Ireland

Dublin

A warm, literary city of pubs, parks and Georgian streets.

Local time
UTC+0
Population
1.4M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$
Very expensive
  • Food$$$$$About $85 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
  • Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $248 a night for two
  • Transport$$$$$About $8.9 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇪🇺 EUR =
Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

DUBDublin AirportMain gateway, 8 km north of the centre; no rail link.
HowCostTime
Local bus 16 or 41O'Connell Street€2.60 or €2 with Leap45-60 min
Cheapest; exact coins only, limited luggage space.
Dublin Express busCity centre and Heuston Station€8 single, €10 return online25-40 min
Runs every 10 min or so; last bus 11PM.
TaxiCity centre€34-4020-35 min
Good value for groups of three or more.
Uber / Free NowCity centre€30-4520-35 min
App pickup at designated zones.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Dublin

Getting around

Walk the compact centre; use the Luas tram or buses for longer hops.

  • Tram ★Luas has two lines, Red and Green, across the centre. Flat €2 adult fare with a Leap Card.
  • Bus ★Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead cover most of the city. Pay exact coins or use a Leap Card (€2 flat fare, daily caps apply).
  • Taxi / ride appsMetered taxis; Free Now and Uber work in Dublin. Handy for late nights and the airport.
  • Rental carHeavy traffic and limited parking. Use Park & Ride at Luas or DART stops instead of driving in.
  • Walking ★The centre is compact and best on foot. Dublinbikes stations are widely spread for longer rides.
Recommended stay★ 2 nights (3 days)

Two nights covers Trinity, the Castle, a cathedral and a museum, with one evening of pubs and live music.

Best for
  • HistoryTrinity, the Castle, cathedrals and Kilmainham Gaol.
  • CultureMuseums, literary pubs and Georgian streets.
  • NightlifeTemple Bar pints, live music and late bars.

Weather by month

8°4°Jan🌧 12d
9°4°Feb🌧 13d
10°4°Mar🌧 14d
12°6°Apr🌧 12d
15°9°May🌧 12d
18°11°Jun🌧 13d
19°13°Jul🌧 15d
19°13°Aug🌧 14d
17°11°Sep🌧 13d
14°9°Oct🌧 14d
11°6°Nov🌧 13d
9°5°Dec🌧 15d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Mild, changeable and often wet: rain on roughly 12–15 days every month, and rarely very hot or very cold.

  • Rain any monthExpect rain on about 12–15 days each month. Showers are often short; carry a compact waterproof.
  • Pack layersHighs run from about 8°C in winter to 19°C in summer. A warm mid-layer and a rain jacket cover most trips.
  • Best months: May to SeptemberWarmest and brightest, with highs of 15–19°C. Still bring rain gear — wet days happen.
  • Winter is cool, not freezingJanuary and February sit around 8–9°C by day and 4°C at night. Wind off the river feels colder.
  • Long summer eveningsJune and July give the longest daylight, good for late walks and outdoor pints.
  • Wear comfortable shoesYou will walk a lot on cobbles and wet pavements. Waterproof shoes beat an umbrella in wind.

Landmarks 26

Must-see · 7

  1. 1

    Guinness Storehouse

    Ireland's most visited attraction, this seven-story brewery experience tells the story of Guinness and ends with a pint in the Gravity Bar with panoramic city views. Book tickets online in advance to skip the queue, and go early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds.

  2. 2

    Trinity College Library

    Home to the Book of Kells and the stunning Long Room, this library is a must-see for its history and architecture. Tickets are timed and sell out quickly, so reserve online ahead; visit right at opening for a quieter experience.

  3. 3

    Temple Bar

    Dublin's cultural quarter is famous for its lively pubs, street performers, and vibrant nightlife. It's best explored in the evening when the atmosphere is buzzing, but expect higher prices; for a quieter pint, venture to nearby streets.

