irish identity. |
- 11 Traditional games at Croke Park Stadium, Jones Rd, Dublin 3. Catch a hurling or Gaelic football game at this 82,300 capacity, state-of-the-art stadium. These sports are uniquely Irish. Hurling is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the fastest field sport, with the ball (called a sliotar) reaching speeds above 130 km/h. Gaelic football can best be described as a combination of soccer and rugby. To keep the sports "pure," it maintains an amateur status, with each parish in Ireland having a team — the inter-county games are generally extremely well-supported, so you may have difficulty getting tickets for the bigger matches. Tours of the GAA museum and the stadium are also available, including a chance to try your hand at the sports themselves. You can also walk across the roof of one of the biggest stadiums in Europe, which provides great views of the city's skyline.
- 12 Tallaght Stadium, Whitestown Way, Tallaght (south of the city centre; easily accessible by public transport: just a few minutes walk from the Red Luas line terminal at The Square Shopping Centre and numerous bus stops). Watch a Shamrock Rovers F.C. soccer match during the FAI League of Ireland Football (association football) season from March to November. Home matches take place on Friday nights at 19:45. Tickets cost: €15 (Adult), €7 (U-16′s/OAPs).
- Watch rugby union at 13 RDS Arena, Anglesea Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 (3 miles south of centre; Bus 4, 7, 18). This is the home ground of Leinster Rugby, who play in the Pro14 professional European league. They often win it, most recently in 2019. The stadium has a capacity of 18,500 and big games sometimes transfer to the larger Aviva stadium.
- 14 Aviva Stadium on Lansdowne Rd, Dublin 4 is Ireland's national stadium, capacity 51,700. International rugby, soccer and other big events are hosted here. It's a mile or so southeast of the centre, take DART train to Lansdowne Rd or buses towards Sandymount or Ballsbridge.
- 15 Leopardstown Racecourse, Leopardstown, Dublin 18 (from Dublin city centre, follow the N11 south, turn right into the R113 (Leopardstown Road), the racecourse will be on your left), ☏ 353 1 289-0500, fax: 353 1 289-2634, ✉[email protected]. Located in the southern suburb of Leopardstown/Foxrock, there are regular meetings throughout the year. There is a "Pay as you Play" golf course within the racecourse grounds, as well as bars, restaurants and a nightclub (Club 92). €12.55, with reductions for students and OAPs.
Other
- 16 Irish Film Institute, 6 Eustace Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2. Watch independent Irish and international movies.
- 17 Conradh na Gaeilge (Gaelic League), 6 Harcourt St, Dublin 2. An Irish language centre where you can hear Irish being spoken as a first language and also enjoy a beverage with friends.
Buy
Dublin is not cheap for general shopping, although visitors from outside the European Union can obtain a refund of VAT (sales tax: 23%) on many of their purchases. Just look for the refund sign and ask in the shop for details. Keep in mind that most stores will issue VAT refund vouchers only on the same day of purchase. More on VAT refund can be found on Irish eGovernment website.
South side
The south side of the river (Dublin 2) includes Dublin's most famous shopping street, the pedestrianised Grafton Street, which runs between St. Stephen's Green and Trinity College. It has, along with its surroundings, been classified as an Architectural Conservation Zone. This will involve a re-establishment of the area's rich historic charm and urban character. Alongside the historic Trinity College you will find Nassau Street where there are many shops selling tourist-related items such as Waterford Crystal, Belleek Pottery, Aran sweaters, and other Irish craft items. Dawson Street, parallel to Grafton Street, is home to the official residence of the lord mayor (the Mansion House) as well as several upmarket clothes shops, restaurants and well stocked large bookshops.
- 1 Brown Thomas, 88-95 Grafton Street, Dublin 2. Dublin's most famous and expensive department store is on Grafton Street along with a wide range of clothing, jewelry, and photography shops, etc.
- 2 Powerscourt Centre, 59 South William Street (just off Grafton Street). One of Dublin's most attractive shopping centres, set in a beautifully restored 18th-century townhouse. Here, you will find clothes, cafes, galleries and Irish designer jewelers. You must check out The Loft Market - it is a haven for Dublin Fashion. There is lots of up and coming young fashion designers and vintage clothing sellers such as, Lisa Shawgi Knitwear and MO MUSE to shop around. Beware the overpriced antique dealers, some of whom will drop a price by 50% after only the merest suggestion that you are willing to haggle (and it still may not be a bargain). For gifts, there is an engraving business based in the centre next to Bonsai Shop.
- 3 George's Street Arcade (also known as: Market Arcade), Dublin 2 (Leaving Powerscourt via the ornate steps on to South William Street, you will find yourself facing a small street called Castle Market, which leads to the arcade). A covered red-brick shopping arcade. This area is worth a visit for vintage clothing, fabrics, unusual accessories, vinyl and club wear. It also features some small cafes.
- 4 Hodges Figgis, 56-58 Dawson Street, Dublin 2. Well-stocked large bookshop (now owned by Waterstones).
- 5 House of Ireland, 37/38 Nassau Street, Dublin 2. Sells above-mentioned tourist-related items.
- 6 Kilkenny Design, 6 Nassau Street. Also sells above-mentioned tourist-related items.
- 7 Fresh - The Good Food Market, Grand Canal Square. A smaller Irish supermarket with three other locations. One of the few places where you can find Guinness Foreign Extra Stout. Also offers beers from other Irish breweries.
- The best concentration of shoe shops is found on Grafton Street and the adjoining Wicklow Street.
The Temple Bar area offers some alternative to shopping at the larger chain-stores. Small clothing boutiques, including the city centre's only swap shop, are popping up all around the area (Temple Lane, Crow Street and Fownes Street) with an emphasis on vintage and unique original independent designer pieces. If you can't make it to any of the markets at the weekend, the best can be found here during the week.
Be sure to visit Temple Bar's Temple Bar Square and Meetinghouse Square on a Saturday morning or afternoon for the markets (Dublin 2), which sells all types of foods, from traditional fare to delicious baked goods. Both squares are also home to several very good restaurants. Meetinghouse Square, which lies only about 150 ft (50 m) west of Temple Bar Square, sells much finer fare and more exotic foods than Meetinghouse Square.
- Casa Rebelde, Crow Street, Dublin 2 (in the heart of Temple Bar). A unique football supporters shop that stocks clothing from around the world for the fashion conscious football fan.
- Cow's Lane Fashion and Design Market, Dublin 8. The largest designer market in Dublin, offers handmade one-off original designs. The market is open every Saturday from 10:00-17:30. Found outdoors on Cow's Lane and indoors in the old Dublin's Viking Adventure, this market is not to be missed.
North side
There is also an extensive shopping area on the north side of the river, in Dublin 1, centred on O'Connell Street and Henry Street (Ireland's busiest shopping street). Just off Henry Street is Moore Street, which has a fruit, vegetable and fish market. It's worth a stroll if you want to get a slice of life from the less genteel side of Dublin. For a more traditional Dublin shopping experience go to the Liberties area around Thomas street and check out the stalls on Meath street and the liberty market (off Meath Street) on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Also, if you want to find thrifty nicknack shops, then Talbot Street is a good start - like any city, if you look hard enough and don't get caught up in the glitz and glam when shopping, there are great bargains to be found.
- 8 Arnott's, 12 Henry St. A large department store with a long history.
- 9 Jervis Shopping Centre, Jervis St. A large shopping centre.
- 10 Ilac Centre, Henry St. Another large shopping centre. It also houses Dublin's Central Public Library.
- 11 Chapters Bookstore, Ivy Exchange, Parnell Street, Dublin 1 (northern parallel street to Henry Street). Has a massive selection of books at generally cheaper prices than other high street stores, as well as a large secondhand section. It is especially great for 'coffee table' style art books.
Further afield
For those for whom it just would not be a holiday without hanging out at the mall, there are various shopping centres located around Dublin.
- Blanchardstown Centre, Dublin 15 (39 and 70 bus routes).
- Liffey Valley, Dublin 22 (bus routes 25, 25A, 66, 66A, 67A,78, 78A, 210 and 239).
