DUBLIN
Dublin City is the vibrant heart of Ireland, a place where literary giants once walked and a modern, cosmopolitan energy now pulses alongside historic charm.
Spanning the banks of the River Liffey, it is a compact, walkable city renowned for its friendly people, lively pub culture, and wealth of iconic cultural landmarks.
Most Popular Attractions
Historic Core & Religious Sites:
Trinity College and The Book of Kells: Home to the ancient manuscript and the stunning Long Room Library.
Dublin Castle: A former seat of English and later British rule in Ireland, now a major government complex.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral: The National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland, famous for its association with Jonathan Swift.
Christ Church Cathedral: Dublin’s older of the two medieval cathedrals, with an impressive crypt.
Ha’penny Bridge: A charming, historic cast-iron footbridge crossing the River Liffey.
Molly Malone Statue (The Tart with the Cart): A popular meeting point and statue of the city’s unofficial anthem.
Museums, Culture & Literary Landmarks:
Kilmainham Gaol: A powerful museum detailing the history of Irish nationalism and rebellion.
National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology: Home to the country’s most significant artifacts, including stunning prehistoric gold.
National Gallery of Ireland: A vast collection of Irish and European art, free to the public.
Irish Emigration Museum (EPIC): An interactive museum detailing the stories of the Irish diaspora worldwide.
Chester Beatty Library: A world-renowned collection of manuscripts, rare books, and miniature paintings.
General Post Office (GPO): A significant site in the 1916 Easter Rising, now a working post office and museum.
Dublinia: An interactive exhibition chronicling Viking and Medieval Dublin history.
Entertainment & Industry:
Guinness Storehouse: Ireland’s number one tourist attraction, offering a tour of the brewing process and a rooftop bar.
Jameson Distillery Bow St. : An immersive, guided experience through the history and process of making Irish whiskey.
Temple Bar: Dublin’s famous cultural quarter, known for its cobbled streets, live music, and pubs.
Grafton Street: The city’s main shopping artery, known for its quality street performers.
Croke Park Stadium Tour & Museum: The home of Gaelic Games (Gaelic football and hurling) and a major historical site.
Parks, Outdoors & Modern Sites:
Phoenix Park: One of the largest enclosed public parks in any capital city in Europe, home to the President’s residence.
Dublin Zoo: Located within Phoenix Park, one of the world’s oldest and most popular zoos.
National Botanic Gardens: A beautiful 19th-century collection of greenhouses and plant species in Glasnevin.
The Spire: A towering stainless steel monument on O’Connell Street, a major modern landmark.
Samuel Beckett Bridge: An iconic, harp-shaped cable-stayed bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava.
Activities & Experiences
Visit the Guinness Storehouse: Take the iconic, multi-floor journey through the history, brewing, and advertising of Guinness, concluding with a complimentary pint in the rooftop Gravity Bar for panoramic city views.
Marvel at the Book of Kells and the Long Room: Tour Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university, and view the stunning 1,200-year-old medieval manuscript in the magnificent, vaulted Old Library.
Take a Whiskey Distillery Tour and Tasting: Explore the craft of Irish whiskey at one of the city’s distilleries, such as the Jameson Distillery Bow St. or Teeling Whiskey Distillery, complete with a guided tasting.
Experience a Traditional Irish Music Session: Go beyond the tourist-heavy areas and seek out an authentic “trad session” at a classic pub like The Cobblestone in Smithfield or O’Donoghue’s.
Tour Kilmainham Gaol: Discover a powerful and moving part of Irish history at this former prison, which held many leaders of Irish rebellions, including the 1916 Easter Rising. Book tickets well in advance.
Explore the EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum: Journey through the stories of the Irish diaspora in this interactive, award-winning museum located in the historic Dublin Docklands.
Stroll through Phoenix Park: Visit one of the largest enclosed city parks in Europe, home to Dublin Zoo, Áras an Uachtaráin (the President’s residence), and a herd of wild fallow deer. Consider renting a bike to cover the large area.
