Dublin Travel Guide: Best Things to Do for First-Timers

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Public Transport

How to get from Dublin Airport to the city center?

There are three main ways to get from Dublin Airport to the city center:

🚍 Express buses – a fast and convenient option:

• Aircoach (#700) – operates 24/7, takes about 25-30 minutes, with a ticket costing from 8 euros one way. Buy tickets here.
• Dublin Express (#782, #784) – also fast, but the routes differ slightly, and the price is similar. Buy tickets here.

🚌 Regular city bus (#16, #41) – the cheapest option:

• The ticket costs only 2 euros, but the journey takes 50-60 minutes.
• It stops more frequently, so the trip is longer, but if you’re not in a hurry – it’s a great way to save money.

Choose what suits you better – speed or savings!

How to get around Dublin? 🚋

Dublin has a well-developed public transport system, which includes buses, the Luas trams, and the DART suburban trains. The most convenient way to pay is with the Leap Card, which allows you to save on fares and conveniently transfer between different types of transport.

Leap Card – what is it and where to buy it?

Leap Card is a reusable travel card that costs 5€ (without balance) and offers discounts on all types of transport. You can return the card if you came for travel purposes – they will refund your 5€.

You can buy it:

• At the airport (WHSmith, Spar)
• At kiosks marked Leap Card Retailer
• We bought and topped it up at the Centra supermarket

Full list of sales points.

Leap Visitor Card – for tourists

If you’re visiting Dublin for a few days, the best option is the Leap Visitor Card. It allows unlimited travel on public transport for the selected time period.

Leap Visitor Card

What if you don’t have a Leap Card?

Payment is only possible with coins and without change! So, it’s better to get the card in advance to avoid getting into an awkward situation, like we did 😅

Useful life hacks 🚀

✔️ If you have a Leap Card, you can transfer between buses, trams, and trains within 90 minutes for one trip!
✔️ For short trips, you can use DublinBikes – the city’s bike rental service.
✔️ Taxis and Uber are expensive, so it’s better to use public transport.

If you want to get around quickly and cheaply – the Leap Card will be your best friend in Dublin!

What to see in Dublin? The best places in the capital of Ireland 🇮🇪

1. Watch the deer at Phoenix Park 🦌

Phoenix Park is the largest urban park in Europe, and its main attraction is the wild herd of deer! They roam freely throughout the park, and if you’re lucky, you can take fantastic photos right next to them.

2. Stroll through the streets of Temple Bar 🎶

Temple Bar is the heart of Dublin’s nightlife! Here you can listen to live Irish music, visit legendary pubs, and simply soak in the atmosphere of the old town. Even if you don’t like alcohol, just walking through the narrow streets is a pleasure in itself.

Life hack: If you want to save, come during the day – drink prices go up in the evening

3. Take a tour at the Guinness Storehouse 🍺

If you’re in Dublin, make sure to visit the legendary Guinness brewery. Here you will learn the secrets of brewing Irish stout and see how this iconic drink is made. But the real highlight is going up to the Gravity Bar on the seventh floor, where you can enjoy a fresh Guinness with an incredible view of the city.

Buy tickets here.

How to drink beer Irish style? Don’t say “Cheers”, instead shout “Sláinte!” (slawn-cha) – it means “Cheers!“

4. Visit the famous Kilmainham Gaol prison 🏰

If you’re interested in history, head to Kilmainham Gaol – one of the most famous prisons in Europe. It was here that Irish independence fighters were held, and the tours tell captivating (and sometimes eerie) stories about those who were imprisoned here.

Buy tickets here.

5. Collect photos of Dublin’s colorful doors 🚪

Dublin is famous for its bright, colorful doors, which can be found on nearly every street. These doors are a trademark of the city, and no two are alike! Yellow, red, blue, pink – collect your photo memories of these unique doors.

6. Stop by Dubh Linn Garden and admire Dublin Castle 🏰

Right next to Dublin Castle is a hidden green oasis – Dubh Linn Garden. This small, cozy garden is perfect for relaxing after a long walk around the city. The castle itself is a historic gem, which was once the residence of British rulers in Ireland.

Fact: the name “Dublin” comes from “Dubh Linn” – meaning “black pool”

7. Visit Trinity College and admire the library 📖

If you’re a Harry Potter fan or simply love history, this is the place for you! Trinity College is the oldest university in Ireland, and its Long Room Library looks like a scene from a movie. The main highlight is the Book of Kells, an incredibly detailed manuscript from the 9th century.

Buy tickets here.

Cafes and Restaurants in Dublin

Dublin is famous for its lively atmosphere and excellent gastronomy, offering a wide variety of cuisines from around the world. Here you can find everything – from traditional Irish dishes to international flavors, all at affordable prices! Here’s a list of our favorite cafes and restaurants in Dublin.

