In an emergency
- Emergency112
- Police999 or 112An Garda Síochána); Garda Confidential line 1800 666 111
- Tourist policeNo tourist police. Tourist SOSthe former Irish Tourist Assistance Service, ITAS; itas.ie now redirects to touristsos.ie) helps visitors who are victims of crime: +353 1 661 0562, Mon-Sat 10:00-18:00, Sun and public holidays 12:00-18:00
- Ambulance999 or 112
- ComplaintsTaxi complaints: National Transport Authority +353 76 106 4000; TFI Help CentreLuas, Dublin Bus, fares) 0818 294 015
999 and 112 both reach ambulance, fire, police and coast guard. Report non-urgent crime at a Garda station: the O'Connell Street station at 13A O'Connell Street (opened March 2023, the base for the high-visibility 'Operation Citizen' patrols) is on the main street; the city-centre divisional stations are Store Street (north) and Pearse Street (south). Garda stations are listed at garda.ie. Tourist SOS helps with cancelling cards, money transfers, replacement documents, rebooking travel and, in limited cases, emergency accommodation.
Fair prices
What locals pay. If you are asked for much more, you are probably being overcharged.
| Bus, Luas or DART trip with a Leap Card (90 minutes, transfers included)Adult Leap, Zone 1. Short trips (about 3 km) EUR 1.50. Cash on Dublin Bus EUR 2.00-2.60 in coins only. Rises to EUR 2.30 in 2027. | 2.00 EUR |
|---|---|
| Daily / weekly cap on a Leap Card (adult)Covers Dublin Bus, Go-Ahead Ireland city buses, Luas, DART and Commuter Rail in Zone 1; after the cap, travel is free for the rest of the day or week. | 6.00 / 24.00 EUR |
| Leap Visitor Card 24 h / 72 h / 7 daysSold at airport shops and city agents; not valid on Aircoach, Dublin Express, Bus Éireann or sightseeing buses. | 8 / 18 / 24 EUR |
| Airport to city: Dublin Bus 16/41 vs coach vs taxiBus with Leap or coins; Aircoach from EUR 6 and Dublin Express from EUR 9 one way when booked online; taxi on the meter. | 2.00-2.60 / 6-9 / 30-45 EUR |
| Taxi starting fare (daytime / night and Sunday)Then EUR 1.32/km by day (EUR 1.81/km premium rate). EUR 3 extra if booked by phone or app. No card surcharge allowed; ask for the meter receipt. | 4.40 / 5.40 EUR |
| Pint of Guinness in a pubNational pub average EUR 6.09 (Raisin Guinness Index, March 2026). In August 2024 the Irish News found EUR 9.95 in a Temple Bar pub against EUR 6.00-6.50 in pubs a ten-minute walk away (Meagher's by O'Connell Bridge, Bowes on Fleet Street). | 6-7 EUR |
| Flat whiteIrish average from Square payment data (2024; cappuccino or latte EUR 3.70, americano EUR 3.30). City-centre specialty cafés usually charge more; no 2026 Dublin survey found. | 3.60 EUR |
| RedClick dublinbikes 1-day / 3-day ticketFirst 30 minutes of every ride free. | 3.50 / 5.00 EUR |
| National museums and the Chester BeattyNational Museum of Ireland sites are free; the Chester Beatty is free (suggested donation EUR 10) but closed until the end of December 2026. Anyone charging for entry to these is not official. | 0 EUR |
| Luas paper single ticketFrom the machine at the stop (cash, card, contactless). No tickets on board; fine EUR 100. | 2.00-2.60 EUR |
Tickets
Official prices and the only places to buy. Anyone else selling on the street is a reseller.
- Book of Kells Experience (Trinity College)
From EUR 25 per person (timed entry); bundle with the Trinity Trails student-led walking tour from EUR 37
Buy at: https://www.visittrinity.ie/book-of-kells-experience/
Buy on visittrinity.ie, the official Trinity College site; tickets are non-refundable.
- Kilmainham Gaol (OPW)
Adult EUR 8; senior (60+) EUR 6; student and child 12-17 EUR 4; under 12 free but needs a ticket; family EUR 20
Buy at: https://www.kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie (the only legitimate site)
The OPW warns that no third party is authorised to sell tickets; tickets from resale platforms are refused at the door, and fake websites imitate kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie.
- Guinness Storehouse
Guinness Storehouse Experience from EUR 24 (about 90 minutes, includes a pint or Guinness 0.0); Guinness Academy from EUR 36; Home of Guinness guided experience from EUR 48 (over 18s only)
Buy at: https://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/booking
The Storehouse FAQ has its own entry on tickets bought from third-party sellers; buy on guinness-storehouse.com to be safe.
