Capital city in County Dublin, Ireland
Dublin
Irish capital of pubs, literature and big tech employers, friendly and walkable. Very expensive, with scarce rooms and rents; central streets get rowdy late, and rain arrives often.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$4,280–5,850Comfortable, one person · €3,800–5,200Details
- Value for money4/100Better value than 3% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jul, SepWarmest: Jul, 18°CDetails
- Air quality8 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet207 MbpsFixed broadband, Ireland medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe and good from Wicklow reservoirs.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel5/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$68–101Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundFREENOWVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereContactless almost everywhere, including buses and pubs.Details
Where to stay in Dublin
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Temple Bar and Grafton Street | First-timers: pubs, shops, sights; loud and touristy |
| Portobello and Rathmines | Cafés, canal walks, long stays on the south side |
| Smithfield and Stoneybatter | Local pubs and food; cheaper rents north of the Liffey |
| Grand Canal Dock (Silicon Docks) | Tech offices, modern apartments, quiet nights |
| Ranelagh and Ballsbridge | Leafy, quieter, near Luas and DART |
Apps that work in Dublin
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- TFI Live: Real-time buses, trains and Luas trams
- Taxis: Taxis are metered and can be hailed or booked by app; app prices rise at night and weekends.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Ireland.
- Cards almost everywhere Contactless almost everywhere, including buses and pubs. Carry some cash for markets and a few older pubs.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs (AIB, Bank of Ireland, PTSB) don't add fees; avoid Euronet machines and decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: 10–15% in restaurants when service isn't included; nothing for drinks at the bar; round up taxi fares.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere; the card contactless limit is €50.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Ireland is in the EU but not Schengen: no EES fingerprints, and days here don't count toward Schengen's 90-day limit.
- Officers grant up to 90 days on arrival and may ask for a return ticket, accommodation details and proof of funds.
- Ireland doesn't use ETIAS or an ETA. Going on to Northern Ireland or Britain, most visitors need a UK ETA.
Emergency numbers
Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 999 · All emergencies 999
Plugs
Type G · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Phone shops, convenience stores and Dublin Airport sell prepaid SIMs; about €15–25 for a month with large or unlimited data. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Ireland
Going to Dublin solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Dublin meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.