County Dublin Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide for County Dublin, including places to visit, food and drink scene, where to stay, things to do and more.


Introduction to County Dublin

County Dublin is situated in East Coast and Midlands in Ireland with Dublin city as its capital. This county is known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Travelers can easily access this county since it is just a few hours away from Europe’s other major cities.

Dublin is a popular destination for travelers worldwide, attracting visitors with its unique blend of ancient and modern cultures. The county has a lot to offer, from old historical sites to delicious cuisine, making it an ideal destination for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in County Dublin

Dublin is a county rich in history and culture, and there are plenty of places to visit to explore this. Here is the list of must-visit places in County Dublin.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Dublin Castle: Dublin Castle is a historical landmark of Dublin, constructed as a defensive fortification during the 13th century. Today, the castle hosts various exhibitions, including the Chester Beatty Library, the Irish State Apartments, and several other galleries.

  2. Trinity College: Trinity College is one of Dublin’s oldest universities, established in 1592, located in the heart of the city. Visitors can enjoy the stunning beauty of the college architecture and explore the Book of Kells, a 9th-century gospel manuscript.

  3. National Museum of Ireland: The National Museum of Ireland is an ideal place to explore Ireland’s history, culture, and religion. This museum is home to over four million items, including ancient artifacts, world-renowned paintings, and sculptures.

Natural Attractions of County Dublin: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Howth Head: Howth Head is a popular hiking spot, situated on Dublin’s northern coast, offering stunning views of Ireland’s countryside.

  2. Phoenix Park: Phoenix Park is one of Europe’s largest walled city parklands, covering more than 1,750 acres. Visitors can stroll through the park or rent a bike and cycle around the perimeter.

  3. Glendalough: Glendalough is a scenic valley located in the Wicklow Mountains, just outside of Dublin. Visitors can enjoy hiking through the ancient monastic ruins and explore the beautiful lakes and waterfalls of the region.

Hiking/Biking Routes of County Dublin

County Dublin is home to some of the most scenic hiking and biking trails in Ireland. Here are some of the best routes to explore:

  1. The Dublin Mountains Way: The Dublin Mountains Way is a popular hiking trail that offers stunning views of the countryside, wildlife, and ancient ruins.

  2. Grand Canal Way: The Grand Canal Way stretches from Shannon Harbour to Ringsend, Dublin, and is an ideal route for biking.

  3. Phoenix Park: Phoenix park is an ideal destination for beginner-level hikers with over 30 km of paths and trails.

Best Things to Do in County Dublin: Activities and Tours

  1. Dublin Literary Tour: Explore the city’s literary history with a Dublin literary tour, which includes visits to famous writer’s homes and famous historical sites.

  2. Concert at the 3Arena: The 3Arena is an entertainment venue in Dublin, Ireland, and it hosts most of the leading musical events and shows.

  3. Dublin Food Tour: Dublin is famous for its delicious cuisine, and a guided food tour of the city offers a chance to try traditional Irish dishes and sample locally brewed beer.

Week-Long Itinerary for County Dublin

Day 1-2: Visit Dublin and explore its history by visiting Trinity College, Dublin Castle, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Day 3: Take a day trip to the scenic Wicklow Mountains and Glenadlough valley.

Day 4: Visit Northern Dublin and take a scenic hike to the Howth Head cliff.

Day 5-6: Take a city tour of Dublin, visit the Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery of Ireland, and Christ Church Cathedral.

Day 7: End your week-long itinerary by visiting southern Dublin and exploring the Dun Laoghaire Pier and Sandycove Beach.

Food and Drink Scene of County Dublin

Irish cuisine is world-famous, and Dublin is no exception. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages of County Dublin:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Irish Stew: A traditional Irish stew is made with lamb, potatoes, onions, and carrots.

  2. Fish and Chips: Dublin’s Fish and Chips are made with locally sourced white cod and served with freshly-made tartar sauce.

  3. Boxty: Boxty is a potato-based pancake that can be served plain or stuffed with meat or vegetables.

Local Beverages

  1. Guinness: The famous “Black Stuff” is Ireland’s most popular beer, and in Dublin, you can enjoy a pint at the Guinness Storehouse factory.

