Dublin Journey Information

Completely happy Tuesday! Again AGAIN (this can be my final publish this week as we’re heading to Michigan with a giant group of buddies tomorrow–extra to return subsequent week although!) It’s time to hit publish on my Eire guides! First, we’re tackling Dublin, then subsequent week, I’ll share every thing to do in Killarney!

In case you’re planning a visit to Dublin, HOORAY! This can be a good spot so that you can begin your journey planning! I believe the phrase that first involves thoughts when pondering of Dublin is–”enjoyable”–it’s only a very enjoyable place to be. The individuals are enjoyable, the pubs are enjoyable, the eating places are enjoyable–everybody you meet is simply enjoyable. It’s a simple place to have a great time and a great location to kick off your Eire journey. This previous journey was my third time within the metropolis, so the reccos you see listed below are a compilation of these journeys along with numerous nice suggestions from readers–fellow US vacationers and likewise a number of locals! Let’s leap in!

First, attending to Dublin:

We flew direct from Chicago on Aer Lingus, and had no complaints! They usually have essentially the most cheap fares spherical journey to Dublin. They’re additionally a Star Alliance companion so I used to be capable of earn United factors which was a plus!

To hold on or verify baggage to Dublin?

I might extremely advocate carrying on baggage to Eire for a few causes. One, it’s straightforward–you don’t want a variety of clothes in Eire. Every thing may be very informal. Maybe most significantly–checking baggage to Europe is a fiasco on the time of me penning this publish–individuals are dropping their baggage for days, even weeks–and it’s not well worth the danger simply to have extra garments that you just don’t want within the first place. (See my “what to pack for Eire” publish proper over right here!)

A fast word on keep it up bag weight limits: European airways usually have completely different requirements by way of what’s accepted as carry-on baggage. (They are typically far more stringent). In case you fly Aer Lingus, you’ll discover on the web site web site that they appear to have fairly stringent keep it up necessities by way of weight, however that is the second time I’ve flown Aer Lingus now they usually haven’t enforced this at the very least on my flights. (My keep it up was properly over the 22 pound weight restrict!) I level this out as a result of I obtained this query so much–so, relaxation assured, I don’t assume you might want to fear an excessive amount of about carrying on when you fly Aer Lingus or a serious US airline.

In case you do have to verify a bag, I’d advocate shopping for some air tags to maintain in them so you’ll be able to preserve monitor of the place your baggage is, and likewise be sure to’re packing some necessities in your keep it up bag within the occasion your baggage will get misplaced.

What number of nights do you want in Dublin?

I believe it actually will depend on the place else you need to go to and what sort of locations you like! In case you love an city vacation spot, I might say two nights/two days is right for first timers. In case you’re simply doing a fast getaway and solely need to keep in Dublin–I believe you can simply discover sufficient to do right here for 3 nights! Nevertheless, when you’re not a lot of a metropolis particular person and have extra curiosity in packing in as a lot as you’ll be able to, you will get away with one evening in Dublin for positive. (To profit from your time, I’d fly in on a redeye, land, and get on a practice or drive to wherever your first vacation spot can be, then do your Dublin keep on the best way out of city.)

This was my third time again to Dublin (Neal’s second time) and we have been there for 3 nights, and Neal and I each agreed we want we’d stayed an additional evening in Killarney and executed two nights in Dublin as a substitute since we had already executed lots of the stuff there’s to do in Dublin on our earlier journeys. (So as a substitute of three nights in Killarney, 3 nights in Dublin, we’d have executed 4 nights Killarney, 2 in Dublin).

This isn’t as a result of there isn’t sufficient to do in Dublin–there’s SO a lot to do! However as a result of we already stay in a metropolis, we might’ve relatively spent extra time within the countryside since that’s so completely different than the life we’re used to! I believe it’s a desire factor for positive.

Do you might want to lease a automotive?

Undoubtedly not for Dublin–when you plan to lease a automotive later in your journey, don’t achieve this till you permit Dublin as I wouldn’t need to cope with driving/parking within the metropolis. When it comes to driving or taking the practice/bus to your remaining locations, you undoubtedly don’t HAVE to–and that’s a private desire. Neal and I each aren’t tremendous eager on the concept of driving a overseas automobile (usually exhausting to get an computerized automotive) on the mistaken aspect of the street, on tremendous windy tiny roads we aren’t aware of. Another individuals love driving and wouldn’t think about that to be harrowing! For us although, we’ve all the time opted for the practice/ubers/cabs/and so on, and it’s by no means been an issue.

