Dublin Travel Guide 2026

Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is well-known for its many historic landmarks, eclectic restaurants and cafés, varied nightlife, public parks and dynamic music scene. Dublin is a very walkable city, and its mild climate makes it easy to enjoy on foot.

This travel guide will tell you what you need to know to get the most out of your visit to Dublin. Whether you're looking for non-stop action or a quieter, more contemplative journey, Dublin has plenty to offer. We'll discuss the best time to visit, how to get around the city, what to see, where to stay and where to eat. Slainte!

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As we mentioned above, it's very easy to get around Dublin. Not only is Dublin an extremely walkable city, but the city has many public transportation options.

Dublin Bus offers public bus transportation throughout central Dublin and the adjacent neighborhoods. Fares are divided into short and long journey fares, with discounts for children, young adults and students. Dublin Bus also offers visitors passes that allow unlimited travel for 24 hours, 72 hours or seven days for a discounted fare.

If you want to do a lot of sightseeing without having to worry about parking and finding your way, Dublin's hop-on, hop-off buses are a great option. For one price, you can ride as long as you want for 24 or 48 hours and staying at each attraction as long as you like. It's a great way to customize your sightseeing tour without spending a lot of money.

Dublin's city center is made for pedestrians. Many of the city’s top attractions, such as Trinity College, Grafton Street and Temple Bar, are within an easy walk of one another. In addition, Dublin’s streets are generally well-maintained and well-lit. Just be careful to walk against traffic, which is on the opposite side of the street from traffic in the United States.

DublinBikes offers self-serve bike rentals for those age 14 and older. The bike stands are located throughout Dublin. You purchase a one-day, three-day or annual subscription to the service at the DublinBikes kiosk near the bike stand.

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Dublin is enjoyable any time of year. However, some seasons are a little better than others, depending on your interests. June, July and August have the most crowds but also the best weather. This is also when most of the outdoor festivals take place. For slightly cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, visit in May or September. This is also when the city's parks are, arguably, at their most beautiful. If you like Christmas, visit in December when the city is decorated for the holidays and dusted with a sprinkling of snow. This is also when the city's Christmas markets pop up.

Annual events worth planning a trip to Dublin around include the Dublin International Film Festival (February/March), the city's St. Patrick's Day celebration (March 17th) and the Bram Stoker Festival (October).

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Whatever your interests, you can find plenty of fun things to do in Dublin. Make sure to put these top five sights on your Dublin itinerary.

Venerable Trinity College is one of the oldest universities in the world. Established in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, Trinity College was modeled after England's Cambridge and Oxford Universities. Visitors can stroll the 47-acre campus; visit the college chapel, built in 1592; and see the exhibits in the Old Library, including the Book of Kells, believed to have been created in 800 A.D.

Located in the heart of Dublin, Dublin Castle was the former seat of government when Ireland was ruled by Great Britain. The structure, parts of which date back to the 13th century, is open to the public today. Highlights include St. Patrick's Hall, the grandest room in the state apartments; the throne room; and the ancient towers. The crypt of the Chapel Royal has been converted into a performing arts center and concerts are held periodically in the castle grounds.

Dublin has two major cathedrals. St. Patrick's, a former Roman Catholic church, is the national cathedral for the Church of Ireland. Built in 1191, the cathedral is home to a 4,000-pipe organ. The writer Jonathan Swift was once the dean of this cathedral and is buried here.

Christ Church, the seat of the Bishop of Ireland, was built in 1030. It, too, was originally a Roman Catholic church, but is now an Anglican church. Highlights include the 20 ringing bells, the stained-glass windows and the elaborate tile floor.

Guinness stout is one of Ireland's chief exports, and you can see how it is made and sample a pint at the iconic Guinness Storehouse. The seven floors here tell the story of Guinness over the 250 years the company has been crafting beer. After your tour, enjoy a brew and a 360-degree view of the city at the Gravity Bar, perched atop the Storehouse.

Dublin offers a diverse collection of museums, many of which have free admission. Among these are the National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology, best known for the 4,500-year-old log boat from County Galway; the Decorative Arts Museum; and the National Gallery of Ireland.

