Know Before You Go
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Be prepared for sudden temperature changes. The weather in Dublin is unreliable and can quickly become overcast. Dress in layers and always pack an umbrella or raincoat in case a sunny day turns into a downpour.
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You don't need to tip. If you think the service you received was exceptional, you can add 10% to your final bill to say thank you.
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Check the opening times for restaurants. Not all establishments serve food throughout the day, some are only open for drinks and others only on certain days.
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Bars in Dublin close around 3:00 a.m. It's rare to find a pub or a club open past this time unless you get caught in a "lock-in" that usually lasts until 7:00 a.m.
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Many shops, cafes, and some attractions operate on limited hours on Sundays. Check the opening hours ahead of time, especially if you're visiting the city on a Bank Holiday Monday.
Getting Around Dublin
Hit the pavements. Dublin is a small, walkable city and it's easy to get to most of the top attractions on foot.
Take the local bus. It's a cheap way to get around with fares starting as low as EUR 2-3. If you want to get on board, you'll need to flag the driver down, even if you're waiting at a designated stop.
Hire a bicycle. Dublin has 120 km of cycle lanes, making it easy to see the city at your own pace. There are also cycling tours, and you can tackle the trails in the Dublin Mountains.
Use the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit). It's the fastest way to get around the city, and the trains come with free onboard Wi-Fi.
Try the tram service. It's a cheap way to explore Dublin, and you can buy tickets at the streetside vending machines for single or return journeys.
Hail a taxi. With a call out rate of EUR 4.50, flagging down a cab is an expensive option but it's a more direct way to get to your next destination.
When is The Best Time to Visit Dublin?
The best time to visit Dublin is from June to August. The summer months are warm, and you'll have a higher chance of clear skies. But the favourable weather means it's also high season in the city. Expect to pay more for hotels and longer lines at the top attractions.
Winter is the best option for budget travellers. The cold, rainy weather keeps most travellers at bay, and you'll be able to find cheaper accommodation and airfare prices. But the winter days are short, with the sun rising at 8:00 a.m. and setting by 4:00 p.m. impacting how much you can do in one day.
If you're looking for a medium between the two seasons, plan your holiday between spring and autumn. The two shoulder seasons have fewer crowds, mild weather conditions and reasonable accommodation prices.
The only event you need to plan around is St. Patrick's Day in March. If you want to attend the festivities, you'll need to book your flights and accommodation well-in-advance to lock in better rates.
Airports in Dublin
Dublin International Airport
Dublin airport is located 10 km from the city centre. It's the 16th busiest in Europe and is a hub for Ireland's regional air carrier Aer Lingus and a focus city for Ryanair.
Getting to and from Dublin International Airport
There are three main ways you can get to and from Dublin International Airport with public transport:
Take the Airlink service. It connects the airport to the central bus and train stations. You'll find the pickup area outside Terminal 1, and the buses leave every 15 minutes between 5:00 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. Fares cost EUR 6 or EUR 10 for a return.
Use the Aircoach bus to get into town. It's a 24-hour service that runs every 15 minutes between 03:15 a.m. and 11:55 p.m. and every 30 minutes after that.
Hop on board the Dublin bus. It's the cheapest transportation option from the airport with fares only costing EUR 3.30 to get into the city.
