Are you a fan of U2, Guinness, or James Joyce? Have you always dreamed of visiting Dublin, Ireland, and don’t know where to start with planning? Today, we cover what you need to know if you want to visit Dublin, and Ryan may treat us to a few stories from his trips to Dublin.
Why is Dublin high on so many people’s bucket lists?
What to do in Dublin, Ireland?
- The Templar Bar – Always ranks high. Too many tourists?
- Guinness Storehouse
- Jameson Distillery
- Golf
- Dublin Castle
- Dublin Spire
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- Trinity College Library looks cool.
- Several museums, including the Irish Whiskey museum
- Parks
- Dublin Zoo
- The Doors of Dublin.
Check Out the Dublin Pass
Very similar to the Go Vegas pass Ryan used in Las Vegas. It includes discounted prices for:
- several attractions
- Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour
- dining discounts
It works on an App and looks like a great option if you want to hit the more popular places.
Golf in Ireland
The bucket-list/Top courses are expensive, but Ireland has many lesser-known, less expensive courses. I found a post with 18 golf courses you can play in Ireland for 30 Euros or less.
https://www.joe.ie/sport/18-golf-courses-you-can-play-in-ireland-for-e30-or-less-457791
Eating in Dublin
How does the cost of food compare to the U.S.? Looks about the same as the U.S.
- A little under $10 U.S. for fast food
- $10 – $15 for simpler meals
- $21 and up for more upscale food.
- Eat at the pubs. Done.
Ryan’s Favorite Pubs in Dublin
- The Cobblestone
- The Brazen Head
- The Church
Advice About the Dublin Pub Culture
Don’t try to talk with a fake Irish accent. Don’t make jokes about leprechauns. Don’t get overly drunk. Drinking is part of the culture. Being belligerently drunk is not.
Don’t go into an Irish bar and order a Black and Tan.
Day Trips from Dublin, Ireland
- Day Trip to the Cliffs of Moher (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and the Princess Bride)
- Wicklow Mountains
- Newgrange (visit tombs older than the pyramids)
How Much Will a Trip to Dublin Cost?
I checked three different places for a hypothetical 7-day Ireland trip.
Air Fare
Air fair for two was in the $1000 each dollar range (keeping in mind that April of 2021 is not the best time.)
Price for Accommodations
Two itineraries I looked at were 7 days in Dublin. (Do you need that many?)
Option 1:
$900 – $1500 for accommodations and a little food in a central area of Dublin. Think: $150 – $220 per day. Both hotels were in the O’Connell Street area. Centrally located, boutique shops and vintage stores. Lots of pubs. So, add some room for Guinness to that budget
Option 2:
2 days in Dublin and 5 in a castle on the west coast of the Emerald Isle. It is $1600 per person for the week.
How Long Should I Spend in Dublin?
As long as possible. Currently (as of April 2021), you’ll have to quarantine for two weeks. It looks like many packages are 7 days, and those include other cities in Ireland or the U.K.
If you adapted well to the time difference, I bet a long weekend could be fun. How long were your trips, Ryan?
When Is the Best Time to Book a Trip to Dublin?
The weather is best during the summer, so that’s also the most expensive time to go. For now, I’d say at least 6 months, if not next year.
For more fun, check out Distinctly Dublin Dos and Don’ts.
What are your reasons for wanting to visit Dublin?
Please let us know in the All Things Travel Podcast Facebook group!
Start Making Your Magical Memories!
Ryan and Shayne are both Travel Advisers with Creating Magic Vacations, an authorized Disney Vacation Planner. Feel free to reach out to us for a free quote and to start making magical memories.
- Contact Ryan at DisneyTravelDad.Com.
- Contact Shayne at Shayne.fun.
Never Miss a Thing!
Subscribe to All Things Travel Show on your favorite app so you never miss anything:
Please share it with some friends while you’re here.
Next on All Things Travel, Episode 42: Top Tips for Planning Disney Dining.
Previously on All Things Travel, Episode 40: Stories of Cruise Line Customer Service.