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Choosing a place to stay during your trip to Dublin can be a little tricky. There are just so many places from which to choose. When choosing, keep your budget in mind, the amenities that are important to you (such as a gym or valet parking) and your interests (which will, in part, determine what neighborhood is most convenient for you). Below are five of our favorite hotels, ranging from modern to classic.

Located in the heart of Dublin's city center, the Grafton Hotel combines old world charm with modern amenities. Situated just off of St. Stephens Green, the Grafton Hotel offers air conditioning, an on-site restaurant, a fitness room, on-site parking and free Wi-Fi, all within a short walk of Dublin's top shopping and dining streets.

The Marlin, located directly on St. Stephens Green, is a modern hotel attached to a shopping center and just steps away from the venerable Gaiety Theater. Amenities here include an on-site restaurant and bar, free Wi-Fi and on-site parking. Small, reasonably-priced suites sleep four and are great for families.

The Mont is an Art Deco-style hotel in the heart of Dublin with a 24-hour gym, an on-site bar and restaurant, free Wi-Fi and a relaxing garden where you can have tea. The Mont is within an easy walk of Grafton Street shopping and top museums.

Another hotel located right on St. Stephens Green, The Shelbourne is, arguably, Dublin's top luxury hotel. The hotel, built in 1824, has played host to generations of movie stars, politicians and business movers and shakers. Today, it retains its classic charm, while still offering modern conveniences like air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Some rooms and suites even have small balconies overlooking St. Stephens Green. The Shelbourne has three restaurants and three bars, as well as a full European-style spa and a health club.

The Morgan Hotel is situated near the vibrant Temple Bar district of Dublin, home to some of the city's top nightclubs. The hotel, with just 168 rooms and suites, is smaller than the other hotels in this section. However, it still offers free Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service and an on-site restaurant and bar. The center courtyard makes a nice place to relax after a long day of shopping or sightseeing.

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Dublin's excellent and varied food scene is well-regarded throughout the world. Here, you can dine on fresh seafood, indulge in a gourmet meal at a fine-dining restaurant, and sample one of more than a dozen ethnic cuisines. Below are a few restaurants that we find enjoyable and delicious. However, feel free to wander the neighborhoods and find your own favorite Dublin eatery.

Sole, located on William Street not far from Trinity College, specializes in seafood (as the name implies). The menu at the upscale restaurant changes regularly to make good use of the freshest seafood from the North Sea and beyond.

WILDE is a stylish and elegant 1930s-style restaurant in a garden-like setting in central Dublin. The menu features a diverse selection of fine dining favorites with an Irish touch. Located inside The Westbury hotel, WILDE is known for its steaks and its menu of signature cocktails.

Trocadero, located in Dublin's theater district, is a Dublin tradition. For more than 60 years, Trocadero has been serving fish, lamb and steak dinners to stage stars and theater-goers alike. The restaurant is well-known for its enticing desserts. Trocadero is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday.

Located in Dublin's Temple Bar district, Gallagher's Boxty House specializes in the traditional Irish potato dish, boxty. For more than 35 years, this casual and fun eatery has been serving these Irish-style potato cakes in a variety of ways. You'll also find traditional dishes like stews and corned beef. Boxty House offers live music on weekends.

Rosa Madre, also located in the Temple Bar district, features authentic Italian-style seafood. Fresh fish is delivered daily from the North Sea and throughout Europe. The menu changes daily to reflect what's available from the fish purveyors that day. In addition to the standard lunch and dinner menus, Rosa Madre offers a prix fixe pre-theater menu on Tuesday through Thursday.

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No trip to Dublin would be complete without at least a few photos to share with friends and family back home. To get the most from your vacation photography, choose one or more of these top Dublin photo spots while you're in the Irish capital.

1. Ha'penny Bridge. One of Dublin's most photogenic spots is the 19th century cast iron bridge that connects Temple Bar with O'Connell Street. The fanciful Ha'penny Bridge is even more attractive in the evening when it's illuminated.

2. Trinity College. This historic and picturesque campus is full of good places for a photo stop. It's also easy to find, and the venerable stone buildings look good in any light and from any direction. The campanile bell tower is especially photogenic.

3. Dublin Castle. Of course, Dublin Castle is a perfect setting for a Dublin vacation photo. What's not to love about sweeping views of the city and sea below from an old stone castle!

