Airport Details
Airport Full Name
Dublin Airport
IATA Code
DUB
Location:
The airport is situated seven miles (11km) north of
Dublin, near the M50 and M1 motorways.
Airport Facilities
Airport facilities include a bureau de change and ATMs, numerous restaurants, pubs and bars, several shops, a church and tourist information. Disabled passengers are well catered for; travellers with special needs are advised to contact their airline in advance.
Transfers
Several bus services, involving more than 700 buses including Dublin Bus and Flybus, connect the airport to all parts of Dublin and the city's central train station, both day and night with fares starting at EUR6. Taxis are available outside the Arrivals Hall, the fare is best agreed in advance and should be around EUR20 to the city centre. There are car-hire desks in the Arrivals Concourse.
Contact
Main number: +353 (0)1 814 1111. Car parking: +353 (0)1 814 4328.
Dublin Hotel Deals
Climate Details (C)
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
| Min | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Max | 7 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 17 | 14 | 10 | 8 |
Travel Guides: Dublin
General Information
Cosmopolitan, colourful and over a thousand years old, Dublin presents a fine starting point for visitors to Ireland. This capital city is split in two by the River Liffey, which gives form to the city and has no less than nine bridges spanning it. Easily explored on foot, central Dublin presents a wealth of historic landmarks, from ancient cathedrals to gracious Georgian buildings that pay testimony to days gone by. There are several attractions on both sides of the Liffey, ranging from gaols and castles to the birthplaces of famous poets and writers and guided literary trails.
Not far from the city in County Wicklow are the Wicklow Mountains, where hills and glens, forests and waterfalls attract weekend walkers and nature-lovers. Dublin Bay, which lies between the mouth of the River Liffey and the Dalkey headland, is the site of several small coastal towns and the ferry port of Dun Laoghaire. County Kildare is a region of rich farmland and fine reputation for the breeding of thoroughbred horses, while the similar counties of Louth and Meath have evidence of early civilisations and a wealth of castles and monasteries.
Getting Around
Dublin has appalling street congestion in the city centre, but the new light rail service known as LUAS (the Gaelic word for 'speed') now offers two lines with numerous stations, many of them giving easy access to the main sights and places of interest. The city also has an extensive bus network with a limited Nitelink service operating from 1.30am, but this is most useful for commuters to and from the city centre. There is also a rapid transit train (DART) that links the city centre with the suburbs and seaside communities. Various passes for bus or train or a combination are available. Because public transport stops before midnight, taxis can be hard to find in the city centre after 11pm, particularly over the weekend. Taxis can be hailed in the street, but it is often easier to find them at taxi ranks or better still to book ahead by telephone. If it can be avoided don't rent a car while in the city, as it is impractical and expensive, although they can be essential if wanting to explore off the beaten track on excursions from Dublin.
Activities
Imaginosity, Dublin
With a number of exhibits aimed at stimulating children's imaginations and curiosity, Imaginosity is an innovative children's museum that kids will go wild for. The two-storey climbing structure is a favourite, while the art studio, theatres and galleries provide endless hours of entertainment, and at the same time, provide a wonderfully educational experience in a non-threatening way.
Opening Times:
Open Mondays 1:30pm-5:30pm; Tuesday to Friday and
Bank Holiday Mondays 9:30am-5:30pm; Saturday and Sundays
10am-6pm.
Admission:
EUR8 (adults and children); EUR6 (toddlers). Concessions
available.
The Lambert Puppet Theatre, Dublin
Guaranteed to have the little ones glues to their seats in suspense, the Lambert Puppet Theatre hosts exciting and educational puppet shows and is the only puppet theatre in Ireland and is home to Ireland's oldest puppet company. Be sure to take the kids to see one of their favourite fairy tales, such as Three Billy Goats gruff or Jack and the Beanstalk. A must for children of all ages and bookings are essential.
Opening Times:
Shows run on selected dates. See the website for more
information.
Admission:
Ticket prices vary, check the website for specific
shows.