- Dublin Castle (State Apartments)
Self-guided: adult EUR 8, senior/student EUR 6, child 12-17 EUR 4, under 12 free, family EUR 20. Guided tour: adult EUR 12, senior/student EUR 10, child 12-17 EUR 6, family EUR 30
Buy at: https://dublincastle.ie/
not verified
- Christ Church Cathedral
Adult EUR 11.50; senior/student EUR 9.50; child under 12 EUR 3.50; family EUR 26
Buy at: https://christchurchcathedral.ie/
not verified
- St Patrick's Cathedral
Adult EUR 11.50; student/senior EUR 10; child 6-12 EUR 5.50; family EUR 31; joint ticket with Marsh's Library EUR 17 (online prices)
Buy at: https://www.stpatrickscathedral.ie/visit/
not verified
- EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
From adult EUR 22, child EUR 11, senior EUR 19 (online, self-guided); EUR 25 adult for the higher ticket
Buy at: https://epicchq.com/
not verified
- Croke Park Stadium Tour and GAA Museum
Adult EUR 18; student/senior EUR 14.50; child EUR 12; family (2+2) EUR 48, (2+3) EUR 52; 1 adult + 1 child EUR 27.50
Buy at: https://crokepark.ie/stadiumtour
not verified
- Chester Beatty (Dublin Castle grounds)
Free (suggested donation EUR 10); free drop-in public tours
Buy at: Walk in
Entry is free; do not pay a reseller.
- National Museum of Ireland (Archaeology, Natural History, Decorative Arts at Collins Barracks)
Free
Buy at: Walk in
Entry is free.
Traps
- Watch outFake Kilmainham Gaol ticket sites
Kilmainham Gaol tickets are sold only on kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie; the OPW says no third party is authorised and resale tickets are refused at the door. Copycat websites imitate the official one, so check the address before paying.
Source: heritageireland.ie - Watch outTemple Bar pint prices
In August 2024 the Irish News found a pint of Guinness at EUR 9.95 in a Temple Bar pub, against EUR 6.00-6.50 a few streets away; the national pub average was EUR 6.09 in March 2026. Drink a street or two outside Temple Bar.
Source: ie.irishnews.com, raisin.com - RuleTaxi: meter, ID card and receipt
A taxi cannot charge more than the meter unless a fare was agreed in writing before the trip, and the driver must display an ID card and Passenger Information Card. Ask for the printed taximeter receipt, not the card-terminal slip; it shows the car and trip details if you need to complain.
Source: transportforireland.ie - RuleNo surcharge for paying a taxi by card
Taxi drivers are not allowed to add a surcharge for card payment. The only legal extra for booking is the EUR 3 pre-booking fee, plus tolls listed on the receipt.
Source: transportforireland.ie, transportforireland.ie - TipApp fees are on top of the meter
If you book through an app, the app company can add its own fees, so the app receipt may be higher than the taximeter fare. At a taxi rank you may take any taxi, not just the first in line.
Source: transportforireland.ie - Watch outRental and accommodation fraud
Tourist SOS warns that each autumn some students pay deposits and rent online for Dublin rooms that turn out not to exist. Never pay for a flat you have not seen through a channel with no protection; Tourist SOS can help victims report it to the Gardaí.
Source: touristsos.ie - Watch outNever pay to enter the national museums
The National Museum of Ireland (Kildare Street, Collins Barracks), the National Gallery and IMMA are free. Anyone selling entry tickets to them is not official; only some guided tours and special shows cost money.
Source: visitdublin.com, museum.ie - Watch outDublin Castle and the Chester Beatty are closed in late 2026
Dublin Castle is closed to the public until January 2027 for Ireland's EU Council Presidency, and the Chester Beatty in its grounds is closed until the end of December 2026. Check before buying a tour or pass that lists them.
Source: dublincastle.ie, chesterbeatty.ie - Tip'Free' walking tours expect a tip
Free walking tours (Sandemans, Generation Tours, Yellow Umbrella) charge nothing up front, but you are invited to tip the guide at the end. Decide what it was worth; there is no fixed amount.
Source: visitdublin.com - TipService charge already on the bill
Since December 2022 the law says anything called a 'service charge' must go to staff, and restaurants must display their tips policy. Read the bill before tipping again on top of an added service charge.
Source: enterprise.gov.ie - Watch outLeap Visitor Card and the airport coaches
The Leap Visitor Card covers scheduled Dublin Bus routes, Go-Ahead Ireland, Luas, DART and Commuter Rail, but not Bus Éireann or tour buses, and Dublin Express does not accept Leap Cards at all. From the airport, use it on Dublin Bus routes 16 or 41; Aircoach and Dublin Express sell their own tickets.
Source: about.leapcard.ie, dublinexpress.ie, dublinbus.ie - TipSt Patrick's parade: the street is free
Watching the 17 March parade from the pavement costs nothing; grandstand seats cost EUR 125-160 in 2026. Hospitality packages ran EUR 230-280.
Source: visitdublin.com - Watch outDo not carry bags for strangers
The UK government warns that even small amounts of drugs bring severe penalties in Ireland and airport scanning is thorough. Do not offer to carry anything for anyone entering or leaving the country.
