Dublin
General information
Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland and the largest city of Ireland. Located on the eastern coast of the island it's one of the most lively European cities and the atmosphere of its nightlife is unique, bringing together tourists and Dubliners. The welcoming character of Irish people and its many touristy places make Dublin a must for visitors. Also Dublin is a centre for education, arts and culture, business and industry with some major companies having Dublin as their strategic basis.
Transport
There are different ways to get around the city and the different areas around Dublin. In general it is really easy to use public transport in Dublin. Thus, if you live near the coast it is probaby best to take the DART. It is a train that runs along the coast and can take you up to Malahide in the North and Greystones in the South. At peak times there are usually trains every 8/10 minutes, and at other times of the day, the train runs every 20/30 minutes. For example, from Bayside/Howth to the centre of Dublin (Tara Street, Pearse Station) the journey time is 30 minutes.
There is also a free-app that you can download onto your phone called “Iarnród Éireann- Irish Rail”. This app is very easy to use and you have all the information about trains in real time.
Photo by Adriana
Image of the Iarnrod Eireann Irish Rail App by Ana M.
Photo by Carolina
If you want to travel in the central area one of the best and quickest options is the LUAS, which is a tram with two lines running around the city centre.
Another good option is the bus. Buses are comfortable and there are many bus routes connecting many areas in the city. However, at peak times and due to traffic jams you can get late if you choose the bus.
Last but not least taxis are another alternative. The worst aspect of taxis is that they are rather expensive.
In conclusion, for us the best option is using public transport. Plan your journey and decide whether the bus, luas or dart is the best option for you. In addition, prices are not high and you even have the possibility of buying a leap card that entitles you to unlimited travelling within a period of time. For example, a one-week leap visitor card costs around 40€ and you can use it to get on the bus, luas and dart
Photo by María
Weather
The weather in March is very unstable and changes very fast in a single day. You can experience the four seasons in one single day.
The weather in Dublin in March is rainy and the temperatures are not too low with a maximum temperature of about 9/10 degrees and the minimum temperature 3/4 degrees Celsius. It is advisable, not to say obligatory, to bring waterproof clothing including a jacket, gloves and an umbrella. However, we would recommend wearing underneath something light, as it's hot inside the buildings.
Must-See
Photo by Ana M.
Dublinia
We suggest visiting Dublinia and Christchurch. The first is a curious museum about the origin of Dublin while the second is an orthodox cathedral. Both are interestig to visit in the same day because the are beside each other and they are connected through a bridge that reminds of the sighs bridge in Cambridge and Oxford!!.
The National Gallery of Ireland
If you want to visit a place where you can get lost metaphorically and literally, that is for sure the National Gallery. You can spend hours enjoying lots of pictures, sculptures and stand glass windows. It has a fantastic cafeteria too! What is more, the entrance ticket is free.
Photo by Carolina
Photo by Magdalena
Howth
The town of Howth is a nice place to visit if you go to Dublin. It has a beautiful harbour, fishing port and sports complex, and finally it has several places where you can take incredible photos.
The Cliffs of Moher
It is one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Photo by Silvia
The Old Library at TCD
If you are a Harry Potter lover, you must visit the old library of Trinity College. It is a magical place belonging to the fantastic world of the movie.
The Guinness Storehouse
It is a thematic place to learn about black beer, with a beautiful sky bar which offers great views of Dublin City.
Photo by Adriana
Photo by María
Malahide Castle
Malahide Castle looks like a castle from the Disney tales. It is located in Malahide, not far from Dublin city centre and easily reached by public transport.
Phoenix Park
If you like walking, cycling or running, Phoenix Park is a place you must visit.
Photo by Noé
Photo by Ana B.
The country
When we think about Ireland, we think of nature. Dublin is full of green parks, but you only have to go a little way out of the city to enjoy its green fields and animals.
Tips
Be careful when crossing the streets because they drive on the left and remember to bring a plug adapter because these are different from the Spanish ones.
You can pay with your credit card without any problem, and Irish people are very friendly and kind and they’will help you if you need it.
Remember to always wear a raincoat, it is more comfortable because if it is windy it will turn around your umbrella.
We would recommend buying a Leap Visitor card to get anywhere you want easily, and bring clothes for every season of the year, specially waterproof ones for those intense rainy days.
If you are staying or can visit a coastal suburb or town ( for example Baldoyle), visit the pubs in the area; there you will find and be able to talk to the authentic people of Ireland.
Dublin has a big parks where you can enjoy reading an Oscar Wilde book, the most important Irish writer born in Dublin. You can see beautiful views or daydream while you walk.
When you read information on boards, it will be in 2 languages, firstly in Galeic and secondly in English.
If you want to enjoy the parade of Saint Patrick's Day, you must arrive early. All the people want to see it on the front row, and they can be waiting there for 2 hours before the start. Some advice is wearing comfortable shoes to enjoy the show. You will be in the same place for about 2 or 3 hours. It is a curious, eclectic and surprising parade .
If you are visiting Dublin, you should pack extra clothes, as you will be staying longer than expected. It's a fantastic city.
Go on a guided tour because this is the best way to know the history of the city.
If you can, walk along the beach and it is really relaxing.
Don't forget to try the scones, a traditional sweet bread. You can find it in some of Dublin cafes, like in Bewley's. There it is as if time had stopped.
Accompany it with Irish butter or clotted cream and jam.
If you visit Dublin on St. Patrick's Day, visit the most emblematic buildings at night, because during all the week on they will be illuminated in green.
At Carrolls you can buy gifts for your friends and family. You will find anything you imagine mostly in green.
It is a good idea to visit the city on a hop-on hop-off bus. You can enjoy the beautiful views from a high point because they have two decks!!
Whenever in Dublin, there are many pubs with live folk music. Remember to order a pint of beer! and much better if it’s with friends
If you want to buy a cheap souvenir or some for many people, Croke Park Stadium provides a good one. For only 50 cents, pencils are available at the shop of this building. Not only will you get a cheap present, but people usually like this kind of gift.
If you consider yourself a boozer fella, try to avoid any kind of drink but Guinness. Getting drunk with black stuff won’t cost an arm and a leg as it is the cheapest (and tasty) option. I highly recommend Asian street food (Korean) if you are OK with spicy meals.
You can't miss a stroll through the city centre and see the colourful streets
Festivals
The most important festival in Ireland is St. Patrick's Day which is celebrated on 17th March. It is the national day of Ireland. Every year there is a parade with colourful groups and music bands marching from O'Connell Street to St. Patrick's Cathedral. It is amazing to see the amount of bands coming from countries like Scotland or the USA for such a celebration. The centre of Dublin is usually closed to traffic to make it easier for pedestrians to get around the city and see the parade. After it, there are open markets, concerts and people fill the streets for the big celebration. Some pubs and places like the Guinness Storehouse or Jameson Whiskey Destillery organize special events to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. It is usually to have a pint of "green beer" as green is the colour of Ireland. Many historical buildings are illuminated in green during St. Patrick's week. Another tradition is to wear something green or something Irish such as shamrocks, leprechauns' hats and other stuff. Definitely you should come to Ireland on St. Patrick's Day at least once in a lifetime.