Viking Splash Tour, Dublin
A fantastic way to see the sights of Dublin, Viking Splash Tour sees passengers on board an Amphibious World War II vehicle and taken on a tour of the beautiful and historic city of Dublin, both on land and water. The guides will educate passengers on not only Viking Dublin, but also on St Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College, and much more. The tour ends off at the Grand Canal Docklands.
Opening Times:
Departs frequently every day, weather
permitting.
Admission:
EUR20 (adults); EUR10 (children); concessions
available.
Airfield House and Farm, Dublin
Kids love nothing more than farms and farm animals, and what better place for them to explore than an actual working farm. The sheep, horses, goats and pigs will provide endless entertainment for young ones and with plenty of space to run around and activities for children to get involved, parents will enjoy themselves too. The Airfield House and Car Museum are also great to explore and this is one of Dublin's must-see attractions.
Opening Times:
Open daily 10am5pm.
Admission:
EUR6 (adults); EUR3 (children). Concessions
available
Dublin Zoo, Dublin
One of Ireland's most popular attractions, the Dublin Zoo takes visitors on a voyage of discovery from the Arctic to the Plains of Africa via Indian Rainforest. See lions and tigers, Asian elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees and orang-utans, rare monkeys, rhinos, hippos, giraffes and many more exotic and endangered species. There is also a pet's corner for the children, a city farm and a safari train ride around the African Plains. The zoo is recognised as one of the most modern in Europe, placing emphasis on learning about wildlife and conservation along with enjoyment.
Opening Times:
Generally open from 9:30am Monday to Saturday and
10:30am on Sundays. Closing times vary between 4pm to
6pm.
Admission:
EUR15 (adults), EUR10.50 (children 3-15); concessions
available.
The Old Jameson Distillery, Dublin
Located in the heart of Dublin, The Old Jameson Distillery sums up the essence of Ireland. This museum illustrates the history of Irish whiskey, known in Irish as uisce beatha(the water of life) and the expert guides will answer any questions whiskey lovers might have. Visitors can partake in a whiskey tasting in the bar after their tour and sample different Irish, Scotch and American whiskeys.
Getting There:
Bus: 67, 67A, 68, 69, 79, or 90
Opening Times:
Daily 9am-6:30pm (last tour at 5:30pm) Closed Good
Friday and Christmas holidays.
Admission:
EUR13.50 (Adult), EUR8 (Child). Concessions
available.
Dublin Castle, Dublin
Dublin Castle was founded in 1204 by order of King John, who wanted a fortress constructed for the administration of the city. It has been added to and rebuilt many times so that all that remains of the original structure is the Norman Tower. By the early 17th century the castle was fully developed with Law Courts, meetings of Parliament, the residence of the viceroy and a council chamber. The magnificent, gilded State Apartments were added in the 18th century and are still used for state occasions today.
Opening Times:
Tours: Monday to Friday 10am-4:45pm, Saturday and
Sunday 2pm-4:45pm.
Admission:
Entry by guided tour only, every 20 minutes. EUR4.50
(adults), concessions available.
Phoenix Park, Dublin
Just two miles (3km) west of the city centre, Phoenix Park offers peace and quiet from the buzz of the city. It is considered the largest urban park in Europe boasting splendid landscaped gardens, ornamental lakes and large grasslands. It is the perfect environment for runners, walkers and sports enthusiasts who flock here to enjoy the park's facilities. Fallow deer can be seen browsing in the leafy woodland and it's a great place for watching the world go by. Within the park is the residence of the president of Ireland, Aras an Uachtarain, and Dublin Zoo.
Opening Times:
Main gate is open 24 hours.
Admission:
Free
Temple Bar District, Dublin
The hub of Dublin's nightlife is to be found in this quaint, cobbled district, which is full of shops, traditional pubs, theatres, cinemas and trendy clubs laid out on pedestrianised streets. Busking fiddlers, an overwhelming choice of restaurants and beautifully restored buildings add to the feel of the place and make it worth a visit. The area is bordered by the Liffey on one side and Dame Street on the other. The main street running through the area also is called Temple Bar.
