Dublin Travel Guide: Pubs, Culture & Craic on a Budget

Why Dublin?

Dublin packs an enormous amount of personality into a compact, walkable city. From the literary history of Joyce and Wilde to the live music pouring out of Temple Bar pubs, it’s a city that thrives on conversation and culture. It’s not Europe’s cheapest destination, but with the right approach — and cheap flights from across the UK — you can enjoy Dublin without emptying your wallet.

Getting There

Dublin Airport (DUB) is one of Europe’s busiest airports, served by Ryanair (it’s their home base), Aer Lingus, and multiple other carriers.

Cheapest months to fly: January, February, and November. Returns from the UK for under £15 are common — some of the cheapest flights available anywhere.

Most expensive periods: St Patrick’s Day week (mid-March), summer weekends, and major rugby weekends.

Pro tip: Ryanair is headquartered in Dublin, so competition is fierce. The Fair Finder regularly flags Deal Scores above 8 on Dublin routes.

Best Time to Visit

• April to June: Longer days, mild weather (12-18°C), spring festivals
• July to August: Warmest (15-20°C), but also busiest
• September: Still pleasant, fewer tourists, good fares
• December: Christmas atmosphere, but bring waterproofs

Where to Stay

Budget: Hostels from €18/night near the Liffey or in Smithfield.

Mid-range: Hotels in the Liberties or Portobello from €80-110/night.

Splurge: Georgian townhouse hotels near St Stephen’s Green from €160/night.

What to Do

Free & Cheap

• Walk through Trinity College campus (the grounds are free)
• Explore the colourful streets of Temple Bar (just don’t drink there)
• St Stephen’s Green and Phoenix Park (one of Europe’s largest urban parks)
• Chester Beatty Library — world-class collection, free entry
• Howth Cliff Walk — a stunning coastal hike reachable by DART train

Worth Paying For

• Book of Kells at Trinity College (€18/£15)
• Guinness Storehouse (€20/£17, includes a pint with city views)
• Kilmainham Gaol (€8/£7, book ahead — sells out fast)
• EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum (€17/£14.50)

Food & Drink

Dublin’s food scene has evolved far beyond stereotypes. Prices are higher than continental Europe, but there are ways to eat well on a budget.

• Full Irish breakfast: Black and white pudding, sausages, eggs — from €9 (£7.70) at local cafes
• Fish and chips: From €8 (£7) at chippers like Leo Burdock’s
• Coddle: Dublin’s own stew of sausages and potatoes
• Craft beer: Dublin’s craft scene is thriving — pints from €5.50 (£4.70) outside Temple Bar

Budget meal: Lunch deals at local cafes and delis run €8-12 (£7-10). Ethnic food on Parnell Street (Dublin’s multicultural strip) offers great value.

Pub tip: Temple Bar pubs charge €7-8 per pint. Walk 5 minutes to Stoneybatter, Smithfield, or the Liberties for pints at €5.50-6.

Day Trips

• Howth (30 min by DART): Fishing village, cliff walk, seafood, €3.50/£3 return
• Glendalough (1.5 hours): Monastic ruins in a glacial valley in the Wicklow Mountains
• Brú na Bóinne/Newgrange (1 hour): 5,000-year-old passage tomb, older than the pyramids (€8/£7)
• Malahide (25 min by DART): Castle and coastal village

Getting Around

• Airport to centre: Dublin Express bus (€7/£6, 30 min). Taxis cost €25-35.
• Local transport: Leap Card — pay-as-you-go with daily caps of €8 (£7). Buses and DART trains cover the city well.
• Walking: The city centre is very compact. Most attractions are within 30 minutes’ walk.

Money-Saving Tips

1. Flights to Dublin are among the cheapest from the UK — The Fair Finder often shows Deal Scores of 8+ midweek
2. Avoid drinking in Temple Bar — it’s fine to walk through, but drink in local neighbourhoods
3. Get a Leap Card for capped daily transport costs
4. Eat a big Irish breakfast and a light lunch to keep food costs down
5. Visit free attractions: Chester Beatty, the National Gallery, the Natural History Museum
6. Take the DART to Howth for a free cliff walk instead of paying for a tour
7. Dublin Pass can save money if you’re visiting 3+ paid attractions