Travel Guide Dublin – Dublin has it all: medieval, Georgian and modern architecture, fascinating history, legendary literary tradition and all the cosmopolitan delights of a dynamic capital.
With one of the youngest populations in Europe, trendy Dublin is packed with chic bars and upmarket restaurants, while many of the blighted areas have been given an attractive makeover.
Travel Guide Dublin
For all the talk of the wasted Celtic Tigers and the troubles in the Eurozone, the city remains rich in culture and art and has an equally rich history.
Dublin City Guide
Whether it’s the medieval castles and cathedrals or the plaques honoring James Joyce, William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw and Samuel Beckett, a short trip through the center is enough to remind you of all three.
This literary skill is nothing new, as it began over 1,000 years ago when Dublin was a sanctuary for monks who spent their time producing exquisite versions of the Bible. The best example of this is the famous Book of Kells from 800 AD, which is now on display at Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university.
The city is full of museums, with the National Museum of Ireland, the National Library, the National Gallery and the cute little Dublin Museum. While much of Dublin Castle was built by the English in the 13th century, its background is now as Irish as anywhere else in the city.
Those who take a more literal approach to enjoying city life will find plenty in the Guinness Storehouse, which offers plenty of opportunities to sample the black stuff as well as providing a snapshot of beer history.
Dublin Travel Guide
The weekly food markets, especially in Ballymun, are less pleasant than seeing farmers from the surrounding emerald green countryside selling in the capital.
Enjoying a prime location on the northern banks of the River Liffey, the recently developed Morrison Hotel is not only an oasis of tranquility but also a showcase for the talents of internationally renowned Irish designer John Rocha. The interior is unabashedly chic, with a minimalist East meets West theme. All 138 bedrooms are equipped with high-tech gadgets, and the various bars, restaurants and nightclubs are popular with the local brigade.
This budget hotel in the city center is almost 200 years old. It is very old school in Dublin and has some notable period features in the facade and public areas. Although the library is located in the bar and the years are still passing by, free Wi-Fi is available in most rooms and the rooms have been recently renovated.
Opposite 31 Fitzwilliam Place is the former home of leading Irish architect Sam Stevenson. Attention to detail, luxury and simplicity have transformed it into a highly refined and award-winning guest house. This stylish property offers a range of accommodation and secure parking, but the intimate aesthetic wins over guests.
A Weekend In Dublin
, now home to Ireland’s rugby team, the 5-star Shelburne Hotel has been home to the rich and famous (and even royalty) since it opened in the 18th century. Close to St Stephen’s Green, it remains one of Dublin’s most exclusive hotels, with 265 sumptuous rooms, popular bars and restaurants and a smart health club.
Dublin’s most luxurious hotel with 142 rooms looks like a standard Georgian house, but behind its modest facade, it has been sensitively restored to combine period charm with modern 5-star comforts. It has an elegant restaurant, a large swimming pool, a fitness center and a spa, as well as beautiful formal landscaped gardens, making it a peaceful haven away from the frenetic city center.
Luxurious and sophisticated, The Fitzwilliam offers a quiet and peaceful central location on one side of St Stephen’s Green and on the other side of Grafton Street. Theirs is a clean, minimalist interpretation of typical country house features, with chrome, frosted glass, large leather sofas and dramatic low lighting. Its large roof garden is perfect for summer sun. Capital of the Emerald Isle, European hotspot for the region’s best pubs, home of Guinness: Dublin has many claims to fame and is a must-visit destination for many travelers exploring Europe. However, as with any city, there are a few things you should know before you go! Here are my top Dublin travel tips for first-time visitors to Dublin.
Start your stay right by being well prepared and booking all your accommodations well in advance of your stay. I have personally stayed in the Temple District on several occasions
Days In Dublin
Close to all major attractions and within easy walking distance of everything you want to see,
When I first visited Dublin, it’s fair to say I was a bit taken aback
The city is expensive. From lodging to dining out, don’t forget to budget for a more expensive trip than you’ve already planned!
One of the most beautiful libraries in the world If there’s one attraction in Dublin you can’t miss, it’s Trinity College Library. Located in the beautiful Trinity College University complex, the library is lined with wooden shelves stacked floor to ceiling with books and numerous marble busts.
Hours In Dublin, Ireland
Below the library is a small exhibit highlighting the Book of Kells, one of the most important surviving ecclesiastical manuscripts from the Middle Ages. Be sure to arrive early as opposed to later in the day to avoid waiting in long lines!
From the autumn leaves in the autumn months to the beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring, if you could choose which time of year to visit Ireland’s capital, it would be during the European shoulder season (ie spring or summer ).
This way, everything is still open, and you get cheaper hotel rates (potentially) and cheaper plane tickets. I highly recommend planning your visit to coincide with the spring blossoms, which will allow you to enjoy the best cherry blossoms in Dublin.
Truth be told, even if you’re visiting Dublin during the summer, you can expect at least a shower or two during your visit. Also, be sure to bring an umbrella and plan ahead.
Where To Stay In Dublin
Luckily, there are plenty of indoor activities to keep you busy when the weather is less than cooperative! Looking for more inspiration? Check out my guide to the best things to do in Dublin when it rains!
Much of historic Dublin is distributed along both sides of the River Liffey, meaning you’ll pass through it at least a few times during your stay in the city. At least on one crossing, be sure to take the Happeni Bridge.
Officially known as the Liffey Bridge, this early 19th century footbridge was built to serve as a safe passage from one side of Dublin to the other. Prior to this, seven ferries operated daily to ferry passengers across the River Liffey.
If you’re looking for secret spots, you’re in luck because Dublin has plenty! Between an unusual statue of Oscar Wilde and a church with mummies in the basement, the Irish capital has no shortage of unique and exotic destinations. For more hidden spots, check out my guide to Dublin’s best kept secrets.
Dublin, Ireland (2023 Trip Guide)
When it comes to your time in Dublin, one thing is clear: you’ll be walking a lot! Also, be sure to bring comfortable, flat walking shoes. In some of the more historic parts of the city, you’ll soon find that there are cobblestones and small lanes, so be sure to leave your high heels at home.
Instead, wear some trendy trainers, flat sandals or cute boots so you can stay comfortable during your stay. I personally love these sandals and wear them on all my adventures
During the day, I usually wear these sneakers because they look great with dresses and can easily be packed into a small suitcase. These boots are especially beautiful in spring and autumn.
The plug used in Dublin is the same as the one used in the UK, so if you’re from a different part of the world, you’ll need to bring an adapter so you can charge all your electronics wherever you are. . Buy a universal travel adapter like this one so you can use it in multiple destinations!
The Here Magazine Guide To Dublin, Ireland
Thanks to the nearby international airport, it couldn’t be easier to get to Dublin from many international destinations. Some of the cheapest flights to Europe are from New York to Dublin, and the airport also serves many European destinations, including Paris, Edinburgh, Amsterdam and Porto.
While we’re on the subject of public transportation, it’s worth noting that visitors have a relatively unknown card.