From the buzz of Temple Bar, the beautiful seaside of Howth, to the roving hills of Wicklow National Park and Glendalough, Dublin has everything that you could want! Whether you want to walk, hike, or drive, everything is within reach of Dublin City Centre.
Unearth the culture, history, and the craic with the locals.
Ireland has produced many iconic artists and loves “the black stuff”, Guinness. With
over 1000 pubs, most of which have live music, it’s an amazing opportunity to meet locals and experience true Dublin, if you know where to look. Come and witness a nations love and passion for music and a chance to have the craic with others.
As W.B Yeats said himself
“There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven’t met yet".
While Dublin may be considered small in comparison to other capital cities, it has a remarkable reputation worldwide. The Emerald Isle is known across the world for its literature, history, culture and most of all its people.
As a native Dubliner, it is an amazing thing to witness people filled with joy to be here and to proudly proclaim that they are of Irish heritage.
Check out the below for how we would suggest spending your 2/3 Days in Dublin, to walk away with an insight to the history, culture, and people. This will leave you wanting to come back.
ARRIVING TO DUBLIN
Getting to Dublin is very easy. If you fancy bringing your car, there are multiple ferry routes from the UK and France to Ireland. If you want a car, but not a ferry that’s not a problem either. Just remember we probably drive on the wrong side of the road for you!
Dublin Airport is just a short distance from the city centre. Within an hour you will be next to the spire, although this may be known by some other names like the “stiffy by the Liffey” by locals.
Airlink Express: This service will bring you directly to the city, Heuston station and Connolly station. It costs roughly €7 per single ticket and €12 return. Book online for discounts!
Aircoach: Offers bus services to Dublin City Centre and South Dublin on a 24- hour basis.
Taxi: There are ample taxis to take, no need to book. You can find taxi ranks located outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
GETTING AROUND DUBLIN
Once you get to Dublin, everything is normally within walking distance. However, if you are in a hurry and a taxi is needed, you can download the “Free Now” app. The driver will pick you up and take you wherever you desire.
Alternatively, Dublin is well connected via public transport that can take you around the city and to coastal villages.
Public Transport
Dublin Bus
Luas (Tram)
Dart (Local Trains)
Dublin Bikes (Bikes can be picked up and rented from terminals across the city)
A leap card may be the best option for Public Transport depending on how much you think you may use it. This card allows you to cross the city or suburbs by, bus, tram, or train.
1 Day (24 hours) – €10.00
3 Days (72 hours) – €19.50
7 days (168 hours) – €40.00
You can buy leap cards in the city centre from shops and tourist offices and can find more information here: https://about.leapcard.ie/leap-visitor-card
You can also pay with coins for the bus – But you need the exact amount. They will give you a refund receipt if you do not have the exact coins. This can be redeemed from Dublin Bus head office.
Luas (Tram) – Cash at machines on the platform – It will give you change.
Dart (Train) – Cash at ticket desk or machines at entrances – Will also give you change.
If you choose to use public transport, you may want to check out this app below to make planning your journeys a lot easier. You can also download the transport for Ireland app to plan your journeys
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Now let’s delve into what we would suggest now that you’ve got to the city.
While Dublin is sometimes considered to be an expensive city, there is so much that you can do for free or relatively cheap. There is something to suit every price range in the city, check out the below for our recommendations!
ST STEPHENS GREEN
What better way to start your day than grabbing a coffee and strolling through the peace and tranquility of St. Stephen’s Green? Surrounded by beautiful Georgian architecture and the splendour of the iconic Shelbourne Hotel. Take a stroll and enjoy the beautiful park or follow the signposts to learn of the park's connection to the history of 1916 and the fight for independence.
National Museums of Ireland
A short stroll around the corner, takes you to our parliament buildings, and some of the finest national museums Ireland has to offer. All on one block are the
Museum of Archaeology/ National Library/ National Gallery / Dead Zoo. One of the amazing things is that all of our national galleries and museums are free! Depending on your timeframe you could spend a whole day exploring just this one block.
One of our personal favourites in the Archaeology Museum, are the bog bodies. You have got to see these before you leave Dublin.
