Using this complete Dublin Ireland travel guide you will discover the charm of Dublin, where historic streets meet cozy pubs and vibrant culture. Stroll through Trinity College, marvel at the Book of Kells, and fall in love with the warmth of the people of Ireland.

Stepping into Dublin feels like opening a storybook filled with vibrant tales of history, music, and friendly laughter spilling out of pubs.

From the cobbled streets of Temple Bar to the majestic spires of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, this lively city invites you to explore its rich culture and timeless charm.

Having visited once with all three of our children for my husband’s 40th birthday back in 2009 and then again in 2024 without our kids (but also with the Coldplay Dublin concert as our main itinerary focus :)), both my husband and I can genuinely say that Dublin will most surely be one of those cities that we will go back to often.

Actually – the whole country of Ireland will hopefully be seeing us more than every 15 years ;0.

Between the ridiculously friendly Irish people and using music as a way of communicating with each other, this country is easily at the top of our favorite European countries list :).

In a rush?

The Little Details

HOW TO USE THIS MAP:

Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers of the map and names of places included. You can click the check marks to hide or show the layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information from each point of interest.

If you click the little star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. To view the map on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the ‘menu’ button, go to ‘Saved’ on a computer and ‘You’ then ‘Saved’ on phone, click ‘Maps,’ and you will see this map on your list.

---

---

How to Get to Dublin

Getting to Dublin, Ireland, is easy with direct flights available from major cities worldwide to Dublin Airport (DUB).

Alternatively, you can arrive by ferry from the UK, docking in Dublin Port, just a short distance from the city center.

My husband and I are partial to the British Airways nonstop San Diego to London flight. From there we can easily take a short flight to most European cities. And in this case we flew London to Shannon to start our Irish road trip on that side of the Emerald Isle.

Use Google Flights to find the best options from your own starting point.

How to Get Around Dublin

Dublin is a compact city with an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams (Luas), and commuter trains (DART) that make it easy to explore.

However, walking is the most ideal way to soak in the city’s charm :).

If you will be visiting cities and sights outside of Dublin, I suggest not renting a car until the day you will be leaving Dublin due to the lack of parking in the city and the high cost of parking at most hotels in the city center.

We were able to rent a car from Hertz Rental Car at the Shannon airport upon arrival in Ireland and then returned the car at the Dublin airport a week later before we started our 3 days exploring Dublin.

Use this link to find all the rental car options in Dublin.

Even though we have extra car rental protection with our credit card, we still buy all the extra bells and whistles for accident insurance with the rental company when renting a car in a foreign country.

Not to mention that sitting on the right side of the car and driving on the left side of the road can most certainly be stressful at times.

Oh – and you just never know when you will run into a situation needing that local tow truck…

Best Time of Year to Visit Dublin

The best time to visit Dublin is in late spring and early summer, from the end of April to June. Our first visit was for spring break in April 2009 and I absolutely loved seeing the daffodils blooming everywhere as well as the baby lambs running in the fields of Ireland :).

don’t mind the vintage film photos from April 2009 ;0

Another great time to visit is in late summer to early fall. The crowds from summer start to thin and the weather is still somewhat pleasant (as far as Irish weather goes that is…).

Our second visit was the last week of August 2024 (we flew home on Monday of Labor Day weekend in early September).

For both times of year of our visits, we wore sweaters and rain jackets pretty much every day.

While visiting in winter isn’t highly recommended because of chilly weather and shorter days, Dublin has a great reputation for being quite festive at Christmas :).

How Many Days You Need in Dublin

For a first-time visit to Dublin, plan to spend at least 2-3 full days (3-4 nights) to explore its rich history, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks.

This gives you enough time to enjoy the city’s highlights, including Trinity College, Dublin Castle, Kilmainham Gaol Museum, Guinness Storehouse, and of course music at the pubs without feeling rushed.

Money and Plug Details in Dublin

Dublin, like the rest of Ireland, uses the Euro (€) as its currency.

However, we predominantly used Apple Pay from our Iphones or credit cards and every so often paid with cash.

In this case, we had leftover Euros from our April trip to Croatia (read that travel guide here).

However if you don’t have any leftover Euros lying around (because well really – who does?!), I would suggest using a BANK ATM in Dublin to get maybe between 100 to 200 Euros for your entire trip for instances when you will want to pay with cash instead of credit card.

In Ireland, including Dublin, you will use Type G plugs with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz.

