Is Dublin worth visiting? And everything else you need to know before you go

Are you thinking of planning a trip to Dublin and wondering ‘is Dublin worth visiting’? This post is for you. Here we answer all the hard hitting questions like, is Dublin expensive, is Dublin safe, and what are the best things to do in the Irish capital. And hopefully by the end of it you will be able to decide once and for all if Dublin is actually worth visiting.

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Before we answer the question ‘Is Dublin worth visiting’ here is some background

As well as being the capital, Dublin is also the largest city in the Republic of Ireland. Known for it’s link to literature, history, and much more Dublin is a popular tourist destination, and cultural hub. In 2010 it was named the UNESCO city of literature, which is unsurprising because so many incredible writers throughout history have hailed from Dublin.

If you are wondering where the name Dublin comes from well it is from the Irish Dubh Linn which essentially translates to Black Pool. This referred to a black murky pool/lake that Vikings would dock at after sailing up the Liffey.

Finally here is my absolute favourite fact about Dublin. The relics of Saint Valentine are actually located in Dublin. In fact you can find them at Whitefriar Street Church. And yes this is the same Saint Valentine who is known as the patron Saint of love.

And if you are wondering if Ireland is worth visiting this is a handy post.

Or if you are tossing up between Dublin and Cork, here is a handy guide.

Is Dublin expensive?

One question people often ask us is ‘Is Dublin expensive’? The honest answer here is yes. Dublin can be quite an expensive city to visit. I’m not talking Copenhagen or Oslo levels of expensive, but still costs can add up pretty quickly.

In our experience, particularly in the last few years accommodation in Dublin has become quite expensive. This is particularly evident at the weekend. Hotels tend to hike up the prices as there are a large amount of sporting events and concerts in the city over the weekend. If you want cheaper accommodation try and book mid week, and well in advance. It’s also a good idea to check for any big sporting events, or festivals that may be happening in the city as you may want to travel at a different time. We have stayed in Dublin during St Patrick’s Day and New Years, and the prices were just insane.

Food and drink can also be costly in Dublin depending on where you go. Our advice here is to avoid the tourist traps like Temple Bar and try and go where the locals do.

Do I need cash in Dublin?

Most places in Dublin accept card so you really don’t need to carry much cash on you in the city. We always like to have a little bit of cash on us just in case, so if you do remember that Ireland uses the Euro.

What language do they speak in Dublin?

English and Irish (Gaeilge) are the two official languages in the Republic of Ireland. English is the most widely spoken and pretty much everyone in Dublin speaks English. The only time you might come across ‘Irish’ is when you see road signs as they tend to be in both. There are also some smaller communities in places like the Aran Islands that speak Gaeilge but the vast majority speak English.

Is Dublin easy to get to?

We live in the UK and from here Dublin is an incredibly easy city to get to. There are several flights a day from various UK airports including Manchester. Most large cities in Europe will fly directly to Dublin, and RyanAir has its headquarters in Dublin so there are a lot of flights between Dublin and Europe.

Dublin airport is also and international hub with regular flights from places like the USA and Middle East to name but a few.

You have a few options for getting into the centre from the airport. You can get a taxi, which will cost you around €30 on average. You also have the option of getting the Aircoach. It departs every 15 minutes and takes you straight to the centre of Dublin for half the price of a taxi.

How long should I spend in Dublin?

Dublin is a relatively small city so you won’t need to spend a long time here. We would say 2 days in Dublin is probably a good amount of time, or 3 if you are planning on going out and enjoying the nightlife. There is a lot to see, but a lot of the key tourist attractions are within walking distance of each other, so you won’t need a lot of travel time.

The only reason to stay longer is if you are planning some day trips like to the Causeway Coast, or to the Cliffs of Moher, then you will need more time.

Also if you are trying to decide between Belfast or Dublin here is a handy guide.

Or if you want some more Irish inspiration here is a guide to the best weekend breaks in Ireland.

Is Dublin safe?

Dublin does tend to be a safe city overall. Obviously like anywhere you have areas that have higher crime rates, and drug misuse, but generally if you are hanging around the touristy areas and the city centre you should be fine.

That being said crimes like petty theft and pickpocketing can be quite common. I once had my phone stolen right out of my handbag in the Temple Bar pub. If you are in crowded tourist spots (or anywhere really) just be wary.

Is Dublin worth visiting compared to other Irish cities?

