Recently updated on November 26th, 2024 at 09:30 pm
Everyone makes mistakes when traveling. Forgotten adapters, too many shoes – not enough socks. But there are also these travel mistakes: Overlooking what’s right in front of you. And one place that people do this, time and again, is in Dublin.
Take some advice from Catherine Reilly, the managing director of Brendan Vacations. Dublin, beyond the immediate attractions, is a place not to be missed. She’s made travel in Ireland her life and her love for Dublin is rooted in its heart – quite literally. There’s even a tree planted in her honor at the city’s Merrion Square.
The fair capital city of Ireland is known for its festivals and famous features, and plenty plan their travel to start there. But, many make the same common mistakes, Reilly has noted, and end up not getting the full serving of the culture that makes Dublin the best city in the world (just ask its unbiased locals).
According to Reilly, these are the things to do (and not do) when you are in Dublin.
Don’t: Limit yourself to the city center
Do: Explore the neighborhoods around
There’s so much to see and do in the city center (Grafton Street, Temple Bar and Trinity College all come to mind), so it makes sense why visitors easily get wrapped up there.
But, venture just a little bit out from the middle and you’re going to immerse in a whole different side of Dublin, the way the locals see it.
“A mistake is not knowing that Dublin is a city of villages. If visitors only hang out in Temple Bar and don’t explore other neighborhoods like Stoneybatter, Ranelagh, Donnybrook and Clontarf, they miss out on a more authentic experience.”
― Catherine Reilly, managing director of Brendan Vacations
Don’t: Miss out on the live music
Do: Find a place to grab spot (and maybe a pint) and listen in
The live music scene is what makes Dublin, well, lively. If you’re on the hunt for Irish music (called “trad” – short for traditional) in the city, you’re going to be asking for a trad music or a trad session playing somewhere.
“Dublin is known for its vibrant music scene. Go to The Cobblestone, Whelan’s, O’Donoghue’s for live sessions.” ― Reilly
Here’s where those are located:
The Cobblestone: 77 King St N Dublin 7 D07 TP22 County Dublin
Whelan’s: 25 Wexford Street Dublin 8 D02 H527 Dublin
O’Donoghue’s: 15 Merrion Row Dublin City D2 Dublin
Whether you’re in a venue with a stage, at a festival on a green, or tucked into a snug at a pub, you’re in for an entertaining time. Hear something good as you’re walking by? Stop and listen to the music.
Don’t: Skip the local food
Do: Have a bite of the local flavors and favorites of Dublin
“Another mistake is not trying local food,” says Reilly. soda bread, Cashel blue cheese, fish and chips, Murphy’s Ice Cream.” ― Reilly
Don’t believe any rumors you may have heard – Ireland’s food is amazing. With a high priority placed on local and seasonal ingredients, what’s on your plate can easily dispel any myths you may have encountered. For a start, even just the simple staples and basics tend to taste best on the local scene in Dublin.
While you’re on the hunt for something to eat, be sure take a note what’s in season when you’re visiting – think blackberries, rhubarb, pumpkin or greens in terms of produce and shellfish (if you’re not allergic). Luckily for all – ice cream and Guinness are always in season.
4. A Sense of Wonder
When you’re exploring the Celtic Isles, it’s hard NOT to get drawn in by a sense of magical beauty. Invest in a sense of wonder, and maybe tie it back into the holidays. Want better stories to tell around the fire? We’ve got a legend for that. On the Enchanting Emerald Isle trips get the gift of the gab by kissing the Blarney Stone and just see if the whole experience doesn’t set you talking. Or if gifting cryptids for Christmas is more your style, might we suggest Scotland’s Highlands, Islands and Cities? See if you can spot any loch-dwelling inhabitants from the gorgeous Loch Ness shoreline.
Don’t: Rush your way out of the city
Do: Stay a while in Dublin
“A big mistake is not allocating enough time for Dublin,” says Reilly. As mentioned before, a high number of travel in Ireland starts and often ends in Dublin. People will come in, walk a few blocks, see one or two sights and jet off to the next destination. But as Reilly says, you’d be best served to stop in and stay a little.
Get a full day or two for the city on the River Liffey and explore the streets and neighborhoods, or better yet, book a professional tour.
“Take a walking tour with a local,” says Reilly. “Who else is going to tell you that Dublin has a hidden network of underground rivers flowing beneath its streets?”
Feeling inspired to give the gift of new favorite memories?
Curious about travel in Ireland? Can’t blame you.
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Brittany Hanson
Britt Hanson is a contributing writer to The Gab. For 15+ years she's been writing news and features about people, places, science and the details that make it all stand out. She's been published on national news stories and academic magazines and culture blogs She loves running, reading, forests, hotel breakfasts, metro transit and will definitely ask if she can pet your dog.
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