Dublin Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Dublin

Dublin’s compact centre is easy to explore on foot, with history, culture and lively pubs never far apart on either side of the River Liffey.

• Trinity College and the Book of Kells — Ireland’s oldest university, where you can see the richly illuminated medieval Book of Kells and the magnificent Long Room library.
• Temple Bar — A cobbled cultural quarter packed with pubs, traditional music sessions, galleries and street performers, busiest in the evening.
• Dublin Castle — For centuries the seat of British rule in Ireland, with grand state apartments and, in its grounds, the renowned Chester Beatty museum of manuscripts and art.
• St Patrick’s Cathedral — Ireland’s largest cathedral, founded in the Middle Ages and closely linked with the writer Jonathan Swift.
• Kilmainham Gaol — A former prison that tells the powerful story of Ireland’s struggle for independence through guided tours.
• Phoenix Park — One of Europe’s largest enclosed city parks, home to wild deer, the city zoo and the official residence of the President of Ireland.
• Howth — A fishing village on a rugged peninsula, reached by train, with cliff walks, sea views and fresh seafood.

Best time to visit Dublin

Late spring and summer, from May to September, offer the mildest weather and the longest days, with daylight lasting late into the evening in June and July. Temperatures are pleasant rather than hot, ideal for walking, coastal trips and outdoor events. Rain is possible in any season, so pack a light waterproof layer whatever the month.

St Patrick’s Day on 17 March is Dublin’s biggest celebration, with a festival of parades, music and events over several days that draws large crowds from around the world; book accommodation well ahead. Summer brings outdoor concerts and cultural festivals, while June celebrates the city’s literary heritage with events inspired by James Joyce.

Autumn and winter are cooler, windier and darker, but pubs with open fires, theatres and museums keep the city welcoming. December brings festive lights and markets, and January to February is the quietest, most affordable period to visit.

Getting from the airport

Dublin Airport is located around 10 kilometres north of the city centre. There is no rail link, but frequent buses and coaches make the journey straightforward.

• Airport express coaches — Several express coach services run from both terminals to O’Connell Street, the city centre and major hotels, taking around 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
• City buses — Regular public buses link the airport with the city centre and many suburbs. They are slower because of frequent stops but useful if you are staying outside the centre.
• Coaches to other cities — Direct coach services also connect the airport with other Irish cities and towns, convenient if Dublin is not your final destination.
• Taxi — Taxi ranks are located outside both terminals. The drive to the centre usually takes 25 to 40 minutes, longer at rush hour. Ride-hailing apps can also be used to book licensed taxis.

A rechargeable travel card can be used on buses, trams and trains across Dublin and offers better value than paying cash for single fares.

Where to stay

Dublin is compact, and most visitors stay within walking distance of the main sights. The River Liffey divides the city into the Northside and the Southside, each with its own character.

• Temple Bar and the city centre — Right in the heart of the action, ideal for first-time visitors and those who want nightlife on the doorstep, though it can be noisy late at night.
• St Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street — An elegant area of shopping streets, Georgian squares and parks, suited to couples and travellers who enjoy a polished base.
• Docklands — A modern riverside district of glass offices, contemporary architecture and waterfront walks, well suited to business travellers.
• Ballsbridge — A leafy, upmarket area with embassies and period houses south-east of the centre, a quieter choice for families and longer stays.
• Smithfield and Stoneybatter — Up-and-coming neighbourhoods west of the centre, with independent cafés and traditional pubs, popular with younger travellers.

Travel tips

• Getting around — The centre is very walkable, and buses, the Luas tram and the coastal DART commuter train cover the wider city and the seaside towns. Remember that traffic drives on the left.
• Weather — Dublin’s weather changes quickly, so dress in layers and carry a waterproof jacket or umbrella, even in summer.
• Payment — Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere, including many pubs and taxis, though some small shops may prefer cash.
• Tipping — In restaurants with table service, a tip of around 10 to 15 percent is customary for good service; tipping for drinks at the bar is not expected.
• Pub culture — Pubs are central to social life. Buying rounds is common in groups, and many pubs host traditional music sessions that visitors are welcome to enjoy.
• Entry requirements — Visa and entry rules for Ireland depend on your nationality. Check the latest requirements with official sources before you travel.