Dublin is definitely worth visiting compared with other Irish cities. Although considering it is the capital. and the most populate city the experience here will be different to other places in Ireland. For starters Dublin is way more multicultural and populated than other cities in Ireland. If you get the chance you should try and get out of Dublin too and explore other parts of Ireland.

For our ultimate Ireland bucket list you can checkout this post.

Also if you are driving from Dublin to Galway here is a helpful guide.

Is Dublin worth visiting compared to other European capitals?

Dublin certainly has its own unique charm that you won’t find anywhere else in Europe. It’s a haven for literature lovers, party goers, and so much more. It’s a lot smaller than the likes of Paris or Rome, which gives it a completely different feel. It’s got so much atmosphere you really don’t want to miss out.

Trying to decide between London and Dublin – here is a helpful guide.

Can I use public transport in Dublin?

Public transport in Dublin is pretty easy to use, although you might not find yourself using a lot of it during your time here. A lot of the main tourist attractions are within walking distance of each other, although there are some attractions that are a little bit out and for these you may need to look at public transport.

The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) is ideal for getting out of the centre, and it is also one of the most beautiful public transport systems as it travels along the Irish Sea Coast for a lot of its journey.

For getting around in the city you also have the Luas, which is the tram service. Although like mentioned above you will probably just end up doing a lot of walking.

If you think you will be using a lot of public transport you can purchase a Leap Card, for about €10 for 1 day, and this will cover you for Luas services, and buses.

What is there to do in Dublin?

One important question that you might want to consider is – is Dublin worth visiting for the attractions? We think so, and you will find something for everyone to get excited about in Dublin. Here are some of the top attractions that we think you should see.

The Guinness Storehouse

Number 1 on your list of things to do in Dublin has to be to visit the Guinness Storehouse. It’s a really interesting tour even if you aren’t a big drinker because you learn about the history of the drink, the marketing campaigns, and much more. Do make sure you purchase your ticket well in advance.

National Leprechaun Museum

I’ve added this one for a bit of fun really. And whilst it sounds like a tourist trap it’s actually really cool because you get to learn about Irish Folklore.

Trinity College

Trinity College is one of the top universities in Europe and kind of conjures up this mix of Hogwarts and Dead Poets Society vibe for me. You should definitely make time to explore the grounds when you are in Dublin centre.

The Book of Kells

And whilst we are discussing Trinity College, another really cool thing to do here is see the Book of Kells and Old College Library. It’s honestly a book lovers dream.

Stephens Green

Stephens Green is basically a green oasis in the middle of Dublin. It’s great for a walk or just having some down time in an otherwise busy city.

Temple Bar

Sometimes known as Dublin’s cultural quarter is Temple Bar. The area has cobbled streets, and a number of atmospheric pubs and restaurants. One of the most visited places is of course the ‘Temple Bar’ pub. If you can find a seat it’s great for live music and pints. It’s also one of the best photo spots in Dublin.

Kilmainham Gaol

History buffs will definitely be interested in visiting Kilmainham Gaol. It’s about 3.5 km out of Dublin centre, and such an important part of Irish history. Many Irish revolutionaries were imprisoned and executed here by order of the UK government. This is a great place to brush up on Irish history.

Phoenix Park

The park is a stones throw away from Dublin centre, and is essentially a 7km green space that has a zoo, wild deer, and some beautiful gardens.

St Patrick’s and Christchurch Cathedral

Located within walking distance of each other these are two of the most picturesque cathedrals in Dublin. St Patrick’s is actually the national cathedral for the Church of Ireland, however Dublin itself is predominantly Catholic. It’s very photogenic with gardens to walk around in and admire.

Irish Whiskey Museum

Apart from Guinness, Ireland is of course very much known for its Whiskey. The museum will teach you all about how whiskey is made, but most importantly gives you the chance to do some tasting.

Little Museum of Dublin

For a fun, and interesting take on all things Irish History the Little Museum of Dublin is a must. Located on St Stephen’s Green this is one of the quirkier museums to visit in Dublin. Buy your ticket online to skip the queue.

Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle until 1922 was the centre of UK government rule in Ireland. Since then it has become a major tourist attraction and is used for state dinners as well as the inauguration of presidents in Ireland.

Grafton Street

Grafton Street is a shoppers paradise. There are also a number of restaurants and bars in the area to explore.

Ha’penny Bridge

Built in 1816 over the River Liffey, this scenic bridge is not only a symbol of the city, but also one of the first pedestrian bridges over the River Liffey.

Is Dublin worth visiting for foodies?