- The Square Tallaght, Dublin 24 (last stop on the red Luas).
- 12 Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin 14 (Served by the Luas green line), ✉[email protected]. The largest shopping centre in Europe with 4 floors and a range of impressive shops such as Marks and Spencer, Harvey Nichols and more.
- 13 Harvey Nichols, Sandyford Road, Dublin 16 (Near the Luas green line). M-Tu 10:00-19:00, W-F 10:00-21:00, Sa 10:00-19:00, Su 11:00-19:00. An upmarket British department store chain housing some of the world's most exclusive designer names in fashion, accessories, beauty and food and is located in Dundrum Town Centre, in the Pembroke district.
- There is fairly extensive duty-free shopping at The Loop Duty-Free, Dublin Airport, at prices sometimes cheaper than the rest of the city.
Eat
Dublin has a wide range of good quality restaurants, most of which are seen as overpriced by European standards. Main course prices range from around €10 at the lower end up to around €40 at the higher end. Wine in restaurants is generally marked up from its already expensive retail price by a factor of at least two and three times retail price would not be uncommon.
There are many excellent value Indian restaurants around the South William Street area, parallel to Grafton Street. These often have reasonable priced lunch and 'early bird' deals, offering three course meals for around €10. Quality is high but not on a par with UK.
A similar multi-cultural hotspot is Parnell Street in Dublin 1 (O'Connell Street-Gardiner Street), which has a dense concentration of Chinese and Asian restaurants extensively frequented by the ex-pat communities.
In Dublin, there has been a rise in Mexican, Indian and ergonomically-designed eateries as restaurants, to reflect the hipster demographic. Many of the Indian and Mexican restaurants are small businesses.
Budget
- 1 Bewley's Café, 78 Grafton St D02 K033, ☏ 353 1 564 0900. M-F 12:00-17:30, Sa Su 11:00-17:30. Grand stylish coffee shop, a Dublin institution. It's had some famous regular customers, from Joyce to Geldof, but they'll make you feel just as important.
- 2 BóBós, 22 Wexford St D02 YW98, ☏ 353 1 400 5750. Daily 12:00-00:00. Chain of burger restaurants (Bó is Irish for cow), they have three other city outlets.
- 3 Butlers Chocolate Café, 24 Wicklow Street D02 R981, ☏ 353 1 671 0591. M-F 08:00-18:00, Sa 09:00-18:00, Su 10:00-18:00. Chain of chocolate-themed cafes, Wicklow Street is the original outlet. There are three others in city centre, plus airside in T1 and T2 at the airport. They also ship orders.
- Govinda's, 83 Middle Abbey St D01 EV91, ☏ 353 1 872 7463. M-Sa 12:00-20:00, Su 12:00-19:00. Hare Krishna-run vegetarian restaurant. Filling portions, only order their Special if you're really hungry. Their original outlet on Aungier St has closed.
- 4 Honest To Goodness, 12 Dame Court D02 YP65, ☏ 353 1 633 7727. M-F 08:00-17:00, Sa 09:00-17:00, Su 10:00-16:00. Cafe Bakery does good breakfasts and lunch.
- 5 Lemon Crèpe & Coffee Company, 66 South William St D02 FT51, ☏ 353 1 672 9044. M-F 08:00-17:00, Sa Su 09:00-17:00. Good value filled crèpes, they also do waffles and sandwiches.
- 6 Leo Burdock, 2 Werburgh St D08 HC82, ☏ 353 1 454 0306. Daily 12:00-00:00. Chain of fish & chips shops, this is Christchurch outlet. Takeaway only, flop down on a bench outside the Cathedral and scoff. Large portions.
- 7 Madina Street Food, 60 Mary St D01 CD40, ☏ 353 1 872 6007. Daily 17:00-21:00. Indian & Pakistani food, halal cuisine, no alcohol. They earned good reviews until 2020 but a string of bad ones since.
- 8 Pablo Picante, 131 Lower Baggot St D02 Y237, ☏ 353 1 662 9773, ✉[email protected]. M-F 12:00-20:00. Small friendly Mexican eatery, eat in or takeaway to nearby St Stephen's Green. They also have outlets at Clarendon Market, Ashton Quay and Dawson St.
- 9 Zaytoon, 44 Lower Camden St (opposite Bleeding Horse Pub), ☏ 353 1 400 5006. Daily 12:00-04:00. Casual Persian restaurant with kebabs etc. They also have a fast-food cafe in Temple Bar (corner of Parliament St and Essex St).
Mid-range
- 10 Bad Ass Café, 9-11 Crown Alley D02 ED77, ☏ 353 1 675 3005. M-Th 12:00-23:30, F 12:00-01:30, Sa Su 09:00-01:30. Modern pub and entertainment venue for US-themed food, plus trad Irish beer and live music.
- 11 Balfes Brasserie & Bar, Balfe Street, ☏ 353 1 646 3353, ✉[email protected]. Mon-Fri 08:00-late, Sat-Sun: 10:00-late. 20 seater outdoor terrace, zinc covered bar and open kitchen serving steak, prawns and whole fish roasted on a charcoal grill, while fresh oysters, ceviche, seaweed cured Gravlax and Castletownbere crab, make up the seafood offering. The all-day dining menu offers healthy breakfasts, leisurely lunches and dinner using the best of Irish seafood and quality meat. Fresh local produce goes into creating Balfes’ salads, weekend brunches, juices and cocktails.
- 12 Bar Italia (part of Dunne & Crescenzi), Ormond Quay, Dublin 1. Real Italian coffee with mostly Italian staff. Excellent panini and antipasto. Good value place with great atmosphere. Lunch €15, set lunch €23-25, dinner €15-26.
- 13 Cornucopia, 19-20 Wicklow St D02 FK27, ☏ 353 1 677 7583, ✉[email protected]. M-F 09:30-20:00, Sa Su 10:30-20:00. Smart modern restaurant for vegetarian, vegan and other wholefood options.
- 14 Dunne & Crescenzi, 16 South Frederick St D02 RK68, ☏ 353 1 677 3815. Daily 10:30-23:00. Smart trattoria, rightly popular so get there early.
- 15 Elephant & Castle, 18 Temple Bar D02 HY86, ☏ 353 1 533 7563. Daily 12:00-22:00. Famous and popular for its chicken wings, you could have a very long wait for a table Saturday lunchtime. It's now a national chain but this is the original outlet. Mains €15-25.
- FX Buckley Steakhouse, 2 Crow St D08 N228, ☏ 353 1 671 1248. Tu-F 16:00-22:30, Sa Su 12:30-21:00. Quality steaks in a friendly and comfortable restaurant. Plus other meat and seafood, but not much for veggies.
- 16 Gallagher's Boxty House, 20 Temple Bar, Dublin 2. Good traditional Irish fare and not too expensive (mains €10-15). (A boxty is a traditional Irish potato pancake filled and rolled up—try it!). Also try the Irish stew and the chowder. Small, friendly, traditional Irish decor.
- Peploe's, 16 St Stephen's Green D02 KF34, ☏ 353 1 676 3144. Tu-Sa 12:00-23:00, Su 12:00-21:00. Excellent basement wine bar and bistro.
- 17 Salamanca, 1 St Andrews St D02 R856, ☏ 353 1 677 4799. M-Th 16:00-21:30, F Sa 12:00-23:00, Su 13:00-21:00. Good value, tasty and substantial tapas, sized more like raciones, priced around €6-8.
- 18 T.P. Smiths, 9-10 Jervis Street, Dublin 1. Very good pub food, also handy to stop in if you're shopping around the Henry Street area. Food served until 21:00. Mains €11-15.
Splurge
- 19 Bang Restaurant, 11 Merrion Row D02 KW61, ☏ 353 1 400 4229. W-F 12:30-14:30, 17:00-22:00, Sa 17:00-23:00. A great cosmopolitan menu. Not cheap, but food and presentation is excellent.
- 20 Brasserie Sixty6, 66-67 South Great Georges Street D02 YD61, ☏ 353 1 400 5878, ✉[email protected]. M-F 12:00-22:00, Sa Su 10:00-22:00. Large, stylish modern European restaurant gets good reviews for food, service and atmosphere. €20-40.
