Dublin is the lively and historic capital of Ireland, a popular city trip among many in Europe. However, this time, a visit to Dublin was part of my 7-day Ireland itinerary! Even though Dublin is amazing and shows you a hint of Ireland, I would highly recommend extending your trip and grabbing the opportunity to explore the rough Atlantic west coast. Back to Dublin! The city might not have many well-known sights, however, the Irish culture makes it well worth visiting. We loved the legendary pubs, great pub food and interesting architecture. In this Dublin travel guide, I’ll show you the best things to do, where to eat and drink and share the top hotels to stay to make the most of your trip to Dublin!
Check out my guide with the top 10 things to do in Ireland or read my full 7-day Ireland itinerary.
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As mentioned, Dublin is not home to many famous sights. However, you can’t visit Dublin without a trip to the well-known Trinity College, which is also home to the famous Long Room Library, a beautiful library house with Ireland’s oldest books, including the famous Book of Kells. Make sure to book your visit to the Long Room well in advance, as, unfortunately, no tickets were available the day before.
Alternatively, you can book a guided tour through the Library and the Dublin castle.
One of the other old buildings to visit is the famous Christ Church Cathedral. Nearby, you’ll also find St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Afterwards, you can easily continue towards Francis Street for a stroll.
You can book your self-guided admission here.
One of the reasons you might visit Dublin is to experience the pub culture. Of course, you might already know the famous Temple Bar. However, there are some other authentic spots I could highly recommend. You can, for example think of:
The Brazen Head is Dublin’s oldest pub, established in 1198, with an inviting atmosphere. You will find many tourists here; however, in my opinion, it is still worth a visit (we visited around lunch time).
Grogans – A bar where locals gather for perfect pints of Guinness, especially when the sun is out, as they have a lovely terrace
Palace Bar – A literary pub with a cosy atmosphere which admires the rich history of Dublin’s literary scene
Stag’s Head – A Victorian-era gem with a vintage interior that is perfect for enjoying a relaxed pint and some pub food. In the evening, they might open up their basement.
Of course, you can’t visit Dublin without enjoying a pint of Guinness. Therewith, one of the iconic attractions is the Guinnesss Storehouse, where you can learn about the brewing process, learn how to drink a Guinness and enjoy a pint at the Gravity Bar with panoramic views of the city.
Book your Guiness Storehouse Ticket here.
As usual, in a larger city, strolling around is one of the best ways to understand the city better. I would highly recommend including a couple of specific streets in your stroll around town.
Grafton Street: The premier shopping street, which is bustling and less-of-the-beaten track, but worth a quick stroll
Francis Street: A hidden gem with antique shops, independent boutiques and nice coffee cafes away from the crowds
Capel Street: A vibrant street with some of the best restaurants and bars in the city. It is a great alternative for the Temple Bar area if you want something more local and off the beaten track.
A walking tour is a great way to further explore the city.
Not only is Dublin itself lovely, there are also plenty of places nearby (or further away) to explore. First of all, an easy day trip from Dublin is to visit the fisherman’s village Howth and walk the Howth cliff walk. Alternatively, you can embark on an adventure to explore natural gems relatively close to Dublin, such as the Wicklow Mountains and Kilkenny. Moreover, it is also possible to visit the famous Cliffs of Moher combined with Galway on a day trip. However, be prepared for some longer travel times!
Of course, the famous and typical Dublin pubs should be on your list as was described in the “best things to do in Dublin” section, such as the Brazen Head, The Palace and Grogans. Alternatively, pubs and bars to visit are, for example:
Ireland is no budget destination, which also reflects in the available hotels in Dublin. Nevertheless, there are plenty of good options available, whether you are on a budget or have more to spend!
Gogarty’s Hostel is very centrally located in the Temple Bar area and is great for backpackers. However, they also have two-person rooms for a decent price. During my stay in Dublin, Gogarty’s Hostel was our choice. You can book a room starting from €100 (shared bathroom).
Clink i Lar is also centrally located in Dublin and has a more basic touch to it. They offer bunk beds, 2-person rooms, as well as 4-person rooms in case you are visiting with a group. Prices start at €140 a night.
NYX Hotel Dublin is great if you are looking for a known favourite. The NYX hotel chain always offers good value for money and stylish rooms for a good price. You can stay in their Christchurch hotel for €165 a night.
Wren Urban Nest perfectly displays what I like about a hotel. Yes, it is small, but it has all the amenities you need. Therefore, it is possible to get a good deal at a central location while staying in a stylish location! You can stay here from €200 a night.
