Ireland is poised to remain Europe’s fastest growing economy for a fifth consecutive year—and there’s no better place to embrace the Celtic Tiger 2.0 than in Dublin. The Vikings were the first to establish a settlement here in the 9th century along the River Liffey, naming it Dubh Linn (Black Pool). One thousand years later it became home to famed authors James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw, and Samuel Beckett, known worldwide for their cultural contributions. Today, the city is a major hub for tech companies like Google, Facebook, and Airbnb. Blessed with gorgeous Georgian architecture, world-class museums, libraries, and public parks, and an astonishing five Michelin-starred restaurants, the city is fueled by the ever-endearing Gaelic trait of craic (crack)—a hodgepodge of innate humor and all-around appreciation of fun.
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Dublin Travel Guide
Plan Your Dublin Trip
Featured
Kayaking the 'River of Life' in Ireland
Sure, you could drive alongside it. But what's the rush?
More than Guinness: Inside Dublin's Thriving Restaurant Scene
A mere five years ago, Dublin was celebrated more for its pint of Guinness than for gourmet food, but the city has had a dining revolution. Imen McDonnell explores Dublin with a New York appetite.
Driving Ireland, Coast to Coast
Forget traveling from Point A to Point B in Ireland. Slow down on a coast-to-coast road trip with some of Ireland's best towns along the way. These are the sights you have to see between Dublin and the Cliffs of Moher.
15 Best Hotels in Dublin
Our editors' picks for where to stay in this beloved Irish city.
Editor Hotel Recommendations
- Generator Dublin$Read full reviewYoung and fun with a party-like atmosphere, this hostel offers remarkable quality and stylishness for the price.
Readers Choice Awards - The Westbury$$$ | 2 Balfe St., Dublin D02 CH66Read full reviewThere’s a reason Dubliners love The Westbury—this is unbridled Irish luxury at its finest.Readers Choice Awards
Gold List - The Marker Hotel$$ | Grand Canal Square, DublinRead full reviewThis hotel, a sleek geometric building in the middle of Grand Canal Square, is the unofficial landmark of "Silicon Docks."Readers Choice Awards
- Conrad Dublin$$$ | DublinRead full reviewAlthough it's not very impressive from the outside, the hospitable Conrad is one of the unsung heroes of Dublin's hotel scene.Readers Choice Awards
- The Merrion$$$ | Upper Merrion St., DublinRead full reviewWith spectacular interiors and a Michelin-starred restaurant, this is one of the finest hotels in Dublin—if not in Ireland.Readers Choice Awards
Gold List - The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection$$ | 27 St. Stephen's Green, DublinRead full reviewCentrally located old-meets-new hotel set in what were once three 19th-century private homes.Readers Choice Awards
- The Cliff Townhouse$$ | DublinRead full reviewEffectively a restaurant with rooms, this visually stunning hotel serves up killer seafood and unparalleled views over St. Stephen's Green.
- Number 31$$ | DublinRead full reviewHalf stunning Georgian townhouse, half modernist mews, Number 31 is the best boutique hotel in Dublin—hands down.
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The Best Things to Do in Dublin
- 16 Best Things to Do in DublinIrish joy and sense of humor are alive and well in Dublin, from its bars to its bookstores.
- 3 Best Day Trips from DublinWhere to eat, drink, sleep, and what to do—in Belfast, County Clare, and County Wicklow.
- 10 Best Places for Live Music in DublinWhether hosting a local act or visiting one, these spots are where we go to see the best shows in town.
- 10 Best Museums in Dublin You'll Want to VisitOur list of can't-miss sites you'll regret not seeing—trust us.
- Three Hours Shopping in Dublin's Creative QuarterMost guidebooks to Dublin will tell you to head for Grafton Street for shopping, but locals know better. Instead, explore Dublin's Creative Quarter for the best shops, cafes, and people watching.
- 10 Best Free Things to Do in DublinDublin is full of attractions with steep price tags. Luckily, the city also has a range of free options that will give visitors an even better dose of the history and culture of the city. With free admission to all the national museums and even a free tour of the President’s house, you’ll have Dublin covered before you even reach for your wallet.