The one time I believe we’d desire a automotive is that if we needed to spend the vast majority of our time exterior Killarney–driving to Dingle for a day journey, and so on. Sure, scary windy roads, however except you do some sort of guided tour (which I’d completely advocate when you’ve by no means been there earlier than), you sort of want a automotive if you wish to do your personal factor if you wish to enterprise out into the countryside on our personal. Once more, if it’s your first time, I might say no automotive wanted except you’re actually into driving.

Different areas to tack into your Eire itinerary?

As you’ll be able to in all probability inform by now, I extremely advocate including Killarney to your record–it’s by far our favourite vacation spot we’ve been to in Eire. Perhaps we’re biased due to our household ties there, however we predict it’s fairly exhausting to beat. Not solely is the city itself actually charming, however what surrounds Killarney is de facto the largest draw, and it’s a fantastic location for loads of day journeys.

We’ve additionally been to Galway (close to the Cliffs of Moher) which is such an enthralling seaside city and there’s additionally tons to do inside driving distance from Galway (though we didn’t do this personally so can’t touch upon that!) Cork is one other spot I actually need to get to and it’s grow to be generally known as an enormous culinary scorching spot!

Keep tuned for my Killarney information coming subsequent–however proper now, let’s discuss Dublin!

What to find out about flying OUT of Dublin:

Alright, final little “housekeeping” announcement earlier than we get to the enjoyable stuff.

Passengers flying out of Dublin to america truly undergo customs (Pre-clearance) in DUBLIN–not within the US. This implies you’ll undergo safety twice–as soon as is Dublin airport safety, the opposite is customs TSA safety. Even in case you have international entry/TSA precheck you don’t get to skip to the pinnacle of the customs safety line. (Though as soon as by way of safety, you get to quick move to the International Entry machine after which International Entry exit, which may prevent a while, however it didn’t save us time because the lengthy line was for safety and never after we acquired to the International Entry machines). All of this to say is that you might want to price range extra time than you usually would. At present the Dublin airport web site advises arriving 3 hours early in your US-bound flight in case you have carry-on baggage, or 4 hours early in case you have checked baggage. We acquired there three hours early and had loads of time–I believe we had about 40 minutes to kill even earlier than boarding. Simply don’t attempt to lower it too shut!

One other necessary factor to know is that there’s comparatively nothing to eat or do when you get previous customs and into the worldwide gate areas, (the one restaurant we noticed was so overcrowded it might’ve been unimaginable to get a desk). So when you plan to eat the airport, eat after you undergo safety #1 and earlier than you undergo customs safety #2. Or simply plan to eat earlier than you permit for the airport!

When you’re previous the primary safety, verify the gate displays–it should inform you when to proceed by way of customs and to your gate.

Okay, now on to the best way extra enjoyable issues!

Issues to do/see in Dublin:

*All my private favourite suggestions have an asterisk 😉

*Hop on/off Dublin bus: OKAY hear me out, I don’t sometimes advocate for issues like double decker bus excursions. I hate something touristy. BUT, seeing as Dublin doesn’t have a giant inside metropolis practice/subway, and town bus is the principle technique of public transportation anyway, this truly is a REALLY environment friendly option to see all of the sights at a really low value. They hit each cool sight/museum/space within the metropolis. Plus, the drivers of the busses offer you an audio tour whereas driving the bus from one cease to the opposite, they usually’re very humorous and charming–so it’s actually a deal with of an expertise. That is the bus firm I’ve booked prior to now and it was unbelievable. In case you plan to see a number of museums/sights, simply TRUST, okay? 😆

Strolling Meals Tour: We’re a giant fan of Secret Meals excursions and did our third one in Dublin after having such nice experiences in Barcelona and Rome. I’ll say the meals itself on the tour didn’t remotely examine to the opposite two (then once more it’s exhausting to match meat and potatoes and brown bread to tapas and pasta). Nevertheless, I believe it’s nonetheless a very enjoyable and nice option to get an introduction to town when you’ve by no means been, see it by way of a locals perspective, get native suggestions, and meet some enjoyable individuals. We adored our information, Anne!