- 21 Fire Steakhouse, Mansion House, Dawson Street D02 AF30, ☏ 353 1 676 7200. Su-Th 17:00-23:00, F Sa 13:00-23:00. Casual dining restaurant in the former Supper Room of the Lord Mayor.
- 22 L'Gueuleton, 1 Fade St, Dublin 2 (behind Hogan's Bar). It is consistently rated by food critics as one of the top five restaurants in Dublin, but it has a no reservations policy and their low prices makes it hugely popular for lunch and dinner. Three course lunch with wine yesterday was €40 per head. Don't worry about the no-reservations policy - put your name on the list and have a pint in the Market Bar or Hogan's.
- 23 Kites, 15-17 Ballsbridge Terrace D04 H683, ☏ 353 1 660 7415. W-Su 17:00-21:30. Chinese, predominantly Cantonese, also in Szechuan, Peking and Thai style, gets great reviews.
- 24 Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, 21 Upper Merrion St D02 KF79, ☏ 353 1 676 4192. Tu-Sa 12:20-14:00, 19:00-22:00. Expensive but outstanding restaurant.
- Purple Sage Restaurant is within Talbot Hotel Stillorgan, see Sleep.
- 25 Roly's Bistro, 7 Ballsbridge Terrace D04 DT78, ☏ 353 1 668 2611. Daily 09:00-20:00. Lively bistro offering set menus. lunch €28, dinner €35.
- 26 Unicorn Food Company, 12b Merrion Row, Dublin 2. Take-away deli with eat-in cafe next door. Sandwiches €4-5 or a range of Italian delights - pasta, lasagna, pizza, salads. Sometimes good cakes €2.50-€2.85. The deli is attached to the well-respected Unicorn Italian restaurant down the lane beside the deli (open for lunch and dinner). Dinner €25-32.
Drink
No visit to Dublin would be complete without a visit to one (or ten) of its many pubs (last count says there are over 600 pubs).
Drinking is relatively expensive: a pint of stout costs around €4.50 and up, while lager costs around €4.90 and up. However, the government gave a tax break to microbrewed beer in the December 2004 budget, this had a slight effect on prices in brewpubs. There are pubs in Dublin offering cheaper drinks, if you are willing to go off the beaten trail or ask other patrons for suggestions. Beer tends to be more expensive around the Temple Bar area, due to the increased tourist flow, and will be cheaper in more traditional styled pubs.
Pubs serve drinks until 23:30 with some drinking-up time allowed. Many bars have late licenses allowing them to serve up to 02:30, although this usually means a cover charge or price increases after 23:30.
Smoking has been illegal in Irish pubs (as well as all indoor workplaces) since March 2004. This has had the positive side effect of increasing al fresco facilities.
The Temple Bar that people often speak of is an area that used to be a sand bar, not an actual bar. (Originally, anyway; there is a pub called "The Temple Bar" in Temple Bar.) The Temple Bar district has a mixture of food, drink, shopping and music. It appeals to all ages, but is a hot spot for tourists. The narrow, cobble stoned streets gives it an original feeling within the heart of the city. Its central location also makes it easy to walk to from Dublin's Centre. However, late night revellers tend to make it an unpleasant place to be after dark. It can be taken over by drunken stag and boisterous hen parties, many who travel cheaply from the United Kingdom to avail of Temple Bar's delights.
Traditional Irish pubs
- 1 Peadar Kearney's, 64 Dame St, D02 RT72, ☏ 353 1 707 1890. M-Th 11:00-23:30, F Sa 11:00-00:30, Su 12:00-23:30. Named for Peadar Ó Cearnaígh (1883-1942) who penned Amhráin na bhFiann, Ireland's national anthem, and was uncle to the three Behans, authors and prolific drinkers all. The pub is a great spot for pre- and post-gig drinks next to Olympia Theatre, with a young crowd and live music from up and coming Irish trad bands. Mostly tourists here but a nice spot to talk to other visitors.
- 2 The Cobblestone, 77 North King St, Dublin 7. Easily Dublin's most famous Trad pub, situated in the North end of the famous Smithfield square this pub has had just about every single Irish Trad group play it. Trad sessions are nightly; expect a good mixed crowd.
- 3 Frank Ryans, 5 Queen St D07 D227, ☏ 353 89 217 3073. M-Th 16:00-23:30, F Sa 16:00-00:30, Su 12:00-23:00. A student favourite, this quaint pub keeps a traditional feel with a bit of a twist. Friendly bar staff and a highly mixed crowd of local students, law types, trendies and locals makes this a lively, fun spot for a few drinks. Expect weekly trad nights interspersed with Rockabilly, Country and Soul on the jukebox.
- 4 O'Donoghue's, 15 Merrion Row, Dublin 2. Famous for impromptu live music. Where folk group The Dubliners were formed.
- 5 The Barge, 42 Charlemont St, Dublin 2 (Near St. Stephen's Green). Excellent pub food, great decor; a friendly traditional pub with very good food. Try the fish and chips, except get the wedges instead of the chips. Golden brown on the outside, crunchy, tender inside.
- 6 Hartigan's, 100 Leeson St Lower D02 W023, ☏ 353 1676 2280. M-Th 11:00-23:30, F 11:00-00:30, Sa 13:30-00:30. Popular student bar, as a result occasionally raucous. Good option after international rugby matches.
- 7 The Brazen Head, 20 Bridge Street Lower, Dublin 8. Possibly the oldest pub in Dublin but not the oldest pub in Ireland. Approximately a thousand years old. Wonderful on warm, dry summer nights during the rare occasions when they happen. Live traditional music and very friendly atmosphere. One of the bars is covered in signed currency notes, usually dollars, from people who wanted to leave their mark on the place. There is a large, heated open-air section enclosed within the centre of the building which is perfect for smokers. One of very few places in Dublin which serves the lesser known but very tasty Macardles brand of ale.
- 8 O'Shea's Merchant, 12 Bridge Street Lower, Dublin 8. Live traditional music and dancing.
- 9 Fallon's, 129 The Coombe, Dublin 8 (near St. Patrick's Cathedral). Small and friendly local pub.
- The Oval, 78 Middle Abbey St D01 RW24 (corner with O'Connell St, by tram crossing), ☏ 353 1 872 1264. M-Th 10:30-23:30, F Sa 10:30-00:30, Su 12:30-23:00. Good for drink and food, does an excellent Irish stew. Attracts a mixed age group. Lots of pictures of old Irish celebrities with a tribute to the Quiet Man.
- 10 Kavanagh's, 1 Prospect Square, Glasnevin, Dublin 9 (Near Glasnevin cemetery. About 10–15 minutes on bus from city centre, get the no 19/19A/13 from O'Connell St). This pub (popularly known as The Gravediggers because of its close proximity to the cemetery) has remained untouched for over 100 years with the only things altered being the beer taps and toilets. If you're looking for a real trad Irish pub, this is the place, really worth a visit.
- Bachelors Inn, Bachelors Walk, Dublin 1 (next to bridge at foot of O'Connell St). Good pints of Guinness and a choice of batch or regular white bread on your toasted sandwich. Popular post GAA match pub with the Dublin crowd.
- 11 Bowe's Lounge Bar, 31 Fleet St D02 DF77, ☏ 353 1 671 4038. Daily 12:00-00:30. Victorian pub with a huge selection of whiskey.
- 12 Mulligans, Poolbeg St, Dublin 2. Busy pub with great Guinness with plenty of history having been frequented by James Joyce among others.
- 13 Nancy Hands, 30-32 Parkgate St D08 W6X3, ☏ 353 1 677 0149. Su-Th 12:00-23:30, F Sa 12:00-00:30. Family-friendly restaurant and bar near Phoenix Park, the National Museum at Collins Barracks, and Heuston railway station.
- 14 Ryan's (part of F.X. Buckley), 28 Parkgate St D08 CH93 (near Heuston Station), ☏ 353 1 677 6097. M-W 12:00-15:00, 17:00-22:00, Th-Sa 12:00-23:00, Su 12:30-22:00. Beautiful Victorian pub. A good place for a pint before getting a train out of Dublin.
