Dublin is the perfect mix of old and new – the city is down-to-earth, easy to navigate and filled with Ireland’s most majestic museums, yet Dublin is also trendy, cosmopolitan and full of entertainment. Flights to Dublin are packed with first-time travelers excited to explore Ireland’s capital city and return travelers stopping off in Dublin on their way to meet family in one of Ireland’s quaint villages.
Find a cheap flight to Dublin for the weekend and join the locals in neighborhood pubs, chic cafes and sophisticated restaurants. Shop in Dublin’s stylish malls and couture boutiques, or take a walk down the city’s cobblestone streets and engage in conversation with the locals. If Guinness is your calling, book flights to Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day and partake in the world-renowned Irish festivities. Helpful hint: If you are planning on visiting Dublin during St. Pat’s Day, reserve your Dublin flights, hotel rooms and transportation far in advance. The city is packed with people, and the chaos is part of the charm of this annual Irish celebration.
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Summers in Dublin are in the 60s (F), with about 18 hours of daylight in July and August. Winters are mild and wet with the temperature in the 40s and rarely going below freezing. Rain is typical, but there are occasional snow flurries. Although Dublin is in one of Ireland’s drier areas, it usually rains 150 days a year, sometimes for days on end.
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Peak Season:
Summer is Ireland’s peak tourist season and when most flights to Dublin are packed full of people. The mild weather, long summer days, and beautiful scenery are irresistible. It can be quite crowded on holidays, and during British and Irish school breaks. All summer, families and backpackers arrive exploring the countryside and coastal resorts. Prices in Dublin are higher in summer, but nearly everything is open.
St. Patrick’s Day is a very busy time. Make reservations for Dublin flights and hotel rooms early and confirm them.
Off Season:
Fall and spring are good times to visit Dublin and cheap flights to Dublin can be found. The seasonal hotels and restaurants open in the spring and usually do not close until November.
The off season is mid-November through mid-March or Easter. Prices are lower, but fewer attractions and restaurants are open. Many hotels have special Christmas packages, and some of the golf courses can be played in any weather.
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Several bus services, involving more than 700 buses, connect the airport to all parts of Dublin and the city's central train station both day and night. Taxis are available outside the arrivals hall, the fare is best agreed in advance.
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Whether you are walking, taking public transportation or a cab, Dublin is easy to get around. The center of the city is particularly good for walking, and you will probably get around better on foot than driving. The light rail service, LUAS (Gaelic for speed) offers two lines with easy access to the main sights and attractions. The bus network is extensive and has a limited Nitelink service. The rapid transit train (DART) connects the city center with the suburbs and seaside communities.
Taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced. It’s best to call, but they can be hailed and they line-up at taxi stands. It is very difficult finding a taxi on weekends and late at night.
Dublin has traffic and parking problems, making driving in the city annoying and frustrating. Car rental is expensive, illegally parked cars are booted, and there is a high frequency of break-ins and thefts.
There are bicycle lanes throughout Dublin, but the traffic crush makes cycling hazardous. Bike theft is also a problem, and there are fewer bike rental shops because of insurance costs.
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- Dublin city is compact and the best way to see it is on foot. There are several walking tours available including a 1916 Rebellion Walking Tours, Dublin Literary Pub Crawl, Rock ‘n Stroll and Traditional Irish Musical Pub Crawl.
- The Phoenix Park is the largest urban enclosed park in Europe covering about 1,760 acres. It is just 2 miles west of the city center and entrance is free. There are ornamental gardens, nature trails, lots and lots of grass and Áras an Uachtaráin, the President of Ireland’s residence, which is open to the public on Saturdays. The Phoenix Park Visitor Center issues free admission tickets on the day.
- Take a tour around College Green, the Bank of Ireland’s largest branch. The impressive building opposite Trinity College was the Parliament of Independent Ireland before 1801 (and the Act of Union). Marvel at the architecture, guard in a tailcoat and top hat and coal fire in the lobby area – all free. There are also regular free concerts in the Arts Center.
- Explore “old” Dublin. While visiting the Guinness Storehouse, wander around the Liberties and see St Patrick’s Cathedral and Marsh's Library (Ireland’s oldest public library), St Werburghs Church, Dublin Castle, the street markets on Thomas Street and Meath Street.
- Witty Dubliners love to rhyme their public art. Look out for Molly Malone’s statue at the bottom of Grafton Street – the tart with the cart. The women at the Ha’penny Bridge are known as the hags with the bags. The spire on O’Connell Street is known as the stiletto in the ghetto, and the chimney stack with lift in Smithfield Village is often called the flue with the view.
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