Source: gov.uk
Local life
- RuleOrder at the bar
In a Dublin pub you go to the bar to order and pay; there is usually no table service and no need to tip the barman.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - RuleBuying your round
Groups drink in rounds: each person buys a drink for the whole group in turn. Leaving before you have bought your round is seen as bad manners.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - TipFind a snug
A snug is a small partitioned room inside a pub with its own hatch for serving drinks, first meant for women who wanted to drink in private and later for anyone wanting privacy. Kehoe's off Grafton Street still has one next to its old grocery counter.
Source: en.wikipedia.org, visitdublin.com - FunThe early houses
A handful of 'early houses' have a special licence to open at 7am, and no new one has been granted since 1962. Dublin had 44 then and about six in late 2023, among them Molloy's on Talbot Street and the Windjammer on Lombard Street (Mon-Sat 7am).
Source: comeheretome.com - FunSlattery's on Capel Street
Slattery's has been licensed since 1821 and got permission in the 1890s to open at 7am for traders at the city markets on nearby Mary's Lane. In late 2023 it opened at 7am on Mondays and 9am Tuesday to Saturday.
Source: visitdublin.com, comeheretome.com - FunThe old Holy Hour
From 1927 Dublin and Cork pubs had to close from 14:30 to 15:30 Monday to Saturday, a break known as the Holy Hour. It was abolished in 1988, and the Sunday afternoon closing lasted until 2000.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - RuleLast orders
Pubs may serve until 23:30 Monday to Thursday, 00:30 on Friday and Saturday nights and 23:00 on Sunday; late bars and clubs need a special exemption order (up to 02:30).
Source: citizensinformation.ie - RuleOff-licence hours
Shops can sell alcohol only 10:30-22:00 Monday to Saturday and 12:30-22:00 on Sundays and St Patrick's Day. Buy your bottle of wine before 22:00.
Source: citizensinformation.ie - RuleNo happy hours
Happy hours are illegal in Ireland, so do not expect cheap early-evening drinks deals in pubs.
Source: citizensinformation.ie - TipPubs with no music and no TV
Some old pubs keep the focus on talk. John Kavanagh's 'The Gravediggers' in Glasnevin, run by the same family since 1833, has neither music nor television.
Source: visitdublin.com - TipA hot whiskey by the fire
On a cold day Dubliners order a hot whiskey by an open fire. The Bloody Stream, under Howth DART station, has a turf fire for after the cliff walk.
Source: visitdublin.com - FunThe spice bag
The spice bag, sold in Chinese takeaways, is salt and chilli chips and chicken with peppers, chilli, fried onions and spices in a paper bag. It is said to have started around 2006 at the Sunflower takeaway in Templeogue and was voted Ireland's favourite takeaway dish on Just Eat in 2020.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - FunThe chipper
Many of Dublin's fish and chip shops were founded by Italian families, mostly from around Frosinone. The tradition began with Giuseppe Cervi, who opened a takeaway on what is now Pearse Street.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - TipCoddle
Coddle is the classic Dublin dish of sausages, rashers (bacon) and potatoes slowly stewed together.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - FunThe breakfast roll
A breakfast roll is a bread roll filled with sausages, bacon, pudding and egg, sold at the deli counters of shops and petrol stations. Comedian Pat Shortt even had a hit with 'Jumbo Breakfast Roll'.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - TipSunday carvery
Many pubs serve a carvery lunch: roast meats sliced to order with vegetables and potatoes, especially on Sundays.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - TipSwimming all year
Dubliners swim in the sea all year round, and the Forty Foot at Sandycove has been a bathing spot for centuries. It is about 30 minutes south on the DART, next to the Martello tower where Joyce's Ulysses opens.
Source: visitdublin.com, en.wikipedia.org - FunThe Christmas Day dip
On Christmas morning crowds jump into the sea, and the Forty Foot hosts the most popular swim. It is often done in aid of charity.
Source: visitdublin.com, en.wikipedia.org - Watch outCheck before you swim after rain
After heavy rain, storm water can overflow into the bay and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown council puts up 'No Swimming' notices at Seapoint, Sandycove, the Forty Foot and other spots until tests are clear. Check the council's notices first.
Source: dlrcoco.ie - TipBull Wall swim shelters
On Bull Island in Clontarf, the Bull Wall has swimming shelters on the way out to the Star of the Sea statue, with views over Dublin Port.
Source: visitdublin.com, en.wikipedia.org - TipVico Baths, Dalkey
Locals rate the Vico Baths below Dalkey as one of the most beautiful swimming corners in Ireland, with a seawater pool for choppy days.
Source: visitdublin.com - TipThe Great South Wall
The Great South Wall runs from Ringsend out into Dublin Bay; halfway along, the Half Moon Swimming Club has a shelter for sea swimmers. Walk it to watch ships come into port even if you do not swim.
