Ireland Itinerary: Dublin Travel Guide
- Laura
- 14 hours ago
- 5 min read
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An Ireland itinerary to historic Dublin should be on everyone’s vacation wishlist. The city’s colorful cafes, quirky street art, and vintage boutiques give downtown Dublin an entertaining energy. Combined with the city’s craic (fun) pub culture, the overall vibe is inviting. Learn about this lively city on the River Liffey in our Dublin travel guide.
Dublin’s cobblestone streets are home to 1,000 years of Gaelic history. Although the city is full of heritage sites, its vibrant markets, murals, and buskers give it a modern flare. Read our Dublin Travel guide to learn all you need to know about navigating Ireland’s gateway city.
IRELAND ITINERARY: ALL ABOUT DUBLIN
Dublin was founded around the 7th century by the Gaels. As Dublin grew, it was ruled by different civilizations including the Vikings, Anglo-Normans, and British. In 1922, Ireland became independent and the city of Dublin was named its capital.
Today, Dublin is considered to be a global city that serves as a technological and financial hub for many multinational corporations.
WHERE IS DUBLIN
Dublin is located in the province of Leinster in the Republic of Ireland. The city sits on the east coast of Ireland on the Irish Sea (facing the United Kingdom). The River Liffey flows through the city. Dublin is bordered by Meath and Kildare counties to the north and west, and the Wicklow Mountains to the south.
HOW TO GET TO DUBLIN
Dublin is Ireland’s largest city. It is sometimes referred to as the country’s ‘gateway,’ and functions as its major transportation hub.
You can get to Dublin:
By Air: Dublin Airport is located about 10 km outside of the city. Many buses and taxis run between the airport and city. Click here for flights to Dublin.
By Train: Two rail networks, Irish Rail and Translink, use Dublin as a rail hub. The train networks connect Dublin with towns and cities across the country. Click here for train info.
By Bus: Bus Eireann operates bus routes to towns and cities across the country. There are also many private coach companies.
By Ferry: Dublin has an active port for cruise ships and commercial ferries. A number of ferry operators provide service to Wales, outer islands, and ports along the coast. Click here for ferry info.
By Car: Ireland has a well-developed highway system. Renting a car is a popular way to travel throughout the country. Click her for rental car info in Ireland.
DUBLIN IRELAND HOTELS
Dublin is home to a variety of accommodations including hostels, B&Bs, international chains, and luxury hotels. In downtown Dublin, many budget lodgings can be found in the Temple Bar neighborhood. Look in the Stephen’s Green area for mid- and higher-end hotels within walking distance of the downtown area.
Consider these Dublin Ireland hotels:
DUBLIN IRELAND WEATHER
Dublin Ireland weather does not fluctuate greatly throughout the year. It is warm in the summer (July) with temperatures around 60’F (16’C), and colder in the winter with temperatures around 41’F (5’C).
With an oceanic climate, the city often experiences rain and sunshine in the same day. The wettest month is August. The sunniest month is May. Pack light layers of breathable fabrics with a good wind/rain resistant jacket and shoes.
BEST TIME TO VISIT DUBLIN
Between the months of May and October, and during the Christmas season, Dublin hosts many festivals, markets, and outdoor events. The city is most crowded during the months of July and August. Although most businesses remain open, the city is quieter, cooler, and less crowded during the months of November through March.
We recommend the months of May, June, September, and October as the best time to visit Dublin. Before scheduling your trip, always check the city’s event calendar. Traveling to Dublin during a holiday or festival can greatly impact crowds, and your experience.
WHAT TO DO IN DUBLIN IRELAND
In this section we highlight some of the best things to do in Dublin:
See the Book of Kells Experience at Trinity College
Visit the Guinness Storehouse or Jameson Whiskey Distillery for a tasting
Visit Dublin’s cathedrals: St. Patrick’s and the Christ Church
Tour Dublin Castle’s gardens and state apartments
Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride through St Stephen’s Green
See an Irish Dinner Show like the Irish House Party Dinner & Show or Merry Ploughboy Traditional Nights
Visit one of Dublin’s free national museums (there are 11)
Meander Dublin’s pedestrianized shopping streets: Grafton Street and Henry Street
Take a cruise or kayak trip along the River Liffey
Explore Dublin’s amazing pub culture. Stop in at one of these well-known pubs for a pint and some trad-music: The Temple Bar Pub, The Brazen Head, Darkey Kelley’s, Kehoe’s, The Palace Bar, or The Quays.
Blue Skies over St. Patrick's
DUBLIN IRELAND TOURS
Dublin’s penchant for fun is apparent in the great variety of tours available in the city. There are tours highlighting heritage sites, walking, e-biking, food tasting, ghosts, and more. See the city through the eyes of a local tour guide:
DAY TOURS FROM DUBLIN IRELAND
As the transportation access point to many other locations across the Emerald Island, there are a large number of tours that can be booked from Dublin to other attractions. Within a few hours of the city there are castles, monasteries, neolithic ruins, and outdoor adventures to enjoy.
Here, we have put together a sampling of some of guided excursions available:
DUBLIN TRAVEL GUIDE: HOW TO GET AROUND
If you are staying in downtown Dublin you can walk to most attractions. If the weather is bad, or you are traveling to a more distant neighborhood, there are good public transportation options:
Dublin Bus:Â This bus network services the city and airport. Some buses run 24 hours a day.
Dublin Area Rapid Transit: The ‘DART’ trains cover the city and coast.
Luas: Dublin’s tram service covers the city; red line on the north side, green line on the south.
DublinBikes:Â This is a city wide bike sharing service. Rent a bike at one of 115 stations around the city, and drop it someplace else.
Taxi and Uber:Â Taxi and Uber services are both available in the city on the street and via app.
DUBLIN TRAVEL GUIDE: TIPS
Tipping is different than in the US. In most cases it is not expected (although it is common to ‘round-up’ to the nearest Euro). For personal services like car transfers and personal guides check with the company when making the reservation for tipping expectations.
Pack breathable layers of clothing, rain resistant outer gear, and comfortable shoes for walking around the city. The style is casual-city chic.
When shopping, bring a re-usable bag or expect to pay for a bag from the shop.
In pubs, if someone buys you a drink you are expected to reciprocate by buying a ‘round.’
Feicfidh mé thú go luath (See you soon), Laura and Randy
For more information of Ireland travel read our travel blog posts on:
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