Wandering to Dublin, Ireland
With over 6.6 million visitors in 2019, according to Failte Ireland, and steady growth every year since, Dublin is one of the most visited cities in the world. And rightfully so—Dublin is full of life, good food, great pints, and beautiful sights.
After my first visit on a university trip in 2019, I knew Ireland would someday be home for me. Fast forward to 2022, and I made that dream a reality by moving and creating a life of my own in Dublin City.
Dublin City Standouts
Even though I live here now, I was a tourist in Dublin three times before my big move. I also end up playing “unofficial tour guide” whenever family and friends come to visit.
Here are my must-do recommendations for any first-time visitor:
Visit Trinity College Dublin
Hike the Howth Cliff Walk
Explore Dún Laoghaire
Admire the stunning cathedrals (St. Patrick’s and Christ Church)
Stroll through the Dublin Castle Quarters and Gardens
Pubs and Food
The pub culture in Ireland is probably one of my favorite things about living here—and it goes way beyond just having a pint. Pubs are social hubs filled with friendly locals and fellow travelers swapping stories. Many also feature live musicians playing anything from pop covers to traditional Irish folk music (aka trad music).
Most pubs have a cozy, warm atmosphere with beautiful woodwork and craftsmanship. Here are a few of my personal favorites:
Ciss Maddens – A traditional pub on the main floor, a cocktail bar upstairs, and plenty of outdoor space. Perfect for meeting friends no matter the weather.
John Kehoe’s – A classic with a welcoming staff and lively atmosphere.
Mary’s Bar and Hardware – Equal parts quirky and fun. Come for the live music, board games, Wow Burger…and yes, even hardware supplies. I take all my visitors here!
The Palace Bar – A 200-year-old Dublin institution known for its great pint of Guinness and outstanding whiskey collection.
The Palace Bar
And of course, we can’t talk about pubs without mentioning the Temple Bar District. While the area is fun and lively, it’s definitely more of a tourist trap—prices are nearly double what you’ll pay elsewhere. That said, I still recommend walking through and soaking up the atmosphere. If you want to grab a pint there, go for it—just know that plenty of amazing (and more budget-friendly) pubs are scattered throughout the city.
One more thing: you don’t need to drink alcohol to enjoy Irish pubs. There’s zero pressure or judgment, and 0.0 beers and mocktails are widely available. Good craic doesn’t require alcohol!
When it comes to food, Dublin is wonderfully diverse. You’ll find cuisine from all over the world alongside hearty Irish favorites like beef & Guinness stew or cottage pie (often found in pubs). For my favourite restaurants, check out my Google Map linked below.
Tours and Attractions
Dublin is very walkable, but tours are a great way to get extra insights and stories. From dark history tours to vintage tea buses, there’s something for everyone.
Here are some I’ve loved and recommend:
Dark History of Dublin – A walking tour uncovering the city’s darker past.
Vintage Tea Trips – Highly recommend! Enjoy afternoon tea, pastries, and sandwiches while cruising on a 1960s vintage bus.
Paddywagon Tours – Perfect for day trips outside Dublin if you don’t want to rent a car.
Guinness Storehouse – A self-guided, interactive walk-through. A Dublin must-do.
Jameson Distillery – A sensory whiskey-tasting journey.
Irish Whiskey Museum – Learn about different styles of Irish whiskey and their history.
Liffey River Cruise – The only boat tour along the River Liffey, with stories about the city’s past.
EPIC Museum – A fascinating look at Irish emigration and culture worldwide (you’ll finally learn why so many Americans claim Irish roots!).
Vintage Tea Trips
Transportation
Dublin’s public transport is fairly easy to navigate. Options include buses, the Luas (tram), and the DART (train).
Payment: Use coins for buses (exact change only), or get a Leap Card, which also works on the Luas and DART. You can buy one for €5 at convenience stores displaying the Leap sign, then top it up with the Leap Card app.
Late night travel: Public transport doesn’t run all night, so plan ahead if you’ll be out late.
Weather
It’s said Ireland can have “four seasons in one day,” and honestly, it’s true. While you can’t plan around perfect weather, you can prepare. Dublin’s temperatures usually stay between 30–60°F (-1–15°C), so here are my essentials:
Water-resistant coat/rain jacket – Umbrellas often break in the wind, so a hooded jacket is your best friend.
Layered clothing – The sun might be shining one minute and pouring the next. Layers will save you.
Comfortable walking shoes – You’ll be walking a lot, often on wet cobblestones. Opt for shoes that are both comfy and water-friendly. Even for nights out, many Dubliners swap heels for sneakers or loafers.
Dublin Ratings
Conclusion
I could go on for days about Dublin—it’s that special of a city. But I’d rather you experience it yourself. Book the trip, wander the streets, sip the Guinness, and soak up the history.
Hope to see you here soon! 🍀
