dublin city streets
You won't believe how many strangers you'll end up hugging in Dublin. | Walter Bibikow/Stone/Getty Images
You won't believe how many strangers you'll end up hugging in Dublin. | Unsplash/Andrea Leopardi

Ireland’s Capital City Is Bursting with Natural Beauty, Rich History, and Good Craic

Come to Dublin for quality pubs, friendly people, and loads of personality year-round.

There’s no denying it: Dublin is so hot right now. Why? Because as we all emerge from our collective pandemic slumber, there’s no friendlier landing place than the Republic of Ireland’s affable capital city. 

In Dublin, the streets are choked with pubs, the whiskey is fantastic, and the locals are kind to the extreme. Seriously—expect to be chatted up in a not-at-all-creepy way by basically anyone and everyone. Pretty soon you'll be swapping stories, buying rounds, snapping selfies, and heartily adopting the phrase “great craic” (that’s slang for good fun). We can think of no better place to celebrate the dawning of a new year, no matter how blustery the weather.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your next trip to the Emerald Isle’s Big Smoke.

bridge over river liffey dublin
Big enough to get busy, small enough to charm. | S. Greg Panosian/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Best places for first timers to visit in Dublin

A common misconception is that Dublin is just about the boozing, but this historic city also boasts lush parks, impressive museums, and a zippy food scene (in addition to the booze, of course). Perhaps owing to the generous flow of whiskey and tall tales from strangers, Dublin has a fierce literary heritage, which you can tap into with a visit to Oscar Wilde’s house or a musty ancient library that looks exactly the same as it did 300 years ago (here’s looking at you, Trinity College). And since the whole of Ireland is no bigger than the state of Indiana, when you get tired of shooting the breeze, the peaceful seaside is just a 30-minute train ride away.

If you’re blessed with a bit of sun, make like a Dubliner and head straight to the park. St. Stephen’s Green is worth a visit if only to see the pond’s aggressive seagulls who have figured out how to disguise themselves as ducks in order to get fed by tourists. A quieter option is Iveagh Gardens, which has its own little waterfall and great spots for a picnic.

Like every other visitor to Dublin, you'll undoubtedly want to snap a selfie in front of the famous Ha'penny Bridge, but the water is good for more than just an Instagram backdrop. Book a scenic riverboat tour online, or spring for a two-hour kayak tour down the River Liffey, right through the beating heart of Dublin. And while it might sound macabre, Glasnevin Cemetery provides an atypical, fascinating view of the city, with organized tours bookable via the national cemetery’s website.

fine dining dish in dublin
It's not all beef stew and beer. | Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud

Where to eat and drink like a local in Dublin

Venture beyond fish and chips

There’s so much good food to eat in Dublin that it makes us hungry just thinking about it. That said, as a general rule, the restaurants on the main tourist drag of Temple Bar aren’t worth bothering with… the exceptions being Klaw Café, Bunsen, and Banyi. And please, swear that you’ll never eat in a place that also has a live Irish dance show. It won’t end well.

Care for a hidden gem? Check out the Winding Stair, positioned just over the famous Ha’Penny Bridge on the north side of the River Liffey. The homey cafe is tucked away atop the tiny and much-loved bookshop of the same name, and both have built up quite a reputation among visitors and locals alike. The only thing more charming than the riverside views? The delicious, farm-fresh Irish cuisine.

And if you find yourself with an extra euro or two to spare, treat yourself to a Michelin-starred meal at Patrick Guilbaud, one of just a handful of Dublin restaurants to receive the prestigious French distinction. Opened in 1981, it’s been leading Dublin’s fine dining charge with its thoughtfully composed lineup of French-tinged Irish fare for over 40 years.

cocktails in dublin
Dublin's cocktail scene is ripe for the picking. | BAR 1661

Find good craic in the world’s greatest drinking city

Dublin may be known for its bars, but not all its residents are hard drinkers—it’s the tourists who reliably come into town and “go on the absolute rip,” as a Dubliner would say. Pubs essentially function as the city’s de facto living rooms: places to meet a friend for a few pints, have a snack before you go for dinner, or sit with the papers for an hour or two. It’s not all Guinness, either—there are plenty of other solid craft beers to try around town.