4. Temple Bar. Although it's touristy and rather expensive, the iconic red façade of Dublin's most famous pub, Temple Bar, makes a great backdrop for a vacation photo. The cobblestone streets and hanging flower baskets just add to the pub's outdoor appeal. Go early in the day, not only for optimal lighting, but to avoid people inadvertently photo-bombing you.

5. St. James Gate at the Guinness Storehouse. Brew lovers won't want to miss having their picture taken in front of the famous entrance to the Guinness Brewery, emblazoned with the Guinness name and logo.

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1. Waterford. This is where they make the Irish crystal glassware of the same name, you can tour the House of Waterford factory and even have high tea in the factory's tearoom. However, the city offers much more. Waterford is Ireland's oldest city and features a fascinating Medieval Museum, the Georgian Bishop's Palace and the King of the Vikings virtual reality experience.

2. Wicklow. Known as the "Garden of Ireland," Wicklow is well-known for its natural beauty, sparkling lakes and collection of traditional villages and ancient ruins. Highlights include hiking one of the Glendalough walks, taking in the beauty of the Glenmacnass Waterfall and having lunch at a traditional pub in the Village of Wicklow.

3. Blarney Castle. Blarney is a medieval castle, built in the 12th century by Cormac MacCarthy. It is home to the famous Blarney Stone, which is reputed to give those who kiss the stone the gift of eloquence. Visitors can also tour the extensive castle gardens, which include the infamous poison garden.

4. The Mournes. The Mourne Mountains in County Down of Northern Ireland, offer visitors a chance to explore Ireland's natural beauty and historic ruins. Take a hike through Tollymore Forest Park (a "Game of Thrones" filming location) or climb along Slieve Doan, if you're in shape for a bit of elevation. After your adventure, head to nearby Newcastle for a pub lunch and some shopping. Don't forget your passport since you are traveling to a different country.

5. Kilkenny. Kilkenny is home to a magnificent castle of the same name. However, there is much more to this ancient city than the castle. After you explore the Norman castle, head out to Dunmore Cave, where archeological finds show Viking activity. You can also hike up Brandon Hill for a picturesque view of the countryside and spend an afternoon sampling the many shops and pubs of the Village of Kilkenny.

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A trip to Dublin can be pricey, but there are a number of ways to cut your travel costs while still having an enjoyable visit. Below are just a few of our favorites:

1. Buy a Dublin Pass. The Dublin Pass gives you access to more than 40 of Dublin's top attractions for a single fee. These include the Guinness Storehouse, the Irish Emigration Museum, Dublin Castle, the Jameson Distillery and Christ Church Cathedral. You can buy a one-day, two-day or seven-day pass. If you plan on visiting several of these attractions, you can save a significant amount on admission fees. When you purchase your pass, you'll get a link to your virtual ticket. All you have to do is access the ticket on your phone and show it when you enter the participating attractions. Note that some attractions, such as the Guinness Storehouse, still require that you reserve an entrance time even when you have the pass.

2. Check out the free attractions. It's not just museums that offer free admission in Dublin. You can stroll through one of the city's more than 120 parks; walk down O'Connell Street, one of Dublin's most historic thoroughfares; and catch the summer rays at one of the eight sandy beaches in and around Dublin...all without spending a dime.

3. Travel around the city using a Leap Card. Dublin's Leap Visitor Card allows you unlimited travel on Dublin's City Bus, Go-Ahead Ireland, Luas trams, DART and commuter rail within the Dublin area's “Short-Hop zone” for a single, discounted price. You can purchase one-day cards or multi-day cards online or at the ticket kiosk in Dublin rail stations.

4. Take advantage of AAA member discounts. Being a member of AAA comes with myriad perks. Among these are car rental discounts and hotel discounts.

5. Dine early. Many Dublin restaurants offer an early bird menu with prices significantly lower than those later in the evening. Early bird specials are usually available from around 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

6. Take a free walking tour. Another fun, free activity in Dublin is participating in one of the many organized walking tours. There's no fee for the tour; just tip your tour guide if you choose. Some of the tours currently offered include attractions in central Dublin and literary sites in Dublin.

Planning a trip to Dublin doesn't have to be complicated or stressful. Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream Dublin Ireland trip on Trip Canvas, contact a AAA Travel Agent to start making your Dublin vacation dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or à la carte options.