Dublin Travel Guide: Pubs, History, and Accommodation

Dublin is a city on a human scale, boasting a huge literary and musical heritage. In just three days, you can see castles and cathedrals, drink Guinness at its source, listen to live Irish music in pubs, and even squeeze in an excursion to the rugged coastal cliffs.

It's an ideal city break destination all year round, with affordable flights from Athens and an exceptionally friendly atmosphere for visitors. This guide covers sights, neighbourhoods, food, transport, and accommodation options.

The recommended hotels are mainly located in the City Centre, Temple Bar, St Stephen's Green, and Ballsbridge, so you can walk everywhere.

A Brief Introduction to Dublin: Geography, History, and Identity

Dublin is the capital of Ireland, with approximately 1.2 million inhabitants in the greater area. Built at the mouth of the River Liffey, which divides the city into north and south sides, it was founded by the Vikings in the 9th century. The Georgian buildings with their colourful doors and wide fanlights are the city's architectural signature.

The Irish capital is a UNESCO City of Literature. James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, and William Butler Yeats all left their mark here, with their traces visible in museums, libraries, and walking tours. At the same time, Dublin is a European hub for major tech companies, which has made the city youthful, multicultural, and unfortunately, expensive for accommodation.

The climate is oceanic and mild: it's rarely very cold or very hot, but rain is frequent and short-lived in all seasons. Temperatures range from 5–8°C in winter to 18–20°C in July. A hooded waterproof jacket is more useful than an umbrella, as the wind along the Liffey banks can be strong.

Top Sights in Dublin

The must-see sights and experiences in Dublin:

1. Trinity College and the Book of Kells
   The university, founded in 1592, and the famous illuminated manuscript in the Long Room.
2. Guinness Storehouse
   Seven floors dedicated to the black stout, with a pint at the Gravity Bar offering 360° views.
3. Dublin Castle
   The centre of British administration for centuries, featuring state apartments and the Chester Beatty Museum.
4. St Patrick's Cathedral
   Ireland's largest cathedral, where Jonathan Swift served.
5. Temple Bar
   The cobbled pub district with live music every night. Touristy but unavoidable.
6. Kilmainham Gaol
   The prison where the leaders of the Easter Rising were held. A moving tour.
7. St Stephen's Green and Grafton Street
   A Victorian-style park and the main shopping thoroughfare with buskers.
8. Phoenix Park
   One of Europe's largest urban parks, home to deer, a zoo, and cycling routes.
9. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
   An interactive museum about Irish emigration, one of the city's best.
10. Howth and Cliff Walk
    A fishing village, half an hour away by DART, with cliff walks and fresh seafood.

Where to Stay in Dublin: The Best Areas

Dublin's city centre is compact, but the neighbourhood makes a difference in price and quietness:

City Centre South

Around Grafton Street and St Stephen's Green, close to everything, with the best transport links.

Temple Bar

Right in the action and music, but noisy until late and expensive.

Docklands

Modern hotels by the river, quiet in the evenings, a ten-minute walk from the centre.

Ballsbridge

An affluent neighbourhood with Georgian houses, parks, and good prices for 4-star hotels.

Parnell Square and North Centre

More affordable hotels, close to museums and the airport bus.

Clontarf

A seaside area with bay views, ideal if you have a car or want peace and quiet.

14 Recommended Accommodations in Dublin

Below you'll find selected accommodations for every budget, with direct links to their pages on Booking.com. The links are affiliate links: if you make a booking, you support Travelo at no extra cost to you.

• The Chancery Hotel — Dublin City Centre
• NYX Hotel Dublin Christchurch — Temple Bar
• The Grafton Hotel — Saint Stephen's Green
• Hyatt Centric The Liberties Dublin — Dublin City Centre
• Hotel 7, Dublin City Centre — Parnell Square
• Drury Court Hotel — Saint Stephen's Green
• Camden Court Hotel — Dublin City Centre
• Mespil Hotel — Ballsbridge
• Clontarf Castle Hotel — Clontarf
• Belvedere Hotel, Dublin City Centre — Parnell Square
• Marlin Hotel Stephens Green — Saint Stephen's Green
• Clayton Hotel Burlington Road — Ballsbridge
• Maldron Hotel Parnell Square Dublin City — Parnell Square
• Premier Inn Dublin City North Docklands — Dublin

