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Dublin travel guide

The capital of the Emerald Isle brimming with history and culture, with highlights such as the magnificent Trinity College, founded in 1592, and the thriving music scene, to which you can dip into any night of the week at pubs like Whelan’s or O’Donoghue’s. It’s the sense of humour and attitude to life that is so infectious when you visit Dublin. Whether you’re taking a stroll through the gorgeous Georgian precinct or dining on some of the city’s world-class cuisine, what you’ll remember most about your Dublin holiday is the wonderful Dubliners themselves. If you’re planning a visit, explore our Dublin travel guide and find out how to make the most of your time in this fun city. We’ve collected the best tips from our travel experts, and have all sorts of suggestions for things to do, the best time to travel, where to stay in Dublin, getting around and more.

Where to stay

Figuring out where to stay in Dublin can be a challenge. From the respected hotels of Temple Bar to the services apartments of The Liberties and heritage-listed hotels of St Stephen’s Green, you’ve got many options to choose between.  The good news is you can’t go too far wrong wherever you decide to stay. Dublin’s myriad transport options make it easy to get from one area of the city to another. Below you’ll find some of our favourite suburbs and the kinds of accommodation you can expect to find there.

Things to do

When considering things to do in Dublin, it’s best to start by asking yourself about the things that interest you the most. Are you a history buff, a foodie, a culture vulture, none of the above, or a bit of everything? The good news is, it doesn’t matter. From historic cathedrals to world-class galleries, Dublin has it all, so you can tailor your time here to suit your passions.

Travel tips

Travelling to Ireland as an Australian is relatively easy, but it’s still good to read up on some key Dublin travel tips before you depart.  We have so much in common with our friends on the Emerald Isle – heritage, laws, a love of beer and sport – that not only is getting around quite simple, but there’s also very little language barrier. Culture shock, beyond the extensive ancient history of Dublin, is not something Australian travellers need to worry about. The bureaucratic processes involved in visiting Dublin are quite straightforward as well.

Getting Around

Getting around Dublin is easy thanks to the city’s modern approach to public transport and road infrastructure. From super-fast trains to convenient bike hire kiosks, there’s always an option for getting from A to B.  Knowing which Dublin transport option works best for you will be a matter of considering your budget, you itinerary, and how much of the city you’d like to take in. To help get you started, here are just a few ways you can get around the city in no time at all.

Where to eat

It’s very easy to find a hot meal in the city – many examples of the best Dublin food and drink are clustered quite close to the CBD. However, heading into the surrounding suburbs like Ballymount or Swords will reveal a few gems too. Dublin’s status as a multicultural European city is reflected in the breadth of international cuisine available, and it’s also home to a vibrant fine-dining scene. Whether you’re hitting Temple Bar for a late dinner or searching for an early morning coffee in The Liberties, Dublin won’t disappoint.  

Shopping

Dublin shopping is a true cosmopolitan experience. As the capital city of a country that embraces its working class origins, Dublin has a great love and respect for local businesses. Through this, a burgeoning fashion industry has taken root in the city’s arty districts, as well as many other businesses that deal in everything from locally sourced meat and produce to handmade furniture.  If you’re on the hunt for a bargain, unique couture or a truly one-of-a-kind souvenir, a day spent shopping in Dublin will serve you very well indeed.

Best time to travel

The weather in Dublin doesn’t have the greatest reputation (at least, not by sunny Australian standards). The image conjured when one thinks of Ireland is of a land that is bursting with green landscapes but always with a grey sky above.  How true to life is this vision? Honestly, it’s fairly accurate. But that’s not to suggest that the weather in Dublin is awful year-round – it really isn’t! In fact, it’s rarely anything but lovely even when it’s raining. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect out of Dublin during each part of the year.

Parks

They call it the Emerald Isle for a reason: in a nation where green landscapes are the norm, Dublin parks, gardens and hiking areas hold their own ground.  Perfect for getting a bit of exercise while on holiday or taking a much-needed stroll to decompress from the stress of international transit, sites like the National Botanic Gardens and Merrion Square in the city are must-see additions to your itinerary. Breathe deep of the Irish air, head outside, and immerse yourself in the green.