Source: visitdublin.com - FunGaelic games are amateur
Gaelic football and hurling players are unpaid amateurs who play for their club and county. The GAA, founded in 1884, has 87 clubs in Dublin alone.
Source: visitdublin.com, en.wikipedia.org - TipGet a ticket for a league game
Dublin play big championship games at Croke Park and late-stage tickets are hard to get. Tickets for league games, most of them at Parnell Park in Donnycarney, are much easier to find.
Source: visitdublin.com - FunHill 16
Hill 16 is the standing terrace at the Railway End of Croke Park and the home of Dublin's most vocal fans. It is officially called Dineen Hill 16.
Source: en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org - FunNorthside and Southside
The Liffey splits Dublin into Northside and Southside, and the rivalry is a running joke. The Southside was historically wealthier, though rich Northside suburbs such as Malahide exist.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - TipStoneybatter
Stoneybatter on the Northside is often called Dublin's 'hipster quarter', and Time Out listed it among the world's coolest neighbourhoods in 2019.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - FunRathmines, 'Flatland'
Rathmines was known across Ireland as 'Flatland': from the 1930s its big Georgian and Victorian houses were split into flats for students and junior civil servants from outside Dublin.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - TipCapel Street, car-free
Capel Street was pedestrianised on 20 May 2022 and is now Dublin's longest traffic-free street. It is a good place to wander for food on the Northside.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - TipMoore Street traders
The open-air fruit and vegetable market on Moore Street, off Henry Street, is Dublin's oldest food market. It runs Monday to Saturday 11:00-17:00.
Source: en.wikipedia.org, visitdublin.com - FunMeet under Clerys clock
For generations Dubliners arranged to meet 'under Clerys clock' outside the old department store on O'Connell Street. The two-faced clock still hangs over the doors, opposite the Jim Larkin statue.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - FunThe Spire
The 120 m Spire on O'Connell Street stands where Nelson's Pillar stood until it was blown up in 1966. It is the easiest meeting point on the Northside.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - TipWeekend markets by the sea
On weekends Dubliners take the DART to food markets: Howth (Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays 10:00-17:00), Blackrock (weekends 11:00-17:30) and Dún Laoghaire's CoCo Market by the LexIcon library and the People's Park (Sunday 10:00-16:00).
Source: visitdublin.com - TipTemple Bar Food Market
Temple Bar's Saturday food market runs 09:30-15:30 in Meeting House Square. It is the calm side of Temple Bar.
Source: visitdublin.com - TipSunday art on Merrion Square
Every Sunday from 10am, artists hang their paintings on the railings of Merrion Square for the free Open Air Art Gallery. The Oscar Wilde statue is in the park's corner.
Source: visitdublin.com - TipLunchtime theatre at Bewley's
Bewley's Café on Grafton Street (opened 1927, with Harry Clarke stained-glass windows) runs lunchtime theatre at 1pm on most days during a show's run.
Source: visitdublin.com, en.wikipedia.org - TipLate opening at the National Gallery
The National Gallery of Ireland is free and stays open until 20:30 on Thursdays, sometimes with free evening events.
Source: visitdublin.com - TipFirst Friday at MoLI
The Museum of Literature Ireland on St Stephen's Green is free from 18:00 to 21:00 on the first Friday of every month, usually with live music or readings.
Source: visitdublin.com - TipA EUR 15 seat at the Abbey
The Abbey Theatre sells front-row seats for EUR 15. Check the programme and book ahead.
Source: visitdublin.com - TipVisit the President's house free
Áras an Uachtaráin, the President's residence in the Phoenix Park, gives free 75-minute guided tours on most Saturdays. Pick up a first-come ticket at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre and bring photo ID.
Source: visitdublin.com - TipDeer in the Phoenix Park
A herd of hundreds of wild fallow deer lives in the Phoenix Park. Watch them, but do not get too close or feed them; they are wild animals.
Source: visitdublin.com - FunEurope's longest pub
The Hole in the Wall pub runs for 100 metres along the outer wall of the Phoenix Park. It started in 1651 as a coaching inn.
Source: visitdublin.com - TipSeals in Howth harbour
Howth is 25 minutes by DART, and seals often poke their heads up between the boats in the harbour. Locals walk the East Pier to the lighthouse.
Source: visitdublin.com - TipThe Howth cliff walk
Howth Head has four marked trails; the shortest, the 6 km Cliff Path Loop, still gives cliff and bay views. Finish with fish and chips at the harbour.
Source: visitdublin.com - FunToy Show night
Late November or early December, RTÉ's Late Late Toy Show is the most-watched TV programme of the year in Ireland. The host's Christmas jumper gets as much attention as the toys.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - Fun8 December and Women's Christmas
8 December was the traditional day for country people to come to Dublin for Christmas shopping, and many still put up their decorations then. The season ends on 6 January, Little Christmas or Nollaig na mBan (Women's Christmas).