- 15 Palace Bar, 21 Fleet St D02 H950, ☏ 353 1 671 7388. M-Th 10:30-23:30, F Sa 10:30-00:30, Su 12:30-23:30. Trad bar with interesting decor complete with "snug" (small private booth). Live music upstairs Wednesday and Saturday.
- 16 The Long Hall, 31 Georges St Great South, Dublin 2. Daily 12:00-23:30. Atmospheric bar with Victorian decor, nice window to sit and people watch. One of the last "long hall" bars in Ireland.
- 17 Kehoe's, 9 Anne St South D02 NY88, ☏ 353 1 677 8312. Daily 13:00-23:00. An excellent spot for a pint or a meal after a hectic days sight-seeing or shopping. Several snugs downstairs.
- 18 Kennedy's, 30/32 Westland Row, Dublin 2. Located to the rear of Trinity college, this traditional style pub serves good quality food and drink with plenty of friendly atmosphere. Also home to The Underground one of Dublin's newest and most intimate venues.
- O'Neill's, Suffolk St, Dublin 2 (facing Molly Malone statue). Excellent atmosphere in a Victorian style design. The also have great pub food. Carvery served 12:00-16:00 most days and till late weekends. Also has a good salad and sandwich bar. Price around €10 for carvery.
- 19 The Stag's Head, 1 Dame Court D02 TW84 (off Great Georges St), ☏ 353 1 679 3687. Daily 13:00-23:00. Trad Victorian pub, no TV, just great ales and conversation.
- 20 The Dawson Lounge, 25 Dawson St, Dublin 2. Dublin's (or Ireland's) smallest pub. You have to go to see what is meant. Twenty people and it is packed.
- 21 McDaids, 3 Harry Street (just off Grafton St right next to Westbury Hotel). Was a regular place for Oscar Wilde to ponder life.
- 22 Grogan's (Castle Lounge), 15 William St South D02 H336, ☏ 353 1 677 9320. M-Th 10:30-23:30, F Sa 10:30-00:30, Su 12:30-23:00. Wonderful trad pub, no music or TV. Great Guinness and a mixture of tourists and locals, with a hotchpotch of interesting art on the walls.
Modern
- 23 The Bailey, 1-4 Duke St D02 ET99, ☏ 353 1 670 4939. M-Th 11:30-23:00, F-Su 11:30-00:30. This swish bar attracts Dublin's belle-monde and celebs. Very busy on summer afternoons and evenings with a nice outdoor seating area.
- 24 The Lotts, 9 Liffey St Lower D01 E3F9, ☏ 353 1 872 7669. Su-Th 12:00-22:00, F Sa 12:00-23:00. Cafe bar, elegant interior with chandeliers, a marble bar and comfortable leather seating. Live music many nights. Small outside seating area.
- 25 The Market Bar, 14a Fade St, Dublin 2. Opened in 2005, large spacious bar, with murmur of conversation in the background, nice tapas restaurant with a good value menu.
- 26 The Odeon, Harcourt St, Dublin 2. This attractive bar at the top of Harcourt St is housed in a converted railway station; the new tram system has a stop directly outside.
- 27 Pygmalion, 59 South William St, Dublin 2 (in Powerscourt Townhouse shopping centre), ☏ 353 1 633 4522. Busy bar / restaurant with Med food, best book if you hope to eat.
- 28 Café en Seine, 39-40 Dawson St, Dublin 2. Typical, and not entirely unpleasant, example of a Dublin 'megapub'; includes tropical trees at the back. Very expensive.
- 29 The Globe, 11 South Great Georges St D02 V628, ☏ 353 1 671 1220. Daily 12:30-00:00. One of the original trendy bars to hit Dublin in the mid 90's. Still as cool as ever with one of Dublin's longest running clubs Ri-Ra in the basement - no cover charge for this.
Micro-breweries and brew-pubs
- 30 Against the Grain, 11 Wexford St D02 HY84, ☏ 353 1 470 5100. Daily 12:00-23:30. Owned by a Galway-based brewery, offers a wide variety of Irish micro-brews and world beers. Does not serve generic commercial beers on tap. A vibrant pub with an eclectic clientele.
- 31 The Bull and Castle (part of F.X. Buckley), 5-7 Lord Edward St, Dublin 2 (next to Christchurch). Very interesting gastropub which offers a beer hall a large selection of microbrewed and international beers. The range of beers available is not quite as extensive as The Porterhouse but it does give the option of 0.3, 0.5 and 1-litre beers. Make sure to try a Galway Hooker (a pale ale) and the Edinburgh-style deep fried Mars bar.
- 32 J.W. Sweetman (formerly Messrs Maguire), 1-2 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2. Spread over two stories on two buildings very near to O'Connell Bridge, they produce a very good stout quite different to Guinness, fresher and more complex, plus their own ale and lager. Also has good cafeteria-style lunch sets for around €10.
- 33 Porterhouse, 16-18 Parliament St D02 VR94, ☏ 353 1 679 8847. M-Th 16:00-22:00, F-Su 12:00-22:00. As well as good indigenous brews including an oyster stout, there's an extensive Belgian and international beer list. Also does reasonably priced food. Has sister pubs on Grafton St and in Bray and Phibsboro.
Bars
- 34 The Foggy Dew, 1 Fownes Street, Dublin 2 (Temple Bar, next to the Central Bank). Very popular bar with all kinds of people.
- 35 Bruxelles, 7 Harry Street D02 KX36 (next to Westbury Hotel), ☏ 353 1 677 5362. Daily 10:30-23:00. Lively bar founded in 1886 and popular with 20 and 30 year olds. Spread over 3 bars the music is loud and the atmosphere is excellent. A statue of the legend Phil Lynott (from Irish rock band Thin Lizzy) is outside. If you like metal, rock and indie music go downstairs.
- 36 The Duke, 9 Duke St D02 NR76, ☏ 353 1 679 9553. Daily 12:00-23:00. Great after-work bar and Fridays it's packed to the door.
- 37 O'Donoghues, 15 Suffolk Street D02 C671, ☏ 353 85 241 7790. Daily 10:30-23:30. A comfortable bar with live music and TV sport. It's also a hang-out spot for some of the city's most well-known musicians, actors and DJs.
- Fibber Magees, 80-81 Parnell Street D01 CK74, ☏ 353 1 872 2575. Daily 12:00-23:30. A heavy metal bar, handy for Rotunda Hospital.
- O'Reillys, Tara St Station, ☏ 353 1 671 6769. Tu-Th 16:00-23:30, F M 16:00-03:00, Sa 17:00-03:00, Su 17:00-23:00. Victorian Gothic pub beneath the DART station, with Hell Club Saturday late-night music.
Clubs
- The Button Factory, Curved St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2. One of Dublin's top clubs, the Button Factory, with a capacity of more than 700, hosts regular international acts. Formally known as The Temple Bar Music Centre, the venue has been renovated to give it some of the best acoustics in the capital, facilitating its hosting of left field live acts as well as its regular club nights. This is one of Dublin's top clubs which caters mainly for students but delivers on big names regularly such as The Bloody Beetroots, Digitalism, Erol Alkan and bands such as Shellac etc. Check their website for listings.
- The Workmans Club, 10 Wellington Quay, Dublin 2. The building, located on Wellington Quay (next door to the U2-owned Clarence Hotel), has existed on this site for over 160 years and from 1888 to 2003 and was the home of the original Workingmens Club. It was turned into a live entertainment venue in 2010. The venue is based over two floors and with a number of sections. The main live room is a 300 capacity venue and beside it is the venue bar. There are popular DJ's, varying in genre, on every night of the week, sometimes on in different rooms at the venue simultaneously and they usually spin until around 4am most nights.
- The Academy, Middle Abbey St, Dublin 1. This venue has changed its tune from Hot Press Hall Of Fame to Spirit nightclub. Now renamed The Academy it now doubles as both a live venue and a dance club. These guys go for the big obvious names such as David Morales and Jose Gonzalez. Their dot matrix sign outside the venue usually advertises upcoming events.