If you had of asked me a few years ago – Is Dublin worth visiting for foodies – I would have said no way. Dublin has never really struck me as a proper foodie city, but more your fast food/ pub grub kind of city. These days though Dublin is fast making a name for itself on the foodie scene. It’s probably not as impressive as Rome or Barcelona in terms of food, but you can find some really good places if you look.

Is Dublin worth visiting for the nightlife?

Is Dublin worth visiting for the nightlife you ask? The answer is yes absolutely. Dublin is such a great city for a night out. The Irish really do know how to have a great time, which is probably why the concept of the ‘Irish Pub’ is famous the world over.

A visit to an ‘Irish Pub’ or just a pub in Dublin is a must. A lot of people flock to Temple Bar which is really touristy but also has an incredible vibrant atmosphere particularly in the evening, but there are so many more amazing areas to visit so make sure you expand your horizons.

Is Dublin worth visiting for nature lovers?

Dublin does actually have quite a lot of green spaces within the city making it perfect for nature lovers. St Stephen’s Green is one of the main parks in the city centre, making it a place for some quiet reflection in the city. You also have Phoenix Park where you can stroll among the green space and even picnic in sight of the resident deer.

If you want proper natural beauty though you are probably best leaving Dublin and heading to the nearby Wicklow Mountains or even Howth which are possible to do on a day trip or half day trip.

Is Dublin worth visiting for history buffs?

Dublin has such a rich and fascinating history that it is a fantastic place to visit for history lovers. For starters you might not know this but Dublin was originally founded as a Viking settlement back in the 10th century. There are several museums in Dublin that go through the history including Dublina at Christchurch Cathedral.

Another must visit place for history lovers is Trinity College where you can pay to see the Book of Kells, which is essentially a decorated manuscript containing the 4 gospels of the New Testament. You’ve also got the Dublin Writers Museum, Dublin Castle, and several other historical museums and sights that will fascinate any history buff.

Is Dublin worth visiting for culture lovers?

Dublin is pretty much the centre for Irish culture. You’ve got the world famous Guinness Factory here, as well as museums dedicated to writers, immigration, and so much more. Dublin really is a great place to go to experience the Irish culture, and a way of life you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Is Dublin worth visiting in the summer

Summers in Dublin can be quite mild making it one of the best times to visit weather wise. It stays bright for much longer too, which means much more time to explore. With that in mind summer is the most popular season for tourists, which also means large crowds of people and more expensive accommodation. If you do travel to Dublin in the summer make sure you book things well in advance. We also recommend avoiding August. Not only is it school holiday season but it is the wettest summer month.

On average temperatures range between 9- 20 degrees Celsius. It is also worth noting that whilst it is the driest time of the year that doesn’t mean you won’t get rain. Ireland has a lot of greenery for a reason.

Is Dublin worth visiting in the winter?

Dublin in the winter can be dark, dreary, and cold. But in some ways this is what makes visiting in winter pretty much perfect. There is a real atmosphere in the winter in Dublin and it is the perfect time to grab a pint in a warm pub. Winter is by far the off season in Dublin so there are way less tourists, which isn’t a bad thing!

In terms of temperatures, winters in Dublin usually range between 2 – 9 degrees Celsius. It doesn’t often snow in Dublin but it certainly can rain, so pack an umbrella!

What to pack when visiting Dublin?

Apart from your usual travel essentials here are some must pack items when visiting Dublin.

• Umbrella and waterproof jacket – It rains in Dublin quite a bit
• Layered clothing in the summer – the evenings can get cool
• Good walking shoes – you will probably do a lot of walking in Dublin
• A day bag that is pickpocket proof.

What should I know before visiting Dublin?

Here are some things that you might find useful to know before planning your trip to Dublin

• Book accommodation and tours well in advance.
• Try to avoid visiting Dublin during festivals like St Patrick’s Day or New Years Eve (unless you want to deal with massive crowds, and expensive accommodation).
• Temple Bar is fun – but to experience the real Dublin try and drink in pubs where locals frequent (it’s not temple bar!)
• Be prepared for the weather in Dublin – it rains a lot and tends to be quite cool.

So Is Dublin worth visiting?

Ok so Is Dublin worth visiting? In short yes! Dublin is a really vibrant city, with friendly people, incredible culture, and so much more. It’s not one of those places that you need weeks to explore, so it is perfect for a quick European city break. If you do get the chance though we recommend exploring more of Ireland, as Dublin only gives you a small taste of what the country has to offer. But all in all it’s a great place to visit – just book your accommodation well in advance!

Hopefully this article has be useful for you, and if so make sure you pin it for later.