Clonmacnoise, Dublin
Situated in Shannonbridge, west of Dublin in County Offaly, Clonmacnoise is Ireland's most important monastic site. Founded by Saint Ciaran in the 6th century on the banks of the River Shannon it includes the ruins of a cathedral, eight churches (10th-13th century), two round towers and three high crosses. It provides the visitor with a real sense of what monasteries must have been like in their day. The Visitor Centre displays a large collection of grave slabs, hosts numerous exhibitions and provides further interest with an audio-visual show. As this is a very popular attraction, visitors may experience queues during the summer months.
Opening Times:
Daily 10am-5:30pm (November to mid-March), 10am-6pm
(mid-March to mid-May, and September to October), 9am-7pm (mid-May
to September).
Admission:
EUR6 (adult) and EUR2 (child), concessions
available.
Trinity College Dublin, Dublin
Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, Trinity College is Ireland's oldest university and counts Jonathan Swift, Samuel Beckett and Oscar Wilde, along with many other great thinkers and writers, amongst it past-students. This 16th century complex is home to many glorious buildings, beautifully manicured lawns, cobbled squares and the campus of the University of Ireland. The celebrated Book of Kells, which dates from the 8th century and is considered to be one of the oldest books in the world, is housed in the College's Collonades Gallery. Other illuminated manuscripts taken from ancient monasteries are also on display.
St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin
Ireland's largest church, St Patrick's Cathedral is erected on the site where St. Patrick is believed to have baptized his converts to the Christian faith. The current building dates back to the 12th century, although it's been restored and altered over the years. Jonathan Swift was dean of St. Patrick's from 1713-1745, during which time he penned Gulliver's Travels.Visitors can still see his tomb and pulpit.
Opening Times:
March to October: daily 9am-5:30pm; November to
February: Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday
9am-3pm.
Admission:
EUR5.50 (adults), concessions available.
National Library of Ireland, Dublin
The highlight of this historic library is the great domed reading room, which has been home to many Irish students, including James Joyce. The library also contains a heraldic museum, which exhibits coats of arms and banners, but of most interest to tourists may be the genealogical office, where staff can help trace any Irish roots. Its consultation service on ancestry is available Monday to Friday 10am to 12.30 pm and 2pm to 4.30pm.
Opening Times:
Monday to Wednesday, 9:30am-9pm; Thursday and Friday,
9:30am-5pm; Saturday, 9:30am-1pm.
Admission:
Free
Guinness Storehouse, Dublin
Guinness is now brewed all over the world but St James's Gate, in the heart of Dublin, was where Arthur Guinness set up the business in 1759. The Guinness Storehouse celebrates Ireland's favourite brew by taking visitors on a journey, floor by floor, through the past, present and future of the world-famous beer. The glass atrium is shaped like a pint glass and each floor explores a different aspect of 'everything anyone ever wanted to know about Guinness', from the brewing process to who drank the first pint. The tour finishes with a complementary pint of the famous stout in the top floor Gravity Bar, which is also the ideal place to watch the sunset over Dublin and admire the 360° views. During the July and August summer program there are also tasting sessions available, exhibitions and delicious Irish meals from a table d'hôte menu in the Brewery Bar or Source Bar.
Getting There:
Bus 51B and 78A from Aston Quay, bus 123 from O'Connell
Street or Dame Street
Opening Times:
Daily 9:30am-5pm (until 7pm in July and
August)
Admission:
EUR14.40 (adults); concessions available. Discounts for
online bookings.
National Museum of Ireland, Dublin
The National Museum is the place to see the treasures of ancient Ireland - it is a policy to gather all important artefacts in this one museum. Included in this selection is jewellery dating back to the 8th century BC and medieval antiquities such as the Tara Brooch and the Ardagh Chalice. Also housed here is the 12th-century Cross of Cong, an ornate reliquary of wood, bronze and silver, said to contain a fragment of the True Cross. The museum showcases important exhibitions on Irish history including Prehistoric Ireland, Viking Ireland and The Road to Independence (1900-1921).
Getting There:
Bus 7, 7A, 10, 11 or 13
Opening Times:
Tuesday to Saturday 10am-5pm, and Sunday
2pm-5pm.