  4. 4

    Dublin Castle

    A historic castle that served as the seat of British rule in Ireland, now a government complex with opulent state apartments. Guided tours are the only way to see the interiors, so check tour times and arrive early to secure a spot.

  5. 5

    St Patrick's Cathedral

    Ireland's largest cathedral, founded in 1220, offers stunning Gothic architecture and a rich history. Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds, and consider attending a choral evensong for a memorable experience.

  6. 6

    Kilmainham Gaol

    This former prison is a powerful symbol of Ireland's struggle for independence, with guided tours telling poignant stories. Tours often sell out, so book tickets online well in advance; it's a short tram ride from the city center.

  7. 7

    Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin

    Dublin's oldest cathedral, dating back to the 11th century, features a beautiful crypt and stunning medieval architecture. Combine your visit with Dublin Castle nearby, and check for evensong times to hear the choir.

1Guinness Storehouse2Trinity College Library3Temple Bar4Dublin Castle5St Patrick's Cathedral6Kilmainham Gaol7Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin

Cultural

Museum 3

Christian 2

Castle 1

Modern History 2

Urban Hub 3

Bridge 1

Statue 1

Park 1

University 1

Activities

Zoo 1

Amusement Park 3

Brewery 2

Food 1

Cruise Tour 1

Festival 1

Library 1

Filming Location 1

Overview

History & significance

Highlights

    Day trips from Dublin

    Kilkenny · 1 h 45 by train

    ★★★★☆ · Full day · 125 km from Dublin

    Best way: Direct Irish Rail trains reach Kilkenny in about 1h45m with the medieval centre a short walk from the station.

    Direct Irish Rail trains run from Dublin Heuston to Kilkenny in about 90 minutes, with the medieval centre a short walk from the station.

    • Train ★1 h 45 · from $13-$19
    • Bus1 h 35 · from $11-$19
    • Car1 h 37 · taxi ≈ €190

    What to see

    • Kilkenny Castle
    • St Canice's Cathedral and round tower
    • Medieval Mile
    • Smithwick's Experience

    Good to know

    • Book train tickets ahead for the best fares
    • Allow a full day to see the castle and medieval centre

    Bray · 38 min by train

    ★★★☆☆ · Half day · 25 km from Dublin

    Best way: The DART runs directly from the city centre to Bray station in about 38 minutes, with the seafront a short walk away.

    The DART runs directly from Dublin city centre stations to Bray station in about 45 minutes, with the seafront a short walk away.

    • Train ★38 min · from $3-$5
    • Bus51 min · from $2-$3
    • Car34 min · taxi ≈ €40

    What to see

    • Bray Promenade and beach
    • Bray Head cliff walk
    • Bray to Greystones coastal trail
    • Victorian seafront architecture

    Good to know

    • Best on a clear day for the cliff walk along the seafront
    • DART services are frequent throughout the day

    Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

    Plans

    Dublin rewards visitors with walkable history, lively pubs and easy trips to the coast. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

    How long?

    What do you enjoy most?

    2 nights · History ★ Recommended length

    First-timers who want the big story: Vikings, the Book of Kells, the Castle and Kilmainham Gaol.

    Tickets & tours
    ≈ EUR 106
    per person
    Taxis
    ≈ EUR 119
    per taxi, up to 4 people
    Day 1

    Trinity, Castle and the old city

    Tickets ≈ EUR 73 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 89
    123456
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      09:30–11:00 · ≈ €18–25 adult timed ticket; check current price

      Trinity College Library (Book of Kells) Landmark quest

      Book the first slot of the day. The Long Room is the highlight.

      Open Daily, roughly 09:30–17:00; times vary by season · Source

    2. Taxi · 153 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 10
    3. 2

      11:15–12:00 · Free to walk the main square; Book of Kells charged separately

      Trinity College Dublin (campus) Landmark quest

      Walk the campus squares after the library.

