Located on the island of Ireland, Dublin is the most westerly capital in Europe.
Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is located on the east coast of Ireland and is a gateway for travel between the US and Europe.
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However, if you are planning your next euro trip, you might ask, is Dublin worth visiting?
While many people visit Ireland to head to the more rural countryside throughout the country, Dublin definitely has a huge amount to offer too.
From iconic Irish pubs to ancient buildings, Dublin is filled with great experiences.
Dublin is also surrounded by nature, perfect for anyone eager to explore forested hiking trails, ride a bicycle, or even go swimming at the beach.
If you are considering visiting Dublin, you are probably wondering what are some things to know before going and questioning if Dublin is worth visiting.
Here are a few things to know before visiting this beautiful Irish capital.
Are you heading to Ireland soon? Read our guide to learn how to buy an Ireland SIM card.
Reasons To Visit Dublin: The Pros
Dublin is known for its rich history that dates
The History And Culture
One of the main reasons to visit Dublin is the rich history and culture of the city. Dublin was originally a Viking city and was used as an important center for trade for many years.
Dublin was also the seat of British rule during the years that Ireland was taken over by the United Kingdom.
Many iconic buildings stand in Dublin that has a rich history and have been there for hundreds of years.
Some of these worth visiting are Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, and Trinity College. These landmarks will give you an insight into the history of the area.
Dublin is a creative city and also has a thriving cultural scene. It has been somewhat of a hub for literature for centuries.
Many famous writers have come from here including Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, and Samuel Beckett.
Each year, writers and readers travel from all over the world to attend the Dublin Literary Festival which keeps the city’s literary culture alive.
As well as this, Dublin is also home to many museums and galleries.
You can visit the National Museum of Ireland and the Irish Museum of Modern Art to appreciate the contemporary art scene in Dublin.
The Nightlife
Ireland is known worldwide for its pubs and its love of partying, you can really see this in action when visiting Dublin.
You will find some of the best nightlife in Europe here and Dublin is home to a huge variety of pubs, nightclubs, and venues with live music and comedy.
There is something for everyone when it comes to nightlife in Dublin, whether you are looking for cozy spots for a pint and a board game with a roaring fire, or a thriving pub with live music, you will find it here.
To experience the party atmosphere to the fullest, visit Dublin around St. Patrick’s day when you can fully immerse yourself in the nightlife.
Dublin is also known for its traditional Irish music scene, which can be heard in the city’s many pubs and music venues.
The city is home to the Temple Bar district, which is known for its lively nightlife and traditional Irish music sessions.
It’s Surrounded By Nature
Something you may not know about Dublin, but it is home to some of the best beaches in Ireland.
Although Ireland isn’t known for its weather, you will find people swimming at the local beaches all year round, even on Christmas day.
When the weather is good, you can easily drive to or get a bus or train to several different beaches just a short journey outside the city that is well maintained and suitable for swimming.
You will also find a huge variety of seafood restaurants around the beaches.
If you would rather do something active, Dublin is surrounded by nature and the perfect spot for a hiking weekend.
Both the Dublin mountains and Wicklow mountains are a short drive away and have several well-marked and safe hiking trails for you to enjoy all year round.
We recommend renting a car during your time in Dublin, as this gives you a lot more independence and flexibility to explore the city and its surrounding areas.
Great Customer Service
A huge pro to visiting Ireland is the incredible customer service you will experience here.
Irish people are known for being very friendly and welcoming and this can be seen firsthand through the customer service you will receive.
When you go out to eat or drink, the waiting staff are usually very accommodating and will be attentive to your needs.
Staff will often go out of their way to make sure people have a positive experience when dining out.
The same can be said for the staff in pubs and clubs and you will never be waiting too long to be served.
The customer service in Ireland is truly unmatched and is often up there on the list of things people like most about visiting Dublin.
Staying In Dublin?
Make sure to book a stay in one of the best hotels in Dublin.
Best hostel: Garden Lane Backpackers
Best mid-range hotel: The Dean Dublin
Best luxury hotel: The Westbury Hotel
Reasons To Visit Dublin: The Cons
Although the pros may seem to outweigh the cons, there are a couple of things to know when traveling to Dublin, as these particular cons may influence your Ireland travel plans.
It Can Expensive
As with any capital city in Europe, Dublin is an expensive place to visit. You will especially feel this when it comes to booking a hotel or Airbnb for your stay.
The prices can be very high especially during summer months and around St. Patrick’s day and the lead-up to Christmas.
The cost of food and alcohol can also be very high in Dublin, especially in the temple bar area.
This is an iconic spot that many tourists wish to visit, with lots of pubs, live music, and tasty restaurants, but you can expect to pay high prices here.
It’s Not Easily Accessible
Most other European capital cities can be reached by land, by driving, or by train. This is something that makes visiting Dublin a bit more difficult.
There are several flights available to Dublin Airport, which is a well-connected international airport. However, it is not as convenient as a train in Europe.
The public transport in Dublin is also not the best. There is a bus and tram system in place. However, the bus system can be very crowded and unreliable.
There is also no convenient option to get from the airport to the city center. You will need to get a bus that often takes over an hour and is unreliable.
The Final Verdict: So Is Dublin Worth Visiting?
So is Dublin nice, and is Dublin worth visiting? Absolutely!
Dublin may not be top of your list in Europe, however, it definitely should be. It is a city filled with a lively atmosphere, lots of history and art, and is surrounded by beaches and stunning Irish countryside.
Imagine waking up and enjoying a hike in the Dublin mountains, before heading to the seaside for some fish and chips with an amazing view of the Irish sea and ending the day with a Guinness beside a roaring fire in a cozy pub.
Doesn’t that sound just perfect?
From historic buildings and contemporary art galleries to famous pubs and live music, there are plenty of things to see and do in Dublin.
So is Dublin worth visiting? Yes indeed.
It is the perfect spot for a 2-3 day vacation to relax, explore and enjoy everything that Ireland has to offer.
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