GUIDE TO DUBLIN, IRELAND
Ireland’s capital and largest city is a sightseer’s delight! It is hard to believe it has almost been two years since I lived in Dublin and interned at the Dublin Institute of Technology. I will never forget my quirky 1800’s home off of North Circular Road, riding my bike every morning through the busy city of Dublin, and the time I spent with locals and my Irish friends. If you are planning a trip to Ireland this post will provide you with travel tips and a list of my favorite restaurants, districts, and sights to get the most of your time in Dublin. Between the 751 pubs, lively culture, European history, and scenic views I have no doubt you will fall in love with Ireland. If Ireland isn’t on your list of places to go, it will be after you read the post.
TIPS
1. Dublin Bus 41
Many tourists are unaware that they can take the Dublin bus, which is the cheapest option from the airport to the city center. Dublin busses are yellow with blue strips along on the bottom. The main Dublin Bus that serves the airport is number 41. This bus stops at airport Terminal 1 every 10 minutes during busiest times of the day, and every 30 minutes during off-peak times. Bus 41 will take you to O’Connell Street, the main street in Dublin city center also known as the penultimate stop. Before you hand your money to the driver, say “city centre please” and he or she will tell you if you’ve got on the wrong bus. I would suggest using bus 41 or 747 instead of a taxi. The trip into city center might take a little longer but you will save money in the long run.
2. Airlink/747
Airlink – also known by its route number, 747 — is an express coach service operated by Dublin Bus, which also runs the city’s public bus service. The Airlink is an express service (fewer stops) that goes from the airport to Dublin’s main bus station Busaras, then to O’Connell Street in the city center. 747 buses are frequent, departing every 15 or 20 minutes, from 5am to 11.30pm (11.20pm Sundays).
3. Weather
In case you didn’t know, it rains a lot in Ireland. There’s a reason why the countryside is so lush and green. The weather conditions can change quickly in Ireland. One minute it’s sunny and warm, the next minute it’s pouring rain. I would recommend keeping your rain jacket and umbrella with you at all times of the day even if there is no chance of precipitation that day. Fun fact, the Irish are obsessed with the weather and it is their favorite conversation starter.
SIGHTS
1. Kilmainham Gaol
The Kilmainham Gaol is a historic jail used by the British as a political prison. Today the museum tells a moving story of the suffering of the Irish people. Kilmainham Gaol is one of the largest unoccupied jails in Europe. It is a part of some of the most tragic and heroic moments in the history of Ireland. Leaders of the rebellions were detained and in some cases executed here. You always have to remember during your visit that you are in one of the places where the Republic of Ireland was born. You will walk in the footsteps of the founding members of the Irish state. It is important to book your tour in advance.
2. Guinness Storehouse
The Guinness Storehouse is located in the heart of the St. James Gate Brewery. It’s the home of the Black Stuff, the heart of Dublin, and an unforgettable start to your Irish adventure. This is known as Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction and for good reason. A 9,000-year lease in 1759 at St. James Gate lead to the creation of a world renowned beer. The Storehouse covers seven floors surrounding a glass atrium shaped in the form of a pint of Guinness. The ground floor introduces the beer’s four ingredients (water, barley, hops and yeast). Other floors feature the history of Guinness and include interactive exhibits. The seventh floor houses the Gravity Bar with views of Dublin and where visitors may drink a pint of Guinness. This is one of my favorite places to visit. During my time in Dublin, I actually went to the Guinness Storehouse twice. Be sure to get tickets ahead of time and be prepared to schedule multiple hours in the storehouse. Also, if you are a student show your ID to get a discount.
3. Ireland National Botanical Gardens
The National Botanic Gardens is noted for its fine plant collections holding over 15,000 plant species from a variety of habitats from all around the world. Famous for its exquisitely restored and planted glasshouses. The botanical gardens are gorgeous and a great place for a walk and picnic.
