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What You Need To Know

Dublin, capital of the Republic of Ireland, is on Ireland’s east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey. Its medieval buildings include 13th-century Dublin Castle and imposing St. Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1191. Temple Bar is a riverside nightlife and cultural quarter, home to the Irish Film Institute. Bustling, largely pedestrianised Grafton Street is the city’s principal shopping area, also famed for its buskers.

Area: 44.4 mi²
Population: 527,612

Currency

Currency

  • The currency of Dublin is the Euro
  • The currency in use in Ireland is the Euro. Cash machines (ATMs) are widely available. Bank opening hours are typically between 10:00-16:00 Mondays to Fridays. Most hotels, shops, restaurants and some bars accept all major credit cards. Visa and Master Card are the most widely used credit cards in Ireland. If you plan on visiting a pub it is advisable to bring some cash. You will also need cash for taxis and most public transport.

Weather

Dublin has a maritime temperate climate, and less rainfall than the rest of the 'Emerald Isle'. However, winters are still very soggy and showers are common all year round. The wettest month, October, averages three inches (76mm) of rainfall. Summers are cool and pleasant, with temperatures in July peaking at around 68°F (20°C), and the most sunshine in May and June. Winters, apart from being wet, are mild, with the mercury rarely dropping to freezing point. Snow is unlikely, but a few flurries can occur. Dublin, like the rest of Ireland, experiences few temperature extremes. The best time to visit Ireland is in the warm summer months between May and August. February receives the least rainfall on average but it is almost impossible to avoid some rain in Dublin. The off-peak months are significantly cheaper in Ireland, so if you are travelling on a budget it's best to consider visiting in spring, autumn or even winter.

Language

The language spoken in Dublin is English. Street signs and official buildings are signposted in both English and Gaelic, the indigenous Irish language. Despite this, you are highly unlikely to hear any Gaelic spoken on your travels across town. You are, however, likely to come across a lot of cursing in casual conversations. IRelax, it does not carry the same connotations it might in other languages.

Health and security

  • Young people in Dublin today are faced with a number challenges and issues surrounding their personal health and development. In the transition from childhood to adulthood, young people will encounter new experiences, face difficult situations and have to make important choices. These experiences can range from exciting (relationships, socializing) to overwhelming (peer pressure, drug abuse), and make life a challenging expedition.
  • Despite Ireland’s relatively small size, Dublin is a major city and with that come the problems of any major European city. On the whole, however, it is considered to be a safe city and the majority of crime is non-violent, such a pick-pocketing.
  • Like any city, certain areas are more impoverished than others and have a reputation as being best avoided. To get a sense of the how that applies to Dublin, be sure to read our entertaining article “Dublin Northsiders vs Dublin Southsiders”. Dublin is divided by the River Liffey and some areas to the north of O’Connell street, the city’s main thoroughfare, are considered a tad dodgy.

DON'T

  • DON'T resist if you are mugged, as you may be injured. If you catch a pickpocket in the act DON'T attempt to apprehend him unless a police officer happens to be handy.
  • DON'T leave your valuables in a locked car. Locks are easily jimmied by experts, and often thieves will simply break a window. If you leave bags, cameras, or clothes inside a locked car, you are practically extending an invitation to a would be thief. The trunk is not safe either.

DO

  • DO carry with you only what you need. Leave in the hotel safe such valuables as jewelry, Eurail passes, airline tickets, travelers checks, credit cards, extra cash and your passport. Once admitted to Ireland, American tourists do not have to carry passports. A student card or driver's license usually is sufficient if you are asked for identification.
  • DO be alert for groups of noisy children who swarm about you with distracting signs, papers, or blankets, begging for money. Despite their young age, they are among the best pickpockets in Dublin.