Ireland is a gorgeous island nation located just west of England and Scotland. The capital, Dublin, is the gateway to Ireland, and you cannot skip it on your Ireland Itinerary.
Dublin is a must-visit home to some of the world’s best pubs, friendly locals, and plenty to see. This ultimate guide to Dublin will go over everything you need to know for your trip – the best places to stay, where to eat, what to do, how to get around, and more.
I hope that this post, which is all about your ultimate guide to Dublin, Ireland, helps you plan the best trip ever.
Where To Stay In Dublin
Since Dublin is a major city, you will find every type of hotel within the city. I have organized these Dublin hotels into budget, mid-range, and luxury options.
Luxury Dublin Hotels
- The Fitzwilliam Hotel – The Fitzwilliam Hotel is as fancy as it sounds. The elegant decor, top-notch service, and Michelin-star restaurant will make you feel like a celebrity. If you are looking for luxury in the city’s center, look no further than the stunning Fitzwilliam Hotel.
- The Merrion Hotel – The Merrion Hotel in the center of Dublin is a proud member of the World’s Leading Hotels. The hotel is a restored Georgian townhouse and is home to a two-Michelin-star restaurant and a spectacular bar. You can find a luxurious stay at the Merrion Hotel in Dublin.
Mid-Range Dublin Hotels
- Motel One Dublin – Motel One is a lovely mid-range hotel option in Dublin. I stayed here and thought everything was wonderful. The rooms were clean and comfortable, the location was great (within walking distance to all of Dublin’s main attractions), and the staff were friendly and helpful.
- Wren Urban Nest – Located in the Temple Bar District, The Wren Urban Nest is a modern hotel that will exceed your expectations. The Wren Urban Nest has a restaurant, bar, comfortable rooms, and stylish decor.
Budget Dublin Hotels
- Clink i Lar – Clink i Lar is great if you are looking for a hostel in Dublin. You will find daily tours, restaurants, bars, and a great social scene at Clink i Lar.
- Harcourt Hotel – The Harcourt Hotel is perfect if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that is not a hostel. Located near the fabulous St. Stephen’s Green, Trinity College, and Grafton Street, The Harcourt Hotel is in the perfect location. You can also find a restaurant and bar at the Harcourt Hotel.
Best Tours To Take In Dublin
Tours enhance your trip because you learn so much more and get taken to secret spots. These are my favorite tours in Dublin.
- Cliffs Of Moher Day Trip From Dublin – The Cliffs of Moher are an absolute must-visit in Ireland. While the Cliffs are on the western coast of Ireland, they are still a doable day trip from Dublin. It is easiest to do a tour to see them.
- Guinness Storehouse: Entrance Ticket – Every year, more than one million people visit the Guinness Storehouse to discover the history of Guinness Stout and savor a complimentary pint on a self-guided tour.
- Jameson Whiskey Distillery Tour with Tastings – Discover the secrets of crafting authentic Irish whiskey on a guided tour of the historic Jameson Distillery in Dublin, followed by a comparative whiskey tasting.
- Pub Crawl – Join a guided pub crawl and experience the best of Dublin’s nightlife. Visit fantastic pubs, enjoy free Guinness, free shots, drinks discounts, great live music, skip the lines, and get VIP nightclub entry.
What To Do In Dublin
Dublin and its surrounding areas have lots of things to do and see, everything from the world-famous Guinness storehouse to Temple Bar and cliff walks.
Here are ten of the best things to do and see in Dublin.
1) Walk across Ha’Penny Bridge
The Ha’Penny Bridge is a quick stop but also a must-visit in Dublin. The footbridge connects the northern part of Dublin to the Temple Bar District. Built in May of 1816 the Ha’Penny Bridge is a Dublin staple and a great photo op, you cannot miss it.
2) Visit Trinity College
Trinity College was one of my favorite parts of Dublin; it is one of the most beautiful college campuses I have ever visited. Located within walking distance of the famous Grafton Street and stunning St. Stephens Green, Trinity College is fantastic. The cobblestone footpaths, green spaces, vines covering the buildings, and top-notch facilities make Trinity College a student’s dream. I recommend bringing a book and enjoying the sunshine in the green spaces if you have spare time.
4) Book Of Kells
Located in Trinity College, The Book of Kells is a medieval manuscript that illustrates the four gospels. People travel worldwide to visit the Book Of Kells because it is one of the only treasures left of its kind. The Book Of Kells contains the four accounts of Christ’s life that can be found in the New Testament.
Be sure to book your tickets online to see the Instagram-famous Trinity College Library and the Book of Kells because tickets will sell out. I ended up waiting two hours because I did not book ahead.
5) Grafton Street
A quick walk away from Trinity College is Grafton Street. Grafton Street is the best street in Dublin for shopping, walking, and watching talented street performers (Ed Sheeran used to play on Grafton Street). While on Grafton Street, grab a souvenir – I always grab a sticker.
Don’t be afraid to stray off of Grafton Street into the side streets. Adorable side streets off of Grafton are perfect for a photo. St.Annes Street is stunning!
6) Visit Dublin Castle
The Dublin Castle is home to ancient artifacts, stunning architecture, and plenty to see. Some of my favorite things that I saw were the paintings on the ceiling of St. Patrick’s Hall, eighteenth-century Italian paintings, The Viceregal Throne, and the lion sculptures in the courtyard of the castle. The Dublin Castle is a must-visit in Dublin if you are interested in Ireland’s history or art.