4. Trinity College and Book of Kells
Did you know the Trinity College Library is the oldest library in Dublin? Established in 1592, when the college was founded. The Book of Kells Exhibition is a must-see on the itinerary of all visitors to Dublin. Located in the heart of Dublin City, a walk through the cobbled stones of Trinity College. The Book of Kells contains the four Gospels in Latin based on the 384AD text. The Book of Kells is really impressive because of the tiny hand-done details. Be aware the entrance line can be quite long and take up to a few hours to get in. Also, there is an admission fee into the Library to see the Book of Kells.
5. Phoenix Park
The Phoenix Park is the largest urban park in Europe and contains a number of stately homes, including the official residency of the President of Ireland and the residency of the US Ambassador. Phoenix Park was founded in 1662 by the Duke of Ormond James Chester on behalf of King Charles II. This park is also home to a large herd of fallow deer. The deer have been present in the park since the 17th century. The park is full of bike trails, walking/running paths, and recreational areas. When I lived in Dublin, my home was right next to Phoenix Park. Spending time at the park was one of my favorite ways to relax.
DISTRICTS
1. Temple Bar
Temple Bar is an area on the south bank of the River Liffey in central Dublin. Unlike other parts of Dublin’s city centre, it is promoted as Dublin’s cultural quarter and has a lively nightlife that is popular with tourists. Popular venues include The Palace Bar, The Temple Bar Pub, Oliver St. John Gogarty’s, and The Norseman. This is a great place to visit for live music, street performers, and parties. This district is full of bachelor and bachelorette parities. Temple Bar is more expensive than other districts in town so if you are in Dublin for an extended period of time, I would recommend finding a pub outside of this district to start the night.
2. Smithfield
An area on the Northside of Dublin. Its focal point is a public square, formerly an open market, now officially called Smithfield Plaza. Notable landmarks in this district include the Old Jameson Whiskey Distillery and the Observation Tower. This area is full of amazing restaurants, coffee shops, and pubs. This district was not too far from where I worked so I tried many of the restaurants in the area for lunch. My favorite restaurants in Smithfield are Oscars Cafe Bar, Jo Burger, and Sparks Bistro.
3. O’Connell
From a tourist perspective it is quite easy to locate O’Connell Street. O’Connell Street is reputed to be Europe’s widest urban street. And it is home to the “Spire”, said to be the world’s tallest piece of (freestanding) sculpture. All this puts the relatively short street into the list of the top sights of Dublin. This street is also home to many tourist gift shops, restaurants, and the start to many city tours. O’Connell Street is closely located to Henry Street which is the second largest shopping district in Dublin. While on this street don’t miss the beautiful O’Connell bridge.
4. Grafton
Grafton is Ireland’s world famous shopping street. This street has a great variety of retail stores including café’s, bars, restaurants and hotels and caters for shoppers searching for high-end or high street. This famous street has also become renowned as a launch pad for musical acts. My favorite place on Grafton Street is the Aran Sweater Market that sales local Irish wool products.
RESTAURANTS
1. The Hairy Lemon ($)
A famous pub full of tradition and character. The Hairy Lemon has become one of Dublin’s Trendiest Pubs. This is my favorite pub and restaurant in Dublin, by far. The Hairy Lemon is located in the center of Dublin. This pub is known for their traditional food and music. My favorite traditional dishes they serve are the Lamb Shank, Beef and Guinness Pie, Irish Stew, and Bangers and Mash.
2. The Brazen Head ($$)
The Brazen Head is Ireland’s oldest pub since 1198. A short walk from The Guinness Brewery, it is well worth a visit for both its historical value and reputation as one of Dublin’s best Irish music venues. The restaurant has outdoor seating in the middle which is lovely on a nice day.
3. The Green Hen ($$$)
The Green Hen is a French Restaurant, offering classic dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. Located at the heart of Dublin City where Exchequer Street ends and meets Wicklow Street. Situated over two floors, they take reservations for the bar, ground floor dining room and the first floor. They have AMAZING food! Don’t miss out!
I hope you find this post helpful for your upcoming trip and if Ireland isn’t on your list of places to go, hopefully it will be now that you read this post. Feel free to contact me for any additional information!
Stay tuned for additional posts about day trips from Dublin, traveling Ireland’s countryside, and touring Northern Ireland.
