Dublin

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Quick Facts

[edit]

Population

1,100,000

Local name

Baile Átha Cliath

Coordinates

• Latitude: 53.343349
• Longitude: -6.249775

On Travellerspoint

• 9 Dublin Apartments
• 70 Dublin Guesthouses
• 30 Dublin Hostels
• 32 Dublin Hotels

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Introduction

dublin

© All Rights Reserved marnixpano

Ireland's capital since medieval times, Dublin continues to entice visitors with its blend of Irish hospitality and lively night-life. Pubs and beer are seemingly at the centre of life in this city, whose most popular attraction is the Guinness Storehouse and most popular area is Temple Bar, primarily due to its many pubs, although its medieval cobbled streets do add immensely to its appeal.

Located in the province of Leinster, Dublin currently holds a population of over 1.1 million inhabitants and is the largest city in Ireland. Built upon the River Liffey, it has become one of the fastest growing capital cities in Europe in recent years - both economically and population wise.

Once a city all too familiar with its inhabitants emigrating to foreign shores, the capital (as well as the rest of the country) has since gone through a major economic boom (The Celtic Tiger) and has evolved from a city of emigration to a thriving city of immigration. Now a proud multicultural city, Dublin is home to a large number of foreign nationals - most notably from Poland, United Kingdom, China, Lithuania, Russia and Nigeria.

old Dublin

© All Rights Reserved rafal

Indeed Dublin has grown up a lot from its infantile status into a thriving, modern, multicultural and powerful city in Europe.
For budget minded visitors there's a local website called Free Dublin www.freedublin.com with some handy tips.
When in Dublin... do as the Dubs do. Enjoy your days taking in the sites on the streets and head out at night to enjoy the 'craic agus ceol'!!!

Céad míle fáilte romhat (A hundred thousand welcomes).

Neighbourhoods

Dublin is divided into three counties - Fingal, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and South Dublin. Fingal comprises of 28 towns, and has its head office in Swords, the third largest town in Ireland. Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown comprises of 30 towns, and has its head office in Dún Laoghaire. South Dublin is made up of 17 towns and has its head office in Tallaght.

Sights and Activities

• National Museum of Ireland
• The National Gallery of Ireland
• Irish Museum of Modern Art
• Dublin Castle
• Christ Church Cathedral
• Guinness Storehouse
• Old Jameson Distillery

Events and Festivals

• St Patrick's Festival - mid-March; events building up to St Patrick's Day on 17 March (nicknamed Paddy's Day) and a major parade on the actual day.
• One City One Book - whole of April; designed to encourage everyone in the city to read the same book during the month of April each year; various related events including seminar, theme-related walking tour, book readings, movie screening etc.
• Bloomsday - 16 June; a celebration of the life of James Joyce and a walk through of the events in Ulysses; some of the activities include readings of the novel, people dressed in the clothes of 1904, walks and pub crawls.
• Taste Festival - mid-June; a must for foodies, as acclaimed and selected Dublin restaurants, chefs and food-providers gather to provide a taste of some of the best at reasonable prices; food demonstratoins and cookery classes; wine tasting.
• Street Performance World Championship - mid-June; street performers from all over the world invited to entertain and to compete for the title of World Champion.
• Festival of World Cultures, Dun Laoghaire - late August; the festival celebrates world music with concerts, cafes, fairs, markets, workshops and discussions.
• Dublin Fringe Festival - early September; prelude and alternative to the Dublin Theatre Festival.
• Dublin Theatre Festival - late September to early October; bringing best international theatre to Dublin as well as promoting Irish productions.

Weather

Dublin has a typical maritime climate with cool summers and mild winters. June to September is summer season with temperatures between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius and nights around 10 degrees. Winters are still above zero, even at night. The highest and lowest temperatures possible are just above 30 degrees and just below -10 degrees Celsius. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with autumn and winter being the wettest time and spring being the driest month. May is the driest and most sunny month of the year.

Getting There

By Plane

Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport (airport code: DUB) is located 10 kilometres north of Dublin city centre. For terminal information and options for getting from the airport to Dublin city, see the detailed Dublin Airport page. Airlines serving domestic destinations include Aer Lingus, Ryanair and Aer Arann. Destinations include Cork, Galway, the Aran Islands, Sligo and Kerry. There are dozens of airlines serving European destinations. Intercontinental cities served include Toronto, Montreal, Chicago, New York, Orlando, Tel Aviv, Atlanta, Abu Dhabi and Philadelphia.

By Train

Irish Rail runs a number of rail links across the country to and from Dublin. The city has two main railway stations: Heuston, in the west of the city centre which serves much of the west and south of the country including an hourly service to Cork which also services Limerick. And Connolly, in the northeast of the city centre, serves the southeast and east coast, Belfast, Sligo and areas in the north-west. The two main stations are connected by bus and Luas routes (see below).

