13 essential insights to consider before your trip to Dublin

As a lifelong Dubliner, I’ve dedicated much of my life to understanding my hometown.

Navigating the city is relatively straightforward: you'll quickly find that many areas are best explored on foot. However, it’s not just the compactness that makes Dublin a perfect walking city; it’s the vibrant lifestyle that invites leisurely strolls and encourages you to engage in the delightful art of observation.

Spend a few days in Dublin, and you’ll soon realize there’s a lot happening in this lively little town. To truly grasp its essence, you might find it necessary to settle down here and take your time uncovering its unique quirks and rich sense of humor.

In the meantime, here are a few insider tips that will help ease your transition into a city that has the remarkable ability to capture your imagination and hold onto it tightly.

1. Allocate at least three days for your Dublin adventure

Though Dublin is a compact capital, it will require as much time as you're willing to invest. At least three days are essential to start uncovering its charm: one day to visit major sights like Trinity College and the Guinness Storehouse, another day for other fantastic attractions such as the Little Museum of Dublin, Chester Beatty, and a section of the National Museum of Ireland, and a third day dedicated to sampling whiskey and exploring one of the city's stunning cathedrals.

Adding a couple more days will allow you to wander further and discover more of the city, including the historic General Post Office and 14 Henrietta St on the north side. Don’t forget to carve out some downtime—there are around 800 pubs in the city, along with an excellent selection of music venues and several outstanding theatres. And why not venture out for a day trip to Howth or beyond?

Thinking about enjoying some beers in Dublin? Check out our guide to the locals' favorite traditional pubs

2. Dublin has a relaxed vibe, so pack accordingly

You can wear just about anything in Dublin, with smart casual being sufficient for upscale dinners, theater, or concerts. Even most workplaces embrace a casual dress code, as dressing up is typically reserved for special occasions, which work seldom is.

Irish summers tend to be mild rather than hot, so it’s wise to have an extra layer for cooler moments, particularly in the evenings when the fading sunlight can quickly turn warmth into a memory.

Ultimately, the unpredictable weather will guide your wardrobe choices, but having a lightweight waterproof jacket (ideally with a hood, unless you have an umbrella) and waterproof footwear should always be a priority due to the frequent rain.

Organize your packing using our seasonal guide to Dublin throughout the year

3. Make the most of discount cards

There are several discount cards available that can help you save on attractions and transportation. The GoCity All-Inclusive Pass (valid for 1–5 days, €79–164) grants you free access to numerous top attractions, including the Guinness Storehouse, EPIC The Heritage Museum, the Jameson Distillery Bow Street, and the Big Bus Hop On, Hop Off tour. For a 25% discount on six attractions, consider the DoDublin Days Out Card (€55).

In addition to the Leap Card (more details below), you can find great savings with the DoDublin Freedom Ticket (€48), a 72-hour travel pass that covers all public transportation and includes a hop on, hop off tour.

4. Get a Leap Card for easy access to public transport

If you plan to use public transport in Dublin, make sure to get a Leap Card first, as it's more economical and convenient than buying individual fares. This green plastic card is available at most newsagents and works on all transport options in the city, including buses, DART, the Luas light rail, and commuter trains across the county. The Leap Visitor Card (valid for 1/3/7 days at €8/€16/€32) allows for unlimited travel on public transport. You can buy it in the city or at Dublin Airport, or order online for home delivery before your trip.

To use the card, simply tap it on the machine when boarding: for Luas, rail, and DART services, remember to tap off when you exit (not required for buses).

You can top up the card with any amount (minimum €5) at newsagents, Luas, DART, and commuter rail machines, or by downloading the Leap Top-Up App on any NFC-enabled iPhone or Android device: just hold the card to the back of your phone to add funds, collect pre-paid tickets, and check your balance.

If you're using a standard Leap card instead of the Visitor Card, the TFI 90 Minute Fare applies to journeys on Dublin Bus, Luas, and most DART trains. Any trip under 90 minutes (including transfer times) costs €2.

Check out more helpful transportation tips for Dublin

5. Uber may not be the best taxi choice in Dublin

While there are plenty of taxis available in Dublin, they can be difficult to catch late at night, particularly on weekends when many locals are heading home after a night out. Although Uber operates in Dublin, it tends to be quite pricey; the most widely used taxi-hailing app is Freenow, which connects to most of the city’s taxis. Taxi ranks are found in the city center, but using the app is generally the more convenient option for many.

6. Familiarize yourself with Dublin’s dining culture

Dubliners typically don’t eat breakfast out, so you may find it challenging to locate a good breakfast spot that opens before 9 am or 9:30 am. The upside is that a quality cup of coffee is essential, so there are plenty of places ready to serve caffeinated patrons by 8 am.

