Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €20–35 | €80–150 |
| Food | €15–25 | €35–55 |
| Transport | €5–10 | €15–25 |
| Activities | €0–15 | €25–50 |
| Drinks | €10–18 | €25–40 |
| Daily Total | €50–103 | €180–320 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- EU/EEA citizens need only an ID card. US, Canadian, Australian citizens get 90 days visa-free
- Ireland is NOT in the Schengen Area — you'll go through Irish immigration separately
- UK visa does NOT cover Ireland and vice versa — they are separate countries with separate entry requirements
Getting Around
- Luas (tram): Green and Red lines. DART (train): coastal route. Dublin Bus covers everything else
- Get a Visitor Leap Card at airport or Spar/Centra — €10 for 72 hours unlimited public transport
- Dublin Bikes: €3.50 for 3-day pass, first 30 minutes free per trip. 100+ stations across the city centre
Connectivity
- Three, Vodafone, and Eir offer tourist SIMs from €10–20 for 10–30GB at the airport or high street shops
- Free WiFi in most cafes, pubs, and public buildings. Dublin Bus and Luas have free WiFi
- EU roaming is free for EU residents. US visitors should check carrier international plans or buy a local SIM
Money
- Contactless payment accepted almost everywhere — even in traditional pubs. Apple/Google Pay widely used
- ATMs (called "bank machines") are free for Irish/EU cards. International cards may incur €1.50–3 fees
- Tipping: 10–15% at sit-down restaurants. Not expected in pubs when ordering at the bar. Round up taxis
Weather & Packing
- Dublin weather changes hourly — layers are essential. Average summer highs: 18–20°C. Winter: 5–8°C
- A waterproof jacket is the single most important item you'll pack. Umbrellas are useless in the wind
- Comfortable walking shoes — Dublin is best explored on foot and the Georgian-era pavements are uneven
Health & Safety
- Tap water is safe to drink everywhere. Pharmacies (Boots, McCabes) are on every high street
- Dublin is generally safe. Watch for pickpockets on Grafton Street and O'Connell Street during peak hours
- Emergency number: 999 or 112. A&E wait times can be long — minor injuries go to Grafton Medical or D-Doc
Cultural tips
Pub Etiquette
Order at the bar — table service is rare in traditional pubs. Rounds are sacred: when someone buys you a drink, you buy the next one. Leaving a round unreciprocated is a social sin.
The Craic
"Craic" (pronounced "crack") means fun, conversation, and atmosphere. "What's the craic?" is a greeting. "The craic was mighty" means you had a great time. Embrace it.
Weather Chat
Talking about the weather is not small talk in Ireland — it's a national obsession and a perfectly valid conversation topic. "Soft day" means light rain. "Grand" means acceptable.
Don't Say "British Isles"
Ireland is not part of the UK and the term "British Isles" is politically sensitive. Say "Ireland and Britain" instead. Also, it's "Republic of Ireland" or just "Ireland" — never "Southern Ireland".
Trad Sessions
If you find a trad music session in a pub, sit quietly and listen. Don't talk loudly over the music, clap between tunes (not during), and never request "Danny Boy" — it's a tourist cliche.
GAA & Sports
Gaelic football and hurling are Ireland's national sports — catch a game at Croke Park if you can. Asking about someone's county team is an instant conversation starter in any pub.
