Temple Bar and centre
Ideal for: first visit, nightlife
At the heart of the action, with pubs and music every night: handy, but noisy at night.
Dublin
Pubs, music, libraries and Georgian houses, on the banks of the Liffey.
Plan your stay in Dublin
Best areas to stay in Dublin
Georgian quarter (St Stephen's Green)
Ideal for: couples, seniors
Elegant squares, museums and parks, a few minutes' walk from everything.
Smithfield and Stoneybatter
Ideal for: solo, local life
North-west of the Liffey: cafés, markets and a neighbourhood feel, close to the centre by tram.
Ballsbridge
Ideal for: families, quiet
A calm residential area to the south-east, with large hotels.
Practical info about Dublin
Dublin is walkable in the centre, with the tram (Luas) or bus for the rest. Ireland uses the euro and is part of the European Union, but not the Schengen area: there is an ID check on arrival.
What to see in Dublin
- Trinity College and the Book of Kells, in its historic library;
- Temple Bar, its pubs and Irish music;
- Dublin Castle and St Patrick’s Cathedral;
- the Guinness Storehouse;
- Kilmainham Gaol, to be booked in advance;
- on day trips: Howth harbour and the Glendalough valley.
Getting to Dublin
The airport has no rail link: express coaches (Dublin Express, Aircoach) and city buses reach the centre in 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.
All our tips for the country in Travel in Ireland.