Things to Know Before You Go – Dublin, Ireland
Dublin, Ireland is a history packed city with plenty to see and do. It is growing and evolving. So many people I know have visited and enjoyed their time there. While there I experienced and learned a few things. So here are some things to know before you go to Dublin!
Weather
It is cold! Granted I went in the winter. Don’t base your outfit off of what other people are wearing. One person may have on a winter jacket and the next few people may have on t-shirts and shorts. Don’t be fooled, it is cold. I have also spoken to people who have went at other times of the year and they too said it was cold.
Construction
There is so much construction going on. If you decide to drive keep this in mind. Even if you decide to walk keep this in mind. You may have to make some detours to get to your destination. Also with all the construction some of the hop on hop off stops are in different areas.
Walkable
Dublin is a very walkable city. Although, if you live in the city being able to drive would certainly help. Since Dublin is so walkable it is important to have comfortable shoes on. Some areas even have some cobblestone streets. If you’re getting a bit tired on your feet, you can check out dublinpublictransport.ie for up to date public transport routes and guides.
Transportation
You can also use the hop on hop off bus as your transportation. Taxi’s are also easy to come by and affordable. Another option is to take their public transportation. The buses in Dublin are double-decker and you can’t miss them. There are also trams.
Friendly People
Dublin has some of the friendliest people ever. Almost every single person I came across was so nice! They have no problem helping anyone out. Seriously some of the nicest people I’ve met!
Tourism Offices
In case you get turned around, lost, or wondering where something is, tourism offices to the rescue! They are all over the place. I stopped in a couple to ask some questions about where something was. I was given directions and a map. It’s worth looking into the various tours available too.
Drink Guinness
I don’t drink often, but I do like to try things when I travel. Of course they are known for their Guinness beer. I definitely don’t drink beer, but the Guinness was really good. I actually finished off a pint one of the days I was there.
The Other Side of the Road
Keep in mind that they do drive on the other side of the car and road if you aren’t used to that. That also means you need to be more careful crossing the street. I know I looked the wrong way a couple of times, but luckily most crossings tell you to either look left or right to remind you which direction the cars are coming.
Wi-fi
Many places have free wi-fi. I was able to access it at my accommodations, restaurants and pubs. The buses even have wi-fi, which I found out by tapping into it while in a taxi in traffic.
Clear Customs in Dublin. When heading back to the United States you clear customs in Dublin. Then when you get back to the USA you can just breeze right on out the airport.
Have you ever been to Dublin? Do you have any tips?
Kevin Farmer
Nice!! I like this!
Holly Dayz
Thank you.
Tiffani G
I’ve never been to Dublin, but my husband says our last name has Irish roots! We plan to visit one day (and drink lots of Guiness!).
Holly Dayz
Mine does too. I hope you do get to visit soon.
Neek Neek (KeeNvision)
Never been, but I LOVE the tip you offered whrm handling customs. Sometimes, they are difficult to deal with. BTW, I have,an Irish last name. I might have family there. Lol
Holly Dayz
Yea, customs went pretty quick in Dublin. I do as well, but didn’t meet anyone with it lol.
Vany
Never been there, but hoping to visit one day. I will be sure to bring warm clothes with me no matter what season I go there.
Holly Dayz
Yes, warm clothes are important.
kemkem
I’m actually thinking of visiting Dublin this year, so good to know. My cousin lived there for over 10 years and l still never made it out there.. 🙂
Holly Dayz
Wow, time for you to visit then! It is a cool city.
Kiwi
Thanks for the mini resource guide to Dublin. I like that it is a walkable city and its a lot of places for wi-fi. I cant wait to go and meet some really nice people!
Holly Dayz
Yes, it is really walkable. Just make sure you are wearing some comfy shoes!
cleverlychanging
Dublin is such an old traditional building. I’d love to explore their amazing museums and restaurants one day.
Holly Dayz
They have plenty to explore. You won’t be short on that.
LaShon Renee
A friend of mine went to Ireland a few years ago and she said it was cold. I’m sure I’d like the beauty but I wouldn’t enjoy the cold weather. Lol
Holly Dayz
It is cold! It was draining too.
Addie
Ireland seems enchanting! I love that they have tourism offices everywhere. My map and direction skills are lacking so I’d need them lol ?