7) Christ Church Cathedral
Just a few steps away from the Dublin Castle is the Christ Church Cathedral. The Christ Church Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Cathedral built in 1030 by the king of Dublin’s Vikings, Sitric. It is amazing to think that this Church has stood in Dublin for almost 1,000 years.
The Christ Church Cathedral is a quick visit, but totally worth it.
8) St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Built-in 1191, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland. The Gothic cathedral was one of my favorite things to see in Dublin. Both the interior and exterior of the cathedral are absolutely stunning. I thought the most notable features of St. Patrick’s Cathedral were the stained glass windows and the knights’ helmets.
You can buy tickets to see the inside of the Cathedral upon arrival; they will set you back about ten euros.
9) Drink a Guinness at the Guinness Storehouse
Believe it or not, Guinness Storehouse is Ireland’s top tourist attraction. While I am not a huge beer fan, I would still recommend you visit Guinness Storehouse. You will learn so much about beer, get to visit the Gravity Bar (stunning views of Dublin), get a Guinness, do a Guinness tasting and learn why beer is so popular in Ireland at the Guinness Storehouse.
10) Have a drink at Temple Bar
A trip to Dublin is not complete without visiting the world-famous Temple Bar. Temple Bar is a Dublin staple and is a perfect place to get a photo and listen to the almost always playing live Irish music. You can enjoy a Guinness and some traditional Irish food during your time at the Temple Bar.
11) Howth Cliff Walk
If you have a little extra time in Dublin, then be sure to check out Howth Cliff Walk. Only 30 minutes away from Dublin by train is a small seaside village called Howth, and it has a lovely hike – comparable to the Cliff of Moher. So, visit Howth if you want to add a bit of nature to your city trip.
Related Article: Guide To Howth Cliff Walk
Best Dining Spots In Dublin
Breakfast In Dublin
Dublin is home to a lovely cafe culture.
- Vice Inc. Coffee – Vice Inc. Coffee is located in northern Dublin. It is a great spot for an afternoon coffee as it opens later and can be found in the back of a bar called Wigmens. Don’t let this fool you, Vice serves up specialty lattes and insanely good Irish coffee.
- Legit Coffee Company – Legit Coffee Company is the best brunch spot in Dublin. Located in Dublin’s Liberty neighborhood, Legit Coffee Company serves primarily French food as the chef is French. Legit strides to bring all people together.
- Proper Order Coffee – Proper Order Coffee is perfect if you are looking for a quick coffee or pastries. The hole-in-the-wall coffee joint is great for grabbing food or getting work done.
Lunch and Dinner In Dublin
- The Brazen Head – You can’t go to Dublin without going to a pub. When it comes to pubs in Dublin, The Brazen Head is a local favorite. You can find great pub food, and The Brazen Head is Ireland’s oldest bar. Even if you are not looking to eat or drink, the Brazen Head is worth a visit.
- Etto – If you are looking for a fancy dinner in Dublin, then Etto is a lovely choice. Etto is located in the center of Dublin and serves up some amazing seafood with Italian influence. Etto has a cozy atmosphere and is a lovely dinner option in Dublin.
- Wilde – Wilde is an aesthetically pleasing restaurant located on the quaint Harry Street in Dublin. With tons of natural light and elegant decor, Wilde is definitely Insta-worthy. Wilde is a steakhouse that serves it all; it is on the more expensive end.
Related Article: The Best Coffee Spots in Dublin
Getting Around Dublin
Dublin is a walkable city! I did not use the train or taxis at all while in Dublin.
If you are not a walking fan, you can take the bus, DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transport), or Luas (the tram).
I used the DART to get to Howth – it was easy and inexpensive. There are thirty-one DART stations in Dublin, so you will not have to walk far to find a station. You can find train times and destinations on the DART website.
The Luas, a tram, is an inexpensive way to get around Dublin. It is a hop-on-hop-off system that goes all around the city. The Luas can get a bit crowded so be sure to plan ahead. You can find more of the Luas timetables and routes on the Luas website.
The bus is another great option if you are looking to save a bit of money. Check out the bus routes and times. If you are looking for a simpler way to get to all the most popular tourist attractions, I recommend booking the hop-on, hop-off bus tour.
When To Visit Dublin
I love Dublin year-round. Most people opt to visit in the summer, which is lovely but don’t overlook the fall, winter, and spring in Dublin. There is something magical about a rainy day in Dublin. Cozying up in a cafe or strolling the chilly streets feels right in Dublin – more authentic.
If you visit Dublin during the holidays, you will experience the fabulous holiday decor. The winter does not get too cold in Ireland. While it definitely gets cold, it is never as bad as Slavic countries or northern parts of the USA and Canada during winter.
The summer is beautiful in Ireland, just be prepared for crowds and high prices.
Dublin Wrap Up
Dublin is the gateway to the magical country of Ireland that should not be skipped over. This ultimate guide to Dublin covers everything that you need to know. I hope that this guide helps you plan the best trip to Ireland and inspires you to spend a few days in the charming city of Dublin.
We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Dublin, Ireland. If you have any questions or advice to share with our readers, please leave these in the comments below.
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Read More About Ireland
- 72 Hours In Ireland
- Glendalough – The Perfect Day Trip From Dublin
- The 8 Most Charming Places To Visit In Ireland
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