*Little Museum of Dublin: We went right here final time we have been in Dublin on an area’s suggestion and it was so nice and quirky and enjoyable. Positioned in a fantastic 18th century Georgian row home–you’ll be taught a ton about Dublin’s social, cultural and political historical past during the last century. FYI, the excursions usually promote out far prematurely so guide this ASAP!

*Trinity faculty library: Probably the most lovely library, you’ll really feel such as you’re in Harry Potter! Residence to the well-known and historic E-book of Kells. (However the library is the star, let’s be actual).

Marsh’s Library: We sadly didn’t make it right here, however it’s adjoining to St. Patrick’s Church and was the primary public library in Eire courting again to the 1700’s! It’s lesser-known than Trinity’s Library however nonetheless presupposed to be very cool Harry Potter vibes.

Day journey to Howth: A small cliffside city simply exterior of Dublin! Stunning views and plenty to do! Simple to take the DART practice.

Cliff stroll: So many individuals raved in regards to the cliff stroll! I learn that a part of it’s closed attributable to landslides, however it appears to be like like a portion of it’s nonetheless open and a pleasant factor to do to get out of town. You may apparently get the most effective seafood right here!

EPIC museum: The Irish Emigration museum was extremely really useful by many! (Replace: We did this and it felt like strolling by way of a highschool textual content guide and would 10/10 not advocate. 😆 Uncertain of the hype on this one–perhaps it’s as a result of we opted out of the audio headset?)

*GPO (Easter Rising) Museum: LOVED this museum. Completely value your time and IMO important in understanding a very powerful points of Eire’s historical past. Tremendous cool and fascinating–I believe getting the audio information is an absolute should. It’s inside the gorgeous historic publish workplace which was a key location within the Easter Rising.

*Kilmainham Gaol (Jail): One other absolute MUST go to and crucial to understanding Dublin’s historical past and tradition. The place many Irish revolutionaries have been held and executed, together with those that lead the Easter rising. *I might advocate doing the GPO museum first so you’ve gotten higher context if you go right here!

Leprechaun museum: supposedly a crowd-pleaser with children!

*Guinness storehouse: Touristy? In fact! But it surely’s exhausting to not have enjoyable right here. It’s well worth the go to, particularly for the bar on the finish of the tour with the panoramic views of town!

Cocktail class on the Jameson distillery: A lot of you really useful this one!

Irish Whiskey Museum: one reader mentioned it was value it simply to drink within the tasting room (if fortunate, additionally they have stay music!)

Swim on the Forty Foot: In case you’re further daring, that is the place the locals go to swim and leap off the rocks into the ocean!

Stroll/Bike round St. Stephen’s Inexperienced or Phoenix Park: Two of Dublin’s most lovely public parks don’t disappoint.

Each time you’ll be able to, lower by way of St. Stephen’s Inexperienced as you’re strolling round–it’s such a fantastic park!

Extremely advocate a go to to the GPO museum which is within the lovely historic publish workplace!

Dublin eating places + pubs:

There are SO MANY nice pubs, clearly they wanted their very own part! Whereas Temple Bar is essentially the most well-known space for nightlife (to not point out, may be very aesthetically charming) some will inform you to keep away from it as a result of it’s thought-about very touristy. (It’s additionally identified for getting fairly sloppy at evening, however I undoubtedly don’t really feel prefer it’s too rowdy in the course of the day!)

For what it’s value–my opinion as a customer–I believe you MUST go to Temple Bar whereas in Dublin and I’ve all the time had tons of enjoyable there. It’s not only a vacationer hotspot–it’s filled with historical past, too and among the most wonderful eating places in Dublin. (In case you aren’t on the lookout for drunken debauchery and plenty of hen/stag events although, it’s possible you’ll not need to keep too late within the evening and search one other space for a nightcap!) One other (native accredited) space to take a look at although is Camden Avenue, which can be full of fantastic pubs and eating places and a fantastic space for a pub crawl.

Among the best issues I can advocate is to simply stroll all over the place–discover town on foot, and cease into an area pub for a pint on occasion.

The Ginger Man was a really enjoyable vibe–we ate dinner right here one evening and the meals was nice too!

Gogarty’s–which is taken into account each an establishment and sure, admittedly, filled with vacationers (as is all of Temple Bar), BUT has all the time been certainly one of my favorites! It’s unimaginable to have a foul time right here they usually have superior stay music in any respect hours of the day and evening!

The bar on the Palace pub–such a cool spot!

The stained glass ceiling within the again room on the Palace.