Though the cocktail scene has ebbed and flowed over the last few years, there are still loads of places that do it right—try the Lucky Duck, Peruke & Periwig, or The Vintage Cocktail Club for top-notch mixology. For a city known for its whiskey, Dublin also loves its gin, so you can get a decent bucket of G&T almost anywhere. Try one of the local craft brands like Gunpowder or Shortcross, paired with a refreshing Fever Tree tonic.

If you really want to take a nosedive into the latest and greatest in Dublin cocktailing, stop by Bar 1661, a dimly lit den that lives by the motto, “Staunchly Irish and fiercely independent.” Here, that means a massive and intricately detailed menu of inventive concoctions, many playing on different moments in Irish history and even more incorporating poitin, Ireland’s version of moonshine, or unaged whiskey. A few moments scanning the drinks list and it’s easy to see how the sleek and inviting space was voted Ireland’s Bar of the Year in 2022.

pints of guinness in a pub
You can never go wrong with a perfectly poured pint of Guinness. | NurPhoto/NurPhoto/Getty Images

If you’re all about the whiskey, check out the Jameson’s Bow Street Experience. There, you sign up for a full tour and history of the distillery, a comparative tasting of Jameson, Johnny Walker Black, and Jack Daniel's, and a Jameson cocktail served at their swanky bar. Or for a modern twist, try Teeling Whiskey Distillery. The relative newcomer has been cranking out the good stuff with finesse since coming on the scene in 2015, fueled by an adventurous spirit and a willingness to experiment with a multitude of finishes and collaborations. 

And while we said it wasn’t all about Guinness, the easy-drinking nitro-powered stout did put Ireland’s brewing scene on the international map for a reason, and a trip to the Guinness Storehouse in the city’s Liberties neighborhood is undoubtedly the best place to learn all about it. Stop by for a tour and immerse yourself in the beer’s impressive timeline via hands-on exhibits, sensory experiences, storytelling, and, of course, a tasting or two. Once you’ve made your way up to the building’s top floor Gravity Bar, with its 360-degree floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Dublin, you’ll surely be glad you came (and the pours aren’t half-bad, either).

brick duplex in dublin
Take your pick from residential enclaves to bustling city streets. | Ruben Earth/Moment/Getty Images

Dublin neighborhoods you can’t miss

City center

Most of Dublin’s big tourist attractions are here, along with the bulk of its restaurants and pubs. You may have fun in Temple Bar, but it can be a bit overdone and touristy, so those in the know are heading to the Camden area instead. Luckily, the trendy and affordable Dean Dublin is right in the heart of Camden, or just a 10-minute walk from Temple Bar if you really must experience both.

If you want to push the boat out a tiny bit farther, The Shelbourne is one of the finest heritage properties in the city, stashed in a gorgeous building overlooking St. Stephen’s Green park. Their bar is prime for people watching, as is the whiskey den inside the palace-like Merrion Hotel, located just a few blocks away (more on that later).

Smithfield

A kind of hipster, techy enclave, Smithfield (and its neighboring village of Stoneybatter) is a teeny bit further away, but filled with cool little cafés, bars, and restaurants. The Hendrick is a sleek pod hotel, while Generator Dublin is perched on the square right next door to the Jameson Distillery. They offer both super cheap dorm rooms and private rooms at a great value.

pub in dublin
Irish pubs don't get much more quintessential—or full of character—than Fallon's. | John Fallon's "The Capstan Bar"

The Liberties

One of the oldest and most charming neighborhoods in Dublin, the Liberties has undergone something of a renaissance over the last few years. Historically, this was the distilling district (back in 1875, a warehouse fire sent a river of burning spirits through the streets). Since then, loads of new distilleries have popped up, like Teeling and Roe & Co. And with new whiskey, comes new places to sleep it off…

Try the Aloft Dublin City for its rooftop bar, with views over the city’s spires out to the mountains. The Hyatt Centric is right next to Fallon’s, one of the most crookedly charming pubs in the city. Rates are far cheaper here than in the city center, and it’s only a 15-minute walk to most of the places you’d want to go.