Accommodation Comparison Table

Accommodation	Area	Style / Amenities	Indicative Price
The Chancery Hotel	Dublin City Centre	Hotel	€€–€€€
NYX Hotel Dublin Christchurch	Temple Bar	Hotel	€€–€€€
The Grafton Hotel	Saint Stephen's Green	Hotel	€€–€€€
Hyatt Centric The Liberties Dublin	Dublin City Centre	Hotel	€€–€€€
Hotel 7, Dublin City Centre	Parnell Square	Hotel	€€–€€€
Drury Court Hotel	Saint Stephen's Green	Hotel	€€–€€€
Camden Court Hotel	Dublin City Centre	Hotel	€€–€€€
Mespil Hotel	Ballsbridge	Hotel	€€–€€€
Clontarf Castle Hotel	Clontarf	Hotel	€€–€€€
Belvedere Hotel, Dublin City Centre	Parnell Square	Hotel	€€–€€€
Marlin Hotel Stephens Green	Saint Stephen's Green	Hotel	€€–€€€
Clayton Hotel Burlington Road	Ballsbridge	Hotel	€€–€€€
Maldron Hotel Parnell Square Dublin City	Parnell Square	Hotel	€€–€€€
Premier Inn Dublin City North Docklands	Dublin	Hotel	€€–€€€

Prices are indicative for a double room and vary depending on the season, city events, and how early you book. Always check the final price and cancellation policy on the accommodation's page.

Food and Flavours in Dublin

Irish cuisine has improved dramatically. Try Irish stew, coddle, boxty, seafood chowder with dark bread, fresh Galway oysters, and of course, a full Irish breakfast with bacon, sausages, black and white pudding. Pubs often serve better food than restaurants.

For quality and price, check out the areas around Ranelagh, Portobello, and George's Street Arcade. A meal in a pub costs €15–€25, in a good restaurant €35–€60, and a pint of Guinness €6–€8. Pubs usually close at 23:30 during the week and 00:30 on weekends.

When to Visit Dublin

The best period is from May to September, with long days, temperatures of 15–20°C, and less rain. June has daylight until 22:30, giving you many hours for sightseeing.

March 17th, St Patrick's Day, transforms the city into a celebration, but hotels double their prices and get booked months in advance. November and January are the most economical months.

Period	Weather	What to Expect
March–April	Cool, changeable	St Patrick's Day, green countryside, changeable weather.
May–June	Mild, sunny	The best period, long days, festivals.
July–September	Mild, some rain	Crowds, lively city, higher prices.
October–February	Cold, rainy	Low prices, cosy pubs, few hours of daylight.

Transport and Practical Information

Dublin Airport is 10 km from the city centre and is connected by Airlink and Aircoach buses in 25–35 minutes, or by taxi for about €30. There is no underground, but the city has the Luas tram, urban buses, and the DART suburban railway that runs along the coast.

The centre is easily walkable from end to end in 30 minutes. The Leap Visitor Card offers unlimited travel for 24, 72, or 168 hours and is good value. The Irish drive on the left. The currency is the euro, cards are accepted almost everywhere, and tipping is not obligatory, usually 10% in restaurants.

Indicative Travel Costs

Expense	Budget Option	Mid-Range Option
Accommodation/night	€90–€140	€170–€350+
Meal	€15–€25	€35–€65
Transport/day	€4–€8	€12–€20
Sights	€10–€30	€40–€80

Suggested 3-Day Itinerary

1. Day 1
   Trinity College, Book of Kells, Grafton Street, St Stephen's Green, evening in Temple Bar.
2. Day 2
   Dublin Castle, St Patrick's Cathedral, Guinness Storehouse, Kilmainham Gaol.
3. Day 3
   DART to Howth, Cliff Walk, fresh seafood, return and EPIC Museum in the Docklands.

Useful Tips Before You Travel

• Book tickets online for the Book of Kells, Guinness Storehouse, and Kilmainham Gaol, as they sell out.
• Take a hooded waterproof jacket instead of an umbrella, the wind often breaks them.
• For live music without tourist prices, check pubs on Camden Street and Capel Street.
• The Leap Visitor Card is worthwhile if you plan to use buses and the DART.
• Day trips to Glendalough, Howth, and the Cliffs of Moher depart from the city centre, book one day in advance.

Points of Interest: Detailed Guide

Trinity College and the Book of Kells

Ireland's oldest university, founded in 1592, with cobbled courtyards and the Long Room, a 65-metre library housing 200,000 old books. It also holds the Book of Kells, the illuminated gospel from the 9th century.

Tickets range from €18-€25 with timed entry, and the Long Room has undergone extensive restoration, so check what is accessible before booking.