Right here’s an inventory of pubs to place in your radar! I’m not going to incorporate notes for every of those except they have been included within the submission, however nearly all of those are suggestions from locals! Essential to notice that lots of pubs have actually nice meals, too, when you’re on the lookout for a comforting Irish meal! In case you’ve by no means been to Dublin earlier than, I’d advocate grabbing dinner at a pub at the very least one evening–it’s a should!

• *The Palace: Tremendous previous and historic, we got here right here on our meals tour for a pint! The stained glass ceiling is wonderful–you’ll be able to nonetheless see the “women room” the place women used to drink (as a result of they weren’t allowed to drink in public 🤯) it’s now used as a storage closet, it’s so tiny– you’ll must ask them to open it– however nonetheless cool!
• Trinity faculty bar: thought-about a hidden gem pub on campus–overlooks the fields!
• *Oliver St. John Gogarty’s: OK I added this one. 😆 Touristy? Sure. However my private favourite. One have a look at the intense yellow and inexperienced facade and you’ll’t assist however smile. They all the time have stay nice stay music! (I’m sorry to my Irish readers, I’m positive you’ll yell at me for this one.)
• Piper’s Nook
• Previous Storehouse: Has stay music!
• Porterhouse Brew Co: Irish craft brewery with two areas in Dublin
• Neary’s
• O’Neal’s Pub
• *Toners: A VERY previous historic pub (we liked this spot!) with nice stay music in line with locals. (Granted they didn’t have stay music once we have been there!)
• O’Donoghues
• Bowe’s lounge
• The Globe
• Stags Head: Very talked-about recco from locals. They’ve a comedy present on Sundays and Mondays
• *Brazen Head: Claims to be the oldest pub in Dublin!
• Hogan’s: Many locals mentioned that is their go-to spot.
• The Cobblestone: superior dive spot for stay music
• The Bushy Lemon: one reader mentioned their bangers and mash is a should.
• *The Ginger Man: This spot was proper subsequent to our resort and was a lot enjoyable and a fantastic vibe. They’d good meals too! (I favored my rooster curry!)

Consuming and Ingesting–Not pubs:

The comfortable quirky inside at Irish Potato Cake Co

Irish Potato Desserts!

*Spitalfields: Our favourite meal of the complete journey. DO NOT MISS SPITALFIELDS when you can assist it. Every thing was completely unbelievable. Attempt to snag one of many two cubicles within the bar so you’ll be able to watch them cooking by way of the open kitchen. Get no matter your server recommends, however no matter you do, do NOT miss their do-it-yourself quick rib Parker home rolls! Additionally they made a wonderful martini which was a pleasant change up from a number of days of consuming pints.

*Piglet Wine Bar: A really cute intimate wine bar with a easy however scrumptious menu and unbelievable wine. We each acquired pastas! I didn’t take one photograph as a result of we made buddies with the couple subsequent to us and talked the complete time, however we liked it and shut the place down!

*Sophie’s on the Dean Resort: A good looking stylish restaurant with wonderful panoramic views. (The resort seemed superior too!) We went for brunch/lunch and extremely advocate.

*Irish Potato Firm: A cute quirky spot on the river that focuses on Irish potato truffles! We went right here on our meals tour and it was so cute. Sit exterior for nice individuals watching!

*Classic Cocktail Membership: (Make a reso!) Beloved this swanky, romantic spot final time we have been in Dublin.

Port Home: Three areas in Dublin. An incredible spot for tapas and wine!

Brunsen: nice burger place in Dublin for a fast meal.

Lenox Avenue Grocer: An incredible spot to select up a bottle of wine, espresso, provisions in your Air BnB!

Fade St. Social: Chef-run restaurant and bar specializing in native components.

Lemon crepe and low co: One reader mentioned this was the most effective breakfast she had in Dublin!

The Shelburne: Have a drink at certainly one of this historic high-end resort’s lovely bars, afternoon tea or a meal of their lounge

Drop Lifeless Twice: A BYO Cocktail Lounge!

Boxty home: A extremely popular recco from locals and guests alike–Boxty is sort of a savory Irish crepe! This can be a good spot to go if you wish to strive some Irish meals, however you don’t need pub fare!

Cellar bar on the Merrion Resort: A cool resort bar in an 18th century wine cellar! 50 wines accessible by the glass! (SO bummed we didn’t make it right here!)

