Exploring the Sights
Much of the city's varied history and architecture can be admired from a simple walking tour, from the "Dublin Spire" built in the millennium to the gothic-style St Patrick's Cathedral and the ancient castle which stands guard above the banks of the River Liffey.
The National Library and National Museum are, surprisingly, free to explore, along with the Colin Barracks and the castle's courtyards and Chapel Royal. If you are in Dublin on a Tuesday, there is also a free tour of the House of Lords which is well worth a visit for anyone interested in the country's troubled politics.
For a taste of Ireland beyond the capital, a reasonable bus ticket and short ride will allow you to enjoy the fifty acres of the National Botanic Gardens. To the south, Sandycove has a renowned bathing spot to tempt brave travelers into the chill of the Irish Sea whilst Killney hill boasts a fantastic (and free) panorama of the city below.
Eating and Drinking
Dublin may be better known for its barrels of Guinness but it still houses some good quality eateries. If you are drawn to a traditional meal, many pubs will offer a variation on "Irish Stew," although recent cosmopolitan influences mean international restaurants are often more affordable.
Another good budget bet is the Cedar Tree off Grafton Street which serves hearty Lebanese fare at a good price, particularly the early-bird special. The set lunch at Ristorante Romano on Capel Street, meanwhile, offers excellent value for money on Italian dishes.
Alternatively, you could pick up lunch from recommended Munchies Sandwich Bar and head to nearby St. Stephens Green. Here you can picnic away from the bustle of the city and enjoy the quiet company of James Joyce's statue and the park's resident ducks!
Nightlife
As a modern, lively city, Dublin also has plenty of entertainment after dark. Temple Bar is renowned for housing more pubs than even the most seasoned drinker can crawl between but it can be uncomfortably crowded during tourist season and its reputation has pushed up the price of a Guinness. For a cheaper drink, nearby Camden Street is a similarly enjoyable night out and sticking to pints and stout can stretch those Euros still further!
Walking through the streets at night, you're as likely to hear traditional music issuing from the door of a bar as pop tunes and, as late licensing means there is little distinction between pubs and clubs in Ireland, adding music to your evening often comes without the inconvenience of paying entry.
Hard-core clubbers may be tempted to experience the Gaiety Theater which becomes an electronic/dance club at weekends. As it stays open till very late and has five floors of DJs spinning beats, it offers surprising value for money. Just remember to pick a hostel with a late curfew to avoid spending the night on a bridge by the Liffey!
Where to Stay
And when it comes to places to stay, Dublin is packed with good, reasonable accommodation, with the prices at Dublin Hostels ranging from €16 for a dorm bed at Kinlay House, to €23 for a rather swanky private room at the Dublin City Bunkhouse.
It's never a bad idea to check out a variety of Dublin hostel photos before deciding on your bed for the night. But frankly, Kinlay House and Dublin City Bunkhouse make an attractive pair, and are right up there with the very best hostels in Dublin, anyway.
As both hostels are centrally located and Dublin itself is relatively compact, it's possible to explore the whole of the city on foot. Which gives you all the more opportunity to soak up its unique atmosphere and save a little extra cash as you do so!
