Dublin tends to have mild weather throughout the year; in general, 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.
Between public transport, taxis and your own two feet, the city is easy to get around. Walking is the best option in the centre 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 around make it less than ideal.
What is good to know if travelling to Dublin?- Dublin city is compact and the best way to see it is on foot. There are several walking tours available.
- The Phoenix Park is the largest urban enclosed park in Europe covering about 700 hectares (1,760 acres). It is just 3.2 km west of the city centre 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 Centre issues free admission tickets on the day.
- Take a tour around the Bank of Ireland located in College Green. 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 Centre.
- 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. Enjoy some fish and chips (cooked in lard not oil) from Burdock’s.
- 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”.