Dublin is one of our favourite cities in Europe and one we have visited multiple times — including on our honeymoon as part of our 7 day Ireland itinerary. The things to do in Dublin range from world-class museums and historic pubs to one of the best day trips on the island and a restaurant inside a repurposed 18th century church with live music and dancing most nights. Dublin is endlessly warm, genuinely funny, and the kind of city where you feel at home within about twenty minutes of arriving.
This complete guide covers everything — when to visit, where to stay, the best restaurants and pubs, the top things to do in Dublin, and the day trips that make it even better.
BEST TIME TO VISIT DUBLIN
Dublin is a year-round city. Summer (June through August) brings the longest days and the best weather — though Irish weather is unpredictable at any time of year and packing layers is always the right call. St Patrick’s Day in March turns the city into one enormous celebration and is worth planning a trip around. Spring and autumn offer shoulder season prices with fewer tourists. Winter in Dublin is cosy rather than cold — the pub culture is at its best when it is grey outside.
HOW TO GET TO DUBLIN
Dublin Airport is Ireland’s main international hub with direct flights from most US cities and throughout Europe. The Aircoach bus runs directly from the airport to the city centre and O’Connell Street in about 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. A taxi or rideshare takes a similar time.
Pro Tip: Grab an eSIM before you travel so you have data the moment you land. Saily is our go-to — use code THEJETLAGJOURNEY25 for 25% off. Airalo is a great alternative (code JLJ10 for 10% off).
CURRENCY AND TIPPING IN DUBLIN
Dublin uses the Euro. Card payments are widely accepted. Tipping is appreciated but not as obligatory as in the US — 10 to 12 percent at sit-down restaurants is standard. At pubs, tipping the bar staff is not expected but always welcomed.
WHERE TO STAY IN DUBLIN
Dublin is compact enough that almost any central neighbourhood works well. The areas around Grafton Street and St Stephen’s Green put you close to the best shopping and restaurants. Temple Bar is lively and touristy but convenient. The Liberties and Smithfield are more residential and increasingly popular for their independent restaurant and bar scenes.
Luxury: The Merrion on Merrion Street or The Shelbourne on St Stephen’s Green — two of the great Dublin hotels.
Mid-range: Look for hotels in the Grafton Street area or around O’Connell Street for the best central location at a reasonable price.
Budget: Generator Dublin near Smithfield is one of the best-run budget options in the city.
WHERE TO EAT IN DUBLIN
Dublin’s food scene has transformed over the past decade and is now genuinely excellent. Irish cooking at its best — smoked salmon, soda bread, seafood chowder, lamb and beef — is worth seeking out, alongside a diverse international scene that reflects the city’s growing multiculturalism.
The Church — a restaurant and bar inside a beautifully restored 18th century church on Mary Street. The original organ pipes are still in place, the stained glass windows remain, and there is live music and dancing on the balcony most nights. The food is good, the atmosphere is extraordinary, and it is one of the most spectacular dining experiences in Ireland. Book ahead for dinner.
Fade Street Social — one of the best modern Irish restaurants in Dublin, with a gastropub downstairs and a more formal restaurant above. The small plates menu downstairs is excellent value.
Clanbrassil House — a neighbourhood restaurant in the Liberties with a small, precise menu and excellent natural wines. One of the most talked-about restaurants in Dublin right now.
The English Market area — while the English Market is in Cork, Dublin has excellent covered food markets worth exploring for breakfast and lunch. The Liberties and the Docklands areas have strong street food scenes.
BEST PUBS IN DUBLIN
Dublin’s pub culture is the heartbeat of the city and the traditional music session — a group of musicians playing Irish folk music informally in a corner of a pub — is one of the great live music experiences in the world. These are the pubs worth your time.
The Church — mentioned above for food but equally worth a visit just for drinks. Live music and dancing most nights in a setting unlike any other pub in Ireland.
Kehoe’s — one of the most beautiful traditional pub interiors in Dublin on South Anne Street. Dark wood, snugs, and a genuinely unchanged atmosphere. Go for a quiet afternoon pint.
