A reason why lots travelers visiting dublin, don’t reach Ireland is their reluctance to add another flight.
Similarly, I skipped over this destination on my first trip to Europe because flights – despite being budget-friendly at times – could seem daunting.
Yet during my brief four-day stay in Dublin, I fell head-over-heels for the stunning city; with its charming cobblestone streets, vintage pubs and cozy mom-and-pop shops instead of impersonal mega malls filled with tourists- it’s a must see!
One would be wise not to underestimate the kindness and warmth shown by locals either.
So go ahead pinch those pennies so you can travel affordably & experience Ireland yourself before making any decisions about visiting elsewhere!
Below are the important tips you shouldn’t miss in and around Dublin, Ireland.
Hop on the double decker sightseeing bus
It might sound dull, but it’s not just about sightseeing – it can save you money too! I’ve discovered that this applies to more cities than just Dublin.
We found that purchasing a 2-day “student” Dublin Bus Tour pass for €14 (which stops at 23 destinations) was cheaper than paying for a metro pass and additional taxi rides over the same period.
The beauty of such tour passes is that you can hop on and off as much as needed throughout the day without restriction or worry; plus, we saw some fantastic places along our route which had previously gone under our radar while avoiding staring down maps all afternoon.
When travelling abroad then, be sure to verify if there are bus tours available with discount prices – chances are good they’ll help cut your transport expenses majorly!
Highlights from our own experience in dublin included Trinity College (where Oscar Wilde once studied), St Stephen’s Green park space and Kilmainham Gaol Museum & former prison among others noteworthy spots seen enroute during those two prepaid days touring around town.
Explore the “hidden” Dubh Linn gardens, a popular spot among locals to enjoy their lunch
Dubh Linn, which means Dark Lake in Irish Gaelic, is the origin of Dublin’s name.
It can be found directly behind Dublin Castle and you are welcome to stroll around it free of charge.
Although admission fees usually apply when visiting castles (which I did not pay due to budget constraints), I intend on doing so during my next visit to this vibrant city.
Acquire the skill to pour a flawless pint of Guinness
If you want to save some cash, visit the Guinness Storehouse shortly before it shuts down and use their complimentary pints as a pre-game for your night out.
Following an afternoon nap, we hopped on the tour bus which dropped us off at the factory.
Thereafter, we had an educational walk-through about hops and beer-related terminologies before proceeding up to Gravity Bar’s rooftop where we enjoyed a free pint whilst gazing over breathtaking views of our surroundings.
We lucked out with extra tickets so chugged down as many glasses of this trickier-to-drink fast brew until satiated; alleged estimates put daily consumption worldwide above 10 million! Entry into Storehouse cost only €11!
Engage in a shopping spree
A tour bus stop resides close to St. Stephen’s Green, where a massive shopping mall and Kevin & Howlin, offering authentic Irish tweed fabric can be found.
At The Loft Market, an extensive collection of new designer clothing and vintage jewelry are on display while the last Sunday of every month hosts a flea market there too!
In my opinion though, nothing beats the local handicrafts market in Howth outside Dublin when it comes to shopping; which brings me to my next point.
Leave Dublin!
There are so many little coastal towns you can take the train to for a day trip. Glendalough is very popular, but we chose Howth, a small fishing town.
The market in Howth had one of my favorite markets full of breads, cupcakes, jewelry, fudge, nuts, gyros, you name it!
The vendors also offered samples. At Howth, we took a long hike up the coastline. Everyone says Ireland is so green, and it did not disappoint!
Although it rained, the views were spectacular and the grass was so green and fresh you wanted to roll in it. We saw seals, horses, and a very vintage looking lighthouse.
Its so picturesque it’s hard to imagine the people who live there. On the way back from Howth, we stopped at Bray, another coastal town that was having a festival.
Conclusion
During a four-day stay in Dublin, the author fell in love with the city’s charming cobblestone streets, vintage pubs, and cozy mom-and-pop shops.
The kindness and warmth of the locals were also a highlight. To save money, consider purchasing a 2-day “student” Dublin Bus Tour pass for €14, which stops at 23 destinations and allows you to hop on and off as much as needed throughout the day.
Highlights from the trip included Trinity College, St Stephen’s Green park space, and Kilmainham Gaol Museum.
Explore the hidden Dubh Linn gardens, a popular spot for lunch, and visit the Guinness Storehouse before it shuts down for free.
Engage in a shopping spree at St. Stephen’s Green, where a massive shopping mall and Kevin & Howlin offer authentic Irish tweed fabric
The Loft Market offers an extensive collection of new designer clothing and vintage jewelry, while the local handicrafts market in Howth outside Dublin is a must-see.
To explore other coastal towns, consider taking the train to Glendalough or Howth, a small fishing town with a unique market filled with unique products.