Mae: Fashionable Irish Delicacies, feminine chef-owned and operated! One reader mentioned she lately ate right here and it was unbelievable! If you need a high-end foodie expertise, this appears to be like actually cool.

777: Mexican for if you’re sick of Irish meals!

Mr. Fox: For a higher-end dinner. Pre-fixe seasonal menu.

Pickle: readers rave about this Indian spot, and a few say it rivals Dishoom in London–which, IMO is perhaps the best praise ever.

FX Buckley’s: an iconic steakhouse (there are a number of, it appears to be like like) when you’re within the temper for a flowery steak dinner!

*Elephant & Fort: Wonderful wings (for if you’re sick of conventional Irish fare) and the one place we may discover a respectable salad in all of Eire. 😆 It additionally occurs to be throughout from my fave Gogartys, so you’ll be able to head there for a pint and a few stay music after lunch or dinner!

*Murphy’s Ice Cream: They’ve areas throughout Eire (in Killarney as properly!) and among the greatest ice cream I’ve had in a very long time–I LOVED their Dingle Sea Salt taste, however their different well-known taste is the Irish Brown Bread ice cream. (I most popular the ocean salt although!)

Sophies rooftop has an incredible view and nice brunch!

If you’re sick of Irish meals, Elephant & Fort has wonderful wings and salad!

Murphy’s ice cream is to die for–my favourite was the Dingle Sea Salt!

The place to remain in Dublin:

This reply may fluctuate relying on who you ask!

I might say by way of space, wherever that’s near St. Stephen’s Inexperienced, Trinity, or Temple Bar (the latter provided that you’re trying to get together) goes to be a great wager by way of a central location–however it will depend on what you’re on the lookout for! I don’t assume you’ll be able to go mistaken looking for Air BnB’s or resorts in these areas.

We stayed at The Alex Resort, which I might in all probability charge an 8/10. It was a really aesthetically cute boutique resort and I completely liked the decor– nonetheless, there have been a number of minor issues (though I ought to word–none of that is unusual so far as European resorts go as a result of the buildings are all the time so previous)–we had lots of points with the retailers working, they didn’t have hair conditioner wherever to be discovered (solely a difficulty as a result of I by no means journey with it), the AC didn’t go decrease than about 75 levels (to be honest, it’s unusual to even discover someplace with AC in Eire, so I can’t actually complain right here) and there have been a pair stains on the carpet and the throw blanket that made me query how usually these issues have been cleaned.

Once more, I’m being REALLY nit-picky, and general if you will get an honest value, I’d undoubtedly say it’s value staying at. In case you’re trying to deal with your self with a 5 star expertise although and desire a splurge, look into the Merrion or the Shelburne.

Our room on the Alex Resort

Purchasing in Dublin:

Drury st: The CUTEST little strip of native outlets. Seize a espresso and take your time making your method by way of all of them. The standout favourite was Irish Design Store!

*Irish design store: a small woman-owned store that shares items from a few of irelands greatest makers! (I used to be stalking their web site and it appears to be like so superior!)

*Barn: The cutest child/child retailer I’ve ever seen. I needed to take every thing residence however settled for some Maileg mice for June! ♥️

*Jacadi: Not Irish within the slightest, however it’s an lovely French children boutique that they don’t have in Chicago so I went in and snagged a cute outfit for June. I do know a lot of additionally, you will need to know there’s a Jacadi in Dublin. 😂

*Oliver Bonas: Apparently a extremely popular chain within the UK (however I’d by no means seen it earlier than!) They’ve the cutest colourful, enjoyable clothes and housewares.

Penney’s: Eire’s division retailer. (Appears to be like prefer it was purchased by Primark, so it might be related when you’ve been to a Primark!)

*Aran Sweater Market: The place to stocked up on Irish sweaters for us and June! They’ll ship again to the states for you totally free with buy of $100 or extra, so that you don’t have to go away room in your suitcase! (We meant to go to Quill’s in Killarney however didn’t make it, so went right here as a substitute!)

Extremely advocate a cease into Irish Design Store!

Stopped into Aran Sweater Market to replenish on sweaters! They ship to the US free with $100+

I hope this was useful! General–you can not have a foul time in Dublin! I hope you like Eire as a lot as we do. Get pleasure from your journey, and don’t overlook to tag me when you head to any of those spots–it all the time makes my day to see! When you have extra questions on planning your Dublin journey, be at liberty to message me over on Instagram!