Admission:
Free
James Joyce Museum, Dublin
Nine miles (14km) south of Dublin, the Martello Tower is one of 34 towers built in 1804 to protect Ireland against a possible Napoleonic naval invasion. The tower was demilitarised in the 1860s and is now home to the James Joyce Museum. In 1962 Sylvia Beach, the Paris-based publisher of Ulysses, founded the museum here. It was the place where Joyce stayed in 1904 and where he was inspired to set the opening chapter of his book. The exhibition hall contains first editions of most of Joyce's works as well as other memorabilia.
Getting There:
DART to Sandycove, or bus 59 from Dun
Laoghaire
Opening Times:
Monday to Saturday 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm, and Sunday
and public holidays 2pm-6pm (April to October). Open by prior
arrangement at other times of year.
Admission:
EUR6 (adults), EUR5 (children under 12). Concessions
available.
Glendalough, Dublin
Glendalough is just south of Dublin and a very popular destination for day-trippers. Despite this the site has a very tangible spirituality that can be experienced whilst standing amidst the remains of the monastic settlement. The Gaelic name translates to 'valley of the two lakes' and there are some breathtaking walks around the ruined monastery and along the clear-as-glass lakes. St Kevin founded the monastery in the 6th century and it became a great European centre for learning. His body lies in the 9th century cathedral and the site is adorned with St Kevin's Cross, carved in about 1150. Other buildings here have survived from the 8th and 12th centuries, the most famous of which is the round tower, standing 112ft (34m) high with a base measuring 52ft (16m) in circumference.
Opening Times:
Daily 9:30am-6pm (until 5pm from October to
March).
Admission:
EUR3 (adult); concessions available
Events
Hallowfest
This Halloween Festival takes place over a bank holiday weekend and hosts a range of activities for both young and old, such as games, fun walks, spooky storytelling and a spectacular Fireworks display.
Date:
26 - 31 October 2011
Venue:
South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Tallaght and the
Dublin Mountains
Irish Derby
The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day is one of the most prestigious horse racing events of the year. Held at The Curragh, one of Europe's oldest sporting grounds, this event attracts the attention of horse-lovers from across the globe, and especially in the horse-mad country of Ireland itself.
Date:
30 June 2012
Venue:
Curragh
Bloomsday Festival
James Joyce fans around the world celebrate Bloomsday on 16 June every year, but nowhere as creatively as in Dublin, the birthplace of the famous novelist. The festival commemorates his masterpiece Ulysses, one of the most highly acclaimed works of the 20th century in which Joyce captured the soul of Dublin in the tale of Leopold Bloom and his adventures on Thursday, 16 June 1904. The celebrations include re-enactments of Bloom's day as people visit the places where the novel was set, as well as readings, performances, breakfasts, look-alike contests and visits to the pub.
Date:
June 2012 TBA
St Patrick's Day Festival
Nowhere else in the world is St Patrick's Day observed with more fun and celebration than in Dublin. The St Patrick's Day Festival has become a five-day party filled with 'craic' or good times with a varied programme of events, including lots of traditional and contemporary Irish music. The Big Day Out carnival includes street performers, clowns, games, a funfair and lots of singing and dancing, and Pearl@Docklandspromises an enchanting performance involving giant inflatable characters. Other highlights include the team Treasure Hunt, the spectacular Skyfest fireworks event; and a huge celebration of traditional Irish dance (Céilí Mór) where everyone can participate in a range of foot-tapping dances. The grand finale of the festival is the spectacular street parade that is a themed procession of colourful floats, marching bands and fantastic performers.
Date:
17 March 2012
Venue:
City Centre
Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show
The Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show is a summer event not to be missed. The show features five days of international competition, social functions, shopping and live entertainment. This horse show is held annually in the RDS (Royal Dublin Society) complex, with top events including the Nations' Cup and the Aga Khan Challenge Trophy. Additional events, such as the Blossom Hill Ladies' Day and an arts and crafts exhibition, take place outside the main arena.