- Krystle, Harcourt St, Dublin 2. This club is a new haven for the nouveau riche and wannabe celebrities of Ireland. If you want to go C list celebrity spotting and doing some over the top posing with the D4 set, you'll be at home. For the regular visitor to Dublin, avoid, much better places on the list.
- 38 Copper Face Jacks (Slapper Face Jacks), Harcourt St, Dublin 2. This is a bizarre venue but what sets it aside from most other Dublin nights out is that if you want to hook up with singles, this the place for you. Known in the fine Dublin phrase as a Meat Market this night out is crammed with people desperate to score and getting more and more willing as they consume more booze. A popular place with country people as opposed to Dubliners, this venue is dark and seedy and a perfect place to get up to shenanigans. However, bear in mind because of its reputation there is often up to three boys there for every girl at weekends. This venue is owned by a retired Garda and is frequented by serving members of the force so an altercation in the men's room is not advised as you may be in more trouble than you think; also consider this if you are liable to seduce someone's new friend. A night's decent accommodation and entry into the club start at about €5-10 per person depending on the day, also free before midnight weekdays and 23:00 at the weekend: even with these prices, the club still made over €16m in 2008.
- The George, 89 South Georges St, Dublin 2, ☏ 353 1 478 2983. M 14:00-23:30, Tu-F 14:00-02:30 and Su 14:00-01:00. The oldest gay bar in Dublin. The crowd is mostly gay with late nights except on Mondays and Sundays. A wide variety of drag shows take place throughout the week. Wednesdays are "Space 'n' Veda" at 23:00, hosted by Veda and Davina Devine. Thursdays are "Thirsty Thursdays" hosted by Davina Devine. Saturdays (free in before 23:00 and €10 after) are "Saturgays & Beauty Spot Karaoke", hosted by Veda and Davina Devine and offering patrons the chance to sing karaoke on stage and win two bottles of beer - the winner wins a whole case of beer. Sundays (free in before 22:00 and €5 after) are "Bingo with Shirley Temple Bar", offering various prizes and occasionally very high grand prizes. The remaining nights have DJs with current or classic hits. Arrive early if you want seats as the venue fills up quite quickly, especially on Karaoke and Bingo nights. There is also a more pub-like section to the side of the main club (known as 'Jurassic Park' by gay Dubliners, as a joke about its patrons) catering to an older clientele.
Sleep
Camping
Dublin is not well-served for camping or caravaning. The nearest to the city centre is beyond the M50 to the southwest.
- 1 Camac Valley Caravan and Camping Park, Naas Rd, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 (10 km west of city on N7 Naas Rd), ☏ 353 1 464 0644, ✉[email protected]. Friendly well-run site on bus route to city. Car with tent or motorhome €25.
Budget
There are a huge number of youth hostels (mostly around €20 per night in dorm accommodation), bed & breakfasts (around €45 per person), and hotels (€50 per room). Cheaper accommodation is to be found around Dublin's main bus station, Busaras. South of the river is more expensive.
- 2 Abbington House, 30 St Annes Rd, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 (1 km north of centre near Croke Park), ☏ 353 1 444-1415, ✉[email protected]. Simple 3-star in north city. B&B double €70.
- Abraham's Hostel, 82-83 Lower Gardiner St, Dublin 1, ☏ 353 1 855 0600, ✉[email protected]. This is a passable budget hostel, very central. It has lukish 'hot' water, and each room has one key that you share with the other occupants (whether you know them or not). Dorm €20 ppn.
- 3 Almara, 226 Collins Avenue West, Whitehall, Dublin 9 (5 km northeast of centre), ☏ 353 1 851 0512, ✉[email protected]. Long-established B&B in north city, gets good guest reviews.
- Anchor House Dublin, 49 Lower Gardiner St, Dublin 1, ☏ 353 1 878 6913, ✉[email protected]. Central simple B&B. Friendly helpful staff, mostly. B&B double €160.
- 4 Ashling House, 168 Drumcondra Rd, Dublin 9, ☏ 353 1 837-0300, ✉[email protected]. Guesthouse in leafy Drumcondra. Decent rooms but it's not a B&B. Double (room only) €120.
- Avondale House, 41 Lower Gardiner St, Dublin 1, ☏ 353 1 874-5200, ✉[email protected]. Basic B&B accommodation (few en suite) in city center.
- Backpackers Citi Hostel, 61/62 Gardiner St, Dublin 1, ☏ 353 1 855-0035, ✉[email protected]. Very basic hostel, central, and only as clean as its worst recent occupant. Dorm bunk €15.
- Barnacles Hostel, 19 Temple Lane, Dublin 2, ☏ 353 1 671 6277, fax: 353 1 671-6591, ✉[email protected]. Bright and spacious. Clean and nicely laid out ensuite dorms and doubles with in-room storage. Young and helpful staff. Dorm bunk from €50 ppn.
- Times Hostels Camden Place, 8-9 Camden Place, Dublin 2, ☏ 353 1 475-8588. Friendly and clean backpackers hostel. 24-hour reception, free Wi-Fi/Internet, breakfast, tea/coffee, big kitchen to cook in, international land line calls, lounge with TV, outside terrace, artist's gallery and more. Has dorms & private doubles both with en suite or shared bathrooms. Dorm bunk €50 ppn.
- DCU Summer Rooms, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, ☏ 353 1 700-5736. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Dublin City University's accommodation is open to the public from June - September. There are three types of accommodation. All have en suite rooms. Hot buffet breakfast is also available. Swimming pool and gym (additional fee) on campus. €36 - 89.
- Glen Guesthouse, 84 Lower Gardiner St, Dublin 1 (less than 5 minutes walk to O'Connell St), ☏ 353 1 855 1374, ✉[email protected]. Remote control colour TV, direct dial telephone, tea & coffee-making facilities, power showers, en-suite.
- Jacobs Inn Hostel, 21-28 Talbot St, Dublin 1 (100 m from bus & railway stations), ☏ 353 1 855 5660, ✉[email protected]. Nice, clean budget hostel with keycard security. A sister to Isaac Hostel. Ensuite shower and bathroom as well as an additional washroom at the end of each hall. The bunks are pods so there's extra privacy. Pod €22 ppn.
- Kinlay House, 2-12 Lord Edward St, Dublin 2 (One block south of river), ☏ 353 1 679-6644. Central yet quiet hostel. Open 24 hr a day with keycard entry to the room. Staff friendly and helpful. Dorm €40 ppn.
- Lyndon House, 26 Gardiner St, Dublin 1. Basic 2-star near the James Joyce Museum and the Custom House.
- Maple Hotel, 74/75 Lower Gardiner St, Dublin 1 (four blocks east of O'Connell St Upper), ☏ 353 1 855 5442, ✉[email protected]. Basic 2-star, showing its age, no lift to upper floors.
- Times Hostels College St, 8 College St, Dublin 2, ☏ 353 1 675 3652. Decent backpackers' hostel, very central, some noise from bars & clubs nearby. Another branch at Camden Place near St Stephen's Green. Dorm bunk €60 ppn.
- Townhouse Hotel, 47- 48 Lower Gardiner St, Dublin 1 (200 m from bus station), ☏ 353 1 878-8808, ✉[email protected]. Decent 3-star in central north-side location. Parking available, private garden.
- 5 Travelodge Dublin City Centre, Lower Rathmines Rd, Dublin 6 (2 km south of centre), ☏ 353 1 491 1402, fax: 353 1 496-7688, ✉[email protected]. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Reliable chain 3-star, though not exactly "city centre". B&B double €80.
- Trinity College (May to mid-September only), Various locations on the Trinity College campus, ☏ 353 1 896-1177 ext 1497. Summer accommodation at Trinity College is available in single, double or apartment-style accommodation (some with en suite). The continental breakfast is very generous. Campus security may be frustrating for guests who stay out late as there are limited access points into Trinity College after midnight, which can result in a long walk from the main gate to some of the residences. From €60.
