Dublin, Ireland

Dublin travel guide

Pubs, literature and US Preclearance on the way home

Find flights to Dublin See fares from $327

Airports: DUB Dublin Airport
Region: Europe
Best time to visit: May–September has the longest days and mildest weather (it's never hot).
Shortest flight: 6h from Boston
Round trips from: $327 (live)
Time zone: Europe/Dublin

About Dublin

Dublin's center straddles the River Liffey: Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Grafton Street, St. Stephen's Green and the Georgian squares to the south; Temple Bar's pubs by the river; the Guinness Storehouse and Kilmainham Gaol to the west. The coast — Howth, Dún Laoghaire, Bray — is 30 minutes away by DART train, and the Wicklow Mountains an hour.

Getting in: the airport is 6 miles north. Dublin Express and Aircoach buses reach the center in 30–40 minutes (€7–€10); taxis cost €30–€40. There's no rail link. Flying home, US Preclearance means you clear immigration and customs in Dublin; arrive 3 hours early.

US citizens need a passport valid for the duration of stay (Ireland is not in Schengen, so the EU's ETIAS won't apply here); no visa for 90 days. Euros are the currency; cards are accepted everywhere. Tip 10–12% in restaurants; pubs don't expect tips. A pint costs €6–€7 in the center, a pub lunch €15–€20.

Best time to visit

May–September has the longest days and mildest weather (it's never hot). March brings St. Patrick's festival crowds. October–February is damp and dark but hotel rates fall sharply.

Where to stay

Neighborhoods our travelers like: Temple Bar, Georgian Dublin / St. Stephen's Green, Smithfield / Stoneybatter, Portobello, Ranelagh.

Flights to Dublin: typical round-trip fares

What economy round trips to DUB usually cost from major US cities, alongside the lowest live fare we can see in the next 90 days. Prices are per traveler and include taxes.

From	Flight time	Typical fare	Lowest live fare	Actions
New York (JFK)	6h 20m	$438	$343 · Tue, Oct 13	Search dates →
Boston (BOS)	6h	$428	$327 · Tue, Oct 13	Search dates →
Chicago (ORD)	7h 20m	$548	$363 · Wed, Dec 2	Search dates →
Washington (IAD)	6h 55m	$498	$340 · Tue, Nov 3	Search dates →
Los Angeles (LAX)	10h 20m	$618	$509 · Tue, Nov 10	Search dates →
Dallas (DFW)	9h	$628	$436 · Tue, Oct 6	Search dates →

Typical fares are editorial estimates for economy round trips booked 3–8 weeks out. Live fares refresh several times a day and are shown for the cheapest departure date we found.

Airports in Dublin

Dublin Airport (DUB)Dublin · Large hubDUB

What to do in Dublin

The places our editors send first-time visitors.

1
Trinity College and the Book of Kells
The 9th-century illuminated manuscript and the Long Room library; timed tickets online.
2
Guinness Storehouse
Seven floors on the history of the stout, ending with a pint in the 360-degree Gravity Bar.
3
Kilmainham Gaol
The prison where the 1916 Rising leaders were held; the guided tour is the best history lesson in the city.
4
Howth cliff walk
A 30-minute DART ride to a fishing village with a cliff-top loop and fish and chips on the pier.
5
Traditional music pubs
The Cobblestone in Smithfield and O'Donoghue's on Merrion Row for nightly sessions — skip Temple Bar's tourist prices.

Dublin weather by season

Average highs and lows in °F, with what each season means for fares and crowds.

Winter

47° / 38°

Damp, windy, dark by 4:30pm.

Spring

55° / 41°

Green and showery; St. Patrick's in March.

Summer

66° / 53°

Mild — pack layers even in July.

Fall

57° / 45°

Crisp and often clear in September.

Travel tips for Dublin

Allow 3 hours for the flight home — US Preclearance in Dublin is a full immigration process.
Aer Lingus fares from Boston and New York are often the cheapest way to reach Europe; connections to 20+ European cities are on the same ticket.
Book the Book of Kells and Guinness Storehouse online; both discount off-peak slots.
A Leap Visitor Card covers buses, trams and DART trains for 1, 3 or 7 days.
Weather changes hourly; a waterproof jacket beats an umbrella in the wind.

Dublin flights: frequently asked questions

What is US Preclearance in Dublin?

US Customs and Border Protection officers process passengers in Dublin airport before departure, so you arrive in the US as a domestic passenger with no lines. Arrive at least 3 hours before your flight.

Do I need a visa for Ireland?

No — US citizens can stay up to 90 days with a valid passport. Ireland is not part of the Schengen area, so the EU's ETIAS system will not apply to Irish trips.

How do I get from Dublin airport to the city center?

Dublin Express and Aircoach buses run every 10–20 minutes to O'Connell Street and the south side in 30–40 minutes (€7–€10). Taxis take 25–40 minutes and cost €30–€40.