Dublin

& the surrounding area

What’s so special?

The Irish capital is the hub of commercial, political, and economic life, which makes it a perfect place for visitors to start or end their trip. Dublin City is a cosmopolitan European capital, with all the amenities any visitor could want. World-class restaurants, vibrant nightlife, extensive shopping opportunities, and a ton of history will keep any traveler happy. When you are looking for something a bit less cosmopolitan, Dublin County's charming, relaxed, and intriguing locales are an easy getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Trinity College

About the Dublin Capital Region

Most travelers will spend at least part of their trip in Dublin, given that it is both the capital and the country's major transportation hub. For many, this is the ideal place to start or end the trip, but the city and its suburbs are well-worth a trip in and of themselves. Dublin is served by the country's largest international airport and is well connected to the rest of the country through road and rail lines. There's also an international ferry connecting Dublin with England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Isle of Man. Both English and Irish are official languages, with all signs in both languages, making navigating both easy and intriguing.

Getting Around

Getting around Dublin is quite easy. The city is very walkable and this will likely be your primary mode of transportation. But when visiting some of the major sites that are a bit outside of the city center, public transportation options include extensive bus and tram (Luas) systems, as well as a public bicycle rental network. There's also a city train (the DART) and a series of commuter train lines that will get you throughout the county quite easily. For more door-to-door service, there are always taxis and Ubers for hire.

Ha'penny Bridge

Dublin City

Beer & Whiskey – As the place where Guinness, Teeling, and Jameson's were all founded and flourished, it is no surprise beer and whiskey are synonymous with this grand city. The brewery and distilleries offer great tours and tasting options, but you can also just pull up a stool in any pub and enjoy a glass with some good craic. Sláinte!

Temple Bar – A neighborhood, rather than a specific pub, Temple Bar is where Dublin comes to party. Right in the heart of Dublin, this area if full of pubs, clubs, and restaurants. It's everything you need for a night on the town.

Trinity College – Founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592, Trinity is Ireland's oldest university and is dripping with history. The library's Long Room is one of the most stunning book depositories anywhere in the world and where you can view the Book of Kells, one of history’s most beautiful manuscripts. The university's quad is also a wonderful green space if you just want a break from the city's lively energy.

Dublin Castle – The castle complex is the seat of the Irish government but has been the major center for political rule since Viking times. It's also a popular tourist attraction where visitors can visit Viking excavations, the medieval tower, state apartments, a royal chapel, and the castle gardens.

Kilmainham Gaol – Once the most notorious prison in Ireland, it's now a museum to Ireland's turbulent history. Visitors explore Ireland's past through the eyes of men, women, and children who were imprisoned for everything from poverty to rebellion.

Grafton Street – One of the Europe's busiest shopping areas, this pedestrian only street is perfect for both the serious buyer and those just going for a stroll. Beyond the stores, this is one of the best places to take in street musicians, poets, and other performers. The street connects Trinity College with St. Stephan's Green.

Explore Literary Gold – Dublin is home to some of the English language's greatest authors, playwrights, and poets. If you're a literary aficionado, there are monuments, pubs, and tours dedicated to the likes of James Joyce, Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw, and William Butler Yeats.

Temple Bar

Food and Drink

While Irish food used to conjure up images of boiled meats and vegetables, today Dublin's restaurant scene is one of Europe's best. Traditional hearty pub food is still everywhere, but high-end farm-to-table cuisine is now a mainstay of the city. And as you might expect in one of Europe's great capitals, a wide variety of international cuisines is also easy to fine.

If you haven't tried it before (and you're not a vegetarian), no trip to Dublin is complete without at least one Full Irish Breakfast. This plate of eggs, bacon, sausage, grilled tomato, mushrooms, toasted soda bread, bubble and sqeak (hash browns), and black pudding (blood sausage). It's a heart-stopping feast, but nothing is more traditional. Other Irish favorites to be on the lookout for include coddle (a sausage and potato stew), beef and Guinness pie, Irish beef stew, boxty (potato pancakes), and seafood chowder. For less traditional fare, Dublin is your best chance for finding international cuisine, with everything from Mexican to Nepali on offer.

But Ireland is also synonymous with great libations. Beyond the thick black gold known as Guinness, other popular Irish-born beers include Murphy's (the other great stout), Killkenny (an Irish cream ale), and the red Irish Ale, Smithwick's -- pronounces "smit-icks." On the spirits side of things, the king is the Irish Whiskey, with Jameson's and Teeling having distilleries right in Dublin. Not to be outdone, however, Ireland is also world-famous for it's Irish cream liqueurs (like Bailey's) and for a strong showing of gins flavored with local botanicals.

Howth Cliff Walk

Around Dublin

Howth Head Cliff Walk - If you enjoy hiking and scenic seascapes, this network of trails along the Irish Sea is less than an hour from downtown Dublin. There are five different routes to choose from. But stay aware, weather can turn quickly and these are cliffside walks without rails.

Tibradden Wood - Nature lovers should also consider this national pine forest, which lies between the Cruagh and Kilmashogue mountains, just outside the city. Hike to the park's highest point to visit an ancient cairn and enjoy stunning views all the way back to Dublin. There's also a zip-line park for those looking for adventure off the ground.

Skerries - For those looking for a fishing village escape, Skerries has it all. The harbor is lined with seafood restaurants and traditional windmills dot the town's skyline. You can jump in a sea kayak to explore the coastline and nearby islands or shop for the handmade embroidery that made the town famous.

Dalkey - For a more resort-style seaside town, head to this affluent Dublin suburb. Beyond the great seafood, coastal views, and water activities, the nearby quarry has converted into a climbing center. Families will also enjoy Dalkey Castle with its costumed guides and interactive history.

Malahide Village - This quaint coastal village attracts visitors with its cobblestone streets lined with gorgeous boutiques, restaurants, and pubs. Its old village charm is just down the road from Dublin International Airport and a 30-minute DART ride to Dublin center, making it an excellent alternate base for travelers to the region or for those who have a long layover. There's also a sizeable marina, long stretches of beach, and a castle all just outside of town.

North Bull Island - Connected to Dublin by a small causeway, this long island is a national conservation area just beyond Dublin Harbor that acts as a bird sanctuary and recreation area. A beach that extends the lenght of the island, which is popular with walkers, and there are also two golf courses on the island.