Guinness Storehouse

The country's most popular attraction, seven floors dedicated to the history of the black beer, its ingredients, advertising, and a lesson on how to pour a perfect pint, with a final stop at the Gravity Bar for 360-degree views. Tickets cost €26-€35, cheaper if pre-booked and for morning slots.

Castle and Cathedrals

Dublin Castle was the seat of British administration, featuring the State Apartments and the Gothic Chapel Royal. A stone's throw away are Christ Church, dating from 1030 with its large crypt, and St Patrick's Cathedral, where Jonathan Swift was dean.

Kilmainham Gaol

The most moving visit in the city. Leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were imprisoned and executed here. The guided tour lasts an hour, tickets are only €8 and sell out weeks in advance, so book early.

Temple Bar

The cobbled area with pubs and live music is extremely touristy, and beer is about two euros more expensive, but it's worth a stroll. For a more authentic experience, check out pubs on Camden Street, Capel Street, or Stoneybatter.

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

A digital museum about the emigration of ten million Irish people and their influence on the world. Award-winning, interactive, and particularly interesting for anyone familiar with the Greek diaspora.

Grafton Street and St Stephen's Green

The main shopping pedestrian street with its street musicians leads to St Stephen's Green park with its ponds and flowerbeds. The Little Museum of Dublin is also on the corner in a Georgian building.

River Liffey and Ha'penny Bridge

The white iron pedestrian bridge from 1816 is a symbol of the city, while the banks lead from the Docklands with its modern architecture to Phoenix Park in the west.

Georgian Dublin

Merrion Square and Fitzwilliam Square feature the classic colourful doors, semicircular fanlights, and iron railings. It's a free walk and the best photo route in the city.

Howth and Dún Laoghaire

Two seaside suburbs, half an hour away by DART train. Howth has cliff walks with seals in the harbour and fish and chips, while Dún Laoghaire boasts a long pier for walking and ice cream.

Museums, Art, and Culture

National Museum of Archaeology

Free entry, featuring Bronze Age jewellery, medieval treasures, and impressive bog bodies, human remains preserved in peat bogs for two millennia.

National Gallery of Ireland

Also free, with Irish paintings, Caravaggio's 'The Taking of Christ', and works by Vermeer and Monet. Ideal for a rainy afternoon, which is frequent here.

Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI)

Dedicated to Irish literature, featuring the first copy of Joyce's 'Ulysses'. Dublin has four Nobel laureates in literature and is a UNESCO City of Literature.

Chester Beatty Library

Located in the castle grounds, with rare Islamic, Asian, and Christian manuscripts, it's one of Europe's best small museums and offers free entry.

Irish Museum of Modern Art

Located in the historic Royal Hospital Kilmainham, it features contemporary art in an imposing building and formal gardens. Can be combined with a visit to Kilmainham Gaol on the same day.

Parks, Nature, and Outdoor Spaces

Phoenix Park

One of the largest enclosed urban parks in Europe, covering 700 hectares, with a herd of free-roaming deer, the zoo, the President's residence, and cycling routes.

St Stephen's Green and Iveagh Gardens

The former is the most central and bustling, while the adjacent Iveagh Gardens are hidden and almost deserted, featuring a waterfall and a labyrinth.

Glasnevin Botanic Gardens

Free to enter, with Victorian cast-iron glasshouses, orchid collections, and pathways along the Tolka River. The historic Glasnevin Cemetery, offering tours on Irish history, is located next door.

Coast and Cliffs

The Howth Cliff Walk offers four marked options from 6 to 10 km with views of the Irish Sea, while Bull Island is a UNESCO Biosphere with birds and sand dunes.

Activities and Experiences

Pubs with Live Irish Music

Sessions with fiddle, accordion, and bodhrán usually start around 21:30 and are free. Check out The Cobblestone in Smithfield, O'Donoghue's near Merrion, and Devitt's on Camden Street. Get there an hour early to secure a spot.

Literary and Historical Tours

The Dublin Literary Pub Crawl combines pubs with excerpts from Joyce, Beckett, and Wilde. There are also tours on the 1916 Rising and free walking tours where tips are welcome.

Whiskey and Gin

Tours with tastings at Jameson Bow Street, Teeling, and Roe and Co, costing €25-€35. Teeling is smaller and more focused if you're interested in the production process.

Rugby and Gaelic Sports

Croke Park, with 82,000 seats, hosts hurling and Gaelic football, unique Irish sports with an amazing atmosphere and affordable tickets, while Aviva Stadium hosts rugby and soccer.