Holly Dayz
Haha then those tourism offices would certainly come in handy for you!
The Adventure Ahead
Ireland has long been on our bucket list. I appreciate all of the detailed information you have provided here, especially about the weather. As someone who hates being cold, it is good to know that I should pack some warm gear 🙂
Holly Dayz
I would like to go back and see more of Ireland. I don’t like being cold so I had to share that info.
LeAnna Brown
I was really surprised with how compact and walkable Dublin was. I was expecting it to be bigger and more spread out. We ended up doing a free walking tour and it took us to everything we possibly could have wanted to see while in Dublin, so that was great!
Holly Dayz
It really is. You can see a lot of Dublin in a short amount of time.
Brianna
I had no idea you could clear customs in Dublin. That makes the return trip so much easier.
Holly Dayz
Yea then when you land you can keep it moving. Gotta love that.
Sam Sparrow
This is such an awesome guide – I love walkable cities as I think it helps you soak up the culture more and get your bearings. I definitely want to visit Dublin one day soon!
Holly Dayz
Thank you. Yes, it is a very walkable city. I hope you are able to visit soon.
Carol Perehudoff
I spent some time in Dublin researching and touring all things James Joyce, from the wonderful library to the coastal seaside resorts outside the city. Fabulous place. Like you, I found it very friendly.
Holly Dayz
I am glad you also found it very friendly. Glad you enjoyed your time there as well.
Claudia Laroye
I’ve never visited Dublin, so I appreciate your handy tips! It looks like an excellent, walkable city that I need to put on my travel list.
Holly Dayz
It is a cool place with very nice people. You can easily see tons of the city in a small amount of time.
Sandy N Vyjay
Some great ideas to factor in when planning a trip to Dublin. The fact that it is a walkable city really appeals to me. I love walking around in new places as you can get really close to its people and culture. The cobbled stone streets look really inviting.
Holly Dayz
They are inviting as long as you have some comfy shoes on. Especially since it is a walkable city.
Nancy
Thank you for the suggestions, especially drink Guinness! I am planning to visit Dublin soon and appreciate all of your tips.
Holly Dayz
The Guinness was great and that is saying a lot because I don’t even drink. Enjoy your trip when you do go.
wyldfamilytravel
Dublin is always somehere we have wanted to visit. My sister has been and speaks very highly of the timee she spent there. I would love to visit the Guinness storehouse it would be amazing
Holly Dayz
I hope you get to visit soon. It is a nice city and the Guinness Storehouse was pretty cool.
Donna Shana (@byDonnaShana)
I’ve never been to Dublin, but these are some awesome tips. I love that it is walkable, important to me. And also the most important- WIFI!
Holly Dayz
Thank you. Yes wi-fi is super important lol.
Madelain
Did you go to The Guinness factory? I went when I was there and they teach you ‘how to properly pour’ the beer. It was fun and then you get to drink it. haha
Madelain
Holly Dayz
I did and I learned how to pour the perfect Guinness.
Indrani
Saving this to my Ireland folder. It has been long in my list. Free wifi seemed to stand out loud and clear 😛 🙂
Holly Dayz
I hope you get there soon.
Lydia@LifeUntraveled
I think every big metropolitan city should have free WiFi on the bus – that’s great! I’ve never been to Ireland but I’ve also heard that it’s cold (and rainy) any time of year.
Holly Dayz
I agree. Wifi should just be free everywhere! Yes it is, but we got lucky and it didn’t rain.
NaysVoice
Now this is a place to go. You sold me on the fact the people there are nice. I think the people of a country really tells you a lot about a place.
Holly Dayz
They were really nice. It was nice.
Meg Jerrard
Glad you had a great time in Ireland – Dublin is one of my favorite cities, but yes, it definitely gets cold, and definitely pack your walking shoes – the best way to explore is on foot 🙂
Holly Dayz
Thanks. It was my first time and it was really nice. Didn’t care for the cold, but hey.
SherianneKay
I love Dublin and it is a super walkable city. I used the hop on/off bus to get to places a little further from the city center. Super practical information
Holly Dayz
It really is. It is great to move around with the bus. especially in the cold.
rodrek
I love Britain and all its areas are really very beautiful
Thank you for this information that I have seen some new to me
Is it possible to question whether Dublin is reasonably priced?