Dublin is a compact, walkable capital where the main sights sit on either side of the River Liffey and the coast is a short train ride away. It is easy to cover in a long weekend, but it rewards a few extra days if you want to add the surrounding coast and countryside. This guide covers where to stay, the sights that need advance planning, how to get around and a few practical points that catch first-time visitors out.

How long to stay

Two to three days covers the core sights: Trinity College, a museum or two, the Guinness Storehouse and an evening in a traditional pub. Add a day for the coast at Howth or Dalkey, and another for a longer trip to the Wicklow mountains or the Boyne Valley. Dublin is also the usual gateway for a wider Ireland trip, so many visitors spend only one or two nights here at the start or end.

Where to stay

• The city centre south of the river. Close to Trinity College, Grafton Street and St Stephen’s Green. Convenient, but the area around Temple Bar is loud late at night and prices are higher.
• Georgian Dublin. Around Merrion Square and Fitzwilliam Square. Elegant brick terraces, a quieter evening feel and an easy walk to the National Gallery and the National Museum.
• North of the Liffey. Near O’Connell Street and the Abbey Theatre, with good transport links and often better value. Check the specific street at night, as some blocks are quieter than others.
• Smithfield and Stoneybatter. A more local neighbourhood with cafes and pubs, near the Phoenix Park and the whiskey distillery.
• Ballsbridge and the south side. Calmer and residential, with good bus and DART links, suitable for longer stays.

Hotel rooms in Dublin can be small and expensive in peak periods, especially around major events and rugby and football fixtures, so book early if your dates coincide. Always check the cancellation terms, and prefer a flexible rate if your plans may shift. Our guide to check-out times and departure day is also useful for planning your last day.

Sights worth planning for

• Trinity College and the Book of Kells. The ninth-century illuminated manuscript is displayed with the Long Room of the Old Library. Timed tickets are the norm, and the exhibition can be busy at midday.
• Guinness Storehouse. A multi-floor attraction at St James’s Gate that ends with a view from the Gravity Bar. Book a slot online.
• Kilmainham Gaol. A former prison central to Irish history, visited by guided tour only. Tickets often sell out, so reserve in advance.
• Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral and St Patrick’s Cathedral. A cluster of medieval and later buildings in the old city.
• National museums and galleries. The National Museum of Ireland and the National Gallery have free general entry, which makes them easy to fit into a wet afternoon. The Chester Beatty library is also free.
• Phoenix Park. One of Europe’s largest enclosed urban parks, with wild fallow deer and Dublin Zoo.

Temple Bar and where to drink

Temple Bar is the most photographed district and the most expensive place to drink. It is worth a visit for the atmosphere, but locals often prefer pubs a few streets away. Live traditional music is easy to find at several venues across the city. Tipping is not mandatory in pubs, though it is common in restaurants if service is not already included. Check the bill.

Getting around

The centre is walkable. For longer distances, Dublin has buses, the Luas tram with two main lines, and the DART commuter rail along the coast. A Leap Card, a rechargeable smartcard, works on buses, Luas and DART at lower fares than cash, and there are visitor versions. Taxis and ride-hailing are available. From the airport, express buses and taxis reach the centre in around 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.

Ireland is outside the Schengen area, so border rules differ from much of continental Europe. Check entry requirements for your passport before you travel. If you also plan to visit London or another UK city, read our London travel guide, and remember that Ireland uses the euro while Northern Ireland uses the pound.

If you fly to the United States from Dublin, you clear US immigration and customs at the airport before departure, using US preclearance. Allow extra time at the airport for it.

Day trips from Dublin

• Howth. A fishing village with cliff walks and seafood, about half an hour by DART.
• Dalkey and Killiney. A coastal pair south of the city with sea views, also on the DART.
• Glendalough. A monastic site in the Wicklow Mountains with lakes and walking trails, reached by tour or car.
• Bru na Boinne (Newgrange). Neolithic passage tombs in the Boyne Valley. Access is by guided visit from the visitor centre, so book ahead.

The Cliffs of Moher are on the west coast and are a very long day from Dublin. If they are on your list, consider staying overnight in the west instead.

Money and weather

Cards are accepted almost everywhere, and contactless payment is common. Carry a small amount of cash for a few markets and smaller pubs. For wider advice, see money abroad in five minutes. The weather is changeable in every season. Pack a light waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes, and use wet spells for the museums. Summer evenings are long, while winter days are short and dark by late afternoon. Whatever the season, book the headline attractions ahead, keep one slow day for the coast and leave room for a pub evening.