Welcome to Dublin! Home of Guinness, some pretty amazing architecture, friendly locals, and…some serious tourist traps.
If you’re heading to Ireland’s capital, I want to make sure you don’t embarrass yourself, waste your time, or annoy the locals (I’m talking to you, calling our national day St Patty’s day).
I’ve travelled to over 40 countries and while I always love sharing my favourite things to do everywhere I go, I’ve also found there’s a need to share some very common mistakes and what NOT to do when you travel. Because let’s face it, nobody wants to be THAT tourist.
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What NOT to do in Dublin, Ireland
1. Don’t Arrive Expecting to Catch a Train from the Airport
Dublin Airport does not have a train station. Surprising, right? It’s one of the only major European cities that doesn’t have a rail line to and from the airport. There’s been talk about building a metro line for years… and years… but unfortunately it’s still talk.
If you land expecting a quick and easy train ride into the city, you’re in for a bit of a shock. So, what are your options?
- Taxi, which can be pricey, depending on how far you’re going
- Airport buses, like the Aircoach or Dublin Express will take you into the city of Dublin in around 30 minutes
- Dublin Bus is the cheapest option, but also the slowest
Just make sure you plan your public transportation ahead to avoid the ‘where’s the train?’ panic.
2. Don’t Plan a Full Day Around Visiting The Spire
Chances are, if you’ve researched ‘things to do in Dublin’ you’ll have come across The Spire – a 120-meter stainless steel monument that’s…well, it’s definitely there.
The Spire was built in 2003 as part of a rejuvenation project for O’Connell Street, but it doesn’t offer much in terms of activities or entertainment. Sure, you can take a picture with it and admire its sleek design, but don’t plan on spending too much time here – 5 minutes max, and then move on. .
Funny story, The Spire was originally supposed to be self-cleaning – but that was an epic fail and now they have to spend more than €80,000 a year on cleaning services!
3. Don’t Spend All Your Time In Templebar
Temple Bar is fun, but if you spend your whole trip there, you’re basically paying tourist tax on every pint. Expect to pay around 10 euro per drink there!
Templebar is a cobblestone area full of pubs, restaurants, souvenir shops and the Irish Rock & Roll Museum. It’s definitely worth checking out, taking a stroll around, a selfie and maybe one overpriced pint for the experience. But Dublin has so much more to offer – check out Camden Street for great nightlife, Stoneybatter for hipster vibes, or the pubs in Rathmines if you want to drink like a local.
4. Don’t Even Dare To Ask About Leprechauns
I beg you, for the love of St. Patrick, do not ask the locals if they believe in leprechauns or if they’re real. Yes, they’re part of Irish folklore, but if you ask this seriously, expect a sarcastic answer or an eye roll. Save yourself the embarrassment.
If you really need a leprechaun fix, visit the National Leprechaun Museum – just don’t mention it to any locals.
5. Don’t Try To See Everything In One Day
Sure, Dublin might look small compared to other European cities, but it’s jam-packed with history and culture. If you think you can rush through Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Dublin Castle, Grafton Street, Guinness Storehouse, Kilmainham Gaol, and Phoenix Park all in one day, you’re dreaming.
Take your time, soak it in, and don’t treat your trip to Dublin like a checklist. Because, I promise you, you’ll miss out on some of the best there is to see and do.
Check out my 2-day Dublin itinerary here for some more inspiration.
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6. Don’t Expect Friendly Service In A Rush
Dubliners are lovely people. I should know – I lived there for 12 years. But if you snap your fingers at a bartender or demand ‘fast service,’ you’ll be met with the legendary Irish stare-down (and that’s if you’re lucky).
Pubs here operate on a relaxed, ‘we’ll get to you when we get to you’ pace. So, be patient, and maybe even crack a joke – it might get you served a little faster!