- Generator Dublin, Smithfield Square (A block east of Queen St), ☏ 353 1 901 0222, ✉[email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 10:00. Design-led hostel. Open social spaces but also a bar and a café to its guests. There are male and female shared rooms that come with all facilities, plus prrivate rooms. Group bookings and private hires available. Dorm bunk from €14 ppn.
Mid-range
- Abbey Hotel, 52 Middle Abbey St, Dublin 1 (2 blocks north of Liffey), ☏ 353 1 872-8188. Central 3-star, vfm facilities, some noise, and breakfast kinda basic. B&B double €170.
- Albany House, 84 Harcourt St, Dublin 2 (100 m south of St Stephens Green), ☏ 353 1 475-1092. Good central 3-star, some noise in street-facing rooms. Shower & taps take 5 min to run hot, keep running & have faith. B&B double €230.
- Ariel House, 50-54 Lansdowne Rd, Ballsbridge D04 DD27 (by Aviva Stadium), ☏ 353 1 668 5512. Very comfy welcoming B&B near Aviva stadium. No dogs. B&B double €100.
- Baggot Court Townhouse, 92 Lower Baggot St, Dublin 2 (200 m south of Merrion Sq), ☏ 353 1 661 2819. Decent 3-star Georgian townhouse. B&B double €240.
- Barry's Hotel, 2 Great Denmark St, Dublin 1, ☏ 353 1 874-9407, ✉[email protected]. Central 2-star, all rooms en suite, tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi. B&B double €200.
- Belvedere Hotel, Great Denmark St, Dublin 2 (a block back from Frederick St), ☏ 353 1 873-7700. Decent 3 star, but a lot of construction noise in vicinity in early 2019. B&B double €230.
- Clayton Hotel, Merrion Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 (3 km south of centre), ☏ 353 1 668 1111, ✉[email protected]. Splendid 3-star in 19th-century school building. B&B double €230.
- Buswells Hotel, 23-27 Molesworth St, Dublin 2 (corner with Kildare St, 100 m south of TCD College Park), ☏ 353 1 614-6500, ✉[email protected]. Georgian three-star hotel, small rooms but friendly staff, good location. B&B double from €200.
- Castle Hotel, Great Denmark St, Dublin 1 (2 min from O'Connell St), ☏ 353 1 874-6949. Georgian hotel with 130 bedrooms all en suite, free Wi-Fi, TV, tea & coffee facilities and hairdryer. Restaurant & bar with live Irish music every weekend. B&B double €80.
- Dublin Citi Hotel, 46-49 Dame St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 (next to Central Bank), ☏ 353 1 679-4455, ✉[email protected]. 3 star in busy central location, all rooms en suite. Hotel also has the Trinity Bar and Havanna nightclub. B&B double €250.
- Handel's Hotel, 16-18 Fishamble St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 (off Dame St), ☏ 353 1 670 9404. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Central 3-star in the west end of Temple Bar. B&B double €200.
- Fitzwilliam Townhouse, 41 Upper Fitzwilliam St, Dublin 2 (200 m south of Merrion Square), ☏ 353 1 662-5155. Georgian house with many original features. All room en-suite with free Wi-Fi. Decent 3 star, you're paying 4-star rates for the great location. B&B double €250.
- Fleet Street Hotel, 19-20 Fleet St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, ☏ 353 1 670-8124. Central 3-star, most rooms comfy, some a bit worn. B&B double €120.
- Grafton Guest House, 26-27 South Great George's St, Dublin 2 (corner with Fade St), ☏ 353 1 679 2041, fax: 353 1 677 9715, ✉[email protected]. In a 112-year-old Victorian Gothic style building but with generic modern interiors. Some visitors report that reception is next door at Kelly's, it's not clear if this is a permanent arrangement. B&B double €150.
- Jurys Inn. Mid-range chain with three locations:
Jurys Inn Christchurch, facing Christ Church Cathedral and Temple Bar;
Jurys Inn Custom House Quay, in the International Financial Services Centre near Connolly station just north of Liffey;
Jurys Inn Parnell St, junction with Granby Row. All 3 B&B double €120. - Kildare Street Hotel, 47-49 Kildare St, Dublin 2 (Corner of Nassau Street near Trinity College), ☏ 353 1 679-4643, ✉[email protected]. Simple mid-range hotel in old building on 3 floors with no lift. Blarney Inn pub and Club Nassau are also part of this hotel. B&B double €170.
- Maldron Parnell Square Hotel, Parnell Square West, Dublin 1 (corner of Dorset St & Granby Row), ☏ 353 1 871-6800, ✉[email protected]. Clean welcoming 3-star hotel, but a lot of construction noise in early 2019. Not to be confused with the Maldron at the airport. Room only double €89.
- Morehampton Townhouse, 78 Morehampton Rd, Donnybrook, Dublin 4 (10 mins on bus 38 from Trinity College), ☏ 353 1 668-8866. Check-out: 11:00. 3-star with all 22 room en suite, wi-fi, car parking. B&B double from €70.
- Portobello Hotel, 33 South Richmond St, Dublin 2 (500 m south of St Stephen's Green), ☏ 353 1 475 2715, ✉[email protected]. 2-star, many rooms have views onto the Grand Canal. B&B double from €70.
- River House Hotel, 23 - 24 Eustace St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 (Center of Temple Bar on Eustace St), ☏ 353 1 670 7655, ✉[email protected]. 2-star in the centre of Temple Bar. B&B double from €70.
- Sandymount Hotel (formerly Mount Herbert Hotel), Herbert Rd, Lansdowne Rd, Dublin 4, ☏ 353 1 614 2000. A three-star hotel in the Sandymount and Ballsbridge area next to AVIVA Stadium. Nice classic building and good size rooms equipped with large bathrooms makes it good value. The bar is great and there is a nice patio area overlooking the hotel's garden. Free Wi-Fi, conference facilities, and the staff are friendly and approachable. B&B double from €100.
- 6 Talbot Hotel Stillorgan, Stillorgan Rd, Blackrock A94 V6K5 (5 km south of city centre, take bus 145 or 46a), ☏ 353 1 200 1800. Upmarket hotel with spa, restaurant, bar, free wifi and free car park. B&B double from €180.
- Clarence Hotel, 6-8 Wellington Quay. Owned by Bono and The Edge from Irish band U2, buzzing happening sort of place... code for, you may get a lot of noise from Temple Bar, and "cool" means the showers are a tad lukeish. Overall it's a good central 4-star for 5-star prices: you're paying for the rock associations. B&B double €230.
- Waterloo Lodge, 23 Waterloo Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 (2 km south of centre, take Bus 39a), ☏ 353 1 668 5380. 3-star in quiet area. All 20 guest rooms are en-suite and free car parking is available. B&B double €180.
- Waterloo House, 8-10 Waterloo Rd, Ballsbridge, ☏ 353 1 660 1888. Pleasant B&B in quiet area. No dogs. B&B double €200.
- Aspect Hotel Parkwest, Nangor Road Park D12 F2V4 (in the Park West Business Campus), ☏ 353 1 642 9100, ✉[email protected].
- Premier Suites Dublin Sandyford, The Forum, Ballymoss Road Sandyford Industrial Estate, ☏ 353 1 292 0200, ✉[email protected].
- 7 Maldron Hotel Smithfield, Smithfield Market (Luas Red Line, Smithfield Stop), ☏ 353 1 485 0900, ✉[email protected]. Rooms feature free Wi-Fi, tea- and coffee-making equipment, and flat-screen TVs with DVD players. 92 rooms including family rooms, sleeping up to 6 people. €79.
Splurge
- InterContinental Dublin, Simmonscourt Rd, Dublin 4 (Ballsbridge 2 km south of centre), ☏ 353 1 665-4000. 5-star, gets great reviews for comfort and service. B&B double €420.
- Hampton Hotel, 29 Morehampton Rd, Donnybrook, Dublin 4 (2 km south of centre on bus route to Donnybrook), ☏ 353 1 668-0995. Four-star boutique hotel. Original Georgian building with stylish interior design. Downstairs bar is noisy, pick an upper floor for quiet. B&B double €150.