      Open Campus generally open daytime; check on the day · Source

    4. Taxi · 1142 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ EUR 10
    5. 3

      12:15–13:30 · ≈ €8 for State Apartments; grounds free

      Dublin Castle Landmark quest

      Late morning suits the state rooms. Last entry about an hour before close.

      Open Daily, roughly 09:45–17:15; last entry about an hour before · Source

    6. Taxi · 1153 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ EUR 10
    7. 4

      13:45–14:45 · ≈ €14–20 in a pub; varies by venue

      Irish stew (a classic pub dish) Landmark quest

      Lunch in a nearby pub. Stew is the classic cold-day dish.

      Open Served at lunch and dinner in most pubs

    8. Taxi · 1266 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ EUR 10
    9. 5

      15:00–16:00 · ≈ €8–10 adult; crypt included

      Christ Church Cathedral Landmark quest

      Short walk west. Check times on the day.

      Open Daily, roughly 09:30–17:00; check on the day · Source

    10. Taxi · 30 km · ≈ 1 h 44 min · ≈ EUR 49
    11. 6

      16:30–18:00 · ≈ €12–20 guided walk; check operator

      Dublin's Viking history (walking tour) Landmark quest

      Walking tour of the medieval core. Book ahead.

      Open Scheduled tours; book ahead

    Day 2

    Kilmainham, cathedrals and the GPO

    Tickets ≈ EUR 33 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 30
    123456
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      09:30–11:00 · ≈ €8 adult; guided tour only

      Kilmainham Gaol Landmark quest

      Tours sell out. Book the first tour of the day online.

      Open Daily, roughly 09:30–17:00; tours sell out · Source

    2. Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ EUR 10
    3. 2

      11:45–12:45 · ≈ €8–10 adult; discounts for students and seniors

      St Patrick's Cathedral Landmark quest

      Weekday mornings are quietest. Sunday has limited visiting hours.

      Open Mon–Sat roughly 09:00–17:00 · Sun limited visiting hours · Source

    4. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ EUR 10
    5. 3

      13:00–14:00 · ≈ €14–20 in a pub; varies by venue

      Irish stew (a classic pub dish) Landmark quest

      Lunch near the cathedral quarter.

      Open Served at lunch and dinner in most pubs

    6. 4

      14:30–15:00 · Free to view exterior; Witness History centre charged

      General Post Office (GPO) Landmark quest

      See the 1916 facade and lobby during post office hours.

      Open Lobby during post office hours; exterior always visible · Source

    7. 5

      15:15–15:45 · Free

      O'Connell Street Landmark quest

      Walk the street and the monuments.

      Open Always open

    8. Taxi · 1236 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ EUR 10
    9. 6

      16:00–17:00 · Free entry

      National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology Landmark quest

      Closed Monday. Rainy-afternoon backup.

      Open Tue–Sat roughly 10:00–17:00 · Sun from 14:00 · closed Monday · Source

    Swap in instead

    • Swap a city afternoon for Howth: DART train to the harbour, cliff walk and seafood lunch.
    • History fans can add a day trip to Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains; check bus tours and times on the day.
    • Add a distillery or brewery tour (Jameson, Guinness Storehouse) — book a slot online to skip queues.

    Getting around

    • Trams: Luas has two lines, Red and Green, across the centre.
    • Buses: Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead cover most of the city; pay exact coins or use a Leap Card.
    • Leap Card: €5 deposit; flat €2 adult fare on buses and trams; daily caps apply.
    • Taxis: metered; apps like Free Now and Uber work in Dublin.
    • Driving: heavy traffic and limited parking; use Park & Ride at Luas or DART stops.
    • Walking and bikes: the centre is compact; Dublinbikes stations are widely spread.

