Top 10 Things to Know Before Visiting Dublin, Ireland

Some serious, some fun things to know before visiting Dublin, Ireland.

#1 - They Use the Euro

Since Ireland joined the European Union, they use the Euro as their form of currency. However, you can easily get by without cash. Most stores and restaurants take card, so you shouldn’t run into any issues if you don’t have euros on you. But, if you travel to Northern Ireland, you will use the British Pound, as they are part of the United Kingdom. In Northern Ireland, they may require cash for things such as public transportation tickets. Here in Dublin, don’t worry.

#2 - It Can Be Expensive

Dublin is not a cheap travel destination. Accommodations can set you back €200 a night in the city centre… and it’s not even a luxurious room for that price. Food, on average, is €20 a meal, but you also need to tip at least 10 percent to your server. Car rentals and petrol can also get expensive, and souvenir shops are on the higher range for cheaper quality knick-knacks. All in all, you will probably be spending more money than you are anticipating.

#3 - The Nightlife is Explosive

When you think of Dublin, you probably think of the pubs at night, drinking a Guinness, and listening to Irish jigs. Good news: that is all true and you will get to experience all of that very easily in Dublin. There is no photo that you could take that can truly show the amazing nightlife here. There are countless pubs in and around Dublin that it would be impossible to go to all of them over a long weekend. Since the locals are so friendly, you will have no problem starting conversations with them and sharing a pint or two together. The music is exhilarating and just what you would expect. Unlike other travel destinations, Dublin is a place to relax and socialise with a Guinness in hand!

#4 - Dublin is Not as Safe as Other European Cities

On a more serious note, Dublin is not a safe travel destination. This is only one of two cities that I have personally visited where I have not felt safe, with the second being Berlin. I almost got mugged in Dublin - apparently, this is a common occurrence, as I was told by a police officer. There is also a major drug and alcohol problem affecting people in the area, which causes some of them to go through great lengths to get what they want. There is a homeless crisis as well, so don’t be surprised when you see this throughout the city. This is a place I would not recommend walking alone at night.

#5 - Dublin is NOT a Clean City

As stated before, Dublin is a nightlife city that also has drug, alcohol, and homeless issues. So, it makes sense that it’s not the cleanest city that you will visit. There’s glass on the streets from broken bottles, smells of piss, and ripped posters from pubs everywhere. We’ve seen people just throw their rubbish on the streets and pavements, like shown in the image above (actually one of the cleanest streets we came across). The city tries their best to maintain cleanliness, but there’s only so much they can do between the tourists and the locals. It’s not pleasant at times, but it’s to be expected between the nightlife and Dublin’s addictions and homelessness.

#6 - There are More Breweries/Distilleries Than Just Guinness or Jameson

It’s true that Guinness and Jameson’s Whisky reigns supreme here in Dublin (and Ireland in general). But, there is more to Dublin than just Guinness and Jameson’s. There are many other breweries and distilleries, such as The Five Lamps Brewery, Dublin City Brewing Co, Hope Beer, Pearse Lyons Distillery, and much more. With 11 breweries and over 30 distilleries in Dublin, you can pick whichever ones sound best for you to visit.

#7 - You Will See the Gaelic Language

In Ireland, you will speak English. However, you may come across another language while you are here. The Gaelic language is an old language of Ireland, dating back 2,500 years ago. It was spoken in much of the Celtic lands (with some variations), but it was replaced by the English language starting around the 18th century. However, you will still see the language throughout signs, museums, and pamphlets. It’s only spoken somewhat fluently by roughly 40 percent of the population, but it is nice to still see it represented in the culture and traditions of Ireland.

#8 - Hope You Like Potatoes!

Yes, this is true too about Ireland = they like their potatoes. Nearly every Irish meal has some form of potatoes, whether it is in stews, breads, casseroles, or in pancake form. Potatoes are very easy to grow in the Irish climate, so it makes sense why so many recipes call for this rich vegetable. And don’t get me started on the portion sizes. I’m originally from Texas, but Texas sizes cannot compete with Irish portion sizes sometimes. With the cost of a meal being so much, it’s usually worth it for the portion you get!

#9 - You Will See American Flags Everywhere

When you travel to Dublin, you may be surprised to see so many American flags around the city. There are many reasons for this, but one being that there are SO MANY American tourists who travel to Ireland. Several of these Americans travel to trace back to their “motherland,” as they call it. During the Potato Famine between 1845-1852, more than 2 million Irish migrated to the United States. This created the majority of Irish-Americans living throughout the country. Due to pride in the culture and upbringing of traditions, many Americans flock to Ireland to see where their distant relatives came from. You may be thinking that the Irish would find this annoying, but they embrace this attitude towards Americans, almost treating them like long-lost cousins. I personally had family emigrate a little after the famine, but I don’t recognise Ireland as my heritage as I do with my English and Norwegian upbringing, which are much more recent. That being said, they still were interested I had “Irish blood” and were quick to “adopt me.”

#10 - The Irish Are Wonderful People!

Perhaps the best thing about Ireland is the people! I have been to Dublin a few times and have always had great experiences with the locals. Like mentioned above, they are very warm and accepting people. You will make friends, engage easily with the locals, and drink/sing to the long hours of the night. Don’t be offended if they tease you - it’s all in good fun. My mother was “left” in her wheelchair at the airport because she said she was English. First off, don’t say you’re English while in Ireland lol. Secondly, laugh it off like they do and enjoy making fun of yourself. Laughter is the best medicine… and you will laugh a lot while you’re here!