- Hilton Dublin, Charlemont Place, Dublin 2 (1 km south of centre, take tram to Charlemont), ☏ 353 1 402-9988. Pleasant, modern hotel, clean and quiet. B&B double €300.
- Morrison Hotel, Ormond Quay, Dublin 1 (just north of Liffey near Millennium Bridge), ☏ 353 1 887-2400. Comfortable stylish hotel, central for sights. Part of Hilton chain. B&B double €300.
- Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Golden Lane, Dublin 8, ☏ 353 1 898-2900. Five-star hotel, functional modern building, swish comfy interior and very centrally located. B&B double €350.
- Radisson Blu St Helen's Hotel, Stillorgan Rd, Blackrock (5 km south of city centre in St Helen's Wood), ☏ 353 1 218-6000. 5-star in grand old mansion in southern suburbs, on bus route to centre. B&B double from €300.
- The Morgan, 10 Fleet St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 (off Westmoreland St). Stylish accommodation in standard rooms, suites or penthouse apartments. All characterised by clean, modern design. B&B double from €200.
- The Shelbourne, 27 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, ☏ 353 1 663-4500. Five-star hotel overlooking Stephen's Green in the centre of Dublin. Fine old building dating to early 19th century, generally comfortable, but staff sometimes rushed and overloaded. Part of the Marriott chain. B&B double from €750.
- 8 Alex Hotel (O'Callaghan Alexander), 41-47 Fenian St, D02 H678 (between Trinity College and the Twitter Dublin office, near Grafton Street), ☏ 335 1 607 3700.
- Spencer Hotel Dublin City (The Spencer), Excise Walk, IFSC, Dublin 1, ☏ 353 1 4338800. Chic, luxurious five-star hotel in the docklands. The quay outside is busy, rooms at the back are quieter. B&B double from €160.
- 9 Mont Hotel (O'Callaghan Mont Clare), 1-4 Merrion Street Lower, Dublin 2, ☏ 353 01 6073800, ✉[email protected]. A 4-star, boutique hotel.
- 10 Green Hotel (Stephens Green Hotel), 1-5 Harcourt St, Saint Peter's, Dublin 2, ☏ 353 01 607 3600, ✉[email protected]. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. A 4-star, boutique hotel near the St. Stephen's Green park and near to Grafton Street.
- 11 Davenport Hotel (O'Callaghan Davenport), 8-10 Merrion Street Lower, ☏ 353 01 607 3500, ✉[email protected]. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. The splendour of Georgian Dublin reimagined with the best of 21st-century facilities.
Airport
Dublin Airport is north of the city near the town of Swords. Hotels listed here are so close to the airport that you'd travel that way to reach them, even if you weren't flying, and many inter-city buses run via the airport. Those closer to Swords town centre are listed on that page along with other amenities: they're much cheaper than their airport or city centre equivalents.
- Carlton Hotel, Old Airport Rd, Cloghran (500 m south of airport). 4-star hotel with free bus transfer to the airport. Bar-food menu and a restaurant on the top floor. B&B double from €90.
- 12 Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport, Stockhole Lane, Swords, Co. Dublin (At jcn M50 / M1 exit for R139 Malahide, don't take airport off-ramp), ☏ 353 1 871 1000, ✉[email protected]. Convenient three-star hotel with free shuttle bus service to the airport. B&B double €250.
- 13 Holiday Inn Express Dublin Airport, Northwood Park, Santry Demesne, Dublin 9, ☏ 353 1 862-8866. Modern hotel on the road to the airport, adjacent to the Crowne Plaza. Free airport shuttle every 30-60 min, wired internet, good continental buffet breakfast. No gym. Buses 16A/33/41 pass nearby, but it's at least 30 min to city centre. €79.
- Maldron Hotel is within the airport complex, B&B double from €150. Not to be confused with the city centre Maldron Hotel.
- Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport (formerly Great Southern), Dublin Airport (200 m east of T2), ☏ 353 1 844-6000. Four-star accommodation within the airport complex just minutes from the passenger terminals. B&B double €240.
Stay safe
Dublin is generally a very safe city during the day by American and European standards but can be an intimidating place on weekend nights. As in most other large cities, a few crimes against the person, such as muggings, unprovoked attacks, and robberies, have been known to occur in Dublin. Treat Dublin as you would other Western cities, and be sensible: never walk in poorly-lit areas at night, especially alone. As Dublin centre is relatively compact, be aware that walking a few blocks can take you into some bad areas. Areas where crimes against foreigners have occurred include Rialto and western parts of the North Circular Road. Be especially vigilant or preferably avoid walking around the city centre altogether after bar closing times on weekends (02:30 - 03:00) when very drunk people looking to take advantage of other drunk people roam the streets and when violent behaviour and crime are most likely to occur. Most homicides in the city are gang related.
Never be afraid to approach Gardaí (police officers) to ask for help or directions – it is their job to help. If you do get into trouble somehow and fear for your safety (which is very rare) and cannot find a Garda officer, head to the nearest establishment such as a bar or shop where you will be safe. Call the emergency services on "999" or 112, free from any phone, and ask for the relevant service. If you have no phone, ask anyone working in a shop or bar to call the police for you, and the employee will gladly assist. Also, most doormen and bouncers in pubs will gladly call the police for you if you explain your situation.
Area information
- Avoid the Boardwalk and Lower Abbey Street as a large number of drug addicts hang around these areas due to nearby drug rehabilitation centres.
- The area around Temple Bar is both an attraction for tourists and for pickpockets. Be aware of your surroundings.
- Most suburbs on all sides of the city are very safe, but there are a few rough areas, mostly on the Northern and Western peripheries of the city, which are seldom visited by tourists but might warrant some caution. Nonetheless, those interested in urban regeneration may find a visit to Ballymun (home to Ireland's most well known tower-blocks as well as Swedish furniture superstore IKEA) and Tallaght (a historic village that was developed into a 70,000-strong residential suburb) of interest.
People
- You will see a wide variety of buskers and street performers, these are normal people just plying their trade; they are usually very helpful for directions and appreciate your donations. (Busking and street performance is an old and vibrant part of Irish culture, and there is nothing unusual or unsavory about a person playing an instrument or performing in a public place even in the small hours of the morning. So approach and appreciate these talented and friendly individuals. Be aware that it is considered rude to photograph a street performer without tipping.)
- If people approach you on the street, they could indeed be people just looking for directions, charity workers looking for donations, or people simply looking for a cigarette lighter. Be aware that Dublin people are usually open and unlike big cities like London or New York, talking to complete strangers is a common and regular occurrence.
- If someone who appears to be drunk, under the influence of drugs or a habitual drug user, approaches you asking if they can talk to you for a moment, it is wise to keep walking (although expect drunk people to talk to you in a pub as it is common). These people may simply ask you for a cigarette or some money for a bus, but be aware that most Dubliners, even if they have no money, would never ask a stranger for money or cigarettes (although asking for a light for a cigarette is common). There are several scams being used on unaware tourists and locals alike so please be careful and use your judgement. If someone comes to you on the street, touches you, and asks you for something, say "no" or "sorry" and walk away. Again, locals will almost never behave like this so avoid people who do.
Traffic
- When driving, leave nothing valuable visible in your car, lock doors while driving through slow traffic in the city. There are plenty of taxis at all hours of the day and night, which are safe and usually friendly.
- Dublin has heavy traffic, and even if several of the locals tend to cross the road without having a green man, it is not recommended to follow this example. Hardly any of the cars slow down in front of zebra-crossings in busy and crowded streets.
- If you rent a bicycle, ensure you rent full safety wear (helmet and lights) failure to do so can (albeit rarely) result in fines. If possible, travel by foot or public transport is best.
- Care should also be used when taking some of the "Nitelink" buses that frequent the city as they, while often safe, have seen their fair share of trouble. Sit downstairs if possible, if only to avoid the more raucous singing, shouting, and post-drinking vomiting.
- Taxis are well regulated in Ireland, but many taxi drivers have been known to take longer routes when tourists are being carried, ask for the quickest route. If staying in a hotel or hostel your host may be able to help you acquire a reputable taxi.
