Dublin tends to have mild weather throughout the year. Winter isn't brutally cold, and summer isn't marked by scorching temperatures. July and August see the most visitors, so if you want to enjoy pleasant outdoor weather while avoiding all the crowds, try visiting in May, June, or September. Flights may be cheaper during these periods.
Peak Season:
There are a couple of peak tourist seasons. July and August and school vacations are very crowded, as are Christmas and New Year.
St Patrick’s Day, on March 17, is the day to embrace all things Irish and green and what place better to do this than Dublin, Irelands’ capital city. Watch an array of performers during the parade and continue the celebrations during a five day festival which includes concerts, exhibitions, street theater and fireworks. Expect bars and pubs to be packed at all times since St. Patrick’s Day is an exceptionally busy time. Book your flights and accommodations as far in advance as possible.
The Dublin Fringe Festival, during September, provides a platform for new as well as veteran companies who want to try out new material. Expect the unusual from this festival, not only from the performances but also from the venues. Previous performances have taken place in parked cars or even the city’s public toilets!
In the summer months, from June to August, enjoy the great outdoors accompanied by the cool sounds of jazz or a thought-provoking story told through opera. These free open-air concerts and recitals are at various venues throughout the city.
Off Season:
The off season is mid-November through mid-March with the exception of Christmas/New Year. Flight prices will be lower in some cases, but fewer attractions and restaurants are open.
Shoulder Season:
Fall (September to November) and spring (March to May) are good times to visit Dublin. The seasonal hotels and restaurants open in the spring and usually do not close until November. There are often good deals on flights and accommodations to encourage tourism.
Ireland's capital city is vibrant and cosmopolitan. What gives Dublin added oomph is the spirit of its people. It may be a modern city of glass and steel, a favourite with business people, conference goers and tourists, but Dubliners remain friendly to everyone.
Dublin's streets are Georgian and elegant with some worthwhile shopping districts such as Grafton Street and Henry Street. The city offers a wide variety of theater, art, and music venues, and there's no shortage of high-quality pubs and restaurants. As you explore the city, take in all the richness of its culture, including the beauty, wit, historical sorrow, and unflagging energy.
The Irish have a deep respect for their past. The city's sights include the Chester Beatty Library, Christ Church Cathedral, Marsh's Library, Dublin Castle, the Parnell Museum, Kilmainham Gaol, Francis Bacon's studio and, of course, the Guinness brewery at St. James’s Gate where the black stuff has been produced for more than 250 years, as well as the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript of the Gospels, which dates from the 9th century and can be viewed in Trinity College Library.
Take your pick from among the city's cathedrals, including St. Patrick's, which is the largest church in Ireland. The Dublin Writers Museum will introduce you to famous Irish authors, and Dublin Castle will give you access to majestic government buildings, gardens, museums, and the historic library.
The temperatures in the summer are usually in the range of 59-64 degrees, with about 18 hours of daylight in July and August. Winters, December through February, are mild and wet with the temperature in the 50s 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.
Between public transport, taxis and your own two feet, the city is easy to get around. Walking is the best option in the center of town. If you get tired, you can always hop aboard the light rail, LUAS, which has two lines accessing the main attractions. The bus network is also a great way to get around. It covers the city and has a small Nitelink service as well. To get out to the suburbs and seaside towns, the rapid transit train, DART, is the way to go.
Taxis are abundant, but fill up quickly on nights and weekends. Driving in the city can be very frustrating. All the traffic and parking problems, combined with expensive car rental rates, make it not really worth your time. If you want to rent a bike to get around, there are plenty of bike lanes around Dublin, but heavy traffic and few bike rental shops make it less than ideal.
The vast majority of travelers flying into Dublin arrive at Dublin Airport (DUB), located 6 miles from downtown.
Several bus services 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 and the fare is best agreed in advance.
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