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Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, lively culture, and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're exploring ancient landmarks or enjoying the modern art and music scene, Dublin offers something for every traveler. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your visit
Top Attractions
Dublin is packed with must-see landmarks, cultural sites, and scenic spots. Here are some highlights:
Trinity College and the Book of Kells: Ireland’s oldest university, Trinity College, is home to the magnificent Book of Kells, a beautifully illustrated manuscript from the 9th century. Explore the Old Library’s stunning architecture.
Dublin Castle: A symbol of British rule in Ireland, this castle dates back to the 13th century. Today, it is used for state functions and guided tours of the medieval grounds.
Christ Church Cathedral: One of Dublin’s oldest structures, this stunning medieval cathedral also houses a crypt with fascinating artifacts and a mummified cat and rat!
Phoenix Park: One of the largest enclosed city parks in Europe, it houses Dublin Zoo and the official residence of the Irish president. Great for walking, cycling, and picnics.
Howth: A charming seaside village just outside Dublin, ideal for coastal hikes, boat trips, and seafood dining.
Food and Drink
Dublin has a burgeoning food scene, from cozy cafés to Michelin-starred restaurants. Traditional Irish fare, hearty pub meals, and modern European cuisine can be found all over the city.
Irish Stew: A hearty stew made with lamb, potatoes, and vegetables.
Boxty: A type of potato pancake often served with smoked salmon or sausages.
Full Irish Breakfast: Includes eggs, sausages, bacon, black pudding, beans, tomatoes, and toast – perfect for starting your day.
Seafood Chowder: Fresh seafood simmered in a creamy broth.
Best Areas for Food
Temple Bar: While it's famous for its lively pubs, Temple Bar also has excellent restaurants and markets.
Grafton Street Area: A mix of upscale dining and casual cafés, perfect for a variety of tastes.
George's Street Arcade: An indoor market with unique food stalls offering international street food.
Pubs and Nightlife
The Temple Bar: A must-visit for a traditional pint of Guinness and live Irish music.
O'Donoghue’s: Known for its traditional Irish music sessions, this pub has a great atmosphere.
The Long Hall: One of Dublin’s oldest pubs, this Victorian bar is known for its character and pints of Guinness.
Dublin offers a range of shopping experiences, from high-end boutiques to local crafts.
Dublin is a compact city, making it easy to explore on foot. However, there are plenty of transportation options available:
Dublin Bus: The city has an extensive bus network. You can pay with a Leap Card or cash (exact change only).
Luas (Tram): Two tram lines (Red and Green) run through the city and to the suburbs.
DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit): This train service connects the city center to coastal suburbs, such as Howth and Dalkey.
Taxis and Rideshares: Widely available throughout the city.
Cycling: Dublin Bikes offers a public bike-sharing system, with stations all over the city.
Travel Tips
Currency: The Euro (€).
Weather: Dublin has a mild climate, but it can be unpredictable. Always pack layers and be prepared for rain, even in summer.
Tipping: Tipping in restaurants is typically 10-15%, but it's not obligatory.
Language: English is the main language spoken, but you'll see many signs in both English and Irish (Gaeilge).
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Pleasant weather with blooming parks and fewer tourists.
Summer (June-August): Warm temperatures and long days, but the busiest time for tourism
Autumn (September-November): Cooler weather, but still lovely for sightseeing, with vibrant autumn colors.
Winter (December-February): Chilly and rainy, but cozy pubs and Christmas markets make it a festive time to visit.
Whether you're soaking in Dublin's rich history, experiencing its legendary pub culture, or enjoying the natural beauty nearby, the city promises a memorable adventure. Sláinte (cheers) to a great trip!
Dublin is a welcoming, vibrant city with a growing and visible LGBTQ+ community. As the capital of Ireland, Dublin has become a leading LGBTQ+ travel destination in Europe, offering a combination of historical richness, cultural diversity, nightlife, and inclusivity. Here’s your complete travel guide for exploring Dublin as an LGBTQ+ visitor.