Ranelagh

About a 30-minute walk from the city center, Ranelagh’s streets are lined with red brick Georgian houses, lending the neighborhood a quaint village aesthetic. Stay here if you’re looking for a more peaceful, local vibe away from the tourist throngs; there are still loads of cool little pubs and restaurants on the main street. Try the Devlin, a chic, artsy hotel with a rooftop bar and rooms on the smaller, cheaper side

Irish Museum of Modern Art
The Irish Museum of Modern Art's collection is as impressive as its stately facade. | IMMA - Irish Museum of Modern Art

Museums, art, and culture in Dublin

Dublin doesn't have the best reputation when it comes to weather. But it does have an inordinate amount of warm, welcoming pubs and grand museums that make drying off and hiding out ridiculously easy. All of Dublin's national museums are totally free, so check out some of the local archaeology or natural history (Ireland has plenty of both), as well as the Irish Museum of Modern Art.

In addition to official live performances in major venues around Dublin, also challenge you to walk half a block in the city center without encountering free live music, and lots of it. It comes pouring out of the pubs, from the street performers, and at festivals like July's City Spectacular or August's Beatyard.

Elsewhere, take a deep dive into Dublin’s revolutionary past with a visit to the Kilmainham Gaol. First built in 1796, a guided tour through the massive, fortress-like city jail tells the story of Ireland’s repeated fights for freedom from British rule—including the famous 1916 Easter Rising—as well as the grave incarceration conditions imposed upon Irish political prisoners by the UK government and its supporters. The tour culminates in a fascinating museum, so make sure to stick around until the end.

slane castle in ireland
Slane Castle is the ideal day trip for history buffs. | Slane Castle

Speaking of history, let’s take it back even further—all the way to Ireland’s Ancient East. Located about 45 minutes outside of Dublin, Castle Slane is an 18th-century stone palace that now serves as a legendary music venue. Castle Slane began hosting concerts in 1981; past acts include U2, The Rolling Stones, Queen, David Bowie, Madonna, Metallica, and, most recently, the one and only Harry Styles. They only throw one concert a year, but even if you visit on one of the 364 non-rock days, the surrounding Boyne Valley offers prehistoric sites like Brú na Bóinne that predate Stonehenge and the pyramids. Plus, you can glamp at Slane Castle, soak in the wild swimming hole or wooden hot tub, or drink whiskey around the campfire courtesy of the castle’s eponymous onsite whiskey distillery.

surfers in dublin
It might not be Hawaii, but Ireland can hold its own when it comes to catching a wave. | NurPhoto/NurPhoto/Getty Images

Nature and outdoor experiences in Dublin

One of Ireland’s biggest draws is its stunning coastline, thankfully located not too far from Dublin proper. Hop on a quick train to take in the staggering waves and dramatic green cliffs that resemble something out of an Irish folktale. Despite Ireland’s reputation for rain and rough waters, the waves that rock up against its craggy shores actually make this one of Europe’s best surfing destinations. Not to mention surfers here are rarely territorial, creating a culture that’s open to newcomers, locals, and tourists alike.

Catch huge waves (or simply vibe in a pub) in Easkey, where you’ll spot the nearly 550-year-old O’Dowd’s Castle from your board. Or make a summertime trip to the Surf Capital of Ireland, Bundoran, where you can dance away your nights at the Sea Sessions festival once you’re back on shore. Just remember to rent a wetsuit along with your board.

merrion hotel room in dublin
Kick back in the lap of luxury at the Merrion. | The 5 Star Merrion Hotel in Dublin

Dublin hotels & other great places to stay

Imagine stepping into a meticulously restored Georgian townhouse, complete with eye-catching period furniture, an elaborate tea room, and a museum-worthy collection of art and historic artifacts lining the walls. Then multiply that by four, add on a large, strikingly modern wing, transform the former root cellars into a cool underground cocktail bar, and you’ve got The Merrion, a five-star stunner that’s hands-down Dublin’s best and most impressive hotel.  