I bring this extension cord with me everywhere I travel and these adapters when traveling to the UK and Ireland.

Something to note for your Ireland vacation – Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, while Ireland, also known as the Republic of Ireland, is an independent country within the European Union thus Northern Ireland’s currency will be the pound.

However both Northern Ireland and Ireland use the same plug and when driving a car – drivers sit on the right side of the car and drive on the left side of the road ;\.

Best Places to Stay in Dublin

HOW TO USE THIS MAP:

Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers of the map and names of places included. You can click the check marks to hide or show the layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information from each point of interest.

If you click the little star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. To view the map on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the ‘menu’ button, go to ‘Saved’ on a computer and ‘You’ then ‘Saved’ on phone, click ‘Maps,’ and you will see this map on your list.

---

---

The Westbury Hotel

Perfectly located in Saint Stephen’s Green less than one block away from famous Grafton Street and a 3 minute walk to Trinity College, you just cannot beat staying at The Westbury Hotel.

We stayed here for 4 nights in late August/early September 2024 and loved the friendly chatter and warm welcome from staff members as well as our quiet room with an incredibly comfortable bed.

The Merrion Hotel

Another centrally located hotel with rave reviews (an Instagram friend of mine stayed here and loved it!).

photos courtesy of The Merrion Hotel Instagram

The Shelbourne Hotel

Part of the Autograph Collection from Marriott Bonvoy, this historic landmark 5* hotel would be an incredible home base for any Dublin itinerary especially if you have Marriott points or are a loyal Bonvoy club member.

photos courtesy of Shelbourne Instagram account

The Fitzwilliam Hotel

Another centrally located 5* option near all the city center sights, this colorful hotel will most certainly not disappoint as your Dublin home.

photos courtesy of The Fitzwilliam Instagram account

Best Places to Eat in Dublin

HOW TO USE THIS MAP:

Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers of the map and names of places included. You can click the check marks to hide or show the layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information from each point of interest.

If you click the little star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. To view the map on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the ‘menu’ button, go to ‘Saved’ on a computer and ‘You’ then ‘Saved’ on phone, click ‘Maps,’ and you will see this map on your list.

---

---

The Hairy Lemon

The Hairy Lemon in Dublin is a cozy and quirky pub offering hearty Irish dishes and a lively atmosphere.

It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a traditional Irish stew or fish and chips while soaking in authentic local charm.

The Brazen Head

The Brazen Head, Dublin’s oldest pub, offers a warm, traditional atmosphere perfect for enjoying hearty Irish fare.

From classic fish and chips to tender beef stews, it’s a delightful spot to savor authentic Irish cuisine.

Or – the hamburger, fries, and Guinness are pretty dang good also!

More Options

Here is a list of other suggested restaurants that are worth your time:

• The Woollen Mills
• The Church Cafe Bar
• The Winding Stair
• The Greenhouse
• Chapter One

Top Things to Do in Dublin

HOW TO USE THIS MAP:

Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers of the map and names of places included. You can click the check marks to hide or show the layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information from each point of interest.

If you click the little star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. To view the map on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the ‘menu’ button, go to ‘Saved’ on a computer and ‘You’ then ‘Saved’ on phone, click ‘Maps,’ and you will see this map on your list.

---

---

Explore Trinity College and the Book of Kells

Wander through the historic campus of Trinity College and marvel at the Gaia (large globe) in the Long Room Library.

The Book of Kells is an intricately illuminated manuscript of the four Gospels, created by Celtic monks around 800 AD, and is one of Ireland’s greatest cultural treasures. It is a must-see treasure in this historic library.

There are self guided and guided tour options. We opted for the self guided tour – you can buy your timed tickets in advance here.

The immersive Book of Kells Experience is located in a separate building and is worth a quick visit (and if you are with children, they will enjoy the constant movement in this exhibit).

Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Ireland’s largest cathedral, dating back to 1191, offers stunning architecture and a peaceful garden to enjoy.

While the admission fee might seem ‘high’ compared to the other free churches you can enter in Ireland, the artwork and history you will find inside the church will be well worth it.

As of January 2025, the ticket price for one adult is €11, you can buy your dated/timed tickets in advance here.

Walk Along Grafton Street

Dublin’s premier shopping street is perfect for window shopping, street performances, and a visit to the iconic Bewley’s Café.

Our Labor Day weekend visit to Dublin was centered around attending the Coldplay concert at Croke Park and the entire city was celebrating this rock band’s presence in their city.