Walk the Howth Cliff Path: Take a DART train to the picturesque fishing village of Howth and hike one of the beautiful coastal paths for spectacular views of Dublin Bay and the Irish Sea.
See a Play at the Abbey or Gate Theatre: Immerse yourself in Dublin’s rich literary and dramatic heritage by attending a performance at one of its renowned theaters.
Go on a Literary Pub Crawl: Combine the city’s love of literature and pubs by joining a guided tour that visits pubs associated with famous Irish writers like James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, and W.B. Yeats.
Wander the grounds of Dublin Castle: Explore the former seat of English rule in Ireland, with its historic State Apartments and the adjacent free-to-enter Chester Beatty Library, which houses an extensive collection of rare books and manuscripts.
Visit the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology: Explore a vast collection, including prehistoric gold artifacts, Viking remains, and the famous ‘bog bodies,’ all with free admission.
Local Tips & Transport
Walkability is High: The city centre is compact and most major attractions (Trinity College, Dublin Castle, Grafton Street) are easily accessible on foot.
The Leap Card is a Must: For public transport, purchase a Leap Card (a reusable travel smart card) or a Leap Visitor Card for significant discounts on fares compared to cash. Use it on the bus, Luas (tram), and DART (coastal train).
Public Transport Options:
- Dublin Bus: The main bus network is extensive. Exact change (coins only) is required if paying with cash, but the Leap Card is simpler.
- Luas (Tram): Two main lines (Red and Green) are excellent for quick trips across the city center and to certain suburbs. Always remember to ‘tap on’ and ‘tap off’ with your Leap Card for correct fares.
- DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit): This coastal rail line is perfect for scenic day trips to seaside villages like Howth, Malahide, Dalkey, and Bray.
From the Airport: The Airlink Express is a fast, dedicated bus service to the city centre. Local Dublin Bus routes (e.g., 16 and 41) are a cheaper, but slower, alternative. Taxis are also readily available.
Ride-Sharing/Taxis: While Uber operates, the local app FREE NOW is often the most used service for booking taxis.
The Pub Culture and ‘The Round’: Pubs are the social heart of Dublin. If you are drinking in a group, it is customary to take turns buying a “round” (a drink for everyone). Do not try to pay for your own drink if it’s your turn in the round.
Ordering a Proper Pint: If ordering a Guinness, be prepared for a two-part pour that takes about two minutes. The process is a ritual; patience is expected.
Beyond Temple Bar: While the Temple Bar area is famous and picturesque, it is heavily tourist-focused and often expensive. For an authentic experience, venture into areas like The Liberties, Stoneybatter, or Camden Street for traditional pubs and local atmosphere.
Free Museums: Many of Ireland’s top cultural institutions, including the National Gallery of Ireland and the different branches of the National Museum of Ireland (Archaeology, Natural History, Decorative Arts & History), offer free admission.
The Northside vs. Southside: The River Liffey divides Dublin into its historically distinct Northside (odd postal codes like Dublin 1, 3, 7) and Southside (even postal codes like Dublin 2, 4, 6). While the rivalry is mostly in jest today, knowing your side of the city is a traditional way to feel local.
Language: English is the primary language, but the local Dublin accent and use of slang (e.g., ‘the jacks’ for the toilet, ‘deadly’ for great, ‘grand’ for fine/good) can take some adjustment.
Hidden Gems:
- The Iveagh Gardens: A peaceful, beautifully maintained Victorian park often referred to as Dublin’s “secret garden,” located just behind the National Concert Hall.
- Number 14 Henrietta Street: A powerful museum that tells the story of the house, from a grand Georgian townhouse to a tenement building, offering a unique insight into Dublin’s social history.
- The Gravediggers (Kavanagh’s Pub): Located next to Glasnevin Cemetery, this is one of Dublin’s most traditional and untouched pubs—a true local spot known for its excellent Guinness and no-fuss atmosphere.
- St. Stephen’s Green Buskers: Walk down Grafton Street towards St. Stephen’s Green for some of the best street performers and live music in the city.
