Dublin Vacation Tips 2022

The Irish capital of Dublin has long been a tourist hotspot. Known for its vibrant culture, beer, friendly locals and an accent that is the envy of the globe, Dublin is the ideal spot for holidays of all kinds, whether an action-packed getaway with friends, a family vacation or a relaxing honeymoon.

With any holiday, it is vital to be prepared, and Dublin is no exception. You’ll need an itinerary to help you make the most of the city and the things it has to offer. You should also ensure you have all the practical things you need to stay safe on your holiday and backup plans for emergencies. Here are some of our top tips to help you get the most out of your Dublin holiday.

Make Life Easier With A Package Holiday

Dublin is among of the most expensive cities in the British Isles, so choosing a package holiday city break can be the ideal way to cut costs and hassle. A package Dublin holiday allows you to select your hotel and flight in one go, with the optional extra of a rental car. Make sure to do your research and find the city break option that offers the best value for money. Use comparison websites to look into Dublin holidays and find the perfect match.

Take A Walking Tour

A walking tour is one of the best ways to get around the city of Dublin. They can also be an excellent money saver, as plenty of free options are available. You’ll need to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a two to three-hour walk around the city. It has the added bonus that you can ask your guide questions where to eat, where to go next and about Dublin in general. It is a good idea to tip your  tour guide, as these guides are often run by volunteers.

Get A Travel Card

Dublin offers an excellent travel card that is ideal for tourists. The Leap Visitor Card allows you unlimited travel on bus, rail and some other public transport services. This card offers travel for one-, three- and seven-day increments, making it ideal for a Dublin city break. You should familiarise yourself with the routes you can take using the card and plan ahead to make the most of it.

Make Use Of The Free Bus Wifi

Buses are one of the easiest ways for any traveller in Dublin to use the internet. It is completely free on buses in the city, an ideal addition for tourists. Even if you’re not getting on the bus, you will usually be able to connect as long as you’re close enough to a bus.

That being said, solely relying on the bus wifi isn’t the best idea. You should consider finding a café or requesting the wifi password of your hotel to ensure you have reliable and consistent access to the internet when you need it.

Plan Your Trip – Leaving Opportunity For Spontaneity

Before you set off, you should start planning what you’ll do in Dublin. This will allow you to properly organise your time and avoid wasting time deciding what you want to do after you’ve arrived. There are so many things to do and see in Dublin that you will have to narrow it down to what you most want to experience.

Leaving empty spaces in your itinerary is critical to ensure you can be spontaneous if you want to be. You don’t necessarily have to schedule everything, including free time, but ensure that you don’t pack too much into any one day on your holiday.

Try The Local Dishes

Most traditional Irish dishes are simple, hearty fare, often based around the seasons. Thanks to Dublin’s thriving multicultural nature, you’ll be able to find traditional meals mixed in with more exotic eateries, meaning there’s something to suit any palate.

Two of the must-try dishes of Ireland are soda bread and Irish stew. Simple, delicious and filling, these make the perfect fuel for a holiday exploring the beautiful streets of Dublin. You’ll also find restaurants that offer unique twists on the classic dishes, so be sure to do some research to find the best places to eat before you go.

Prepare For The Cost Of Dublin Holidays

Edinburgh is one of the more expensive cities to live in the British Isles. This means you’ll pay more for accommodation while you’re there, though you can mitigate the cost by finding a suitable hostel if you’re not bothered by sharing sleeping quarters with strangers.

You should also be prepared for the cost of food, drink, and entertainment. Some tourists are surprised by the steep prices in Dublin, but it is essential to remember that it is a coffee obsessed capital, and with that comes a certain price tag.

Bring Comfortable Shoes And Waterproof Jackets

Irish weather can be unpredictable, even in the summer months. Depending on when you go, you can expect to experience the whole range of seasons in just a day. It is crucial that you bring a waterproof jacket to keep you dry if you experience one of Dublin’s frequent showers. As mentioned above, exploring Dublin will involve a lot of walking, so ensure you bring comfortable, broken-in shoes, trainers or walking boots.

Carry A Portable Charger On Your Dublin City Break

There’s so much to do and see in Dublin; it’s unlikely you’ll spend much time back in your hotel. Being able to charge your phone on the go is crucial, and a charger will save you from having to head back to the hotel whenever you run low on battery. Look for a portable charger that holds a decent amount of charge without being too heavy in your bag. One full smartphone charge is likely all you’ll need each day in Dublin – after all, you’ll be spending most of your time looking at the sights!

Take Reusable Bags

Dublin is a wonderfully eco-conscious city, and most shops will either charge for a bag or provide flimsier paper bags. It is a good idea to bring your own reusable bags if you plan to do some shopping so that you don’t have to worry about the rain disintegrating the paper bag you’re carrying. A quality tote bag is the best choice, and you could even buy a Dublin branded tote as a practical souvenir.

Venture Outside Of The City

There is some stunning countryside outside Dublin, just a short journey away by car or public transport. You can even get to some of the best places using your Leap Visitor Card, including the small fishing village of Howth, where you can enjoy stunning views of the sea and explore the rugged countryside. It may be worth hiring a car if you plan to travel further afield, but the expense will be well worth it.

Visit Plenty Of Pubs

The pubs in Ireland are some of the most famous in the world. You can’t visit a traditional Irish pub without sampling a Guinness, but this is by no means the only drink that Dublin has to offer. There are many breweries in Dublin that offer beers ranging from pale ale to stout, as well as lager and cider. You’ll also find plenty of cocktail bars and wineries to go with the many pubs that line Dublin’s streets, so you’re sure to find something to suit you.