Source: en.wikipedia.org - FunThe Christmas Eve busk
For many years Bono, Glen Hansard and friends have busked at the top of Grafton Street on Christmas Eve for the Simon Community homeless charity. Nobody knows in advance who will turn up.
Source: visitdublin.com - FunBloomsday
Every 16 June, Dubliners in Edwardian costume follow the route of Joyce's Ulysses, with Davy Byrne's pub and Sweny's Pharmacy among the stops.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - Tip'An Lár' means city centre
Buses heading into town show 'An Lár', Irish for 'city centre'.
Source: en.wiktionary.org - RuleKids in pubs
Children under 15 may be in a pub with a parent until 21:00 (22:00 from May to September). Under-18s cannot be served alcohol, and bar staff may ask for ID such as a Garda Age Card.
Source: citizensinformation.ie - TipTrad in the Cobblestone
The Cobblestone in Smithfield is one of the city's best-loved pubs for traditional music, and it hosts TradFest gigs each January.
Source: visitdublin.com - FunSt Stephen's Day and the Wren
26 December is St Stephen's Day, a public holiday. Traditionally 'wren boys' went from house to house collecting money for a 'wren party'.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - TipBank holiday Mondays
Ireland's long weekends fall on the first Monday of February (St Brigid's Day, since 2023), May, June and August and the last Monday of October. Public transport runs, but often on reduced timetables.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Money
- TipBuy a Leap Card, not single tickets
An adult TFI Leap Card needs a EUR 5 deposit and at least EUR 5 of credit. With it a bus, Luas or DART trip in Dublin is EUR 2.00 for 90 minutes including changes, cheaper than cash.
Source: about.leapcard.ie, about.leapcard.ie - TipThe caps do the maths for you
An adult Leap Card never charges more than EUR 6 a day or EUR 24 a week (Monday to Sunday) on Dublin Bus, Go-Ahead Ireland, Luas, DART and Commuter Rail in the city zone. Keep tapping after you reach the cap; further trips are free.
Source: about.leapcard.ie - TipVisitor Card or ordinary Leap?
The 72-hour Leap Visitor Card costs EUR 18, the same as three days at the EUR 6 daily cap. It only saves money if you would hit the cap every day, but you never need to top it up.
Source: about.leapcard.ie, about.leapcard.ie - RuleCoins for the bus
Dublin Bus drivers take coins only: no notes, no cards and no phones. The cash fare is higher than Leap.
Source: dublinbus.ie, transportforireland.ie - TipFares rise in 2027
Under the NTA's 2026 fares decision the adult Leap 90-minute fare goes to EUR 2.30 and the daily cap to EUR 6.90 in 2027; the 72-hour Visitor Card goes to EUR 20.70.
Source: nationaltransport.ie - TipNo tipping at the bar
You do not need to tip bar staff in a pub. Tipping is more usual where waiters serve food at your table.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - RuleCard tips go to staff
Since 1 December 2022 staff have a legal right to tips paid by card, and any 'service charge' on a bill must be shared out to staff as a tip.
Source: enterprise.gov.ie - TipA budget meal benchmark
Visit Dublin's 'budget' category is EUR 15 or less for lunch and no more than EUR 20 for a main course at dinner; plenty of good places meet it.
Source: visitdublin.com - TipTaxi night rates
The cheaper standard taxi rate applies 08:00-20:00 Monday to Saturday; nights and Sundays use the premium rate, and a special rate applies 00:00-04:00 on weekend nights. A phone or app booking adds EUR 3.
Source: transportforireland.ie, transportforireland.ie
Transport
- Watch outContactless cards do not work on the buses
In 2026 you cannot tap a bank card or phone on Dublin Bus, Luas or DART. A pilot is planned for summer 2027 and full rollout for summer 2028, so get a Leap Card.
Source: travelextra.ie, newstalk.com - RuleTap on and off on the Luas and DART
On the Luas, tap your Leap Card at the platform validator before boarding and tap off when you get off; on DART, tap at the station gates or validators. There are no tickets on board the Luas, and the fine is EUR 100.
Source: about.leapcard.ie, luas.ie - Watch outRed Line works this weekend
On Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026 the Luas Red Line runs only from Heuston to The Point; replacement buses run about every 15 minutes between Heuston and Tallaght/Saggart. A Luas ticket or Leap Card is valid on them.
Source: luas.ie - TipUse TFI Live
The free TFI Live app gives real-time departures for Dublin Bus, Go-Ahead Ireland, Luas and Irish Rail and plans trips across all of them. TFI Leap Top-Up lets you top up the card by phone.
Source: transportforireland.ie, transportforireland.ie - TipNight buses
Nitelink buses run only on Friday and Saturday nights (EUR 2.40 on Leap), but 15 BusConnects routes, including the 41 to the airport, run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Source: dublinbus.ie, transportforireland.ie - TipThe DART for the coast
The DART runs along Dublin Bay from Howth and Malahide in the north to Dalkey, Bray and Greystones in the south. Howth, Dún Laoghaire, Dalkey and Bray are all in the cheap city fare zone.