🏠 Best places for food and drinks

• Bread41 (Bakery and cafe)
• Bunsen (Burgers)
• The Stag’s Head (Irish pub)
• Jay Kays Cafe (Breakfasts)
• Vada - Sustainable Brunch Cafe (Breakfasts)
• Ada Coffee and Bagels
• Thai Basil (Thai cuisine)
• Arthur’s Pub (Irish pub)
• Bambino (Pizza)
• Murphy’s Ice Cream (Ice cream with Irish soda bread)

🍴 What to definitely try in Dublin

Dublin is known for its gastronomy, and if you find yourself in this city, there are a few dishes and drinks you absolutely have to try.

1. Irish Soda Bread Ice Cream 🍦

A unique combination of ice cream and traditional Irish soda bread — it’s the true taste of Ireland.

2. Irish Stew with Mash 🍲

Irish stew is a dish that needs no further explanation. Tender meat, potatoes, vegetables, and a fragrant broth, as well as mashed potatoes on the side – this is exactly what you need for a hearty lunch or dinner.

3. Irish Breakfast 🍳🥓

You can’t visit Ireland without trying their famous breakfast. Eggs, bacon, black pudding (a blood sausage made from pig’s blood, oats, and spices), fried potatoes, and beans – this is a true energy boost to start your day.

4. Irish Beer & Cider 🍺🍏

Ireland is the land of beer! Besides the famous Guinness, you should definitely try the local ciders. The most popular cider often found in pubs is Bulmers – light, refreshing, and perfect for relaxing after a city stroll.

1 Day Outside Dublin: Places to Visit

Walk through Cliffs of Howth 🌊🚶‍♂️

If you love nature and active recreation, make sure to take a walk through the Cliffs of Howth. This is one of the most popular hiking routes that offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean 🌊 and picturesque cliffs. Along the way, you’ll encounter incredible flora and fauna 🌱🐦, including numerous bird species nesting on these cliffs. Don’t forget to bring your camera 📸 – you’ll definitely want to keep these scenic views as a memory! It’s only a 30-minute drive from Dublin, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by amazing natural landscapes.

Enjoy a Meal in Howth 🍽️

After your walk, be sure to visit one of the local cafes or restaurants to try the best oysters in Ireland 🦪. One such place is Aqua Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood and fantastic sea views from the restaurant windows 🌅. If you prefer classic Irish cuisine, definitely visit Beshoff Bros – a great spot for delicious fish and chips 🍟.

Don’t like seafood? No problem! For a tasty coffee and oatmeal, drop by Off Grid Coffee ☕🍪 – a cozy place where you can find excellent breakfasts and delicious drinks.

For dessert lovers, make sure to visit Howth Market, where you’ll find a variety of sweet treats 🍰🍩 that will brighten up your day!

How to Get to Howth? 🚆

If you’re in Dublin, the easiest way to get to Howth is by DART train (northbound from Dublin). The trip takes only about 30 minutes 🚉. From Howth station, it’s a 15-20 minute walk to the cliffs, enjoying the stunning views along the way. 🌿

So, if you want to spend a wonderful day in nature, enjoy the sea air, delicious food, and cozy cafes, the Cliffs of Howth is the perfect place for you! 🌞

What Surprised and What I Liked About Ireland

1. Crossing on a Red Light: In Ireland, it’s completely normal to cross the street on a red light. Pedestrians don’t wait for the green; they just cross even when the light is red. At first, this is surprising, but after a few days, you’ll start doing the same, and the red light doesn’t seem that important anymore.
2. Friendliness of People: The Irish are so friendly, it’s amazing. They always smile, even the police greet you. The atmosphere in the country is so warm and welcoming that at some point, you’ll want to stay longer just to become a bit kinder.
3. Thanking Bus Drivers: Another interesting observation – when Irish people get off the bus, they always say “Thank you” to the driver. At first, I was surprised, but it quickly became a pleasant habit.
4. No Complaints About the Weather: Regardless of whether it’s raining, snowing, or windy, people here never complain about the weather. Parks are always full, even when it’s cold or rainy outside. People run in shorts and t-shirts as if it’s 25°C outside.

These little details make Ireland unique and unforgettable!

Dublin is the perfect starting point for a bigger adventure — our Ireland coast road trip covers 11 places from Cork to Slieve League.

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Our Journey to Dublin on Maps.me. Check it out and download – there’s still a lot more to discover!

To help you navigate during your trip, we’ve prepared a special map with marked points: interesting places, landmarks, cafes, and other useful locations.

The map is saved in .kmz format, which works perfectly with the Maps.Me app — it functions offline, so you won’t need internet access.

📥 How to use the map in Maps.Me

1. Download the map file (.kmz) using the link below.

Download route map

2. Install the Maps.Me app if you haven’t already:

3. Open the .kmz file — it will be automatically imported into Maps.Me.