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Editor Recommendations
- St. Stephen's GreenSt Stephen's Green, Dublin 2Read full reviewThis exquisitely manicured park in Dublin City Centre dates back to a time when open space were at a premium.
- Pat Liddy's Walking Tours of Dublin: Docklands - The New Old DublinSuffolk Street and St. Andrew's Street, Dublin, County Dublin 2Read full reviewBy revealing overlooked parts of Dublin, this tour illustrates how the city's history and present weave together.
- The Irish Dance Party81 Talbot Street, Dublin, County Dublin 1Read full reviewIf observing Irish culture from afar isn't doing enough, this show—really, a giant party—will have you on your feet.
- Grafton StreetGrafton Street, Dublin D02 Y527Read full reviewOne of Dublin's two main pedestrian shopping areas, Grafton Street is a car-free area paved with charming bricks.
- Irish Whiskey Museum119 Grafton Street, Dublin D02 E620Read full reviewThis whiskey-themed museum is comprised of a whiskey bar, historic exhibits, a tasting room, and a souvenir shop.
- St. Patrick's CathedralSt Patrick's Close, Dublin 8Read full reviewYou don't need to be an expert in architecture to appreciate the beauty of Ireland's largest cathedral.
- Dublin CastleDame Street, Dublin 2Read full reviewThis well-preserved castle, which dates back to the early 13th century, is a must-see for anyone visiting Dublin.
- The Old Library of Trinity College DublinDublinRead full reviewIf you hate reading plaques, this library is for you.
- Glasnevin CemeteryFinglas Rd., Dublin 11Read full reviewAt this peaceful cemetery, you'll find tributes to the famous politicians, artists, and thinkers who shaped Irish history and culture.
- Guinness StorehouseSt. James's Gate, DublinRead full reviewThe headquarters of Ireland's most famous beer will infuse some culture and history into your vacation drinking.
- The Little Museum of Dublin15 St. Stephen's Green, DublinRead full reviewSet in a Georgian townhouse on the periphery of St. Stephen’s Green, this museum explores the last century in Dublin.
- National Gallery of IrelandMerrion Square W, DublinRead full reviewFollowing a large-scale refurbishment, the National Gallery has re-emerged as an impressive establishment that holds its own on the world’s stage.
- Chester Beatty LibraryDublin Castle, Dublin 2Read full reviewLocated on the grounds of Dublin Castle, this library is home to a large array of manuscripts and books from around the world.
- Dublin Writers Museum18 Parnell Square N, DublinRead full reviewThis intimate museum, which is set in an 18th-century mansion, celebrates the writers who comprise Dublin's strong literary heritage.
A Road Trip Through Ireland
From Dublin to Dingle, two friends take a four-wheeled trek across southern Ireland, enjoying all the natural splendor, warm hospitality, and deep-rooted culture the Emerald Isle has to offer along the way.
The Best Places to Eat & Drink in Dublin
- 15 Best Restaurants in DublinFrom classic pub fare to Michelin star–worthy delights, there's something for every palate.
- 11 Best Bars in DublinIn this city, bar culture is on a different level.
- 7 Best Coffee Shops in DublinSold spots for getting your caffeine fix.
- 10 Best Brunch Places in DublinThe Irish breakfast may be the stuff of legends, but the city offers so much more.
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Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations
- The George$$ | 89 South Great George's Street, Dublin D02 R220You're never more than a few feet from a rainbow flag or some loose sequins—debris from the night before.
- No. 27 Bar & Lounge$$A local favorite, settled in a building that's often called 'Dublin's living room'—with comfort food to match.
- The Exchequer$$A modern gastropub that delivers on flavorful, inventive dishes, along with the classics.
- Brother Hubbard North$$From group meals that need to cater to lots of preferences to friends meeting over coffee and scones to tourists looking for a taste of contemporary Dublin, Brother Hubbard has a little something for everyone.
