Dublin Holidays

Dublin's a city that combines history, culture, and a VEEEERRRRY lively atmosphere. From its historic landmarks to some of the best pubs in the world, Dublin offers proper good 'craic' for every kind of holidaymaker.

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Highlights

• Historic Landmarks: Discover Dublin’s fascinating history with visits to iconic sites like Dublin Castle, Trinity College, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

• Lively Pub Scene: Dublin’s pubs are legendary, offering live music, friendly locals, and of course, the perfect pint of Guinness.

• Beautiful Parks and Gardens: Escape the hustle and bustle in one of Dublin’s many green spaces, such as Phoenix Park, one of the largest urban parks in Europe.

🎉 Good to Know

☀️ Weather – Dublin's mild year-round but don't expect Mediterranean sunshine. Summer temps average 15-20°C, winter around 5-8°C, and rain is always a possibility (pack a waterproof). The upside? You'll rarely get extreme heat or cold, and those grey skies make the pub even cosier.

💷 Prices – A pint in Temple Bar will set you back around €7-8 (£6-7), though you'll find cheaper in local pubs off the tourist trail. A decent meal runs €15-25 (£13-21), and most attractions are €15-30 (£13-26). Your money goes further than London, and there's loads of free stuff – Phoenix Park, the National Museum, and people-watching on Grafton Street won't cost a penny.

☘️ Fun Fact – Dublin's a UNESCO City of Literature, and for good reason. It's produced four Nobel Prize winners (Yeats, Shaw, Beckett, Heaney), inspired Joyce's Ulysses, and Oscar Wilde grew up just off Merrion Square. You can still drink in the same pubs these literary legends frequented.

🏨 Dublin Hotels

Dublin's got accommodation to suit every type of city break, from buzzy Temple Bar pads to leafy Ballsbridge retreats. Here are some top picks for your Dublin holidays:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Dublin Hotels for Families

• 🏨 The Spencer Hotel – A cracking Docklands option with an 18-metre heated pool, gym, sauna, and Jacuzzi – brilliant for keeping the kids entertained. The rooms are modern and spacious, and you're right by the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum if the little ones fancy a bit of interactive history. The city centre's just over a kilometre away.

• 🏨 West County Hotel – Perfect for families wanting easy access to Phoenix Park and Dublin Zoo – both are a short drive away. The rooms are comfortable without breaking the bank, and the Pine Restaurant serves proper Irish grub. A good-value base if you don't need to be slap bang in the city centre.

• 🏨 Staycity Dublin Castle – Self-catering apartments with full kitchens – a lifesaver for families who want flexibility with mealtimes (and fussy eaters). You're a 10-minute walk from Temple Bar and even closer to Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral. The apartments have everything you need to feel at home.

• 🏨 Trinity City Hotel – Smack in the middle of Dublin. You're walking distance from Trinity College, Temple Bar, and St Stephen's Green – couldn't be more central. There's 24-hour room service for those late-night snack emergencies, and the Courtyard Restaurant does a proper good breakfast.

❤️ Dublin Hotels for Couples

• 🏨 Dylan Hotel Dublin – Boutique glamour in leafy Ballsbridge, with just 44 individually designed rooms – each one a bit different. This five-star's award-winning restaurant serves posh bistro grub using Irish produce, and the cocktail bar is perfect for a romantic nightcap. You're a 10-minute walk from Grafton Street and St Stephen's Green.

• 🏨 Radisson Blu Royal Hotel – If you want to be pampered, this is the one. There's a full spa with massages, sauna, and hot tub. The Chancery Grill does a lovely dinner, and 24-hour room service means breakfast in bed is always an option.

• 🏨 The Morgan Hotel – Stylish and central, right in the heart of Temple Bar. The rooms are modern and air-conditioned, and you get free access to a nearby gym and pool. The in-house restaurant, 10 Fleet Street, serves up some of Dublin's best cocktails. Trinity College and Dublin Castle are a short stroll away.

• 🏨 Radisson Blu St Helens Hotel – Classic elegance in a stunning Ballsbridge setting – think rooftop terrace, beautiful gardens, and rooms spread across a gorgeous period building. Talavera Restaurant is a treat, and the whole place feels like a proper escape from the city bustle while still being well connected.

🎉 Dublin Hotels for Groups

• 🏨 Temple Bar Hotel – You can't get more central to the action – you're literally in Temple Bar, surrounded by pubs, live music, and late-night craic. The rooms are comfortable, there's a restaurant and lively pub on site, and Trinity College is a 200-metre walk. Perfect for groups who want to be where it's at.

• 🏨 Blooms Hotel – Another Temple Bar belter with 100 rooms and – crucially for groups – a nightclub on site. You're a 3-minute walk from Trinity College, 5 minutes from Dublin Castle, and surrounded by some of Dublin's best pubs. The in-house restaurant and bar mean you don't have to go far for food and drinks.

