Dublin is a city brimming with history, from centuries-old cathedrals to stately manors that line the winding streets. Institutions like Dublin Castle, the National Gallery of Ireland, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral have long drawn tourists looking to catch a glimpse of the city’s rich history, while places like Trinity College highlight Dublin’s literary past – after all, there’s a reason the city is called ‘the land of saints and scholars.’
Spirits lovers will find themselves right at home amongst favorite spots like the Guinness Storehouse, the Jameson Distillery, and the Teeling Distillery. Moreover, Irish cuisine, once considered a bit of an oxymoron, is now on full display in Dublin. The city is home to five Michelin-starred restaurants, plus an array of international restaurants that highlight the diversity of the culinary scene.
So whether it’s history, architecture, or literature that piques your interest, or you’re most focused on food and spirits, there’s plenty to keep you busy on your next trip to Dublin. Here, our favorite spots in ‘The Pale.’
Time Zone
Irish Standard Time
Best Time to Go
Winter weather in Dublin is less than ideal, with temperatures averaging in the 30s and 40s Fahrenheit. However, the city offers a number of festivals that make up for the chilly weather. There’s the New Year’s Festival, which takes place for three days at the start of each year, the Dublin International Film Festival every February, and a five-day-long St. Patrick’s Day Festival in March.
St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin is more celebrated by travelers than locals. However, you’ll still find quite the crowd congregating around the city’s Temple Bar neighborhood indulging in the revelry. Locals view the day as more of a reflective occasion to celebrate relationships, family, and faith.
As the weather starts to improve, travel to the city starts to pick up significantly, but that also means that prices tend to increase. In late spring and summer there are a host of festivals to keep anyone busy, including the International Literature Festival in May, Bloomsday (a celebration of author James Joyce) and Pride in June, and the Festival of Curiosity in July.
The autumn months are particularly beautiful as leaves start to change color throughout the city and its many parks. Every September, there’s the Dublin Fringe Festival and the Taste of Dublin—great for foodies. Each November, celebrated authors come to the city for the annual Dublin Book Festival.
Things to Know
Currency: Euro
Language: English is the predominant language, but signage is also in Gaelic.
Calling Code: +353
Electricity: The standard voltage in Ireland is 230v, which is within the 110-240v range most U.S. electronics use. However, you’ll still need an adapter as the country uses a large “G” electrical outlet with three square prongs.
How to Get Around
Getting around Dublin and the surrounding area is incredibly easy. The DART train connects the city to quaint villages and towns that dot the countryside and waterfront. The light rail and bus system efficiently cover the town, and there are even bicycles for rent for a more leisurely experience. Aer Lingus is the national airline of Ireland and offers direct flights that connect Dublin to cities all over Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
Best Hotels
The Westbury
Address: Balfe St, Dublin 2, Ireland
Phone: +353 1 679 1122
Website
The five-star boutique hotel in Dublin’s Temple Bar neighborhood blends contemporary designs with neutral colors to offer a relaxing retreat, while still being in the heart of the city. The hotel has 205 rooms and suites, a central location close to a handful of historic attractions, and a world-class cocktail bar: The Sidecar.
The Merrion Hotel
Address: Merrion St Upper, Dublin 2, Ireland
Phone: +353 1 603 0600
Website
Housed in a collection of four Georgian townhomes, The Merrion Hotel offers a five-star experience with an on-site spa, pool, and gym, plus the two-Michelin-star Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud. There are also The Cellar Bar, The Garden Room, and No. 23 Cocktail Bar, for those looking for a quick bite or fine cocktail. The hotel offers 142 rooms and suites, many of which overlook meticulously manicured gardens.
The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection
Address: 27 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin, Ireland
Phone: +353 1 663 4500
Website
Just across from St. Stephen’s Green, The Shelbourne is a luxury hotel that oozes history. The nearly 200-year-old property seamlessly blends historic design with modern amenities and has played host to a number of celebrities. Guests can enjoy cocktails or bites from any of the six venues at the hotel, and the on-site spa offers a range of wellness amenities perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.
The Marker Hotel
Address: Grand Canal Square, Dublin Docklands, Dublin, D02 CK38, Ireland
Phone: +353 1 687 5100
Website
Situated on Grand Canal Square in the city’s emerging cultural and business district, The Marker Hotel offers a luxury stay with modern amenities. The hotel’s 187 rooms and suites sport a bright and stylish design with pops of color accenting contemporary furnishings. Guests can partake in rooftop yoga sessions, grab a bite or drink from any of the hotel’s three eateries and bars, or unwind at the on-site spa.
The Westin Dublin
Address: College Green, Westmoreland St, Dublin, D02 HR67, Ireland
Phone: +353 1 645 1000
Website
Within Dublin’s Temple Bar neighborhood, The Westin Dublin offers an opulent stay in a historic building loaded with modern conveniences. The 191 rooms and suites all sport classic Irish décor and offer a signature Westin Heavenly Bed, designed for optimal sleep. The hotel is centrally located to much of what the city has to offer, overlooking Trinity College and just down the block from the many shops and boutiques that line Grafton Street.
