Look for a comparably energetic and dynamic place anywhere in the world – you won't find one that can hold a candle to Dublin! The Republic of Ireland is proud of its capital, which is unsurpassed in attractions and sights. There's an exuberance of activity here – with an undeniable penchant for balancing it out by taking a deep breath.
We have asked our friends at iStudy International Dublin for tips on how to make your stay in Dublin as affordable as possible. Here they advise what to do in Dublin on a budget:
Drinking Guinness and eating oysters
One of the most famous pubs in Dublin is called Davy Byrnes Pub, located on Duke Street and offering a pint of Guinness and a plate of oysters for just €15. In the city known worldwide for its magnificent pubs, this one clearly stands out. James Joyce mentions it in his book Ulysse, in which Leopold Bloom, as a traveler, stays at the pub, orders a sandwich with gorgonzola and mustard and a glass of burgundy, and takes pleasure in it. This offer is still listed on the menu today! (davybyrnes.com)
Bewley's Lunchtime Theater
As an important part of Dublin's cultural history, Bewley's Cafe is one of the most significant attractions in the Irish capital. It opened in 1927 and is meanwhile no longer in the hands of the founding family. However, this does not detract from the attraction of the theater! It has been mentioned in many songs, plays and books, such as James Joyce's book Dubliners. Here every day at lunchtime on the second floor almost confidential theater performances with young acting talents take place. The immediate proximity to the actors creates a unique atmosphere: From 12.50 o'clock the doors are open. The theater show is free and lunch costs between €8 and €12. (bewleyscafetheatre.com).
Jeanie Johnson
With a full belly, head from Bewley's to Jeanie Johnson (on Custom House Quay), where you'll definitely have to fight off rising feelings of guilt. For Jeanie Johnson is a replica of one of the famous famine ships, that is, the boats in which thousands of Dubliners set out on a perilous journey to a better world during the so-called Potato Famine. The replica is deceptively real, a fascinating museum awaits inside the boat, and bronze statues of famine victims line the waterfront. For students, the entrance ticket costs €7.50. (jeaniejohnston.ie)
Rent a bike in Phoenix Park for €5
Phoenix Park was laid out in 1662 by order of King Charles II by Viceroy James Butler, Duke of Ormond, and at 707 acres is the largest fully enclosed urban recreation park in Europe. Oaks, ash, lime, beech, sycamore and horse chestnut, all broad-leaved plants, cover about 30% of the park's surface area.
In 1660, the Duke of Ormond settled fallow deer in the park. Of the original herd, about 400 still live in the park today. This is also the residence of the President of the Republic of Ireland and Dublin Zoo is also located in the park. You can also visit Farmleigh, a magnificent castle with beautiful gardens. The entrance fee is €12.50. (phoenixparkbikehire.com)
Go to Cobblestone after an art film
Here, at the Lighthouse Cinema, Smithfield, be sure not to miss out for €7.50 miss an art film! The cinema is very luxuriously appointed and allows patrons to take beers or wines purchased for around €5 by the glass into the show. After this indulgence, head to the Cobblestone Pub. Here you can listen to free Irish music and drink a pint of Guinness for €4.80. (lighthousecinema.ie, cobblestonepub.ie)
Take a skywalk tour in Croke Park
Courage is the order of the day here! The Skywalk in Croke Park needs strong nerves, because you walk 600 meters and in 44 meters height over the roof of the sports stadium. The view of Dublin is naturally spectacular, you can marvel at it on one of the 5 viewing platforms and get the commentary on the various sights via headphones to go with it. The tour costs €20 for students. (skylinecrokepark.ie)
Ardgillan Castle
Take the approximately 30 minute train or bus ride from the center of Dublin to Ardgillan Castle and visit this beautiful estate in its 194 acre park – you won't regret it! Nearby is the sea, which fans iodine-rich fresh air into your face on a sunny afternoon. Ardgillan Castle was created in 1738 by theDean of Clonfert and houses a library with secret access! For only €5.00 you can buy a ticket for the whole estate. (ardgillanskerries.com)
A Guinness and much more!
What would a visit to Dublin be without an experience about the origins of the most famous of all beers? This is why the Guinness Storehouse is probably the most visited tourist attraction in the city. You'll find a fascinating mix of industrial tradition and contemporary know-how in the historic building. Dublin is aware of the importance of this monument and is constantly updating the venerable house. The history of the famous black drink is recorded on seven floors and for €13 you can not only join the tour but also get a pint of Guinness. (guinness-storehouse.com)
Shirley Temple Bar
Would you like to experience something different? The hilarious show with drag queens at Shirley Temple Bar in The George on George's Street would be right up your alley then. Whether straight, bi or gay – here you make no distinction and have a lot of fun- and playing bingo! On the other hand, you are not alone, the show is very popular and fills the hall every night.
Starts at 9 pm (bingo) and around 10 pm the show begins. You don't pay admission before 10pm, after that it costs €5. drinks are available for about €5 and €6. (thegeorge.ie)
Discover Georgian Dublin like a Georgian
A trip to the Dublin of the Georgian era is in order? Oscar Wilde once lived in this neighborhood, where the Georgian buildings create a unique atmosphere. Today, with a 30-minute tour on a horse-drawn wagon, you can see the magnificent squares and colorful doorways and get an idea of the city at the time. Goods were once transported throughout the city on the old canals. It can get very cold in the winter, so make sure you have warm clothes! For a group of 4 or more, the tour costs €10 per person.
You won't find the trotters with their wagons on any website. You have to reach the highest point ofGrafton Street to catch a glimpse of the horses and their riders. A young man can help you in case of doubt. The drivers are locals with a strong, sometimes almost unintelligible Irish accent. If you listen carefully you may understand a few words. Haggle over the fare – it's a tradition here!
So, that's it. 10 fantastic things to see, do, eat and drink in Dublin – for less than €20. Desire for it? Then check out our English courses in Dublin.