The Brazen Head — one of Ireland’s oldest pubs, established in 1198. Traditional sessions most nights and a great atmosphere in the cobbled courtyard.
Toner’s — a Victorian pub near Merrion Square with an excellent whiskey selection and a loyal local crowd. One of the most genuinely unpretentious pubs in central Dublin.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN DUBLIN
The things to do in Dublin are a brilliant mix of world-class culture, history, and the kind of experiences you can only have in Ireland. These are the ones we come back to every visit.
Guinness Storehouse — the self-guided tour through the history and brewing process of Guinness is genuinely excellent, and ends with a complimentary pint poured at the Gravity Bar with 360-degree views over Dublin. Book online in advance. One of the best visitor experiences in Ireland.
Jameson Distillery Bow St. — in the Smithfield neighbourhood, the guided tour covers the history of Irish whiskey and ends with a tasting. Combining the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery in one afternoon is peak Dublin.
Trinity College and the Book of Kells — the 9th century illuminated manuscript is one of the greatest medieval treasures in the world and the Long Room library that houses it is one of the most beautiful rooms in Ireland. Book timed entry in advance — it sells out fast.
Day trip to Howth — take the DART 30 minutes north to the fishing village of Howth for the coastal cliff walk and the best seafood in the Dublin area. The Howth Head loop is about 10km with spectacular views across Dublin Bay. This is one of our favourite day trips from Dublin and completely free. End with chowder and crab claws at one of the harbourside restaurants.
National Museum of Ireland — free entry and one of the best national museums in Europe. The bog bodies, the Viking gold, and the decorative arts collections are all outstanding.
Phoenix Park — one of the largest urban parks in Europe at 1,750 acres. The Irish President’s residence, the Dublin Zoo, and wild deer roaming freely. A great afternoon if you need green space and fresh air.
Walking Tour — Dublin’s history — Viking settlement, Norman conquest, the 1916 Rising, the War of Independence — is dense and fascinating. A walking tour brings it all to life. Free tours depart daily from Trinity College.
ETIAS — WHAT AMERICAN TRAVELERS NEED TO KNOW
Ireland is in the EU but not part of the Schengen Area, so ETIAS does not apply to Ireland. Americans currently enter Ireland visa-free. For trips combining Dublin with mainland Europe, read our complete ETIAS guide for the European requirements.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THINGS TO DO IN DUBLIN
How many days do you need in Dublin?
Three days is ideal for a first visit — enough for the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, the best pubs, a day trip to Howth, and enough time in the neighbourhoods to feel the city. Two days is doable but rushed. Pair it with Galway for a full Ireland experience — read our 7 day Ireland itinerary for the route we followed on our honeymoon.
What is the best day trip from Dublin?
Howth is our top pick — 30 minutes by DART, a spectacular cliff walk, and the best seafood in the Dublin area. Wicklow Mountains National Park is another excellent option about an hour south by bus or car. Both are free to access and genuinely outstanding.
What is The Church in Dublin?
The Church is a restaurant and bar inside a restored 18th century church on Mary Street with the original organ pipes, stained glass, and balcony intact. Live music and dancing most nights. One of the most spectacular pub and dining experiences in Ireland — book ahead for dinner.
Is Dublin expensive?
Dublin is one of the more expensive cities in Europe — accommodation and food prices have risen significantly in recent years. That said, many of the best things to do in Dublin are free — the national museums, Phoenix Park, Howth cliff walk, and the pubs themselves are all very accessible on a budget. Plan ahead and book accommodation early.
Is Dublin safe?
Dublin is a safe city overall. The main things to watch for are pickpockets in busy tourist areas around Temple Bar and O’Connell Street, and being aware of your surroundings late at night in the city centre. Beyond that, Dublin is an extremely welcoming and easy city to navigate.
MORE FROM THE JET LAG JOURNEY
Combining Dublin with Galway? Read our complete Galway city guide and our 7 day Ireland itinerary — the exact route we followed on our honeymoon. For tips on keeping travel costs down, read our 40 ways to travel cheaper. And for planning a bigger European trip, our guide to how to plan a trip to Europe covers everything.
