Why Dublin Is Worth More Than a Weekend
Dublin has the history and grandeur you'd expect from a European capital, but it rarely feels formal. Georgian squares, centuries-old streets and literary landmarks share the city with busy cafés, independent shops, live music and neighbourhood pubs where conversation is still very much part of the experience. It's compact enough to explore on foot, making it easy to follow whatever catches your interest.
There's plenty of Irish history here too, from Viking Dublin and the struggle for independence to the city's extraordinary literary legacy — James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and W.B. Yeats among them. But Dublin isn't a city stuck in its past. There's a young, energetic side, a growing food scene and a calendar filled with music, theatre and sport.
And Dublin is only the beginning. Leave the city behind and Ireland quickly opens into green countryside, small towns, ancient ruins, rugged mountains and a wild Atlantic coastline that practically begs for a road trip. Give Dublin a few days. Then see where Ireland takes you.
Dublin — Quick Facts
Flight time from Sydney
~23–25 hours (1–2 stops)
Flight time from Melbourne
~24–25 hours (1–2 stops)
Best time for cheap fares
January (post-Christmas)
Peak season
June, July, August
Airport
Dublin Airport (DUB)
Visa required
No — 90 days for Australians
Time zone
GMT / IST (GMT+1 summer)
Top Things to Do in Dublin
Temple Bar & Dublin's Pub Scene
Dublin's famous cobblestoned cultural quarter is packed with traditional pubs, live music and street performers. For the most authentic trad music experience, head to Mulligan's, The Cobblestone or O'Donoghue's.
Trinity College & Book of Kells
One of the world's great university campuses — home to the 9th-century Book of Kells illuminated manuscript and the magnificent Long Room library. Book tickets in advance to avoid long queues.
Guinness Storehouse
A seven-storey museum dedicated to Ireland's most famous export, culminating in the Gravity Bar for a pint of Guinness with panoramic views over the city. One of Ireland's most visited attractions.
Cliffs of Moher
A day trip from Dublin takes you to the most dramatic sea cliffs in Europe — 214 metres above the Atlantic on Ireland's wild west coast. On a clear day the views to the Aran Islands are breathtaking.
Dublin Castle & Chester Beatty Library
Dublin Castle sits at the heart of the old city with a history stretching back to Viking times. The adjacent Chester Beatty Library holds an extraordinary collection of manuscripts and treasures from across the world — and it's free.
The Wild Atlantic Way
Ireland's spectacular coastal driving route stretches 2,500km from Donegal to Cork. Even a section of it — the Connemara loop or the Ring of Kerry — is an unforgettable road trip.
When to Fly to Dublin
January and February are among Dublin's quietest months, and the lower demand can mean better-value flights and accommodation if you don't mind the colder weather and shorter days. Summer, from June to August, brings longer daylight hours and generally milder weather, but it's also the busiest and often most expensive time to visit. April and May, or September and October, can be a great middle ground — generally pleasant conditions, fewer summer crowds and often more competitive fares from Australia.
Dublin's Airports
DUB
Dublin Airport
Ireland's main international airport, 10km north of the city centre. The Airlink Express bus (Routes 747/757) connects to the city centre in about 30–40 minutes and runs 24 hours.
Getting Around Dublin
Dublin is an easy city to cover on foot, particularly around the centre where many of the places you'll want to see are relatively close together. The Luas trams and Dublin Bus are handy when you're heading further out. If Dublin is the starting point for a bigger Ireland trip, hiring a car opens up far more of the countryside, coast and smaller towns — and for Australians, there's one less adjustment to make: the Irish drive on the left too.
Before You Fly
- Visa: Australian passport holders can visit Ireland for up to 90 days without a visa.
- Note: Ireland is NOT in the Schengen Area — a separate entry stamp is required. The UK's ETA is also not valid for Ireland.
- Currency: Euro (€) in the Republic. Cards accepted almost everywhere.
- Weather: Pack layers and a waterproof jacket regardless of season — Irish weather is famously changeable.
- Travel Insurance: Lost luggage on long flight legs and sudden illness during your stay can get expensive quickly. Arranging cover for your trip to Ireland helps handle urgent medical expenses, lost baggage, and non-refundable travel costs if an emergency interrupts your holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airlines fly from Australia to Dublin?
The main airlines include Qantas (via Dubai or Singapore), Emirates (via Dubai), Singapore Airlines (via Singapore) and Aer Lingus (via various European hubs). Most routes involve one or two stops with total journey times of 22–25 hours.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Dublin?
January and February are typically cheapest. Avoid June–August (peak summer). Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer good value and pleasant weather.
Do Australians need a visa for Ireland?
No — Australian passport holders can visit Ireland for up to 90 days without a visa. Note that Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area and requires a separate entry.
Can I travel to the UK from Dublin on the same trip?
Yes — there is free movement between Ireland and the UK under the Common Travel Area. However, Australian visitors need a UK ETA for the UK and a separate Irish entry for Ireland.
Can iFly help plan an Ireland road trip?
Absolutely. Our team can help with flights, car hire, accommodation and
travel insurance. Call 1800 242 373 during business hours.