By Car

As traffic can be intense and parking fees high, it is best to leave your car at a Park & Ride station. If you are coming from the south choose either the Sandyford Luas stop, located just off junction 15 of the M50 on the Blackthorn Road, or Bray DART stop, on the Bray road. If you are coming from the west, the Red Cow luas stop, off junction 10 of the M50, is the best. Coming from the northeast use the park & ride station at Howth DART station. Tariffs at Park & Ride stations range from 2 to 4 euro, and include public transport.

By Bus

Busáras bus station is next to Connolly train station. Bus Eireann offers a wide range of connections between Dublin and many major cities and towns across Ireland and even to the Uk, although frequencies to remote areas might be low. There is a so-called Expressway coach network which complements rail services. Eurolines serves some places in continental Europe.
Kavanaghs has services to Waterford and Limerick, Citylink to Galway and some places in the west.

By Boat

From Isle of Man
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company run a regular service between Dublin and Douglas on the Isle of Man.

From Ireland

• P&O Irish Sea Ferries between Dublin and Liverpool.

Getting Around

By Car

Driving in Dublin may be tricky for visitors as many of the roads operate on one-way system, with multiple restrictions during peak hour. Moreover, for the majority of travellers from continental Europe, USA and Canada, it may be confusing as Ireland's driving side is on the left and not on the right. Parking spaces are also hard to come by, and the rates expensive where hourly charge starts between €2.50 to €3.00, if not more.

Taxis, on the other hand, are abundant in the city. Unlike a number of other cities around the world, taxis in Dublin are not of the same vehicle make or colour. Taxis can be of any car design or colour. However, they are easily identified by the taxi plate located on the roof of the vehicle. They can be found at taxi ranks or easily hailed off the street.

Taxis in Dublin use a meter to calculate the rate to be paid. The meter uses distance to determine the rate, however, if the speed drops below 21km/h a time rate is used instead of distance. There are currently two rates used to determine the final charge (depending on when you are travelling):

Standard Rate (08.00h - 20.00h)

• Initial Charge (includes 1km or 170 seconds)......€4.10
• Next 14km or 40mins (to max €17.20)................€1.03/km or €0.36/min
• Next 15km or 43mins (to max €36.00)................€1.35/km or €0.48/min
• Over 30km or 86mins (over €36.00)...................€1.77/km or €0.63/min

Premium Rate (20.00h - 08.00h & Sundays and Public Holidays)

• Initial Charge (includes 1km or 170 seconds)......€4.45
• Next 14km or 40mins (to max €21.70)................€1.35/km or €0.48/min
• Next 15km or 43mins (to max €43.50)................€1.57/km or €0.55/min
• Over 30km or 86mins (over €43.50)...................€1.77/km or €0.63/min

Additional Charges

• Booking Fee....................€2.00
• Additional passengers....€1.00 each

Tipping taxi drivers is not required however it will not be refused if offered.

(Charge rates correct as of October 2009)

By Public Transport

Airport
The following buses go from the airport to the city centre: 16A, 41, 746, 747, 748, and the Air Coach, which is faster but more expensive at €8 single or €14 return. Dublin Bus provides services as well, for €6 single and €10 return.

Dublin Bus
Dublin Bus is run by CIE (Córas Iompair Éireann) and operates public bus services throughout Dublin City as well as to a number of adjoining areas. Generally the fares range from €1.15 to €4.50 depending on how far you are travelling.

The standard fare breakdown:

• City centre shopper : €0.50
• Stages 1-3 : €1.15
• Stages 4-7 : €1.60
• Stages 8-13 : €1.80
• Over 14 stages : €2.20
• Outer suburban 1 : €2.20
• Outer suburban 2 : €3.50
• Outer suburban 3 : €4.50

It is important to note that Dublin Bus services only accept coins as payment and no change is given if you have more than the exact fare. However, prepaid tickets may be purchased from a large number of shops in the city and used when boarding the bus.

A full list of routes and timetables can be found on the Dublin Bus website.

LUAS - Tram System
The LUAS tram system is operated by Veolia Transport Ireland Ltd. There are currently only two LUAS routes in operation - The Red Line running from Connolly Station to Tallaght and the Green Line running from St. Stephen's Green to Sandyford. The two lines do not connect and it takes approximately 10-15 minutes to walk between St. Stephen's Green and Abbey Street or Jervis stations.

With approximately 80,000 people choosing to use the LUAS service on a daily basis, it has become a popular way to travel in recent years. Its advantage lies in regular and on-time scheduling, and it also runs earlier and later than the bus service.

The LUAS routes currently operates:

• Monday to Friday from 05.30am to 00.30am
• Saturday from 06.30am to 00.30am
• Sunday from 07.00am to 23.30pm
• Bank Holidays from 07.00am to 00.30am

The tickets can be bought from ticket machines at the platforms and do not require further validation, and tickets must be retained throughout the journey. Single trip cash fare between €1.50 and €2.40 depending on the time (if peak or off-peak) and zone(s) travelled. Further information can be found on the LUAS website.

DART - Suburban Rail
Operated by Irish Rail, the service runs along the coast of Dublin Bay, from Howth and Malahide in the north to Greystones in the south. Ticket prices vary, depending on the stations travelled, and can be bought at the ticket counters or machines at the DART stations.

