Discover Dublin

Getting around

Public transport

There are a number of public transport options throughout Dublin. The best is the Luas, two tram lines connecting the city’s suburbs with its central areas and attractions. Important stops for visitors include Trinity, for Trinity College, and Abbey Street for the city centre. Tickets are bought at vending machines on the streets and are valid for single journeys or as seven-day or 30-day passes.

Buses are another excellent way of getting around, with ample services within the city centre and out to the suburbs run by Dublin Bus.

It’s often worth investing in the Leap Visitor Card, which covers travel on buses and the tram lines as well as the DART commuter train serving the outskirts of the city. One, seven and 30-day passes are available from €10 and can be bought online, at the airport or at tourist information points in the city centre.

Cycling

Dublin Bikes is an excellent cycle hire scheme. Pick up a bike and start exploring the city’s 120 kilometres of cycle lanes.

Car hire

You can book a hire car in advance from London City Airport. You drive on the left in Ireland, and while roads are well signposted, satnavs are advised if you’re new to the city.

Key neighbourhoods

City centre: for top tourist attractions

Dublin’s centre is concentrated around the O’Connell Bridge on both sides of the River Liffey. Here you’ll find many of the city’s bars, clubs and restaurants, and a few of the top tourist attractions such as Trinity College to the south and the Leprechaun Museum to the north.

Temple Bar: for traditional Dublin

The most famous neighbourhood in Dublin, bustling Temple Bar is on the south of the Liffey. Its cobbled pedestrian streets and traditional pubs are some of the city’s most photographed. Head here for live folk music in pubs and traditional Irish food.

The Old City: for history

Dating back to the 13th century, remnants of the city’s original walls can be seen around Cook Street, south of the river and west of Temple Bar. Also in the Old City is Dublin Castle, built in 1204. Nearby, Christ Church Cathedral sits on the original site of a Viking church. You can explore its impressive interior and see the curious mummified rat and cat in its crypt.

Fitzwilliam Square and around: for Georgian architecture

See Dublin’s Georgian heritage lining the streets around Fitzwilliam Square, Baggot Street and Merrion Square. This area, towards the south of the city centre, is mainly home to small offices for lawyers and estate agents. However, it’s worth a wander for its colourful front doors and historic architecture.

Stoneybatter: for eating, drinking and entertainment

Dublin has seen its fair share of gentrification, and Stoneybatter is one of the areas that has undergone a major revamp. A 10-minute walk northwest of the city centre you’ll find yourself among genteel red-brick buildings that host art spaces and hot-yoga venues. Head to Smithfield Square for traditional pubs alongside trendy bars and cafés, then explore the enormous Phoenix Park bordering Stoneybatter’s western side.

Factbox

Voltage: 230V

Currency: Euro

Time Zone: Greenwich Meantime (GMT) and British Summertime (GMT +1)

Language: English, although some signs may include Gaelic translations