Dublin City Travel & Vacation Guide

The Battle of the Boyne between King William III and his father-in-law, King James II, was fought in 1690. Both kings commanded their armies in person at stake were the British throne, French dominance in Europe and religious power in Ireland. The Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre is located in the recently restored 18th century Oldbridge House, which is on the battle site.

Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre interprets the Neolithic monuments of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. The extensive exhibition includes a full scale replica of the chamber at Newgrange as well as a full model of one of the smaller tombs at Knowth. All admission to Newgrange and Knowth is through the Visitor Centre, there is no direct access to these monuments. Visitors are brought from the Visitor Centre to the monuments by shuttle bus.

The Heritage Centre has on permanent display the documented history of the town with the first references to the Vikings in the area circa 850 AD, through the Norman & Medieval eras and into modern times. This historical exhibit is embellished with maps, drawings, illustrations, a beautiful wall mural, photographs and a video presentation for all to enjoy.

Set amongst beautiful 18th century parklands, Castletown is the largest and most significant Palladian style country house in Ireland. The house was built c.1722 for the Speaker of the Irish House of Commons, William Connolly (1622- 1729). The designs of a number of important architects were used, Alessandro Gailiei, Sir Edward Lovett Pearce and Sir William Chambers. The estate was sold in 1965 and was transferred to State Care in 1994.

Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum is a unique attraction that tells the story of the families who lived and died within the famine workhouse walls before, during and after the Great Famine of 1845-1849. The museum uses guided and self-guided tours combined with various exhibits to explain the socio-economic conditions which led to the establishment of this and other workhouses. Visitors to the museum can view an agricultural collection made up of a wide range of artefacts donated by local people, ranging from farm implements, household items and hand tools.

This early Christian ecclesiastical settlement was founded by St Kevin in the 6th century. Set in a glaciated valley with two lakes, the monastic remains include a superb round tower, stone churches and decorated crosses. The Visitor Centre has an interesting exhibition, also French, Italian and Spanish guided tours are available all year by advance booking. The Glendalough Cathedral, also known at St Peter and St Pauls' Cathedral, is a major attraction in the county. Find it next to the famed Round Tower and Our Lady's Church.

Completed in 1912, the gardens are composed of four elements consisting of gardens, lakes, woodland and architectural features. Linked by a terrace that ran along the front of the house, which now no longer exists. The formal gardens form the centrepiece of the property and were designed by the famous architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944) and probably landscaped by Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932). In the sunken garden, circular terraces descend to an elliptical pool, where small statues of turtles gaze inquisitively at the grand fountain. An extensive replanting programme is currently underway.

The Highlanes Gallery opened its doors in 2006 and was the culmination of many years planning to deliver a dedicated visual art space for the Irish north east region of an international standard. The gallery is sited in the former Drogheda Franciscan Church and part of the Friary, known locally as the “Highlane Church”. The main exhibition spaces are open plan and include the old church level and a new floor at the height of the old balcony and as such the character of the building is not lost.

Arthur's Bar, built on the original site of the Guinness Brewery, has become almost as famous as the man it was named after. It offers the finest live entertainment, delicious bar food, an extensive courtyard and the very best customer service.

A traditional bar, located in the Seatown area of Dundalk, a 3 minute walk from the centre of town in the historical centre. Castle Bar offers a traditional bar, a large comfortable lounge, big games room complete with pool tables.

Located by the scenic canal, this traditional pub and restaurant serves up continental cuisine crafted from local ingredients. While it's a treat to dine outdoors on a sunny day, the establishment also features a room offering pleasing canal views. Known for its well-seasoned, sumptuous food, this spot has earned a reputation for standout dishes like curried beef rolls and a particularly fine pint of Guinness.

At Jacobs Well in Rathdrum, visitors will find an award-winning restaurant and gastro pub. Both are known for being welcoming and charming. There is also B&B accommodation at Jacobs Well.

A warm and friendly atmosphere is guaranteed on arrival in Kelly's Pub in Ashbourne. This local favourite not only offers a great selection of beers but also features a spacious beer garden that's ideal for watching sports events. And if you're in the mood for something more than just a pint, they've got you covered, too.

Situated in a quaint village at the heart of Wicklow, Mickey Finn's pub and restaurant is a traditional hub known for its welcoming atmosphere, congenial chats and quality music. The bug fare includes everything from scrumptious burgers and fries to the delectable falafel wraps accompanied by parmesan fries. The pub also serves up a fresh pint of Guinness and an array of craft beers from Wicklow Brewery, adding to its inviting ambiance.

O'Gormans is a popular spot that caters to a variety of palates. Despite being bustling, the restaurant maintains a welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy a pint of Guinness, and the menu that offers a diverse range of options including delightful wings and burgers.

The Dew Drop Inn, situated in the heart of Kill Village, dates back to the 19th Century. Great pub grub and cold pints are guaranteed.

Ireland’s passport and visa requirements vary for different nationalities. Citizens of the United Kingdom and EU countries (including Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein), need a passport or a valid ID. The rest of the citizens of other countries will need a passport. Many countries, including the United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for tourism short stays of up to 90 days maximum. For those requiring a short-stay visa (valid for 3 months maximum), such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, the visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay. If you're not sure whether or not to apply for a visa, we recommend you contact the embassy or consulate in your country.

Taxis and Hackney Cabs are available. Taxis can be hailed down in the street, but Hackney Cabs must be booked from offices. Costs are measured by distance, taxis are equipped with meters. If you have to be somewhere at a particular time, it is wise to book in advance as offices can be quite busy. All hotels will have a local taxi number. FreeNow app can be used to book taxis in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford.

The main bus operators are Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, Go-Ahead Ireland, and TFI Local Link, each providing comprehensive services across the network. Navigate your way around Ireland with the help of Transport for Ireland's (TFI) journey planner and route maps. To explore fare details, head over to their fare information page. For frequent bus riders, the TFI Leap Card offers a convenient and cost-saving option, reducing fares by 30% compared to single cash payments. Plus, enjoy additional perks like fare capping and the TFI 90-Minute Fare.

Dublin's climate is shaped by the moderating influence of the Gulf Stream, leading to relatively mild conditions year-round. Summer temperatures typically hover between 14 to 16°C (60-70°F), while spring and autumn see averages of around 10°C (50°F). Winter temperatures generally range from 4 to 7°C (30-40°F).

If you intend to rent a car when you’re in Ireland, make sure to familiarise yourself with the Irish road rules. In particular, pay attention to the speed limits: 120 km/h (75 mph) on motorways; 100 km/h (62 mph) on national roads; 80 km/h (50 mph) on regional and local roads; 50 km/h (31 mph) in a built-up area.

The standard voltage in the Republic of Ireland is 220 volts. Plugs are 3-pin flat, therefore adapters are required for 2-pin appliances. En-suite bathroom shaving points normally have 110 and 240 volt outlets.

EU Citizens are entitled to free hospital treatment in a public ward and should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (which replaced the old E111 form) prior to departure. Private medical insurance is advised for Visitors from non-EU countries.

An Post is Ireland’s national postal service provider. Generally, Post Offices are open from 9 am to 5:30 pm Monday to Friday, and from 9 am to 1 pm on Saturday. In larger towns, the Saturday opening may be extended.