DART and Coastal Walks

The DART train runs parallel to the coast and connects Howth, Dún Laoghaire, Dalkey, and Bray. The Bray to Greystones walk is one of the country's most beautiful coastal hikes.

Theatre Performances

The Abbey Theatre, the national theatre founded by Yeats, the Gate, and the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre have rich programmes, with tickets from €20 and student prices available on the day.

Where to Eat: Specific Suggestions

Irish Classics

Irish stew with lamb, coddle with sausages and potatoes, boxty and colcannon, fresh Galway oysters with Guinness, black and white pudding in a full Irish breakfast. A dish in a gastropub costs €18-€26.

Seafood

The island offers excellent fish: chowder with soda bread, smoked salmon, mussels, and crab. In Howth, seafood restaurants serve fresh produce at half the price of the city centre.

Pub Food and Carvery

A midday carvery in a pub, featuring roast meat, vegetables, and potatoes, costs €14-€18 and offers the best value for money and quantity in the city.

Modern Scene and Markets

Dublin now boasts Michelin-starred restaurants and a vibrant bistro scene. George's Street Arcade and Temple Bar Food Market on Saturdays offer cheeses, baked goods, and street food.

Coffee and Sweets

The specialty coffee scene is excellent, with prices ranging from €3.50-€4.50. Try soda bread with butter, apple crumble, and the rich Guinness cake.

Alcohol Prices

A pint of Guinness typically costs €6-€7.50, exceeding €9 in Temple Bar. Happy hour is not legally permitted, so compare venues rather than times.

Nightlife and Drinks

Pubs and Neighbourhoods

Camden and Wexford Street for a younger crowd, Capel Street for alternative and LGBTQ-friendly spots, Stoneybatter for craft beer, Temple Bar for touristy hustle and bustle. Pubs usually close at 01:00 and clubs at 03:00.

Live Music and Comedy

Beyond traditional sessions, there are daily gigs at Whelan's and Button Factory, and stand-up comedy in pubs with entry fees of €10-€15.

Practicalities

Nitelink buses operate late on weekends, the Luas tram stops around 00:30, and taxis can be booked via the Free Now app. The city is safe, with a little caution needed around O'Connell Street late at night.

Shopping

Main Streets

Grafton Street with department stores like Brown Thomas, Henry Street with more affordable brands, and shopping centres like Powerscourt and Stephen's Green.

Irish Products

Aran woollens, Donegal tweed, Waterford crystal, Claddagh jewellery, whiskey, and Barry's tea. Non-EU visitors are entitled to VAT refunds.

Books and Records

As a City of Literature, Dublin has excellent bookstores like Hodges Figgis and Ulysses Rare Books, as well as record shops in Temple Bar.

With Children: What Works Best

With Children

Dublin Zoo in Phoenix Park, Dublinia with Viking recreations, Bray Sea Life aquarium, DART train to Howth, and the park's deer. Most pubs allow children until 21:00.

Practical Tips for Families

Pack waterproofs and layers of clothing, as the weather changes four times a day. Free national museums offer children's workshops on weekends.

Day Trips

Newgrange and Boyne Valley

A 5,200-year-old Neolithic tomb, older than the pyramids, featuring a solstice phenomenon. Visits are only possible by bus from the Brú na Bóinne visitor centre, an hour north.

Wicklow, Glendalough, and Powerscourt

The 6th-century monastic complex nestled between two lakes, the Wicklow Mountains, and the Powerscourt Gardens with Ireland's tallest waterfall. An hour south, ideally with a rental car.

Cliffs of Moher

The famous 214-metre cliffs are three hours west. They can be visited on a fourteen-hour organised day trip including Galway, but ideally require an overnight stay.

Belfast and Giant's Causeway

Two hours by train to Northern Ireland, featuring the Titanic Belfast, political murals, and the hexagonal basalts of the Giant's Causeway. You'll need Pound Sterling there.

When to Go: Month by Month

Winter

Temperatures 3-9 degrees, rain, wind, and darkness from 16:30. Prices are at their lowest and pubs are at their cosiest. December has markets and lights, January is quiet.

Spring

March brings the St Patrick's Day parade on the 17th, when the city fills up and prices soar. April and May are perhaps the best months, with 12-17 degrees and green everywhere.

Summer

Temperatures 15-20 degrees, with daylight until 22:30 and frequent showers. It's high season, with full hotels and high prices, but also the most festivals and concerts.

Autumn

September usually offers good weather with fewer crowds and is excellent for coastal walks. Halloween, of Irish origin as Samhain, is celebrated intensely at the end of October.

