In my newest itinerary post, I have compiled the need-to-know information for a last-minute trip to Dublin! As part of my itinerary section, this list includes researched information for top things to do in Dublin, Ireland. Rather than reading multiple long articles on individual subjects, I have added hyperlinks l, price points, and a Google map link so you can simply hop on the plane and go. There is no need to frantically research your destination while in the airport, or to waste time deciding your next steps while in Dublin. Easily open my user-friendly guide, enjoy your time in the airport lounge, and step off the airplane, ready to adventure! These itineraries have been critical for me in my travels, both for deciding where to travel, and as a resource if my plans change due to fluctuating seat numbers. 

Information:

• Embassy phone number +(353) (1) 668-8777
• Currency: Euro

What You Need:

• Need a valid passport (at least three months beyond stay) with a blank page
• Return plane ticket
• Proof of funds for travel 
• No visa is required for up to 90 days

Weather

• Cold Winters December-February
• Cool Springs March-May
• Cool/rainy Summer June-August
• Grey/rainy/cloudy/colder Fall September-November 

Transportation 

Public transit is ideal

• Airlink Express gets you from the airport to the city center in 30 minutes
• Fairly walkable within the city
• Dublin bus
• DART train
• Tram (Luas)

*Generally, transit cost is calculated by the length of the journey

DoDublin Card 

€45 for 72 hours on bus, Luas, DART, trains, and 48 hours on hop-on-hop-off

LEAP Visitor Card

Unlimited travel on city bus, Lucas, DART, and commuter rail for a fixed price depending on the length 

If Renting a Car to Leave the City:

• Driving is on the left side of the road 
• Roads can be narrow, uneven, and winding
• Most rental cars are manual
• No right turn on red lights
• Wait to rent a car until you are leaving Dublin

Top Things to Do in Dublin, Ireland:

• Cliffs of Moher $86
• Jameson Distillery Tour $33
• Guinness Tour $33
• Book of Kells $65
• Hop-on-Hop-off Tour $33
• Wander Wicklow St, Clarendon St, S William St, George St, Chatham St, South Anne Street
• St. Stephen’s Green
• Eat at cafes 
• Temple Bar Food Market, farmers market, and food stalls (but avoid Temple Bar)
• Phoenix Park (Dublin Zoo, the Wellington Monument, cricket, soccer, Gaelic, polo fields, Aras An Uachtarai)
• Kilmainham Gaol (closed jail, book ahead, dress for cold) €8
• Attend a sporting event

*Prices listed are at time of publication and can vary depending on where purchased

Day Trips

Blarney Castle 

Northern Ireland

Dún Laoghaire

• Coastal views
• People’s Park Market on Sundays
• Pavilion Theater
• James Joyce Tower

Dalkey

•  Natural scenery
•  Shops and cafes 
•  Restaurants 
•  Killiney Beach
•  Wicklow Mountains
•  Killiney Hill for views 

Howth

•   Go midweek to avoid crowds 
•   Scenic fishing village 
•   Do not go when cloudy/rainy

Wicklow Mountains

•   Book a small tour, not a big bus 

Top Things to Do In Dublin Ireland: Food

• Irish Soda Bread
• Irish Stew
• Ulster Fry
• Colcannon Mash
• Potato farms/bread
• Barmbrack
• Boxty
• Irish Apple Cake
• Yellowman Sweet

Restaurants

• Grono $$
• Fish Shop $$
• Bakeology Treats $
• Variety Jones $$$$
• Spitalfields $$$
• Bastible $$$$
• The Fumbally $

Hotels:

*If your flight arrives early in the morning, consider an extra night at the hotel to recover from jet lag and store your stuff

• Harding Hotel $$-$$$
• The Intercontinental Dublin $$$
• Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport $
• The Mont $$-$$$
• The Grafton Hotel $$
• Mespil Hotel $-$$
• The Morgan Hotel $-$$
• The Trinity City Hotel $$
• Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin $$
• The Morrison Dublin, Hilton $$-$$$

Link to Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xNfeq1Rb4UgEULjg6

*Post contains affiliate links

Sources

“The 10 Best Downtown Dublin Hotels 2023 (with Prices) – Tripadvisor.” Trip Advisor, 2024. https://www.tripadvisor.com/HotelsList-Dublin-City-Center-Hotels-zfp51104.html. 

“The 10 Best Things to Do in Dublin – 2024 (with Photos) | Tripadvisor.” Trip Advisor. Accessed April 30, 2024. https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractions-g186605-Activities-Dublin_County_Dublin.html. 

“Climate – Dublin (Ireland).” Dublin climate: weather by month, temperature, rain – Climates to Travel. Accessed May 1, 2024. https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/ireland/dublin. 

Doran, Darragh. “The Non-Tourist Version of Dublin by Day, Written by a Dubliner.” Darragh Doran. Accessed April 30, 2024. https://www.empirecharleston.com/dublin-by-day. 

“Getting around: Transport in Dublin.” Dublin.ie,  June 8, 2023. https://dublin.ie/live/life-in-dublin/getting-around/. 

Hardgrave, C. (2017, July 20). The 38 Essential Dublin Restaurants. Eater. https://www.eater.com/maps/best-dublin-restaurants-38

Hofer, Astrid. “10 Best Hotels in Dublin City Centre for All Budgets (2023).” Ireland Before You Die, March 10, 2024. https://www.irelandbeforeyoudie.com/top-10-best-hotels-in-dublin-city-centre/. 

March, Author James. “Getting around Dublin (Stress-Free 2024 Guide).” The Irish Road Trip, December 30, 2023. https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/getting-around-dublin/. 

Boal, Steph. “Traditional Irish Food: A Guide to 10 Must-Try Irish Dishes.” Hogans Irish Cottages, April 2, 2024. https://www.hogansirishcottages.com/blog/traditional-irish-food/. 

U.S. Department of State, April 26, 2025. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/Int

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