Why Go to Dublin
Like many modern cities, Dublin is a melting pot. Along with its traditional Irish culture, Dublin has been infiltrated by a host of glorious international influences. The city is the largest in Ireland, and its fast-growing immigrant population brings people from all over the world. The influence of these cultures is evident in the diverse and vibrant culinary scene that can be found here.
That said, Dublin has held on to some of its classic characteristics. Known for its traditions, fine literature, folklore, customary music and dance, and fresh pints of Guinness are never in short supply. Travelers should expect to experience the traditional alongside the contemporary on their next trip to Dublin.
How to Save Money in Dublin
- Avoid dining in Temple Bar If you can help it, dine in other areas closer to the center of the city for more authentic food at better prices. Many of Temple Bar's restaurants are known for being tourist traps.
- Travel in the winter Dublin is cold and gray in the winter, but the hotel deals are hot.
- Just say no Taxis are expensive. Instead of forking over your euros, rely on your own two feet or take the bus.
What to Eat
Ireland's economic revival in the 1990s was accompanied by a culinary renaissance of new, sophisticated restaurants that ditched meat and potatoes for more lively European cuisine. Now in Dublin you'll find a great mix of medium- to high-price range restaurants, which offer an astounding diversity of options. The best restaurants are found south of the Liffey, but you should be prepared to pay well for a meal. Dublin restaurants include a high value-added tax on dining.
For cakes, pudding, tarts, tea and more, recent travelers highly recommend you visit Queen of Tarts, a Dublin bakery on Dame Street. But if it's an entire Irish meal you're after, try the traveler-recommended L'Ecrivain for its delicious menu and intimate ambiance, perfect for a romantic dinner. Meanwhile, foodies should check out the contemporary Chapter One in the Rotunda neighborhood. Other cuisines, such as Thai, Asian fusion and Indian, are very popular, too; recent travelers especially praise the Indian restaurant, Veda, in Cabinteely Village.
Getting Around Dublin
The best way to get around Dublin is by foot. The city's compact size makes strolling to and from the top attractions a cinch. Plus, some brisk walking will help lessen the (caloric) effects of all those pints from the pub. If you're flying into Dublin Airport (DUB), you can take a taxi, bus or shuttle into the city center. Once inside, you can also try out the bus and tram systems, which have lines that cross-hatch the city. You'll find taxis lining up in ranks throughout Dublin. These are expensive, but recommended rather than driving a rental car.