Dublin travel guide — where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Dublin, Leinster, Ireland.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Traditional music sessions (trad sessions) happen nightly in pubs such as O'Donoghue's (15 Merrion Row), The Cobblestone (77 King Street North, Smithfield), and The Brazen Head (20 Lower Bridge Street, Dublin 8). Arrive early for a seat.
The National Library of Ireland (Kildare Street) has free exhibitions on Irish literature and history, including a permanent Yeats exhibition.
Dubliners are extraordinarily helpful when asked for directions — don't be afraid to ask.
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Greet people warmly — the Irish value friendliness and casual conversation ('craic') with strangers
- Participate in a traditional music session if invited — sitting quietly and listening is also perfectly acceptable
- Say 'Thank you' or 'Thanks' to bus drivers when disembarking — this is standard Dublin practice
- Refer to the country as 'Ireland' (not Eire unless speaking Irish); the republic as 'the Republic' or 'the South'
- Accept the offer of a round at the pub if you join a group — rounds ('buying a round') are the standard social protocol
Don't
- Do not confuse Irish and British culture — calling something 'English' when it's Irish is a genuine faux pas
- Do not discuss The Troubles or Northern Ireland politics unless you know the person well — opinions vary widely and it can be sensitive
- Do not use stereotypes about Irish drinking culture — many Irish people find the leprechaun/drunken-Irish tropes offensive
- Do not be late for dinner reservations without calling ahead — restaurant kitchens are small and 30-minute no-shows cost the business significantly
- Do not jaywalk on the Liffey bridges in heavy traffic — pedestrian signals are slow but drivers move fast when the light changes
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Dia dhuit
Hello (lit. 'God be with you')
Dee-a gwit
Go raibh maith agat
Thank you
Guh rev mah a-gut
Sláinte
Cheers (a toast)
Slawn-cha
Tá go maith
Good / I'm fine
Tah guh mah
Conas atá tú?
How are you?
Kun-as a-taw too
Craic
Fun, banter, the general atmosphere; 'good craic' = great time
Gas
Funny / amusing
Deadly
Excellent, brilliant
Jacks
Toilet/bathroom
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Dublin.