Source: en.wikipedia.org, transportforireland.ie - TipNo metro yet
Dublin has no underground. MetroLink to the airport is approved but not built, with construction expected from 2027 and no official opening date.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - RuleChoose your taxi and your route
At a rank you may take any taxi, not only the first, and you can ask for a particular route. Guide dogs and mobility aids are carried at no extra charge.
Source: transportforireland.ie - TipCheck a taxi licence
The TFI Driver Check app confirms that a taxi and its driver are licensed. The driver's ID card must be on display in the car.
Source: transportforireland.ie, transportforireland.ie - Watch outDublin Express does not take Leap
The Dublin Express airport coaches do not accept Leap Cards; book online. Dublin Bus routes 16 and 41 from the airport do take Leap.
Source: dublinexpress.ie, dublinbus.ie
Etiquette
- TipSay sláinte
When glasses are raised, the toast is 'sláinte' (said roughly SLAWN-chuh), Irish for 'health'.
Source: en.wiktionary.org, en.wikipedia.org - TipTalk to people in the pub
Irish pubs are informal and it is common for strangers and tourists to be drawn into conversation with locals. Most people have a 'local', the pub they go to most often.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - RuleDo not drink right outside the off-licence
It is an offence to drink alcohol bought in a closed bottle or can within 100 metres of the off-licence that sold it. Many councils also ban drinking in some or all public places.
Source: citizensinformation.ie - RuleNo drinking on buses and trains
Drinking alcohol on public transport is not allowed.
Source: citizensinformation.ie - RuleCarry ID if you look young
You must be 18 to buy alcohol and bar staff may ask for proof of age. The voluntary Garda Age Card (EUR 10) is one accepted proof of age for residents.
Source: citizensinformation.ie - RuleChurches are places of worship
St Patrick's Cathedral admits visitors on Sundays only between services (09:00-10:30, 13:00-14:30 and 16:30-18:00). Plan cathedral visits for weekdays.
Source: stpatrickscathedral.ie - TipBring earphones to Christ Church
Christ Church Cathedral's audio guide plays on your own phone through a QR code, so bring earphones to keep it quiet for others.
Source: christchurchcathedral.ie - RuleRespect the Phoenix Park deer
The fallow deer in the Phoenix Park are wild and shy. Keep your distance and do not feed them.
Source: visitdublin.com
Food
- TipThe full Irish
A full Irish breakfast is bacon, sausages, eggs, black pudding, tomatoes and mushrooms with toast or fried bread, usually with tea.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - TipFish and chips at Leo Burdock
Bella and Patrick Burdock opened the first Leo Burdock chip shop at Christchurch in 1913, and it still serves fresh cod and chips to take away.
Source: leoburdock.com, leoburdock.com - TipSoda bread
Irish soda bread is raised with bread soda and buttermilk instead of yeast, giving a moist, crumbly loaf. White, wholemeal or mixed flour is used.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - FunBarmbrack at Halloween
Barmbrack ('brack') is a fruit loaf sold around Halloween with a ring baked inside; whoever finds it is said to be lucky.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - TipSeafood in Howth
Howth's harbour is lined with seafood places: Beshoff's for fish and chips to take away, and the King Sitric at the start of the East Pier for crab claws and lobster.
Source: visitdublin.com - TipLunch at a market stall
Irish Village Markets set up lunchtime food stalls at different city spots midweek; check their website for the day's location. The Saturday Temple Bar market is another option.
Source: visitdublin.com - TipCheese toasties in George's Street Arcade
Loose Canon, a tiny wine and cheese shop in George's Street Arcade, makes toasted sandwiches with Irish artisan cheese. It is a cheap, good lunch near Grafton Street.
Source: visitdublin.com - TipBewley's on Grafton Street
Bewley's Grafton Street café opened in 1927; have a coffee under its Harry Clarke stained-glass windows.
Source: en.wikipedia.org, bewleys.com - TipFlat white country
The flat white is Ireland's favourite coffee order; in 2024 it averaged EUR 3.60, with a cappuccino or latte at EUR 3.70.
Source: squareup.com
Safety
- RuleEmergency numbers
In an emergency call 112 or 999 for the Gardaí (police), ambulance or fire brigade.
Source: garda.ie, gov.uk - Watch outWatch your bag and phone
Bag-snatching and pickpocketing happen mostly in the larger cities. Do not carry valuables or large amounts of cash, and keep your phone out of reach in busy streets.
Source: gov.uk - TipO'Connell Street Garda station
A Garda station opened at 13A O'Connell Street in 2023 to give a high-visibility police presence on Dublin's main street, and it is the base for Operation Citizen patrols.
Source: gov.ie - TipTourist SOS can help
Tourist SOS (formerly ITAS) helps visitors who are victims of crime: reporting to the Gardaí, contacting embassies, arranging emergency cash transfers and even short-term accommodation. Call +353 1 661 0562.