    Where to stay

    • Temple Bar · ≈ EUR 140–260 a night
      Central and walkable to Trinity, the Castle and the river. Noisy at night and the priciest per square metre.
    • Georgian Quarter · ≈ EUR 120–230 a night
      Quiet Georgian streets near Merrion Square and the National Gallery; good for couples and longer stays.
    • Docklands · ≈ EUR 110–210 a night
      Modern hotels, often better value, near the Luas Red line and the 3Arena; a 15–20 minute walk to the centre.
    • Rathmines · ≈ EUR 90–170 a night
      Local neighbourhood with cafés and pubs; cheaper rooms, but you bus or Luas into the centre.

    Food & drink

    • Try a full Irish breakfast, then coddle or Irish stew in a traditional pub; lunch mains often €12–18.
    • Seafood chowder and fish and chips are the safe bets; check the catch of the day on the board.
    • Book dinner ahead for Friday and Saturday; popular places in the centre fill up.
    • Cheap eats: chip shops, bakeries and market stalls around €6–12 a meal.
    • Pints cost roughly €6–8 in the centre, more in Temple Bar. Check for a live-music cover charge.

    Tips

    1. A Leap Card is the most cost-effective and easiest way to use all public transit
    2. Thank the bus driver when exiting — it is a strict and polite local custom
    3. Temple Bar is famous but highly expensive; seek out pubs in other neighborhoods for a more local vibe
    4. Weather changes constantly; always dress in layers and carry a raincoat
    5. Guinness genuinely tastes better in Dublin; visit the Storehouse for the full experience
    Sources for prices and hours

    Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

    Tours & activities

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Guinness Storehouse
    • Explore the Guinness brewing story across seven floors
    • Finish with a pint in the Gravity Bar
    • 27,004 reviews · 4.7 rating
    Entry includedSkip the line

    Guinness Storehouse Entry Ticket

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (27,004)

    Take this tour to unlock 3 landmark quests

    Book of Kells
    Dublin Castle
    Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin
    • See the Book of Kells at Trinity College
    • Walk through Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral
    • 1,860 reviews · 4.8 rating
    Entry includedGuided tour

    Book of Kells, Dublin Castle and Christ Church Tour

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (1,860)

    Take this tour to unlock 3 landmark quests

    Temple Bar
    Trinity College Dublin
    Dublin Castle
    • Cover Dublin's highlights and hidden corners on foot
    • Hear local stories around Temple Bar and the city centre
    • 4,082 reviews · 4.8 rating
    Local guideSmall group

    Highlights and Hidden Gems Walking Tour

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (4,082)

    • Visit the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren
    • Explore Galway City before returning to Dublin
    • 28,178 reviews · 4.8 rating
    Full-day tourTop rated

    Cliffs of Moher, Burren & Galway City Day Tour

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (28,178)

    Souvenirs

    Avoca wool scarf

    EUR 55–901 scarf · shop prices

    A soft wool scarf woven in Ireland by Avoca, a weaving company with roots going back to the 1700s. It is a classic Irish keepsake.

    Where: Trinity College Gift Shop or Avoca, Suffolk Street
    Check that it is woven in Ireland and look at the wool content on the label.

    Irish whiskey

    EUR 35–60700 ml · estimate

    Teeling is a distillery in Dublin, a city that has been making whiskey for centuries. A bottle is an easy way to take home a taste of the city.

    Where: Teeling Distillery shop, Newmarket
    Compare the standard bottling with small limited editions to choose the one you want.

    Claddagh ring

    EUR 40–901 silver ring · estimate

    A traditional Irish ring showing two hands holding a heart topped with a crown. It symbolizes friendship, love, and loyalty, and it comes from the fishing village of Claddagh near Galway.

    Where: McCormack Celtic Jewelry, Temple Bar
    Check that the silver is stamped with a hallmark or purity mark.

    Flights

    Dates are departure dates at each airport, which may differ from your itinerary arrival date. Select your flight and complete payment on Trip.com.

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    Luggage storage

    Store your bags in DublinDrop luggage at nearby shops and hotels · Bounce