- Lemon & Duke$$Extended brunch hours and eccentric twists on the classics make this a solid refueling pick in the city center.
- The Woolen Mills Eating House$$Old meets new at this charming eatery by the Ha’penny Bridge, on the north side of the River Liffey.
- Two Pups Coffee$After shopping the vintage and artisanal finds of the Francis Street Collective, make your way to this cozy café known for its eclectic dishes.
- Joe's Coffee$This Irish mini-chain uses house and imported roasts, allowing coffee drinkers to nerd out about each variety's tasting notes and origins.
- Meet Me In the Morning$Drenched in light thanks to a large window, this dreamy breakfast spot feels like an old friend's trendy, yet comfortable, flat.
- Kaph$If you're looking to catch up on work, this coffee shop offers just the right atmosphere: college hangout meets grown-up sophistication.
- Vice Coffee Inc.$This coffee shop, which is located in the back of the bar, serves one of the best Irish coffees in Dublin.
- Legit Coffee Co.$Wooden bar tables, baristas in flannel shirts, and a moose-head painting all give this coffee shop a cabin-like feel.
10 Foods You Must Try in Ireland
Irish food has a reputation for being stodgy and traditional, because of the sludge some Americans cook up on St. Patrick’s Day and pass off as the real deal. But travel to Ireland, and you’ll find quality foods with fresh ingredients that you’ll enjoy the entire time you're there—not a single potato in sight.
More from Dublin
Destinations
The Best Places to Eat, Stay, and Play in Dublin
With an influx of relocations and an increasing number of tech giants basing their European headquarters in Dublin, Brexit has helped make the city more vibrant and cosmopolitan than ever before.
News & Advice
Currently Obsessed With: Loose Canon Cheese and Wine in Dublin
Oozy grilled cheeses and natural wine are all you need to get you through Dublin's chilly winter.
Air Travel
Aer Lingus’s Fare Sale Has $375 Round-Trip Cheap Flights to Dublin
Aer Lingus's fare sale has shoulder season flights with more than a $200 discount.
News & Advice
Flight Deal: U.S. to Ireland from $415 Round-Trip
Summer flights to Dublin are nearly 40 percent off.
Destinations
Beyond the Basics: Dublin
Plan your trip to Dublin with Condé Nast Traveler’s guide to the best hotels, restaurants, and things to do.
Inspiration
Inside Guinness's Secret Bar in Dublin
Dublin's iconic storehouse has a secret hidden in plain sight.
Inspiration
Dublin's Statues Will Now Call Your Cell Phone
Forget texting. Oscar Wilde and James Joyce are calling.
Food & Drink
Guinness Brewery Opening in Baltimore County
The makers of the legendary stout are set to open a brewery just outside of Baltimore.
Inspiration
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day With Dublin's Best Cocktail
Each week, we'll scour the world for a different cocktail and tell you how to get in on the spirits-filled fun at home. Today, it’s off to the narrow streets of Dublin for an unconventional whiskey cocktail in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.
Inspiration
St. Patrick's Day: How to Pour the Perfect Pint of Guinness
As St. Patrick's Day approaches, a "Guinness Beer Specialist" explains the proper technique behind the Guinness pour, and discusses the brewery's history—and future.
News & Advice
The 5 Cheapest Ways to Fly to Europe
There’s never been a better time to book, as a bunch of airlines—many you've probably never heard of—are competing for your business.
News & Advice
Norwegian Air CEO: We'll Find a Way to Offer Cheap Flights to the U.S.
The chief of the budget Scandinavian airline is determined to determined to boost U.S. flights.
Inspiration
The Perfect Weekend in Dublin
When time is short, spend it well in Dublin—here are a few tips for planning the perfect weekend in the Irish capital.
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- Secret ItalyOur March issue is a collection of off-the-A1 detours, happy accidents, deeply personal accounts, and hidden gems you won't find anywhere else, culled from the editors, contributors, expats, designers, and friends we trust the most. Our hope is to arm you with just enough found-only-here juicy tidbits to allow you to get lost and find your own. —Pilar Guzmán
