Your Travel Guide to Dublin, Ireland.

Located in Ireland, Dublin is a city known for its pub culture and obviously where you can grab a Guinness. And honestly, I’ll mention right off the bat that Guinness in Ireland tastes way better than it does in the States. Whether you’re using Dublin as a jumping-off point to your Ireland adventures or plan on staying for a week, here’s a list of all the things you can do and see when you visit. 

Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland

Where To Stay

From what I have encountered, dining and ticketed experiences tend to be pretty affordable in Dublin, but the hotel accommodations are rather costly. If you’re up for doing a hostel or finding a cost-effective Airbnb, that’s definitely one way to save money, but it wasn’t the travel vibe for me on this trip. Even though I struggled to find a hotel for less than $200 a night, the places I stayed at were very nice, and I would go back. 

What To Do in Dublin

What I loved most about my visit to Dublin was the walkability in the city! Even if you don’t have big plans during the day, I guarantee you’ll stumble upon some historic architecture or find a pub you really enjoy. 

  1. Dublin Castle
    • Visiting Dublin Castle is a must if you want to learn about the history of the city. Dublin was founded by Vikings in 841 AD and originates from the name Black Pool or Dubh Linn. When you visit, opt for the guided tour and pay a few dollars extra to gain access to a historic cathedral to learn more about Ireland’s history. During the tour, I learned that the symbol of Ireland is the Irish harp, and Guinness had it in their logo first. To solve that issue, Ireland flipped the soundboard, so now both the country of Ireland and Guinness can use the harp in their logos.
  2. Guinness Storehouse
    • It’s not a trip to Ireland if you don’t visit the Guinness Storehouse or at least have a Guinness. Note: This is the number one tourist attraction in the country, so be sure to grab tickets online to avoid the crowds. After you finish your tour, head upstairs to Gravity Bar and enjoy the free Guinness that is included with your ticket. 
  3. Grafton Street 
    • Take an iconic stroll and shop in the pedestrian area.
  4. Trinity College
    • The grounds of the college are stunning, and they also have the Book of Kells Experience, where you can see the Book of Kells and explore the old library. 
  5. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
    • It is not a must-do activity, in my opinion, but it is a really beautiful church to take a look inside. 
  6. Jameson Distillery
    • If you enjoy Jameson, visit the distillery for a tour or tasting experience.
  7. Temple Bar District
    • While this is a pretty touristy spot, it’s the place for live entertainment. This area is also known for having some of the best pubs.

Where To Eat in Dublin

I already mentioned that Guinness tastes better in Ireland (and I’m not a big Guinness or beer person), but as far as food is concerned, you can’t go wrong with pub food most days. Here are my recommendations if you’re looking for a couple of stand-out options.

  • The Fish Shop
    • Some of the best fish and chips I’ve had! The restaurant is relatively small with limited seating, so if you want to eat inside, be sure to book a reservation. If you can’t find a seat, you can always order your meal to go. 
  • The Church Bar and Café
    • I’ll be honest, the food was fine, but not one of my best meals in Ireland. What makes this restaurant amazing is the atmosphere. 
  • Piglet Wine Bar
    • This was my favorite meal in Ireland, and I happened to stumble upon it. 
  • Panem Café & Restaurant
    • If you’re starting to get sick of fried foods and looking for a delicious breakfast option on the lighter side, this is a great option. 

Why Should You Visit Dublin?

Dublin is a fun city that holds a lot of history, and it’s also a beautiful place to walk around. If you’re planning one of your first trips to Europe, I would consider stopping here either as the first or last leg of your trip. Dublin is easy to navigate, and the locals are very friendly, making it a good place for travelers who might not have much international travel experience or want to travel solo.