Practical Tips for Dublin

Dublin is compact and excellent for exploring on foot — it's only a 25-minute walk from Trinity College to the Guinness Storehouse. Most attractions are within the city center ring.

Transport: Public transport consists of buses (Dublin Bus), the DART train (commuter train along the coast), and the Luas (tram, two lines). The Leap Card (rechargeable public transport card, 5 € deposit) is cheaper than single tickets: bus rides from 1.55 €, DART from 1.80 €. Uber doesn't work in Ireland — instead, use FreeNow (the Irish alternative) or traditional taxis.

Accommodation: Dublin is expensive! Hostels from 20–35 €/night (Generator Dublin and Jacobs Inn are good), B&Bs from 80–130 € (often outside the center), hotels from 120–200 €. The best districts: Temple Bar (central, loud), Merrion Square (elegant, quiet), Smithfield (hip, close to Jameson and Cobblestone Pub), Portobello (trendy, canal atmosphere).

Food: Dublin has a burgeoning restaurant scene. For traditional Irish food: The Winding Stair (upscale Irish cuisine, main courses 22–30 €), Gallagher's Boxty House (Temple Bar, Boxty — Irish potato pancakes, from 14 €). For cheap eats: Carvery lunch in pubs (from 10 €), Fish & Chips at Leo Burdock's (Werburgh Street, Dublin's oldest chipper). The Eatyard on South Richmond Street is Dublin's best street food market.

Safety: Dublin is generally safe. Usual precautions apply: don't display valuables openly, avoid side streets north of O'Connell Street at night. Pickpocketing occurs on Grafton Street and in Temple Bar.

Dublin Pass: The Dublin Pass (from 74 €/day) is only worth it if you visit many paid attractions. For most travelers, single tickets are cheaper. Kilmainham Gaol and Phoenix Park are already cheap or free.