Dublin is one of the friendliest cities in the world and you can easily enjoy a couple of days in Ireland’s capital without spending too much money. Debbie’s top 10 tips will help your tourist dollar go further.
1. Start at the Dublin Visitor Centre. OK, so this is no surprise, but the local staff are only too happy to share the best the city has to offer. There’s a wealth of information on free activities, local history and how to make the most of your stay.
Dublin Visitor Centre
2. Download a selection of the free Visit Dublin Apps. But be sure to only use them when you can access the readily available free wifi, if you buy a local sim for your smartphone or if you have a roaming deal with your telco. The apps offer a great way to get around town, with guidance and audio travel information at your finger tips.
VisitDublin.com/Apps
3. Founded in 1592, there is no finer university than Trinity College, which is slap-bang in the centre of historic Dublin. Here you will find the famous Book of Kells and enjoy access to centuries of learning in the hallowed ‘Old Library’. Admission to the Library is about $13 for seniors.
Trinity College, Dublin
4. Take a break and enjoy a cup of Irish tea at Bewley’s Café on Grafton Street. Located in a stunning Beaux Arts building, combine a rest and a snack with some historic architecture.
Bewleys.com
5. The Georgian townhouse is an example of a symbolic architectural period in Dublin’s history – when wealthy traders took the city from industrial to chic. Phoenix Park is an integral part of the city’s history and is home to many beautiful Georgian townhouses.
Phoenix Park
6. Tours on a double decker bus are usually the best way to see any city, but in Dublin you can get the same experience for less money by jumping on a local double decker bus. It’s also a great way to meet the locals, who’ll be only to happy to point out the great things around their city.
Dublin Bus
7. Order a copy of Ireland’s Visitor Attractions Guide and for around $10. This fantastic guide will not only provide you with information on where to go, what to see and where to stay, but will also give you access to savings of up to $700 on admission prices to top attractions.
Heritageisland.com
8. Honestly, people in Dublin do other things than go to the pub, but the local hostelry is still pivotal to the community. Make sure you visit a pub for the ‘craic’, the atmosphere and the unforgettable music. Try the The Brazen Head for a real local flavour.
The Brazen Head
9. Alternatively, if you really enjoy going to pubs and relish Irish music, you could join an organised pub crawl. Starting at the infamous Temple Bar, Local musicians will accompany you on your journey, telling you the history of Irish music in song. Cost is approx. $18, plus drinks, of course.
Discover Dublin
10. Many of Dublin’s museums offer free admission or charge a small fee for special exhibitions. Choose which ones you want to visit before you go and plan your stay in Dublin around them.
VisitDublin.com
