Dublin Things to Do

Whether you’re pushed for time or just want an easy way to cruise around the sights, Hop-on Hop-Off bus tours have become a popular way to explore Dublin, with local guides providing plenty of entertaining facts and background history along the way. Open-top double decker buses are the vehicle of choice, with the high vantage point offering some great views of the capital.

With its rich literary history, landmark architecture and vibrant pub culture, Ireland’s capital has plenty to entice visitors to its shores, but with prices on par with the rest of Western Europe, a trip to Dublin can soon run up a hefty bill. Don’t be put off if you’re on a budget, though; with some careful planning, a little money can go a long way. Here are a few tips to get you started.

With its long and illustrious history, Dublin has enough haunted sights to keep your hair raised long after Halloween. Ghost tours have become a popular way for visitors to get their kicks. Walking tours take in some of the city’s spookiest sights, like Dublin Castle, where the souls of those beheaded there are said to haunt the hallways, St Michan’s Church, where the remains of 800-year-old bodies lie in the crypt and the ghost-ridden Malahide Castle. Keep a look out for ghosts along the way, like the Green Lady of St. Audeon’s church, the mysterious black ghost cat of Killakee house or the spirit of a little girl who stalks guests at The Shelbourne Hotel.

Ireland might be better known for its national brew than its cuisine, but the Irish capital has come a long way since the days of corned beef and cabbage. A wide range of restaurants now line the capital’s streets, serving up a variety of international fare, but if you’re looking to sample some authentic Irish dishes the best place to go is the local pub.

You might be more concerned about how to get to the sights or where to enjoy your first pint of Guinness, but for those visiting the Emerald Isle for the first time, here are a few things to consider before hitting the streets of Dublin.

1) Take the bus

Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing buses are nothing new, but if you’re short on time or just want to save your feet from blisters, Dublin’s open-air tour buses make a handy way to get from A to B and beyond.