Since they had multiple shows in Dublin that weekend, on their night off, they busked late at night right on Grafton Street ;0.

You just never know who you are going to see performing on this famous street!

Visit Christ Church Cathedral

A visit to the Anglican Christ Church Cathedral offers a glimpse into Dublin’s medieval past, with its Viking past, stunning Gothic architecture and atmospheric crypt.

As of January 2025, an adult entrance price is €11.50. You can buy your dated ticket online here.

Tour the Guinness Storehouse

Did you even visit Dublin if you don’t go to Guinness???

Learn about Ireland’s most famous export and enjoy a pint at the Gravity Bar, offering panoramic views of Dublin.

There are multiple timed ticket options for your time at Guinness.

We chose the Guinness Storehouse and Roe & Co Flavours Experience (Guinness’ whiskey brand) to get both the famous Irish beer tour plus a mini whiskey tour into our day.

You can find all your ticket options online here.

Be sure to book this experience in advance – especially if visiting in 2025 when the Storehouse is celebrating their 25th anniversary all year long!

While the line for TICKETED guests could seem long (and is outside rain or shine), you will be ushered through surprisingly fast. I would say we were waiting in a line outside in the rain and then inside for a total of 20 minutes.

You can see from the photos below that it is deceptively fast ;0.

Because we were pressed for time between our Guinness Brewery and the Roe & Co Whisky Distillery times on our tickets, we grabbed a quick bite to eat at the Cooperage Cafe.

However there are MULTIPLE dining options in the building – you just need to book ahead if visiting in busy season (as we were while Coldplay was in town ;0).

You can find all the dining options and how to book them here.

Tour Roe & Co Distillery

As part of our Guinness premium experience, we also had tickets to tour the Roe & Co Whiskey Distillery complete with guided tastings and a hands-on cocktail-making experience.

However, if you have already done the Guinness Storehouse tour, you can certainly tour this whiskey distillery separately. Learn more here.

We also discovered that Ireland has experienced a remarkable resurgence in its whiskey industry, with a growing number of distilleries now producing world-class spirits.

While Ireland has around 40 operational distilleries, it still falls behind Scotland, which boasts over 140. But on the list of top whiskey’s between the two countries, Ireland is now beating Scotland ;0.

We also found this small sized tour to be more interactive with fellow guests. So much so that we all decided to hang out at the Roe & Co bar and then get dinner together at the Hairy Lemon!

Take in a Traditional Irish Music Session

This was my guitar playing husband’s all time favorite thing to do in Dublin. Heck – all of Ireland really!

In fact, he loved this aspect of Ireland so much that when we were flying home, he asked me – can we visit Ireland every year for the rest of our lives??? That says a lot coming from my homebody husband ;0.

To enjoy live Irish music in an authentic setting, DO NOT GO TO THE TEMPLE BAR AREA!!

I repeat – do not expect a traditional Irish music session in Temple Bar. While it is still on my ‘Dublin to do list’ below – it is not at all where you would go to experience the love of music the Irish people truly have.

Here’s a list of great places in Dublin to experience a traditional Irish music session, excluding the often-touristy Temple Bar area:

1. The Cobblestone

• Location: Smithfield
• Known as a “home of traditional Irish music,” The Cobblestone offers unpretentious charm and some of the best musicians in the city.
• Use this link to know when the sessions are but go early to grab a seat and a Guinness and enjoy an authentic Irish pub scene.
• We spent about 2 hours here on a Saturday afternoon ;).

2. O’Donoghue’s

• Location: Merrion Row
• Famous for its role in Dublin’s music history, O’Donoghue’s is where The Dubliners got their start. It’s an authentic spot to enjoy a lively session with locals.

3. Devitts

• Location: Camden Street Upper
• Devitts has been a staple for traditional Irish music for years, offering lively sessions in a relaxed setting.
• Use this link to know when sessions are and note there is an open trad session every Sunday at 2pm :).

Discover Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison, played a pivotal role in Ireland’s fight for independence, housing many key leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising.

Visiting this historic site offers a poignant glimpse into Ireland’s turbulent past through its guided tours and preserved cells.

Entrance to the Gaol is by guided tour only, and you must pre-book your ticket. A select number of tickets are released 28 days in advance and can be booked from midnight (Irish time).

I personally put a reminder on my phone to be sure to get these highly sought after tickets at exactly 28 days in advance. You can buy tickets online here.