Trinity College – Book of Kells
Right on the doorstep of Kildare Street is Trinity College Dublin, one of Ireland’s top universities, right in the heart of the city centre. There is so much to do and see here, from the astonishing beautiful Long Room to the majestic Book of Kells
Some other fantastic attractions at Trinity are the Museum Building and The Science Gallery (Which is amazing and free!)
Molly Malone
A woman known well to all in Dublin, with the ever-famous song in her honor . But was she real? I will leave you to decide. It’s worthwhile learning not only Molly Malone, but other Irish tunes before you arrive, you are guaranteed to hear these songs passing by in the street or sipping over a cold, fresh, pint of Guinness.
Icon factory/walk
If you ask a local about Temple Bar, you are sure to find some differing opinions on the best places within. One of our favourites is the Icon Factory/ Walk.
The Icon Factory is an artist’s cooperative, not-for-profit collective in Temple Bar run entirely by artists and volunteers. It is dedicated to celebrating Ireland’s cultural heritage through the artistic creation of Icons and through displaying these on their sister project, The Icon Walk.
Guinness
One of the main attractions is Dublin, and home of “The Black Stuff”, Guinness is on most travellers’ list of things to see in Dublin. Whilst a little pricey the pinnacle of a visit here is sipping over a nice cold pint from the Gravity Bar with fantastic views of the city.
Chester Beatty/ Dublin Castle / Dubh Linn Gardens
Right in the city centre, nestled, behind Dublin Castle, is one of our favourite places to chill and explore beautiful scripts, scrolls, and fine art. Dubh Linn Gardens provide amazing views of the castle, encircled with a Celtic design. Explore the Library and chill with a coffee in the gardens.
EPIC Museum & Famine Memorial
Well known for our travels, emigration, and influence to lands far and wide. This museum covers it all. You can also explore your ancestry too. EPIC is located in the CHQ Building along the River Liffey.
Right Across the Road is the Famine memorial, a hauntingly beautiful memorial to those who lost their lives, in the worst episode of Ireland’s history.
(Be sure to stroll further down the river after your visit to see the beautiful Samuel Beckett Bridge and The Convention Centre. An amazing spot for photographs.
GPO – Witnessing History.
Not only is the GPO architecturally beautiful, it was at the centre of the 1916 Rising, this is one of Dublin’s most notable buildings and a place that still holds great significance for tourists and locals alike.
You can visit the exhibition to hear how men and women fought an empire and lead the path to independence.
Christ Church
Did you know some Vikings in Dublin were Christians? Christ Church, built c1030 by the Viking King Sitric, explores the history of Dublin through its walls. Having stood here for most of Dublin’s history, there is so much to learn.
St. Patrick's Church
Visit the site where St. Patrick is rumoured to have baptised people 1,500 years ago. Learn not only of St Patrick but of Death masks, to cannon balls, wars and the origins of the phrase, “To chance your arm”. Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels is buried here too, St. Patrick's is a great place to visit any time of year.
Phoenix Park
Home to Ireland’s President, The American Ambassador, free roaming deer, built heritage and so much more. Phoenix Park is a great way to explore the beautiful greenery just a few mins from the city centre. Stoll around or rent a bike and take in as much as possible
EATING, DRINKING, AND LIVE MUSIC
While the pandemic has hit the bar and restaurant industry quite viciously, we are looking forward to our favourite places reopening and getting back out to enjoy the food, beers and live music that comes so naturally to Dublin. Whether you want traditional, meats, vegetarian or vegan, there is something for everyone!
FOOD
Great Pub food with traditional Irish dishes.
An air of sophistication, beautiful surroundings and decent prices (They also have a replica of the Book of Kells!)
A meat lover’s paradise, and just across from the Cobblestone Pub.
Cafes
Drink
Whilst The Temple Bar is a must to at least see and maybe grab a beer, there are over 1,000 pubs in Dublin alone with something to suit everyone.
Live Irish Music
McNeils
Other Places for Live music in General
We do of course recommend our own tours too! If you're just arriving here our Free City Tour of Dublin is a great way to see the major sights and the hidden gems.
We run our Free City Tour of Dublin every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 10am and 2pm. Book your spot today and discover Dublin with a local!
Meet us at the Wolfe Tone Sculpture at the entrance of St Stephen's Green opposite The Shelbourne Hotel.
Look out for our Purple Umbrellas!