Date:
15 - 19 August 2012
Venue:
Royal Dublin Society complex
Venue:
8am to 8pm
Irish Music and Dance Show
The banquet and show is a highly entertaining performance of live traditional Irish music, ballads and Irish dancing which takes place at the Merry Ploughboy Pub. Guests can enjoy a baquet while relaxing with a pint of Guiness and being entertained by the very best of Irish ballad bands, such as Dublin's very own Merry Ploughboys. The Irish ballad session is usually interrupted midway by a spectacular dance routine incorporating the best of contemporary and traditional Irish dancing. Once the dancing comes to an end, the band begins to let loose and a night of authentically Irish entertainment is guaranteed, with both musicians and dancers involving the entire audience in their high energy performance.
Date:
Nightly
Venue:
The Merry Ploughboy Pub, Dublin City Centre
Dublin Toy and Train Fair
The Dublin Toy and Train Fair is always a much anticipated event for children of all ages. With over 46 dealers from the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and England attending, over 70 tables stocked with interesting collectors items can be expected. All sorts of collectible toys will be available including Diecast models by Corgi, and Dinky, Construction sets by Meccano, Bayko, Lead soldiers by Britains, Crescent. For those who prefer reading, a selection of Comics, TV and Film annuals from the 1940s to1960s will also be on offer.
Date:
19 February 2012
Venue:
Clontarf Castle, Clontarf Castle Hotel
Venue:
10am to 4pm
Yeats: The Life and Works of William Butler Yeats
The award winning exhibition 'Yeats: the life and works of William Butler Yeats' features manuscripts from the National Library's collection and covers many aspects of the poet's life and his development as a writer. There are also other fascinating material which has been generously donated by Mrs George Yeats, wife of the poet, and Michael Yeats, the poet's son, over several years.
Date:
Daily
Venue:
The National Library of Ireland
Venue:
Monday to Wednesday: 9:30am - 7:45pm. Thursday to Saturday:
9:30am - 4:45pm. Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays
Restaurants
One Pico
One of Dublin's most popular eateries, One Pico has becoming something of an institution in dining out in Dublin. Thus multi award winning restaurant serves delicious local fare including organic smoked salmon with pickled cucumber, remoulade and herb crème freche, and a firm favourite on the menu, the fillet of Irish Hereford Beef served with a white onion puree, parmesan fondue and crispy tempura onion. Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Reservations essential.
Address:
5 - 6 Molesworth Place Schoolhouse Lane
Gallagher's Boxty House
One of the most popular restaurants in the Temple Bar District, Gallagher's Boxty House specialises in traditional Irish food like fish and chips, soda bread, and especially the boxty, a quintessentially-Irish potato pancake. Gallagher's goes through a tonne of potatoes every week, serving them up to buzzing crowds who come for the filling food and lively music.
Address:
20-21 Temple Bar
Jacob's Ladder
Offering wonderful views of Trinity College, Jacob's Ladder serves some of Dublin's finest Irish fare, from a rich prawn bisque with sautéed spinach for starters to a roast loin of wild boar with a tarte fineof red onions. The food and service here are excellent. And there is also a good range of vegetarian dishes on the menu. Open Tuesday to Friday for lunch and dinner. Saturday dinner only, closed on Sunday and Monday. Reservations recommended.
Address:
4 - 5 Nassau St
Nosh
This trendy laid-back restaurant is highly popular with Dubliners for a tasty weekend brunch where club sandwiches, soups and salads are the order of the day. Dinners are slightly more exotic with Nosh offering some wonderfully different dishes such as grilled filet of plaice with crabmeat. Open Tuesdays to Sundays from noon until 10pm. Closed on Mondays. Reservations recommended.
Address:
111 Coliemore Rd, Dalkey
Yamamori Sushi
With its long wooden bench tables, stone pillars, clean lines and light, airy atmosphere, this spacious eatery lends itself perfectly to the ritualistic art of eating sushi. A favourite with locals and tourists alike, Yamamori Sushi is one of Dublin's favourite Asian restaurants, and for very good reason. Feast on Karubi beef, salmon teriyaki and Yamamori Ramen, which is made up of char-grilled chicken, king prawns and char shu with crispy tofu, egg, wakame, menma and spring onion in a chicken and pork stock. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended.