Book a room in the hotel’s historic section to see just how the posher half lived more than a century ago, updated to incorporate contemporary creature comforts like palatial marble bathrooms, giant king-sized beds, flat-screen TVs, and high-speed wifi, of course. Wander to the other side of the building and you’ll find the gorgeous Tethra Spa, where top-of-the-line treatments complement a tranquil lap pool surrounded by colorful frescos. 

Speaking of art, the Merrion’s not playing around when it comes to the decor. The owners have spent decades adding to their fleet of paintings, sculptures, framed documents, and other one-of-a-kind displays. Spend an hour or two combing the grounds and you’ll be rewarded with gems like multiple Andy Warhol prints as well as a signed copy of the Troubles-ending Good Friday Agreement. And not only is the Merrion beautiful inside and out, it’s also centrally located, with pristine views of the Irish Government’s stately complex and easy access to St. Stephen’s Green.

river liffey in dublin
The River Liffey courses through the beating heart of Dublin. | Gabriel Preda/iStock/Getty Images Plus

What to know before you go to Dublin

Best times of the year to visit

Seriously, don’t even bother Googling “Dublin weather.” It can be freezing cold in June or gloriously sunny in October—you simply never know. Rain is a constant threat here, so prepare accordingly.

The city is overrun with tourists during the week around St. Patrick’s Day. While some people see the March holiday as a bucket-list experience, the hotel prices go through the roof and the city is filled to the brim with people.

You’re better off waiting until summer, when the weather is warm enough that you won’t care about a little possible drizzle. September or October are also fantastic, when things are a bit quieter, the air is crisper, and the leaves in the city parks turn a glorious shade of red. Plus, the turf fires will start to be lit, and there’s nothing cozier than the smell of smoldering peat.

Dublin time zone

Dublin falls under Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). This translates to five hours ahead of New York’s Eastern Standard Time and eight hours ahead of California’s Pacific Standard Time.

The weather and climate

Dublin is classified as having a temperate oceanic climate, with cold, wet winters, mild summers, and year-round wind, rain, and cloud coverage. Summer runs from mid-June through mid-September, when temperatures average a high of 64 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 54 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter runs from mid-November through late March, when temperatures average a high of 47 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 38 degrees Fahrenheit.

public tram in dublin over the river liffey
Navigating Dublin is as pain-free as a pint of porter. | powerofforever/iStock/Getty Images Plus

How to get around

Rumor has it that the British planned to begin building Dublin its own Underground in the early 1920s—just a few years after the Irish uprising that finally broke the Crown’s back, so to speak. And while freedom is undoubtedly more important than easy public transport, getting stuck on the North Bank with every bus in sight knitted tightly into gridlocked traffic could make a Dubliner reconsider a few things…

All jokes aside, thankfully Dublin is a very navigable city. Footpaths and cycling lanes make two-legged travel an attractive and easy option (depending on the weather), while a network of commuter rail lines (the DART), downtown tram lines called the Luas, and fleets of double-decker buses are on hand to keep you dry on the move. Renting a car is also possible—and particularly helpful if you’re planning to explore the rest of Ireland—but beware that traffic can get pretty wild during weekday rush hours.

Thanks to tight taxi laws, Ubers aren’t exactly easy to come by in these parts. Instead, for-hire cabs crawl Dublin’s streets at all hours, and you can either try your luck in flagging one down or hail one ahead of time via Europe’s popular FREENOW app.

The currency

Dublin uses the Euro (EUR) and each Euro is worth 100 cents. As of November, 2023, $1 USD exchanges for €0.91 EUR.

International adapters you’ll need

Ireland uses plug type G, marked by three rectangular pins organized into a triangle.

Want more Thrillist? Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.