- Be aware when crossing over roads where pedestrians have an official right of way sign, as these are frequently ignored by Dublin motorists particularly taxis, also beware than unlike a lot of European cities, Dublin cyclists will nonchalantly cycle on footpaths. This often happens even when there is also a cycle lane right beside the path, something that, in turn, is frequently ignored by the Gardai.
Cope
Medical
You should only go to the hospital if you're too ill to go there, so to speak. For immediate treatment of minor ailments try one of the Walk-in Medical Centres. The most central are at 16 Dame St D02 TD50 (M-F 09:30-18:30, Sa 11:00-17:00, Su 12:00-16:00) and at 71 Middle Abbey St D01 E7K5 (M-F 10:00-17:00, Sa 10:00-15:00). They're private so an EHIC card won't help. Expect to pay €60 for a consultation, plus the cost of any prescription or other treatment.
Embassies
Argentina, 15 Ailesbury Drive, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, ☏ 353 1 269 1546.
Australia, Level 3 47/49 St Stephen's Green, ☏ 353 1 664 5300, fax: 353 1 664 5384. M-F 08:30-16:30.
Austria, 93 Ailesbury Road, Dublin 4, ☏ 353 1 269 4577, ✉[email protected].
Belgium, 1 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, ☏ 353 1 631 5284, fax: 353 1 631 5283, ✉[email protected]. M-F 09:00-13:00 and 14:00-15:00.
Canada, 7-8 Wilton Terrace, Dublin 2, ☏ 353 1 234 4000.
Chile, 44 Wellington Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, ☏ 353 1 667 5094, fax: 353 1 667 5156, ✉[email protected].
China, 118 Merrion Road, Dublin 4, ☏ 353 1 219 6651.
Cuba, 32B Westland Square, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, ☏ 353 1 475 2999, ✉[email protected].
Denmark, 7th Floor, Block E, Iveagh Court, Harcourt Road, Dublin 2, ☏ 353 1 475 6404, fax: 353 1 478 4536. M-Th 09:00-16:30, F 09:00-16:00.
Finland, Russell House, Stokes Place St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, ☏ 353 1 478-1344, fax: 353 1 478-3727, ✉[email protected]. M-F 09:00-12:00 and 13:30-16:00.
France, 66 Fitzwilliam Lane, Dublin 2, ☏ 353 1 277 5000, fax: 353 1 277 5004.
Germany, 31 Trimleston Avenue, Booterstown, County Dublin, ☏ 353 1 269 3011, fax: 353 1 269 3800. M-Th 08:00-17:00, F 08:00-14:00.
Greece, 1 Upper Pembroke Street, Dublin 2, ☏ 353 1 676 7254, fax: 353 1 661 8892, ✉[email protected].
Hungary, 2 Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2, ☏ 353 1 661 2902, fax: 353 1 661 2880, ✉[email protected].
India, 6 Leeson Park, Dublin 6, ☏ 353 1 497 0843, 353 1 4966792, 353 899858536 (for emergencies).
Israel, Carrisbrook House, 122 Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, ☏ 353 1 230 9400, fax: 353 1 230 9446. M-F 10:00-13:00.
Italy, 63-65 Northumberland Road, Dublin 4, ☏ 353 1 660 1744.
Japan, 3rd Floor, Nutley Building, Merrion Centre, Nutley Lane, Dublin 4, ☏ 353 1 202 8300, fax: 353 1 283 8726. M-F 09:30-13:00 and 14:00-17:00.
Mexico, 19 Raglan Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, ☏ 353 1 667 3105, fax: 353 1 664 1013. M-F 09:00-18:00.
Netherlands, 160 Merrion Road, Dublin 4, ☏ 353 1 269 3444, fax: 353 1 283 9690, ✉[email protected].
Norway, 34 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, ☏ 353 1 662 1800, fax: 353 1 678 8796, ✉[email protected].
Pakistan, Ailesbury Villa 1-B, Ailesbury Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, ☏ 353 1 261 3023, fax: 353 1 261 3007, ✉[email protected].
Poland, 5 Ailesbury Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, ☏ 353 1 283 0855, fax: 353 1 269 8309, ✉[email protected].
Portugal, 70 Upper Leeson Street, Dublin 4, ☏ 353 1 669 9100. M-F 09:00-13:00.
Russia, 184-186 Orwell Road, Rathgar, Dublin 14, ☏ 353 1 1492 2048, fax: 353 1 1492 3525, ✉[email protected].
South Africa, Alexandra House 2nd Floor, Earlsfort Centre, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, ☏ 353 1 661 5590, fax: 353 1 661 5582.
South Korea, 15 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, ☏ 353 1 660 8800.
Spain, 17A Merlyn Park, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, ☏ 353 1 269 1649, fax: 353 1 269 1854, ✉[email protected].
Switzerland, 6Ailesbury Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, ☏ 353 1 218 6382, fax: 353 1 283 0344, ✉[email protected].
United Kingdom, 29 Merrion Road, Dublin 4, ☏ 353 1 205 3700.
United States, 42 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, ☏ 353 1 668-8777.
Connect
As of March 2021, most of the city has 5G from all Irish carriers. Some suburbs have 5G only from Eir, with a 4G signal from Three and Vodafone.
Dublin City Libraries, Ilac Centre, Henry St, Dublin 1. There's free wifi and internet access throughout the network of branch libraries. You'll need to register as a user to access.
Go next
Almost all of Ireland is within 2-3 hours travel from Dublin, and the transport routes converge on the city. Those listed here are all within two hours and could be done as a day-trip.
- County Dublin
- Dalkey and Killiney — in the south are upmarket neighbourhoods and home to such celebrities as Bono and Enya, among others. A walk up Vico Road to take in the view is a must-do. Killiney Hill is beautiful, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Dublin Mountains. Get here by DART.
- Blackrock or Dun Laoghaire — in the south and accessible by bus or DART, are also worth a visit.
- Howth — a peninsula (14km/9 mi from the city centre) very nice for a scenic seaside walk - the whole tour takes about 2–3 hr. There are boat trips to the island of Ireland's Eye, with gannets, puffins, fulmars, cormorants and a ruined Martello Tower.
- Malahide and Skerries — are all great seaside locations to spend an afternoon. Malahide has a beautiful Castle (including extra doors for the ghost) in a Park and is a nice little village with harbour, beach, estuary and lots of restaurants. You can also take a 20- to 30-minute walk along the coast up to Portmarnock beach (a 5 km long beach).
- County Meath
- Brú Na Bóinne Archaeological Park — the megalithic tombs of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth are the most important archaeological sites in Ireland and are listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. The site is 50 km (30 mi) north of Dublin on the banks of the Boyne.
- County Wicklow — Within easy reach to the south of Dublin, is known as 'the garden of Ireland' and has good hill-walking and some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.
- Enniskerry — for the gardens in the Powerscourt Estate and the highest waterfall in Ireland
- Glendalough — for the monastic village, round tower and lakes
- County Kildare — directly west of Dublin and some of Dublin's outer suburbs are here e.g. Naas and Maynooth. The Curragh racecourse is in County Kildare, south west of Dublin, about 50 km (30 mi) from the city. The K Club in Kildare was the venue for the 2006 Ryder Cup in golf.
- County Carlow — Boasts some fine architecture - with its courthouse from the mid-1800s and its Cathedral which was completed in 1833.
- County Laois — Located 1 h southwest of Dublin. The county is dotted with sleepy villages, slow-moving rivers and rolling hills.
- Port Laoise — has a cobbled main street with independent eateries, Georgian architecture and small pubs
- Kilkenny — Ireland's medieval capital, is a bustling heritage city with a thriving arts scene. 1 h 40 min by train from Dublin.
| Routes through Dublin |
 Belfast ← Swords ← | N  S | → merges with  |
| merges with ← | N  S | → Bray → Wexford |
| Routes through Dublin |
| END ← | W  E | →  Douglas |
| END ← | W E | → .svg/20px-Flag_of_Wales_(1959–present).svg.png "Wales"){kind=small} Holyhead |
| END ← | W E | →  Liverpool |