Best Restaurants
Glover’s Alley
Address: 128 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, D02 HE18, Ireland
Phone: +353 1 244 0733
Website
This fine-dining restaurant led by chef Andy McFadden dishes up elegant fare with ingredients sourced by some of Ireland’s top farmers. Overlooking St. Stephen’s Green, Glover’s Alley blends contemporary décor with imaginative dishes to offer a truly unique culinary experience. Reservations recommended.
Fade Street Social
Address: 6 Fade St, Dublin 2, Ireland
Phone: +353 1 604 0066
Website
Fade Street Social offers a range of phenomenal and unique dishes—think: duck egg with pickled anchovy and glazed pork belly—that are all craveworthy. The restaurant is centrally located, just steps from Dublin Castle. There’s a rooftop terrace with wood-fired dishes and cocktails on offer, plus some of the best views around.
Chapter One
Address: 18-19 Parnell Square N, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 T3V8, Ireland
Phone: +353 1 873 2266
Website
Chapter One is a Michelin-starred restaurant in the Phibsborough neighborhood, serving up dishes that combine international recipes with creative and innovative techniques. Housed in an 18th-century mansion, along with the Dublin Writers Museum, the restaurant blends history with contemporary design. Reservations recommended.
Things to Do
Guinness Storehouse Factory
Address: St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8, D08 VF8H, Ireland
Phone: +353 1 408 4800
Website
Pretty much anyone coming to Dublin has the Guinness Storehouse on their list of places to visit – and for good reason. It’s not only geared toward beer lovers, but also history fanatics, offering plenty of information on the building and the surrounding neighborhood throughout the years. Learn to pour the perfect pint or just enjoy hearing of the building’s 250-year history, either way, it’s a great place to visit for anyone heading to Dublin.
Teeling Distillery
Address: 13-17 Newmarket, The Liberties, Dublin 8, D08 KD91, Ireland
Phone: +353 1 531 0888
Website
While the Jameson Storehouse is most often visited by tourists, the Teeling Distillery is less than a 10-minute drive away and offers a less-crowded experience. The distillery has more than 230 international whiskey awards and is a favorite among whiskey aficionados. Guests can tour the facilities or partake in a whiskey tasting for the full experience.
Dublin Castle
Address: Dame St, Dublin 2, Ireland
Phone: +353 1 645 8800
Website
Once the seat of the British government’s administration in Ireland, Dublin Castle now welcomes world travelers interested in learning about the history of the country. The 13th-century building is situated right in the heart of the city, with easy transport to pretty much anywhere you need to go. Visitors can opt for a guided tour of the castle or visit for any number of their regular events or exhibitions.
Trinity College Library
Address: College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
Phone: +353 1 896 1000
Website
You might think that a visit to a college library wouldn’t be top of mind during your Irish vacation, but Trinity College Library isn’t like anything you’ve seen before. The 400-year-old building houses over seven million books, and the architecture is just as impressive – resembling something out of a Harry Potter movie.
Best Shopping
Clerys Quarter
Address: 27 O’Connell Street Lower, North City, Dublin, Ireland
Phone: +353 1 618 1300
Website
The famed department store dating back to 1853 is being fully reimagined with a more contemporary feel. Situated on O’Connell Street and just a block from the Liffey River, Clerys Quarter will offer a hotel, rooftop bar, and plenty of shops and eateries to keep you busy all day.
Temple Bar Markets
Address: Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
Website
The Temple Bar Markets are open every Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. right in the heart of the city. Visitors can find plenty of handmade goods and bites, making for a great place to pick up some souvenirs.
Powerscourt Townhouse Centre
Address: 59 William St S, Dublin 2, D02 HF95, Ireland
Website
This upscale shopping center is housed in an 18th-century mansion and perfectly showcases the architectural heritage that is so prevalent in Dublin. Visitors can shop or dine at more than 40 boutiques and restaurants throughout the complex.
Weather
Compared to other European cities, Dublin has a relatively mild climate. Winters are on the cooler side but temperatures seldom drop below freezing, while the summer months are quite comfortable. The city experiences a fair amount of rain, averaging precipitation around 191 days out of the year.
Average temperatures are listed below in Fahrenheit:
- January 37-47
- February 36-47
- March 38-51
- April 40-55
- May 45-59
- June 49-64
- July 53-67
- August 52-66
- September 49-62
- October 45-57
- November 40-51
- December 38-48
Apps to Download
Dublin Bus
iOs | Android
Iarnród Éireann: Irish Rail app
iOs | Android
Journey Planner: Ireland’s National Transit Authority app
iOs | Android
Leap Top Up: Manage your Leap card on your phone
iOs | Android
