Is Dublin Walkable? Expert Tips For Exploring on Foot

As someone who travels internationally, I understand the anticipation that comes with visiting a big city like Dublin. Will you be able to find your way? Can you easily walk from point A to point B?
Well, one of the first things that struck me about Dublin was how walkable it is. Yes, you read that right! Even though it’s Ireland’s biggest city, Dublin is incredibly walkable.
Through this article, I’ll share expert travel tips for Dublin to make your journey walking through the city an incredible experience. Are you ready?

So, How Walkable is Dublin?

Why Walking in Dublin is a Great Option for Sightseeing

The thing is, Dublin is not like big cities in other countries. Walking is very doable here. Walking in Dublin allows you to see more than just the popular tourist attractions – you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the local surroundings. When you wander the streets of Dublin, you’ll stumble upon quaint cafes, lively pubs, and landmarks you didn’t even know existed.

Must-See Walkable Places in Dublin

When exploring Dublin by foot, you’ll find that most of the must-see places are easy to walk to! Here are some of the top walkable places in Dublin that should be on your itinerary:

1. Trinity College

Trinity College is a not to be missed place in Dublin! Home to the famous Book of Kells, the historic university has beautiful architecture and lots to explore. Wander on your own or take a guided tour here to fully appreciate the campus and library.

2. Temple Bar

If you’re looking for the lively pub atmosphere in Ireland, you’ll find it at the Temple Bar! Don’t miss out on the traditional Irish music, great food and drinks, and friendly locals. Try some of Ireland’s famous brews while you’re there – Guinness, Smithwick’s, and Bulmer’s cider are a few options.

3. St. Stephen’s Green

St. Stephen’s Green is a gorgeous park for walking in Dublin. If you’re familiar with the film, Leap Year, you’ll recognize it immediately! It’s a peaceful place in the busy city, and the perfect place to relax and take a stroll.

4. St. Patrick’s Cathedral

This cathedral named after St. Patrick is the largest church in Ireland and is a must-see for its incredible architecture and history. It’s also only a 15 minute walk from Trinity College, so it would be easy to walk to both in one day!

5. Marsh’s Library

Marsh’s Library in Dublin is one of Ireland’s hidden gems. It’s the oldest public library in Ireland and is home to rare books and manuscripts from the 15th to 19th century. If you have the time, it’s definitely worth a visit!

6. The Guinness Storehouse

The Guinness Storehouse is a popular tourist spot in Dublin, where you can learn about the history of Ireland’s most famous beer and even have a pint on the rooftop bar! Walkable from the city center, this is a must-visit for those interested in the history of Guinness.

These are just a few examples of the many walkable places in Dublin! No matter what your plans are in the city, most places can be easily discovered by walking!

Walking Tours in Dublin

Overwhelmed and need somewhere to start? I got you! If you’re visiting Dublin, you’ll be glad to know there are many fantastic walking tours of this amazing city! I’ve put together some of my favorite walking tours in Dublin in this list:

Complete Dublin Walking Tour

This complete Dublin tour welcomes you into the heart of Dublin and even gives you admission to Dublin Castle. You’ll tour through the most famous neighborhoods in Dublin, including Temple Bar, Trinity College, and visit Dublin Castle. This complete walking tour is a perfect way to start your trip to Dublin!

Dublin Historical Walking Tour

This historical walking tour is great on a budget and will take you through historic Dublin. Learn about Dublin’s history from a knowledgable guide before adventuring around the city on your own!

Dublin Food On Foot Walking Tour

In the Food on Foot walking tour, you’ll discover Dublin’s history AND food culture. By joining a group tour, this budget-friendly tour also gives you the freedom to choose which delicious foods you want to sample along the way.
Bonus: This tour is suitable for ANY dietary requirement, even vegetarians and vegans.

Dark Dublin Tour

In this unique “Dark Dublin” tour, you’ll venture beyond the city center on foot. Learn about a more eerie past in Dublin, this tour is perfect for people who like a more—haunting experience.

Exploring Dublin’s Neighborhoods (On Foot)

When it comes to discovering the “real” Dublin, there’s no better way than walking through its neighborhoods! You may find yourself exploring the historic Georgian Quarter, or stumbling across brightly-colored street art in Portobello. Dublin has a variety of neighborhood areas to explore, each unique.