Irish Rail also operates 4 other suburban commuter train lines that serve Dublin and commuter belt area outside of Dublin.

(All prices for public transport correct as of October 2009)

By Foot

Of course, probably the best way to travel around the city centre of Dublin is to hit the streets on foot. The most popular tourist areas in the city are reasonably close together and well within walking distance. Strolling through the various areas you will soon witness how old Dublin meets the new modern developments and neither backdrop will seem out of place. During the day the streets will be bustling with shoppers and workers running out to grab lunch. Even at night the streets are relatively safe. However, as is with all cities, it is best to keep to well lit and busy areas.

By Bike

A new free bike scheme called DublinBikes has just been launched in September 2009. Operating within the Dublin city centre area, approximately 450 bikes at 40 bike stations are available for use. A subscription is required - €2 for 3 days subscription, and €10 for annual subscription (for residents).

The first 30 minutes of use is free, and following the return of the bike, another may be taken out within a couple of minutes of checking-in the first place. Bikes that are not returned within 30 minutes will incur the following hire fees: 1hour - €0.50, 2hours - €1.50, 3hours - €3.50, 4hours - €6.50, every additional 30 minutes thereafter €2 per period. A missing bike will leads to a penalty cost of €150.

Not all bike stations have facility to accept credit card payments, therefore taking out a temporary subscription from that station is not possible.

Nightlife

Being the Irish capital, the first thing most travellers think of upon their arrival in Dublin is where can they get a decent pint! And for sure the city is not one to disappoint. The River Liffey creates a divide through the city between the Northside and the Southside - both of which offer a multitude of variously themed pubs and clubs. Some of the bigger places are quite obvious to the passerby, however a little venturing down winding streets and narrow lanes can provide satisfying rewards in the form of small, but homely pubs and bars. It's also not unusual to find larger clubs hidden away in obscure locations. A reasonably comprehensive list of pubs in the capital can be found at the Dublin Pubscene website.

Eat

There are plenty of good quality places to eat in Dublin, with a wide price range to suit all budgets and a variety of cuisine type on offer. Admittedly, Dublin is an expensive city and therefore many travellers may find eating out in Dublin overpriced. However, many restaurants are offering set value menus in order to make dining out a more affordable affair once again. For a list of places to eat, see Eating Out in Dublin.

Drink

Sleep

Budget

Mid-Range

Upscale

The Burlington Hotel - A 4 Star Hotel in Ballsbridge, minutes walk from the Dublin city centre. It's a Dublin institution and it's recently been newly decorated and renovated. There's a newly renovated bar and lobby, renowned ballroom, modern conference facilities and opulent bedrooms, spacious restaurants and expert chefs.

Work

Learn

• University of Dublin (commonly known as Trinity College Dublin)
• University College Dublin
• Dublin City University
• Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
• Dublin Institute of Technology
• Dublin Business School
• National College of Ireland

Safety

National Police Service - An Garda Síochána

The police force in Ireland are called An Garda Síochána - more commonly referred to as "the Gardaí" or just simply "the Guards". Members of the force can be identified on the street usually by the green florescent jackets they wear with the word "GARDA" written on the back and front.

The Gardaí in Dublin police an area known as The Dublin Metropolitan Region which incorporates the city and County of Dublin as well as small portions of adjacent counties - Kildare (to the west) and Wicklow (to the south).

The current headquarters of An Garda Síochána is located in the Phoenix Park - one of the largest municipal parks in Europe, to the west of Dublin City.

Keep Connected

Internet

Dublin City is littered with Internet Cafes where you can gain access to the internet and make international calls for reasonable rates. However, most of them can be easily missed due to their small size or obscure locations off side streets. Most notable locations would be along O'Connell street and around the Temple Bar area.

Phone

See also: International Telephone Calls

Mobile Phone Networks:
There are currently four main mobile phone operators dominating the Irish market:

• Vodafone (prefix 087 - GSM900/1800 - 3G 2100)
• O2 (prefix 086 - GSM900/1800 - 3G 2100)
• Meteor (prefix 085 - GSM900/1800)
• Three (prefix 083 - GSM900/1800 - 3G 2100)

Most European phones and operators will allow you to roam on Irish networks, however you should ensure before arrival that your phone can operate on the GSM900/1800 network and that your service provider has set you up to allow roaming. This is especially true for visitors from outside the Eurozone.

Phone Boxes:
Due to the large take up of mobile phone use in Ireland in recent years, there has been somewhat of a decline in public phone boxes on the streets. But there still is a reasonable number of them around and these will accept coins or prepaid cards.

Emergency Services
The police service (An Garda Síochána) and fire services can be contacted by dialling 999 or 112 on any phone or mobile phone throughout the country.

Post

Postal services for domestic and international mail are available at the local post office - there is one in most neighbourhoods of Dublin and in many towns and villages around the country. The headquarters of the postal service, known as An Post, is located at the GPO (General Post Office) on O'Connell Street in Dublin city centre. More details at the An Post website.