  2. Jameson: Jameson Whiskey is Ireland’s most famous whiskey, distilled in County Cork.

  3. Baileys Irish Cream: A popular liqueur, Baileys is made with a mix of Irish whiskey and fresh dairy cream.

Where to Stay in County Dublin: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Dublin has a variety of accommodation options for different budgets, including luxury hotels, budget guesthouses, and affordable hostels. Here are some of the top places to stay in County Dublin:

  1. InterContinental Dublin: This hotel is one of the leading luxury hotels in Dublin, offering excellent service and superb amenities.

  2. Jacobs Inn: Jacobs Inn is an affordable hostel located in the heart of Dublin that offers budget accommodations for backpackers.

  3. The Merrion Hotel: A luxury five-star hotel located in the heart of Dublin, offering a prime location and world-renowned service.

What to Buy in County Dublin: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Dublin is famous for its locally made arts, crafts, and products, which make splendid souvenirs. Some of the popular items to buy include:

  1. Aran Sweaters: Aran Sweaters are traditional Irish knitwear that originated in the Aran Islands.

  2. Handmade Jewelry: Irish handmade jewelry is unique, and you can find a wide range of designs and styles across the city.

  3. Irish Whiskey: Ireland’s famous whiskey brands, such as Jameson, Bushmills, and Teeling, are available in Dublin’s liquor stores.

Local Culture and Customs of County Dublin

Dublin is home to a vibrant and friendly community that has a deep attachment to its cultural and historical roots. Hospitality is essential to the Irish, and visitors are welcomed with open arms. Dubliners are proud of their literary, musical, and artistic heritage, and there are plenty of opportunities to experience this during your stay.

Best Time to Visit County Dublin

The best time to visit Dublin is from May to September, as the weather is mild, and there are plenty of festivals and events happening around the city. Summer is also the time when most of the tourist attractions are open and buzzing with energy.

Do’s and Don’ts of County Dublin

Do:

  1. Carry change: It is a good idea to have small change with you as some tourist attractions may charge for bathroom usage.

  2. Be respectful of the culture: Irish people are proud of their culture and heritage, so be sure to maintain respectful behavior.

  3. Engage with the locals: Dubliners are friendly and enjoy a good chat, so don’t be afraid to start a conversation.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t litter: Keep the environment clean by using public trash cans and not littering the streets.

  2. Don’t be loud and obnoxious: Dubliners are hospitable people, but loud and obnoxious behavior is not tolerated

  3. Don’t miss out on cultural experiences: Ireland has a rich cultural heritage, so make the most of your visit by experiencing its art, music, and literature.

Safety and Health

Safety in County Dublin

Dublin is a safe city for tourists, and visitors should experience no problems if they follow basic safety precautions. Tourists should take care of belongings on crowded streets, as pickpocketing can occur.

Health in County Dublin

Health in County Dublin is similar to that in the UK and other developed countries, and tourists should have no trouble accessing quality healthcare services if required.

Getting to County Dublin: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near County Dublin

Dublin Airport is the primary airport that serves County Dublin, located just 10km north of Dublin city.

Bus Stations Near County Dublin

Dublin coach, Bus Eireann and several private operators serve County Dublin. You can take buses from Dublin city bus stations to other city centers within the county or to neighboring cities.

Other Options

Train stations and car rental services are also available in Dublin, offering visitors a practical mode of transport within the city and to other nearby destinations.

How to Get Around in County Dublin

Dublin is a pedestrian-friendly city, but there are plenty of transportation options available. You can access the city center via the Dart rail service, Luas light rail, bus, or car rental. Taxis and cycling are also popular choices for short-distance travel.

Where to Go Next from County Dublin: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

County Dublin offers several outdoor excursions and nearby destinations that are worth exploring.

  1. Wicklow Mountains: A scenic area located just a few miles from Dublin, offering visitors the opportunity to hike, mountain bike and explore the beautiful countryside.

  2. Kildare Village: This shopping area is home to several luxury brands, making it an ideal destination for fashion-lovers.

  3. Kilkenny: Founded over 400 years ago, Kilkenny is Ireland’s oldest surviving city and is home to multiple beautiful cathedrals with a picturesque countryside.

Conclusion

County Dublin is a city that deserves its place on every traveler’s list. With endless options for a great trip, visitors to County Dublin can expect a rejuvenating, enlightening, and thoroughly enjoyable stay. Whether you are interested in history, culture, food, or outdoor adventure, County Dublin has something for everyone.

Malahide Castle Malahide Castle Trotting to the starting line at Leopardstown Trotting to the starting line at Leopardstown


    Balbriggan
    Booterstown
    Dalkey
    Dublin
    Dún Laoghaire
    Howth
    Malahide
    Swords