💃 Here are the best neighborhoods in Dublin you can explore on foot:

The Temple Bar

Ah, Temple Bar—the heart of Dublin’s city center. Picture colorful streets, lively pubs, and quirky shops. It’s touristy, sure, but it’s a big part of Dublin’s culture!

Dublin 2 (Southside)

The southside area of Dublin lies south of the River Liffey. This area feels fashionable and upscale. I highly recommend exploring the streets of Grafton and Dawson for shopping, and winding down at a peaceful park in this area like St. Stephen’s Green.

St. James

A quaint residential area home to the iconic Guinness Storehouse and the St. James’s Gate Brewery. Walking around the St. James’s neighborhood will give you an unforgettable and authentic Dublin experience! (Tip: Take a visit to Groundhouse Coffee in this area, it’s a gem).

Smithfield

Modern meets historic in the Smithfield area! This is a trendy neighborhood with cafes, and a quirky square that hosts markets and events all year round.

Stoneybatter

Known as a “hipster” neighborhood, Stoneybatter made Time Out’s list of coolest neighborhoods in the world in 2019! Make sure you check out the colorful murals you can find on the streets here!

Portobello: This area of Dublin is full of history! It has a strong sense of community and cultural diversity and is also home to The Irish Jewish Museum. Fantastic, colorful street art is always popping up around Portobello.

The Docklands: Love it when buildings meet up with a canal? That’s the Docklands! This is the business district of Dublin. Here, the buildings meet the Dublin waterway! Explore waterfront restaurants here, and maybe even catch a show at the famous Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.

As you can see, Dublin’s neighborhoods have a lot of variety. The best part is, they’re walkable!

Walkable Places to Stay in Dublin

If you’re planning a trip to Dublin and want to walk, it’s important to choose a place to stay in a walkable area. Dublin has some great options for every budget. Here are some of my recommended walkable places to stay in Dublin:

1. B&B Option: Pembroke Townhouse

Pembroke Townhouse is a great option in the heart of Georgian Dublin. Cozy and within walking distance to the best things to do in Dublin!

2. Mid-Range Option: Wellington Temple Bar

Areas such as Temple Bar are a popular place for travelers coming to Dublin. You could stay at Wellington Temple Bar for a convenient stay in Dublin close to the best pubs!

3. Luxury Option: The Shelbourne Hotel

Around the city center you will find the best luxury hotels in Dublin. Stay somewhere like The Shelbourne Hotel the best luxury experience in the city.

These are just a few examples of the walkable places to stay in Dublin! Choosing a place to stay in a walkable area gives you so much freedom to explore.

Safety Considerations for Walking in Dublin

When you’re exploring Dublin, you need to be aware of these safety tips! Dublin is generally a safe city, but like any big city, you should always take some precautions. No matter what time of day you’re walking the streets of Dublin, these safety tips will help you have a safe experience.

Is It Safe to Walk in Dublin at Night?

Walking in Dublin at night can be safe, especially in well-lit streets. However, it’s important to follow basic travel safety advice:

• Stay in well-lit and populated areas. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and stick to places where there are other people.
• Stay aware of your surroundings. Be mindful, and recognize what is going on around you, especially at night.
• Keep your passport somewhere safe. There’s nothing worse than a lost passport on an international trip. Make sure your passport is kept in a way that can’t be accessed by a pickpocket.
• Know your route. Use a GPS app like Google Maps before it gets dark to become familiar with the area and know how you’re getting back to your hotel!

Please keep in mind, these tips aren’t to scare you—these are basic travel safety tips that you should practice anywhere you go in the world!

Dublin Walking Safety Tips

In addition to nighttime, there are also some general walking safety tips to keep in mind while walking in Dublin:

• Follow traffic rules: Always cross the street at crosswalk or ‘zebra’ crossings and obey the traffic signals!
• Watch out for bicycles: Dublin has a growing number of cyclists, so be mindful as you cross the streets.
• Be mindful of public transportation: Pay attention to buses and other forms of public transportation when walking near busier areas.
• Wear comfortable shoes: This is safety advice for your own feet—you’ll thank me later! Get some good walking shoes for Ireland.

Wrap Up: Get Ready to Walk Dublin!

So now you know, the answer to “Is Dublin walkable?” is a yes! If you’re traveling to Dublin and planning to walk the city, I’m sure you’ll have a great time. If you’re in for a shorter trip to Dublin, check out my two day walking itinerary for Dublin. Make sure to pack comfortable shoes, and embrace the cobblestone streets! There’s no place in the world just like Dublin.

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