Discounted lunch specials are quite popular, especially in the bustling city center. If you want to dine at sought-after restaurants, make sure to book your table at least a few days ahead to avoid disappointment or the less desirable 5:30 pm seating. For upscale venues, including those with Michelin stars, early planning is crucial. Some (like Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud) only accept reservations up to a month in advance, while places like Chapter One open their booking window three months out, with reservations taken in two-month blocks. Tables fill up fast, but if you miss out, you can join the online waitlist.

7. Many museums in the city offer free entry

Most of the major cultural institutions in the city are free to explore, including the three branches of the National Museum of Ireland, the National Gallery, the Chester Beatty, and the Dublin City Gallery – the Hugh Lane, although some exhibitions may have an entry fee. Free tickets are available for tours of Áras an Uachtharáin, the official residence of the Irish president located in Phoenix Park, and visiting the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Kilmainham incurs no cost.

Smaller, privately owned museums may charge a fee, but it’s usually under €10, and advance booking isn’t necessary.

Traveling to Dublin on a budget? Explore these other free experiences

8. Bottled water is an unnecessary expense

In most Dublin restaurants, you’ll have the option of still or sparkling water. Unless you have a favorite bottled brand, always choose tap water, as the city’s supply is perfectly safe, free, and generally excellent. Some restaurants even have their own filtration systems, allowing you to enjoy still or sparkling tap water for a minimal fee (usually €1–2). The same goes for refilling your water bottle: tap water is perfectly fine, so there's no need to buy expensive and environmentally harmful plastic bottles.

9. The rounds system is key in pubs

Dubliners, like many Irish people, value camaraderie and generosity, both of which are captured in the rounds system. If someone buys you a drink, it’s customary for you to return the favor. Engaging in the rounds system is a fantastic way to connect with locals: strike up a conversation and, at the right moment (like when they’re finishing their drink), ask what they’re 'having'—before you know it, you’ll be enjoying multiple drinks and lively chats, building new friendships along the way.

Of course, you’re not obligated to join in the rounds, but if you want to grasp the social bonds that unite people in Dublin, there are few better ways than sharing a few drinks with them.

10. Nightlife in Dublin can be pricey

Dubliners enjoy a lively night out, but partying in the city can be quite costly. The capital is known for having the highest beer prices in Ireland, prompting many locals to host pre-drinks at home before heading out, usually around 9 or 10 pm.

Happy hour deals are banned in Ireland; expect to pay between €7–10 for a pint in the city center. Be cautious of pubs that may discreetly raise their prices later in the evening, likely hoping patrons are too tipsy to notice. It's illegal to charge more than the listed price; if that happens, the best course of action is to raise a complaint and leave.

Dublin has stricter licensing laws than almost any other European capital. Pubs can serve alcohol until 11:30 pm from Monday to Thursday, until 12:30 am on Friday and Saturday, and until 11 pm on Sunday. Many establishments apply for special exemption orders that allow them to serve until 2:30 am, usually from Thursday to Saturday nights. Nightclubs typically stay open until 3 am, and often there’s little distinction between a lively pub with loud music and a dedicated nightclub.

11. Get used to a little 'slagging' among friends

Dubliners are generally informal and easy-going, avoiding excessive formality and fuss. However, they do have certain social norms, and the missteps of newcomers are usually forgiven and often become a source of amusement. The accidental faux pas is a cherished part of life in a city that has elevated 'slagging,' or teasing, into an art form.

In fact, slagging is a more reliable measure of friendship than almost any compliment: quick, self-deprecating humor and the ability to take a joke in stride will earn you many friends. Just remember, slagging comes with its own unspoken rules and should only be shared among friends; it’s not advisable to joke about someone right after meeting them!

12. Dublin warmly welcomes LGBTIQ+ travelers

Dublin boasts a lively LGBTIQ+ scene, featuring established bars, club nights, and activities like hiking and sea swimming. The most famous gay bar is the George on South Great George’s St, followed by Pantibar, owned by the celebrated activist and drag queen Rory O’Neill, also known as Panti Bliss. June's Pride Festival is the city's second-largest celebration after St. Patrick's Day, a lively five-day festival filled with color and excitement. In August, don’t miss the GAZE International LGBTQIA Film Festival, Ireland's only dedicated film festival, and the International Gay Theatre Festival, typically held in May.

13. Dublin is generally a safe city with reliable healthcare

Health and safety should not pose any issues during your stay in Dublin. Pharmacies offering basic medications are readily available, and crime is not a significant worry. Just exercise normal precautions, like keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded areas. O'Connell St and its immediate surroundings can feel a bit sketchy after dark, so it’s wise to stay alert.