Address:
38 - 39 Lower Ormand Quay
Café Mao
The iconic Café Mao has been a firm favourite with Dubliners since its opening a few years back and is frequented by anyone who's in the mood for a little Asian flair. The exposed kitchen lines an entire wall, and the rest of the space is wide open which makes this an excellent environment for people watchers. The menu comprises everyone's favourite Asian dishes, such as Thai fish cakes, nasi goreng,chicken hoisin and salmon ramen, to name a few. Everything on the menu is delicious and it is hard to go wrong when dining here. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended.
Address:
2 - 3 Chatham Row
Abbey Tavern
Renowned for its traditional music ballad sessions, this 16th century tavern, complete with blazing fires, original stone walls and gas lights, features a wonderful restaurant upstairs. The menu changes on a seasonal basis but features such culinary delights as crepes fruits de mer(seafood crepes), roast duckling with ginger and pineapple, or spinach and ricotta tortellini. After the meal, guests can enjoy the live entertainment downstairs in the form of some tradition Irish music. Open for dinner Monday to Saturday from 7pm to 11pm. Bookings are recommended and credit cards accepted.
Address:
Abbey St., Howth, Northern Suburbs
Tante Zoé's
Located in Dublin's lively Temple Bar District, Tante Zoé's serves some of the finest Creole and Cajun cuisine this side of the Mississippi. With cosy and colourful décor, calypso music and warm hearty meals, this restaurant does not disappoint. Try the fresh fillet of pan-fried seabass served with a coconut lime and chilli sauce, or the Dooky gumbo, a hearty Cajun stew with whiskey salami, Kabonossi sausage, chicken, pork & beef. Open Monday to Sunday. Closed Sunday lunch. Bookings recommended.
Address:
1 Crow Street, Temple Bar
The Bad Ass Café
This loud and busy restaurant has been a much-loved eatery with Dublin's locals for over 20 years. The menu serves old favourites such as burgers, pasta, steaks and salads, appealing to just about everyone. This quirky restaurant in the lively Temple Bar District, where orders are clipped to a wire before being whizzed off to the kitchen, is known as the place where Sinead O'Connor used to wait tables. Open daily from 11:30am until late.
Address:
9-11 Crown Alley
The Wicked Chef
This affordable neighbourhood eatery serves some of the most humble Irish cuisine Dublin has to offer. It's a firm favourite packed with locals who come to enjoy its flagship dish of Irish stew cooked in Guinness as well as its 'Dublin Coddle', among other local specialties. Open Sunday to Friday for lunch and dinner. Saturday dinner only. Reservations recommended.
Address:
73 Meath St
L'Ecrivain
One of Dublin's finest restaurants, L'Ecrivain offers diners a relaxed and unpretentious experience. Chef Derry Clarke's food is absolutely mouth-watering, from his seared wild Irish venison loin with caramelized pear, or seared Bere Island scallops with lobster strudel. Menu prices are changed regularly and are extortionate but L'Ecrivain gives guests the opportunity to sample some of its dishes in the form of a two-course lunch menu at a more reasonable price. Open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner. Saturday dinner only, closed Sunday. Reservations essential.
Address:
109 Lower Baggot St, Fitzwilliam Square
Juice
This aptly named restaurant situated in the Trinity College area offers around 30 types of juices and smoothies. With a wonderfully light and airy décor and such a diverse and exciting menu, most guests at Juice probably wouldn't even notice that it's a vegetarian restaurant. Brunches include pancakes and French toast with fresh fruit and maple syrup, while the rest of the day can be spent sampling dips such as hummus, tapenade and roasted carrot pâté with crudités. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended. A seated service charge of 10% is charged to all tables.
Address:
73 - 83 S. Great Georges St
Yamamori Noodles
Popular at lunchtime, Yamamori Noodles has a casual yet lively atmosphere with an exciting menu to boot. Prices range from bargain to complete over indulgence and meals like chile chicken ramen or the yamamori yaki sobawith its mound of wok-fried noodles piled high with prawns, squid, chicken, and roast pork won't break the bank. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations only for parties of four or more.
Address:
71 - 72 S. Great George's St
