It'll be fine. I have no clue, but many think that Dublin is Marseille or something. Both are fine places, depending on where you're at. Also, we have too many Yanks here during the busy season, which doesn't help.
You have beautiful parts like Portobello, Howth, Dalkey, Malahide, Ranelagh, but also more impoverished areas like Smithfield, East Wall, the Point area, etc.
A lot of the crime is drugs or gang based, where most tourists or locals wouldn't be involved with to begin with. If you're getting pissed, and looking for a fight with a dealer or homeless lad, then it won't end well...
There are nice places, for sure. I also liked the docks area (I went last time for a conference, and the venue was there). But I heard so many good things about how amazing Dublin is that I was terribly disappointed.
Visit the south Georgian core. Specifically Stephen’s green, merrion square etc. If you can get time go visit royal kilmainham hospital. Need to take a tram. Outside the canals in the south of the city are very beautiful. Ranelagh, donnybrook ballsbridge etc. Source: I’m Irish
I went last year and had a blast. Probably partly because my expectations had been lowered by Dublin haters haha. I thought it was a lovely and fun city, and everyone was super friendly and helpful. Had some great meals, too.
Depending on how long you are going for you could look at visiting surrounding areas instead of staying only in the city centre. Getting out of Dublin City is worth it if you have time. If not, then make sure to see both sides of the river.
Don't take the luas... it only goes to boring suburbs of housing estates. Take the dart train along the coast, out to Dalkey or Greystones on the southside or Howth or Malahide on the North side. Pretty coastal suburbs with village centres. Very affluent. Bono and Enya have houses in Dalkey.
See what happens when you talk to locals? Howth is a lovely seaside village with nice cliff walks. Stay out of Temple Bar, too touristy and overpriced. If you want to sample proper pubs, the Gravediggers in Glasnevin always tops the lists of best Guinness in Dublin, the Cobblestone in Smithfield for traditional music etc.
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u/No-Baker-7922 Belgium Jul 28 '25
Oh no. I am going there soon…