Source: touristsos.ie, touristsos.ie - Watch outSea swimming is wild swimming
Lifeguard cover varies by season, so check Water Safety Ireland before swimming. After heavy rain, look for council 'No Swimming' notices because of storm water overflows.
Source: visitdublin.com, dlrcoco.ie - Watch outDrugs mean prison
Possession of even small amounts of drugs, cannabis included, can bring heavy fines and long jail sentences.
Source: gov.uk - TipTaxi complaints
Keep the taximeter receipt; it identifies the car if you need to complain to the National Transport Authority.
Source: transportforireland.ie
Free
- TipNational Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street
Free entry to Ireland's archaeology collection: Celtic gold such as the Ardagh Chalice and Tara Brooch, Viking finds from Dublin and Iron Age bog bodies.
Source: visitdublin.com - TipNational Gallery of Ireland
Free, with works by Vermeer, Caravaggio, Monet and Picasso and the Jack B. Yeats collection. Free guided tours run at weekends.
Source: visitdublin.com, visitdublin.com - TipCollins Barracks and the Dead Zoo Lab
The National Museum at Collins Barracks is free and covers Irish soldiering, the Easter Rising and fashion. While the Natural History museum on Merrion Street is closed, its 'Dead Zoo Lab' shows favourite specimens here.
Source: visitdublin.com - TipIMMA at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham
The Irish Museum of Modern Art is free, in the Royal Hospital (opened 1687, modelled on Les Invalides) with 48 acres of grounds. In summer it hosts free outdoor events.
Source: visitdublin.com - TipNational Print Museum
Free, in a former garrison chapel in Beggars Bush, with working presses and an original 1916 Proclamation. On Thursdays retired printers demonstrate the machines.
Source: visitdublin.com - TipJames Joyce Tower, Sandycove
The free James Joyce museum is in the Martello tower beside the Forty Foot, where Joyce stayed six nights in 1904 and where Ulysses opens.
Source: visitdublin.com - TipFree walking tours
Several companies run free city walking tours; you tip the guide what you think it was worth at the end.
Source: visitdublin.com - TipOpen House Dublin
Every October, Open House Dublin opens buildings normally closed to the public for free tours (10-18 October in 2026). Popular tours must be booked ahead.
Source: openhousedublin.com
Fun
- FunDublin's oldest pub
There has been an inn on the site of the Brazen Head since 1198; the present building dates from 1754. The United Irishmen plotted their 1798 rebellion here.
Source: visitdublin.com - FunThe Long Hall
The Long Hall (founded 1766) has a mahogany bar, mirrors and Victorian fittings. In the 1860s it was a recruiting spot for the Irish Republican Brotherhood until spies from Dublin Castle got in.
Source: visitdublin.com - FunJoyce's pub
James Joyce set the arm-wrestling scene of his Dubliners story 'Counterparts' in the back room of Mulligan's on Poolbeg Street, now named after him.
Source: visitdublin.com - FunCroke Park rooftop
The Skyline tour takes you onto a walkway on the roof of Croke Park, 17 storeys up, with views from the mountains to the sea. Croke Park holds just over 82,000 people.
Source: visitdublin.com - FunTry hurling yourself
Experience Gaelic Games runs three-hour sessions where you learn to pass, kick, solo and score. Hurling, played with a stick and a small ball, is the fastest of the Gaelic games.
Source: visitdublin.com - FunSix in a row
Dublin's footballers have won the All-Ireland 31 times, including a record six in a row from 2015 to 2020.
Source: visitdublin.com - FunThe Ha'penny Bridge
The cast-iron footbridge over the Liffey opened in 1816 and is officially the Liffey Bridge. Its nickname comes from the ha'penny toll its builder could charge for 100 years.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - FunDracula's Dublin
Bram Stoker, who wrote Dracula, was born in Dublin. The Bram Stoker Festival celebrates Gothic Dublin every October; in 2026 it runs 23-26 October.
Source: visitdublin.com, bramstokerfestival.com - FunA radio museum in a tower
Ye Olde Hurdy-Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio in a Martello tower above Howth is full of old radios, music boxes and gramophones.
Source: visitdublin.com - FunThe White House connection
On the free Saturday tour of Áras an Uachtaráin you hear how its garden-side portico inspired the portico of the White House in Washington.
Source: visitdublin.com - FunUlysses in the reading room
The main reading room of the National Library of Ireland is a scene in Joyce's Ulysses. Visiting is free, but you need a reader's ticket booked online.
Source: visitdublin.com - FunHalloween started here
Halloween grew out of the Celtic festival of Samhain, and Dublin marks it with fireworks, ghost tours and the free Fingal Festival of Fire on 31 October.
Source: visitdublin.com, en.wikipedia.org
When to go
- TipWeather: pack for showers
Irish weather often brings cloud and rain followed by brighter, colder showers. February to June are usually the driest months; bring a rain jacket at any time of year.