Ireland's journey toward LGBTQ+ rights has been transformative in recent decades. Same-sex marriage was legalized by referendum in 2015, and in 2019, Ireland elected its first openly gay prime minister (Leo Varadkar). The country is known for being socially progressive, and Dublin is at the heart of this inclusiveness.
Most of Dublin is safe and welcoming for LGBTQ+ travelers, especially in central areas. While there may still be conservative pockets, the overall atmosphere in the city is warm and open. Dublin’s LGBTQ+ community has established a strong presence, particularly around key events like Dublin Pride, which is celebrated each June.
While Dublin does not have a specifically defined “gayborhood,” there are several areas known for their inclusive vibe and LGBTQ+-friendly venues:
Temple Bar: Famous for its nightlife, Temple Bar has a few LGBTQ+ friendly bars and clubs. It’s also a hub for arts and culture, with cobbled streets lined with galleries, theaters, and quirky shops. The George’s Street: The George, one of the city's oldest and most iconic gay bars, is located here. This street is generally a lively area for dining, shopping, and partying. Smithfield & Stoneybatter: Known for its artistic and alternative vibe, Smithfield is an up-and-coming neighborhood that has become popular with the LGBTQ+ community. It's more relaxed and less touristy than Temple Bar.
Dublin's LGBTQ+ nightlife scene is diverse, from glamorous drag shows to casual pubs and late-night clubs. Some top spots include The George: A Dublin institution since the 1980s, The George is the most famous gay bar in Ireland. With drag performances, karaoke, and themed nights, it’s a must-visit. Pantibar: Owned by famous Irish drag queen Panti Bliss, Pantibar is a trendy spot located on Capel Street. Known for its laid-back vibe and regular events, it’s a favorite with locals and visitors alike. Street 66: A lively bar with a more indie vibe, Street 66 is popular for cocktails, relaxed vibes, and live music. Mother: One of Dublin's top LGBTQ+ club nights, Mother is a monthly party held at various venues, focusing on great music, dancing, and inclusive vibes.
Dublin Pride (June): The highlight of Dublin’s LGBTQ+ calendar, Pride is celebrated throughout the city with a parade, events, parties, and cultural activities. The parade takes place in central Dublin, followed by massive after-parties.
Dublin has a variety of accommodations that are LGBTQ+ friendly, from budget options to luxury hotels. Some top picks include The Dean Dublin: A trendy boutique hotel in the heart of the city, close to LGBTQ+ friendly venues. It offers a rooftop bar, gym, and stylish rooms. The Morgan Hotel: Located in Temple Bar, this 4-star hotel is in the center of Dublin’s nightlife scene, making it ideal for LGBTQ+ visitors wanting to explore the area’s clubs and bars. Marlin Hotel: Located near Grafton Street, this modern hotel offers a relaxed atmosphere and is a short walk from LGBTQ+ nightlife hotspots. Wynn’s Hotel: A historical hotel near O’Connell Street, Wynn’s is a favorite among LGBTQ+ travelers for its central location and welcoming atmosphere.
Ireland is generally safe for LGBTQ+ travelers, and Dublin, in particular, is very welcoming. However, as with any destination, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially late at night. Public displays of affection are generally acceptable in Dublin, particularly in the more liberal areas, but discretion may be advised in more conservative or rural areas outside the capital.
We visited Dublin in November 2024. From Gatwick airport its just over 1 hour from take off to touch down. There is one airline that flies from Gatwick to Dublin and that is Ryan Air. It was good service and when we arrived in Dublin it was a warm welcome passport control. Getting from the airport to the city is easy and fairly cheap. We used the Dublin express which you can get from outside both terminals at the airport and takes around 30 minutes.
We stayed in the Temple bar area at the Bloom Hotel. It was very central and the city is very walkable from this area. The hotel had its own bar where the staff were very friendly. The shopping centres are pretty much the same as the UK so you see M&S and other UK brands together with Irelands on versions of stores including Poundland and Pizza Express which are both called other things in Ireland.
While we were there we visited the Guinness Storehouse. This was a great experience especially if you like Guinness but even if you don't you will find the history very interesting.