7. Don’t Rent A Car Unless You Can Drive A Manual
The majority of rental cars available in Ireland are ‘stick shift’ (a.k.a. manual). So if you’re only used to driving an automatic, you’ll probably want to stick to public transportation or guided tours. The narrow, winding roads and driving on the left side of the road can be challenging enough without having to worry about shifting gears.
That being said, if you do rent a car, make sure to get the optional Collision Damage Waiver insurance. It may seem like an extra cost, but trust me – it’s worth it in case of any accidents on those narrow roads.
8. Don’t Miss A Trad Music Session
The Irish are known for having epic traditional music sessions in pubs all over the country. I’m not talking about the massive stage productions – though they have their place – I mean the real deal: a few musicians squeezed into the corner of a cosy pub, pints flowing, feet tapping, and the kind of atmosphere that gives you goosebumps. You’ll find sessions most nights of the week in places like The Cobblestone or O’Donoghue’s with musicians playing fiddles (violins), bodhrans (hand held drums) and tin whistles.
9. Don’t Take A Sip Of Guinness Right Away
If there ever was a faux pas when it comes to drinking in Dublin, it’s taking a sip of your Guinness when the bartender has just set it down.
Patience, my friend! Guinness needs time to settle. If you take a sip before it’s fully settled, you’re practically committing an Irish crime. Let it rest, enjoy the moment, and then take that first perfect sip.
10. Don’t Miss Out On Free Stuff
Dublin has plenty of free things to do! The National Museum of Ireland, St. Stephen’s Green, the Chester Beatty Library, and even the views from Howth are all free! Save your euros for more important things…like another round at the pub.
Top tip: If you have a Dublin Pass, you’ll have access to even more free top attractions and tours.
11. Don’t Expect Perfect Weather – Ever
Dublin’s weather is like a mood swing – it changes fast. Always bring layers, and whatever you do, don’t trust the forecast.
One minute it’s sunny, the next you’re caught in a sideways rainstorm, a hailstorm or a blustery hurricane. You will need to be prepared for all weather scenarios when you visit Dublin.
12. Don’t ‘Cop A Feel’ Of Molly Malone
Molly Malone is a famous statue located at the top of Grafton Street in Dublin. Also known as the “Tart with the Cart”, in recent years it’s become somewhat of a tradition for tourists to rub her breasts for good luck. But in early 2025, guards were hired to prevent this from happening. So be respectful and keep your hands off Molly!
13. Don’t Ignore Irish Slang
If someone tells you something is ‘grand,’ it doesn’t mean luxurious. It means ‘fine’ or ‘okay.’ If they say ‘it was great craic’, they mean it was great fun (don’t let your mind go there).
And if they say ‘I will, yeah,’ it actually means they won’t. Irish slang is a language of its own—embrace it!
14. Don’t Just Stick To The City Centre
Dublin isn’t just all about the city centre. It’s great and all, but there’s so much more to Dublin than the sights in the city. Take the DART train to coastal towns like Howth, Dalkey, or Dun Laoghaire. Trust me, these spots will make you fall in love with Ireland even more.
15. Do Not Call It St Patty’s Day
A patty is a burger. St. Patrick is not named after a burger. You either call it St Patrick’s Day or Paddy’s day but not Patty! One mention of St Patty’s Day, you’ll immediately oust yourself as a tourist and the locals will never forgive you.
16. Don’t Think You’re Getting Free Transport
If you plan to take the Luas (which is the tram that travels through Dublin), make sure you have a ticket or a Leap Card before you hop on. Don’t think you’ll get away with a free ride just because you’re a tourist! Fines for fare skipping are pretty hefty!
17 Don’t Forget To Look Right Before Crossing The Road
The Irish drive on the left, and if you’re from a country that doesn’t, your instincts will betray you. Always look both ways. And then look again!
18. Don’t Expect Irish People To Say “Top of the Morning to Ya”
Contrary to popular belief, this phrase is not actually used by Irish people in everyday conversation. In fact, it’s considered quite cheesy. So if you want to sound more authentic, just stick with a simple “hello” or “hi” when greeting someone.