Top Restaurants
The Winding Stair [$25-$40] – A charming restaurant and bookshop overlooking the Liffey, serving modern Irish food with a focus on high-quality, seasonal Irish ingredients.
The Legal Eagle [$25-$40] – A contemporary gastropub with a menu celebrating traditional Irish cooking, known for its creative use of offal and an excellent range of craft beers.
O’Neills Pub & Kitchen [$20-$35] – A classic, non-touristy Irish pub near Trinity College offering hearty, traditional pub grub like Irish stew and beef & Guinness pie.
Mulligan’s [$15-$25] – While primarily a historic pub famed for its pint of Guinness, it often serves excellent, no-frills, traditional toasted sandwiches and simple meals favored by locals.
Madigan’s [$20-$30] – A cozy, traditional pub on O’Connell Street offering classic Irish fare in a relaxed setting, recommended by locals for its comforting stews and roasts.
The Pig’s Ear [$35-$50] – A Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant near Trinity College offering a relaxed fine-dining experience with good, honest Irish fare and a modern touch.
Kingfisher [$25-$40] – A popular, reliable spot for traditional fish and chips and other classic Irish dishes, highly recommended by locals for quality seafood.
O’Shea’s Merchant [$20-$35] – A welcoming Irish pub known for its traditional classics like Beef and Guinness Pie, providing a warm, local atmosphere.
Spitalfields [$30-$50] – A traditional cuisine restaurant with a strong focus on Irish ingredients and classic cooking techniques, often mentioned in the Michelin Guide.
Delahunt [$40-$60] – Located in a beautifully restored Victorian building, it offers consistently high-quality Irish food in a comfortable, historic setting.
Bastible [$60-$90] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in Portobello offering a focused, creative tasting menu that highlights seasonal Irish produce in inventive ways.
Mr Fox [$50-$80] – Set in a Georgian basement, this is a superb city centre restaurant known for its high-quality, creative cuisine and a reasonably priced set menu option.
Richmond [$40-$60] – A charming, intimate dining spot in Portobello, holding a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its contemporary dishes and commitment to quality and flavor.
Locks [$50-$80] – A hidden gem along the Grand Canal, offering fine dining with creatively prepared, locally sourced Irish ingredients in a chic yet relaxed setting.
Comet [$50-$80] – A relatively new spot bringing a seasonal, produce-first philosophy to modern Irish cuisine, with dishes already gaining buzz among local foodies.
Fade St. Social [$40-$60] – Known for its modern Irish menu based around Irish ingredients and its wood-fired flatbreads, offering a buzzy, reliable dining experience.
D’Olier Street [$120-$180] – A modern, Michelin-starred fine-dining experience in the city centre, offering a seasonally changing surprise tasting menu.
Glover’s Alley [$150-$200] – Overlooking St. Stephen’s Green, this spot is known for its bold, creative cuisine and high-quality Irish ingredients in a stylish setting.
Hera [$40-$70] – A modern gastropub blending inventive Irish dishes with a Mediterranean twist, housed in a beautifully restored 200-year-old building.
Vada [$30-$50] – A contemporary dining hotspot in Stoneybatter known for its sleek style and inventive menu celebrating fresh, locally sourced ingredients with international twists.
Lilliput Stores [$15-$30] – A gourmet food store that doubles as a fantastic lunch spot, offering high-quality, inventive sandwiches and deli fare using exceptional local produce.
Brother Hubbard [$20-$35] – Known for its excellent brunches, it also offers inventive, Middle Eastern-inspired evening meals with a relaxed, modern atmosphere.
Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud [$200+] – Dublin’s two Michelin-starred jewel, internationally acclaimed for its exquisite French cuisine and modern, minimalist décor.
Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen [$150-$250] – A highly-regarded, historic restaurant in Parnell Square offering a modern cuisine tasting experience that is superb and sophisticated.
Liath [$150-$250] – Located just south of the city in Blackrock, this Michelin-starred restaurant is acclaimed for its artistic, seasonal dishes and unique dining experience.
Variety Jones [$100-$150] – A Michelin-starred, industry-renowned spot known for its honest, wood-fired cooking and carefully sourced Irish cuisine.
