Among the most exciting and interesting travel destinations of Europe, Dublin has proven to be one of the most authentic and original experiences for anyone visiting the wonderful city in Ireland. Especially for budget travelers and young backpackers looking for a destination that would not ruin their budget, Dublin is always a perfect choice, with plenty of amazing things to do and interesting places to visit. With a millennial history and a charming city center, all on the background of beautiful natural scenery and a vibrant culture, Dublin has everything it needs to be one of the main tourist destinations for young travelers. All aside, there are some things that backpacking tourists coming for the first time to Dublin should know in order to get the most out of their travel experience and insure a pleasant discovery of the city.
Dublin is the capital of Ireland and definitely its largest city, with over a third of the whole population. Despite its big size, the center of the city can easily be visited on foot and offers plenty of attractions. Evolving from a Viking settlement, Dublin is located on the eastern shores of Ireland, towards the straight with the United Kingdom. Access to the city is fairly easy from anywhere in the world, with a big airport and plenty of international incoming flights. For the budget traveler, there are some low-cost companies that land on the Dublin airport, especially from the main capitals around Europe. Another option would be to land on one of the main airports in London and there are many short-haul cheap flights coming to Dublin. Within the city, a good idea would be to search for a good budget hostel near the city center in order to be able to visit its most important landmarks on foot.
Speaking about accommodation, Dublin has plenty of cheap hotels and youth hostels with great prices for backpacking travelers and young students. With prices starting from 20 Euros per night in private rooms or dorms, the cheapest accommodation can be found near the bus station. Speaking of which, getting around the city is extremely easy using the buses, trams or trains. There is also a special LEAP card that can be used to pay for tickets in buses and other transportation means within town. There is also the option of buying tourist cards in order to save on transportation and attractions entrance. There are plenty of wonderful things to discover and do in the city, even for the travelers with a tight budget.
Dublin is one of the most charming cities, with a rich cultural heritage, a majestic castle, insightful museums, charming cathedrals and other attractions. The Dublin Castle is definitely the most famous of them all, with a history of over 800 years and covering a huge area, it still impresses. The castle now hosts several museums, conference centres, gardens, the state apartments and many more, making for a very rewarding visit. The spiritual heart of the city lies in the Christ Church Cathedral, over millennia old and with an amazing interior, as well as the medieval crypt where most of its treasures lie. The second place of worship that any visitor of Dublin should see is the Saint Patrick Cathedral, one of the greatest importance for the country.
Continuing to discover the main tourist sights of the Irish capital, the National Museum of Ireland is one of the oldest museums in world, opened back in 1857 and presenting a wide range of interesting historical and natural history exhibits. Other important landmarks that no visitor of Dublin should miss are the City Hall of Dublin, the National Library, the National Museum of Modern Art, the Phoenix Park, the Dublin Zoo, the Guinness Storehouse, the Book of Kells in Trinity College, Saint Stephen Green, the Malahide Castle and many others. These are just some of the wonderful places that Dublin has to offer and it all depends on the amount of time spent there. In the neighboring area, there are also some amazing natural attractions, as well as the famous Irish scenery, with green rolling hills and traditional villages.
Apart from the attractions, Dublin is also a great place to try a variety of activities. Surely, one of the trademarks of Dublin is the Irish pubs and no visit of the city would be complete without an evening trying some Irish beer or whiskey. The city is also a great nightlife destination, with many clubs and party spots. Other cultural venues and events are also rewarding, with festivals, theatres, Irish music and dance, traditional courses and more. Another great experience is to sample the traditional Irish food and the delicious recipes found throughout the city. There are also some cheaper alternatives to the exquisite high class restaurants, family run place where backpackers and students can get excellent budget food. All in all, Dublin makes a perfect budget destination and one of the most charming visits.
Best Accommodation in Dublin
The Merrion Hotel 5*
Italian marble bathrooms, a restaurant with 2 Michelin stars, and an infinity pool are offered at this award-winning 5-star hotel. In Dublin’s centre, the Georgian building features beautiful landscaped gardens Spacious and sumptuously furnished with Georgian decor, each room at The Merrion features city or garden views. Awarded 2 prestigious Michelin stars, Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud serves gourmet fine cuisine.
Thomas Moore Inn 4*
Set in the heart of Dublin, 500 metres from Chester Beatty Library, Thomas Moore Inn offers air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi and a flat-screen TV. Boasting a bar, the guest house is close to several noted attractions, around 700 metres from St Patrick’s Cathedral, 500 metres from Dublin Castle and 600 metres from St. Stephen’s Green. The property is non-smoking and is located 600 metres from The City Hall.
Drury Court Hotel 3*
Located in the centre of Dublin’s cultural quarter, the award-winning Drury Court Hotel is just 5 minutes’ walk from the famous Temple Bar. The spacious and warm rooms feature internal glazing, ensuring a comfortable and peaceful stay in the heart of the city. The rooms offer a TV and tea and a private bathroom. Dublin Castle is 5 minutes away, while Trinity college and Christchurch Cathedral are less than 10 minutes walk.
Cover Photo by Gregory DALLEAU on Unsplash