Experience Temple Bar Area

Temple Bar is one of Dublin’s oldest neighborhoods, with a history dating back to the Viking era and a name linked to Sir William Temple, who owned land there in the 17th century.

Today, it’s known for its lively nightlife, but the area can get quite rowdy in the evenings, making it more enjoyable to explore during the day.

The area can be compared to Broadway Street in Nashville with the amount of competing bars with rock music being heard from every open bar window in the area.

Nonetheless, it is an essential part of Dublin to see on any first visit.

And to get the obligatory selfie/photo in front of The Temple Bar Pub ;0.

Tour Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle has stood at the heart of the city for over 800 years, serving as a Viking settlement, a medieval fortress, and the seat of British rule in Ireland.

Today, you can explore its stunning state apartments, picturesque gardens, and the Chester Beatty Library, which houses a world-class collection of art and manuscripts.

While we did not have any line or problem buying our same day timed tickets for the last Saturday afternoon in August, you can purchase your tickets 14 days in advance online here.

As of January 2025, entrance tickets are €8.

Attend a Live Event at Croke Park

Croke Park, Dublin’s iconic stadium, has a rich history as the home of Gaelic games and was also the site of the tragic Bloody Sunday in 1920 during the Irish War of Independence.

As mentioned above, our trip to Dublin was centered around seeing the band Coldplay on one of the four nights they were performing at Croke Park.

And I must add two things here – if you ever get the chance to see Coldplay in concert – DO IT! They put on a performance that I promise you – you will never forget!

And second – staying in the city center and walking to Croke Park with the other 82,000 fans was truly an experience we enjoyed.

And since Croke Park is the home to multiple sporting events as well as musical concerts – it would be easy to plan your trip around one of those events as we did :).

Springsteen, Rolling Stones, Beyonce, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and of course Coldplay have all given memorable performances in this fantastically located venue.

What to Wear in Ireland

For spring, late summer, or fall visits to Ireland, pack layers, including medium weight sweaters, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy walking shoes for changing weather.

Don’t forget a scarf and umbrella (I love this clear umbrella for sightseeing!) for added warmth and rain protection.

This travel bag of mine has become a new favorite this last year!

Our August 2024 Ireland Itinerary Day to Day Overview

DAY 1 | Fly from San Diego to Shannon via London on British Airways

DAY 2 | Arrive in Shannon 8:30pm | Drive to Dromoland Hotel

DAY 3 | Drive to Galway with stops at Cliffs of Moher, McGann’s Pub in Doolin for lunch, Corkscrew Hill, Dunguaire Castle

DAY 4 | Galway: Spanish Arch, City Museum, Long Walk, Galway Cathedral, Westend live music at Crane Bar

DAY 5 | Galway: day trip through Connemara with stops at The Quiet Man Bridge, Clifden for lunch at Guys Bar, then drive the Sky Road and explore Clifden Castle ~ spend night back in Galway

DAY 6 | Drive to Cong – stay at Ashford Castle

DAY 7 | Kylemore Abbey, drive from Leenane to Louisbourgh

DAY 8 | Drive from Ashford Castle to Slieve League (3 hours) ~ spend night in Donegal at Lough Eske Castle

DAY 9 | Drive to Dublin with stop for tour of Emerald Guitars in Donegal (3 hours)

DAY 10 | Dublin: Kilmainham Gaol Museum, St Patrick’s Cathedral, wander streets of Temple Bar, Christ Church, live music at Cobblestone Pub, St Stephen’s Park, shopping on Grafton Street

DAY 11 | Dublin: Trinity College, Coldplay concert

DAY 12 | Dublin: Guinness Brewery tour, Roe & Co Irish Whiskey Distillery tour, dinner at The Hairy Lemon

DAY 13 | Fly Dublin to San Diego via London on British Airways

I hope you found my complete Dublin Ireland travel guide helpful in planning your own adventures to this stunning Emerald Isle.

Dublin offers a perfect blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and scenic beauty, making it an ideal destination for a leisurely getaway.

Whether you’re exploring historic landmarks or enjoying a traditional Irish music session, Dublin promises unforgettable experiences for everyone.

Did you find this post useful? Pin it to your boards – just click the Pin button in the upper right corner!

Life is short, the world is wide.

I want to make some memories.

~Mamma Mia

Don’t miss any of my tips, inspiration, or stories! Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

As always, I love hearing from you!!

I make every effort to reply to every comment below. But if for some reason I missed it – please feel free to contact me here.

Have a wonderful day my friend! I hope something makes you smile today ;).