Dax Restaurant [$100-$150] – A top-ranked, high-end restaurant serving exquisite French cuisine with an efficient, classic decorum and an emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce.
One Pico [$80-$120] – A multi-award-winning fine dining restaurant serving modern classic cuisine with innovative touches, using the best of local produce.
Etto [$60-$100] – Offers a daily changing, seasonal menu of honest, simple dishes in a relaxed, informal environment, popular with locals and often mentioned for its quality.
Allta [$100-$180] – A modern cuisine restaurant offering a unique and refined dining experience, focusing on modern dishes and innovative techniques.
Volpe Nera [$80-$120] – Located in Blackrock, this restaurant is highly praised for its diverse fusion flavors and modern cuisine.
Host [$50-$90] – A Modern Cuisine spot often featured in the Michelin Guide for its high-quality food and inviting atmosphere.
The Fish Shop [$25-$45] – Located in Smithfield, it excels at showcasing fresh Irish seafood with a curated wine menu, offering small bites reminiscent of tapas.
Sano Pizza [$15-$25] – Known as a ‘mecca for true Italian pizza lovers,’ it serves cheap and delicious authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, a local favorite for casual dining.
Big Fan [$20-$40] – A modern Chinese restaurant celebrated for its creative dumplings, including must-try unique fillings, offering a break from traditional pub fare.
Umi Falafel [$10-$20] – A basic but highly-regarded Lebanese spot with multiple locations, serving some of the best falafel in Dublin at great, budget-friendly prices.
Shouk [$15-$30] – A popular Middle Eastern restaurant offering incredible food at very reasonable prices, noted for being an excellent ‘cheap and cheerful’ local favorite.
777 [$35-$60] – A vibrant, stylish restaurant specializing in authentic and creative Mexican cuisine, known for its extensive tequila list and lively atmosphere.
La Cave Wine Bar [$30-$50] – A quirky, hidden haunt in the city center with an extensive collection of over 350 wines and a menu of French-inspired dishes.
The Woollen Mills Eating House [$25-$40] – A popular, locally-loved spot by the Ha’penny Bridge, serving a diverse menu of local favorites, including the classic Dublin coddle.
Opium [$40-$60] – A trendy, multi-section venue offering Asian fusion cuisine with a focus on slick restaurant dishes and a popular cocktail bar and terrace.
Uno Mas [$35-$60] – A modern European restaurant with a Spanish flair, offering unique and indulgent tapas and small plates, highly popular with locals.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Vintage Cocktail Club (VCC): Tucked away behind a discreet black door in Temple Bar, this award-winning speakeasy offers an extensive menu of cocktails themed around different eras, providing an intimate, prohibition-style atmosphere.
The Blind Pig Speakeasy: A hidden underground bar in the city centre that requires a secret password for entry, offering a classic speakeasy vibe and expertly crafted cocktails with unusual, high-quality ingredients.
Bar 1661: Located on Green Street, this highly-rated bar champions Irish spirits, especially Poitín (Irish moonshine), creating unique, innovative, and staunchly Irish cocktails in a simple, cool setting.
Peruke & Periwig: Found on Dawson Street, this quirky, theatrical bar is known for its decor, including numerous wigs, and a cocktail menu inspired by different genres of music.
The Sidecar: An elegant, Art Deco-style bar in The Westbury Hotel, just off Grafton Street, offering a sophisticated experience with a martini trolley for tableside cocktail preparation and a focus on 1920s and 30s glamour.
9 Below: A discreet, sophisticated wine and cocktail bar situated in a Georgian basement on St Stephen’s Green, featuring arched ceilings and a menu of unique drinks with house-made shrubs and bitters.
The Little Pig Speakeasy: A sister bar to The Blind Pig, this intimate spot in the city centre continues the speakeasy theme with a luxurious feel, serving classic cocktails and masterclasses.
The Sitting Room at Delahunt: Located upstairs from Delahunt restaurant on Camden Street, this bar retains a Georgian period feel with a cozy, relaxed atmosphere, offering classic and signature cocktails.