Source: met.ie - TipTradFest in January
TradFest fills churches, pubs and theatres with traditional music each January (21-25 January in 2026); The Cobblestone and St Patrick's Cathedral are regular venues.
Source: visitdublin.com - TipSt Brigid's Day holiday
Since 2023 the first Monday of February (or 1 February if that is a Friday) is a public holiday for St Brigid's Day.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - TipSt Patrick's Festival
St Patrick's Festival runs 13-17 March 2027, with the parade on 17 March. In 2026 about half a million people lined the route from Parnell Square to Kevin Street, so arrive early.
Source: stpatricksfestival.ie, visitdublin.com - FunBloomsday, 16 June
Joyce fans in Edwardian costume follow Ulysses around the city on 16 June, and the Bloomsday Festival runs events through the week before (11-16 June in 2026).
Source: en.wikipedia.org, bloomsdayfestival.ie - TipTaste of Dublin
Taste of Dublin brings restaurants and chefs to Merrion Square each June (11-14 June in 2026).
Source: tasteofdublin.ie - TipDublin Horse Show
The Dublin Horse Show, held at the RDS for over 150 years, runs 4-8 August 2027.
Source: dublinhorseshow.com - TipCulture Night
On Culture Night, a Friday each September since 2006, museums and galleries open late with special events (18 September in 2026).
Source: en.wikipedia.org, culturenight.ie - TipFringe and Theatre festivals
September brings the 16-day Dublin Fringe Festival of new theatre and performance, followed by the Dublin Theatre Festival (30 September-16 October 2027).
Source: en.wikipedia.org, dublintheatrefestival.ie - Watch outDublin Marathon
The Dublin Marathon is on the last Sunday of October: 25 October 2026, starting at 08:45.
Source: dublinmarathon.ie - TipHalloween and Samhain
Late October is full of Halloween events: Bram Stoker Festival (23-26 October 2026), pumpkin trails, ghost tours and fireworks on 31 October.
Source: visitdublin.com - TipChristmas lights and markets
In the run-up to Christmas the city has markets and lights, Dublin Zoo's Wild Lights evening trail and Farmleigh's Christmas markets in the Phoenix Park on early December weekends.
Source: visitdublin.com - Watch outChristmas closures
Christmas Day and St Stephen's Day (26 December) are public holidays and many people do not return to work until after New Year's Day; Kilmainham Gaol closes 24-27 December.
Source: en.wikipedia.org, heritageireland.ie - TipNew Year's Festival
NYF Dublin runs 30 December 2026 to 1 January 2027, with the Countdown Concert and Midnight Moment on New Year's Eve.
Source: nyfdublin.com - Watch outCold sea in late winter
The sea around Ireland is coldest in February and March.
Source: met.ie
Words
- TipGrand
In Ireland 'grand' means fine or lovely, not magnificent: 'How are you?' 'Grand.'
Source: en.wiktionary.org - TipCraic
'Craic' (said 'crack') means fun and enjoyable company, or pleasant chat.
Source: en.wiktionary.org - TipDeadly
In Ireland 'deadly' means excellent.
Source: en.wiktionary.org - TipGiving out
To 'give out' is to complain or scold: 'She was giving out about the bus.'
Source: en.wiktionary.org - TipYour man, your one
'Your man' means 'that man' (someone both of you can see or know of), not someone who belongs to you.
Source: en.wiktionary.org - TipGaff
Your 'gaff' is your home: 'Back to my gaff after the pub.'
Source: en.wiktionary.org - TipPress and messages
A 'press' is a cupboard, and doing 'the messages' means grocery shopping.
Source: en.wiktionary.org, en.wiktionary.org - TipYoke
A 'yoke' is any object or gadget, and sometimes a car.
Source: en.wiktionary.org - TipEejit
An 'eejit' is an idiot or a fool.
Source: en.wiktionary.org - TipSlagging
To 'slag' someone is to make fun of them or tease them.
Source: en.wiktionary.org - Watch outMná and Fir: the toilet doors
On toilet doors, 'Mná' means women and 'Fir' means men. Do not guess from the word length; 'leithreas' means toilet.
Source: en.wiktionary.org, en.wiktionary.org, en.wiktionary.org - TipFáilte and sláinte
'Fáilte' means welcome and 'sláinte' (health) is cheers.
Source: en.wiktionary.org, en.wiktionary.org - TipSound
'Sound' means decent or good ('he's sound'), and on its own it means yes or OK.
Source: en.wiktionary.org - TipGardaí
The police force is the Garda Síochána; one officer is a garda and several are gardaí.
Source: en.wiktionary.org, en.wiktionary.org - FunIrish is spoken too
Irish is the first official language. In the 2022 census about 1.87 million people said they could speak it, but only about 71,000 speak it daily outside education.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Checked October 2026. Every item links to where it came from.