Suggested Itineraries by Duration

Two Days

Day one: Trinity, Grafton Street, castle, Christ Church, Temple Bar, and pub with music. Day two: Kilmainham, Guinness Storehouse, National Museum, and dinner on Camden Street.

Three to Four Days

Add a day in Howth or Dún Laoghaire by DART, EPIC and the Docklands, and a day trip to Glendalough or Newgrange.

One Week in Ireland

Three days in Dublin, then a car to Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Dingle, and Kerry. Driving is on the left, and rural roads are narrow, so allow extra time.

Practical Travel Information

Documents and Currency

Ireland is in the EU but outside Schengen; a Greek ID card is sufficient, but a passport makes things easier. The currency is the euro, unlike Northern Ireland which uses sterling.

Airport Transfer

The airport is 10 km away, with Airlink and Aircoach buses to the centre in 25-40 minutes for €7-€9, and taxis costing around €30. There is no train connection.

Transport Around the City

Get a Leap Visitor card for 24, 72, or 168 hours, which covers buses, Luas trams, DART, and Airlink. The city centre is easily walkable from end to end in twenty minutes.

Weather and Equipment

The weather changes constantly: a hooded waterproof jacket, layers, and comfortable shoes are essential in any season. An umbrella is often useless due to the wind.

Pub Etiquette

Order and pay at the bar; no tip is expected for beer, while 10-12% is common in restaurants. The 'round system', where each person in the group buys a round of drinks, is a social norm.

Accommodation Costs

Dublin has some of the most expensive hotel prices in Europe due to limited supply. Book two to three months in advance and avoid dates of major concerts, rugby matches, and St Patrick's Day.

Budget and Saving Money

Typical Prices

Coffee €3.50, pint €6-€7.50, pub meal €16-€22, dinner €30-€45 per person, attraction tickets €8-€30, 72-hour Leap Visitor card approximately €20. A three-day trip for two with a mid-range hotel costs around €700-€1,100 without flights.

How to Save Money

The national museums, National Gallery, Chester Beatty, Phoenix Park, and Georgian squares are free. Eat a carvery for lunch, drink in neighbourhood pubs instead of Temple Bar, stay near a Luas tram stop outside the centre, and travel in November or February.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need for Dublin?

Two to three days for the city itself, and an additional day for an excursion to Glendalough or Howth.

Do I need a visa for Ireland?

Not for Greek citizens, but Ireland is not in Schengen, so you will need a valid ID card or passport.

Is Dublin expensive?

Accommodation is the most expensive part. Food and attractions are at average European levels.

Is the Guinness Storehouse worth it?

It's worth it, especially for the view from the Gravity Bar and the pint included in the ticket.

When is St Patrick's Day?

On March 17th, with parades and multi-day festivals. Book accommodation at least three months in advance.

Which area is best for accommodation?

City Centre South for a first visit, Docklands or Ballsbridge for quietness and better value.

How many days do you need for Dublin?

Two full days cover the essentials, three to four add coastal suburbs and a trip to Glendalough or Newgrange. The city is compact and easily walkable.

Is it expensive?

Accommodation and alcohol are expensive, attractions are affordable, and many museums are free. With careful choices, costs can be kept reasonable.

What is the best time to visit?

May, June, and September offer the best weather and most daylight. March, with St Patrick's Day, is impressive but very expensive and crowded.

Do I need a car?

Not within the city, it only incurs parking costs. For Wicklow, Boyne Valley, or touring Ireland, a car offers clear freedom, but be mindful of driving on the left.

Which accommodation area do you recommend?

The city centre south of the Liffey around Grafton and St Stephen's Green for proximity to everything, the Docklands for modern hotels, Smithfield and Stoneybatter for better prices with a ten-minute walk or tram ride.

Related Articles from Travelo.gr

If you're planning your trip, the following guides complement this article with accommodation suggestions, itineraries, and practical information:

• London Travel Guide
• Amsterdam Travel Guide
• Las Vegas Travel Guide
• All Travelo.gr Destinations
• Themed Hotel Guides
• Cheap Flights

Read Also

• Travel Destinations
• Flights
• Winter Destinations
• Hotels for Couples

We conclude with a tip: the best way to enjoy your destination is to combine organisation with room for unexpected discoveries. Plan your main visits, but also leave time for strolls, chats with locals, and unplanned culinary delights. Have a great trip!

If you're planning your trip and want more ideas for accommodation, food, and experiences, take a look at Travelo.gr's links for destinations, hotels, and flights. Each of our articles is written to help you have a trip you'll remember.