Sophie’s Rooftop Bar: Situated atop The Dean hotel on Harcourt Street, this large, light-filled bar provides stunning panoramic views of the city skyline, serving Instagram-friendly cocktails with a contemporary menu.
The Mint Bar: Found in the former vaults of a bank within The Westin Dublin hotel near Trinity College, this bar blends vintage techniques with modern mixology and often features live jazz music.
Lemon & Duke: Just off Grafton Street, this New York-style cocktail bar offers a sleek, suave setting with mood lighting and a range of signature cocktails.
The Marker Hotel Rooftop Bar and Terrace: Located in the Docklands, this is one of Dublin’s best rooftop options for alfresco drinking, providing excellent views and refreshing cocktails.
The Collins Club: A crimson-covered, Georgian-themed cocktail bar on the ground floor of The Leinster Hotel on Mount Street, known for its elegant setting and unique takes on classic cocktails.
Pygmalion: By day a chic café, by night a lively bar in Powerscourt Townhouse Centre on South William Street, known for its “Pygtails” (cocktail deals) and vibrant, art-focused decor.
The Chelsea Drugstore: A “bohemian cocktail bar” on South Great George’s Street, offering a more casual and unpretentious setting for classic and original cocktails.
Copper Face Jacks (Coppers): A legendary Dublin club on Harcourt Street, famous for its buzzing, unpretentious atmosphere and diverse crowd, with multiple dance floors and bars, often considered a Dublin rite of passage.
Dicey’s Garden Club: Located on Harcourt Street, this popular spot is known for its large, heated outdoor beer garden, affordable drinks, and late-night DJ sets playing chart-topping music, drawing a young, energetic crowd.
The Camden: Starting as a top sports bar on Camden Street, it transforms into a multi-level nightclub with a buzzing atmosphere, cocktails, and late-night dancing.
The Workman’s Club: Set in a Georgian townhouse on Wellington Quay, this venue features a casual, eclectic atmosphere with multiple dance floors, offering regular nights playing rock, hip-hop, disco, and hosting live music.
Opium Club (Opium Live): A versatile venue on Wexford Street with Japanese-inspired interiors that transitions from an Asian restaurant to a multi-level nightclub featuring modern sound and lighting systems.
37 Dawson Street: An elegant and sophisticated venue near St. Stephen’s Green that features opulent interiors and transitions into a late-night spot with a good dance floor playing commercial and house music.
Whelan’s: An iconic live music venue on Wexford Street that morphs into an indie-centric nightclub in its back room and upstairs dance floor, drawing a crowd of old-school music lovers and younger fans.
Button Factory: An intimate live music venue and club in Temple Bar, hosting a mix of live gigs, up-and-coming bands, and late-night DJ sets spanning various genres like EDM and indie.
Bad Bobs: Located in a historic Victorian townhouse in Temple Bar, this spot offers five floors, including a dedicated nightclub level, live music, and a rooftop terrace, known for its vibrant party atmosphere.
Krystle: Situated in the Russell Court Hotel complex on Harcourt Street (sharing a venue with Dicey’s), this is a more upscale club with private rooms and a focus on a glamorous, exclusive feel.
The Grand Social: Found near the Ha’penny Bridge, this multi-space music lover’s venue hosts diverse club nights, live bands, and features a ballroom and a rooftop beer garden.
The Sugar Club: Located off St Stephen’s Green, this unique venue is a former cinema/theatre that hosts eclectic club nights, tribute nights, and live music, featuring tiered seating and an intimate feel.
Dtwo Nightclub: Another Harcourt Street hotspot, Dtwo fronts a basement nightclub, offering a classic clubbing experience with resident DJs playing commercial hits and party tunes.
The Black Door: An exclusive late-night venue on Harcourt Street that specifically caters to a slightly older crowd (over 28s), offering a more refined nightclub experience.
Izakaya Basement: A hidden underground bar and club on South Great George’s Street that gets lively late into the night, offering an alternative, more intimate clubbing experience.