• 🏨 The Grafton – Georgian style meets Dublin nightlife. There's a bar, restaurant, café, and nightclub all under one roof – so your group can eat, drink, and dance without leaving the building. The 75 rooms are right by Grafton Street's shopping and a short walk from Temple Bar.

• 🏨 Dublin One Hotel – A great shout for groups heading to a match or gig – Croke Park is just a 5-minute walk. The rooms are modern and comfortable, there's a restaurant and bar on site, and the creative, sociable vibe suits mates on a city break. A bit further from Temple Bar but well connected.

Getting around Dublin

Getting around Dublin is easy and convenient, with plenty of options to suit everyone's needs. The city’s public transport system includes buses, trams (known as the Luas), and trains, all of which are well-connected and cover most of the city and surrounding areas. The Leap Card, a reusable travel card, makes hopping on and off public transport a breeze. Dublin is also a very walkable city, with many attractions within easy reach of each other. For those who prefer to pedal, Dublinbikes, the city’s bike-sharing scheme, is a great way to explore at your own pace.

Things to do for families in Dublin

There's so much to do on a Dublin city break. We just love Dublin for families, as it offers a range of attractions that cater to all ages. Start with a visit to Dublin Zoo in Phoenix Park, where kiddos can see animals from all over the world in a beautifully landscaped setting. The National Museum of Ireland – Natural History is another great spot for families, where you can explore the “Dead Zoo” filled with stuffed animals, fossils, and fascinating exhibits that will captivate both young and old. For a bit of hands-on learning, head to Imaginosity, Dublin’s children’s museum, where interactive exhibits and play spaces let children’s imaginations run wild. Don’t miss a visit to Croke Park, where the whole family can learn about Ireland’s national sports, Gaelic football and hurling, at the GAA Museum, followed by a thrilling stadium tour. After a day of exploring, relax in St. Stephen’s Green, where the kids can burn off some energy in the playground while parents enjoy a peaceful stroll around the lake.

Things to do for couples in Dublin

Dublin's a city that oozes romance, offering couples plenty of opportunities to connect and create lasting memories. Start your day with a leisurely stroll through Trinity College, home to the stunning Book of Kells, where you can marvel at the beautiful artwork and soak up the historic atmosphere of the Long Room library. For a taste of Dublin’s rich culture, visit the National Gallery of Ireland, where you can explore a world-class collection of art together. Afterward, take a romantic walk along the River Liffey, stopping for a moment on the iconic Ha’penny Bridge to take in the view. In the evening, treat yourselves to a candlelit dinner at one of Dublin’s many intimate restaurants, such as Chapter One or The Winding Stair, both known for their delicious food and cosy ambiance. For a nightcap, head to a traditional Irish pub, like The Brazen Head – Dublin’s oldest – where you can enjoy live music in a historic setting. For an extra special experience, consider a private tour of Dublin Castle after dark, where you can explore its grand halls and gardens in a more intimate setting.

Things to do for groups in Dublin

Dublin is the perfect spot for group holidays, offering a wide range of activities that cater to all interests. Kick off your group adventure with a Dublin Pub Crawl, where you can experience the city’s legendary nightlife, from traditional pubs with live music to trendy bars in the Temple Bar district. For groups interested in history and culture, a guided tour of Kilmainham Gaol is a must – this former prison turned museum offers a fascinating insight into Ireland’s struggle for independence. If your group is up for some outdoor fun, rent bikes and take a ride through Phoenix Park, where you can visit landmarks like the Wellington Monument and the People’s Garden, or even spot some of the park’s resident deer. For a more relaxed day, treat yourself to a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, where you can learn about the brewing process and enjoy a pint of the black stuff (best in the world) with panoramic views of the city from the Gravity Bar. In the evening, catch a live performance at the Abbey Theatre, where you can experience the best of Irish drama and theatre with your friends.

Things to do for foodies in Dublin

Dublin is a foodie’s paradise, offering a delicious mix of traditional Irish fare and modern culinary creations. Start your day with a visit to Queen of Tarts, a charming café known for its scrumptious breakfasts and mouth-watering pastries. For a taste of Dublin’s food history, head to The Woollen Mills, a historic eatery that has been serving up hearty dishes since 1888 – their Irish stew is a must-try. If you’re in the mood for seafood, The Fish Shack in Temple Bar offers fresh, sustainably sourced fish in a casual setting. For those interested in Dublin’s burgeoning craft beer scene, a visit to the Porterhouse Brewing Company is a must, where you can sample a variety of house-brewed beers paired with classic pub grub. If you’re up for something a bit more refined, book a table at Chapter One, a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves up modern Irish cuisine with a focus on seasonal, local ingredients. And for dessert, don’t miss Murphy’s Ice Cream, where you can indulge in unique flavours like Irish Brown Bread and Dingle Sea Salt – it’s a proper treat that will leave your taste buds singing.

Dublin is a city that has something for everyone, whether you’re exploring with family, friends, or that special someone. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and mouth-watering food scene, Dublin is a destination that promises an unforgettable experience and a warm Irish welcome.