I've lived in Dublin for 10 years. Here's how to avoid tourist traps and experience the city like a local.

As a local, I know there are lots of ways to experience Dublin like a local, from venturing off Grafton Street to taking a day trip to the beach.

Mar 8, 2025 - 16:04

I've lived in Dublin for 10 years. Here's how to avoid tourist traps and experience the city like a local.

Colorful buildings are trees near a bridge over a river at sunset. — As a resident of Ireland's capital city, I know the best ways to visit Dublin like a local.
Peter Unger/Getty Images

As someone who's lived in Dublin for 10 years, I know how to avoid the tourist traps.
If you're on Grafton Street, I recommend making a right or left to check out lesser-visited spots.
I also suggest taking a day trip to one of Ireland's beach towns.

My home city of Dublin is a popular tourist hot spot. Roughly 6.6 million people visited the Irish capital last year, but unfortunately, many seem to end up in the same overpriced, overhyped tourist traps.

Having lived in Dublin for 10 years — and in Ireland my whole life — I can attest to the spots worth seeing and, more importantly, the ones worth avoiding.

Here are the four things I recommend all tourists do to experience the city like a local.

Visit the right spots in the Temple Bar neighborhood.

Crowds of tourists outside Temple Bar in Dublin. — Temple Bar is pretty touristy.
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Temple Bar is Dublin's main tourist neighborhood, where pints of beer can get expensive.

That said, it's quaint and full of Instagrammable moments, meaning its appeal is strong. So, if you find yourself in the vicinity, don't fret: there are places worth visiting.

For example, I recommend skipping the expensive tourist bars and checking out some local gems. For example, The Porterhouse is a small Dublin chain that brews its own craft beers.

I suggest checking out Doyle's if you're looking for a spot with great live music. Every Tuesday, the bar runs an acoustic night known as the Ruby Sessions, which has hosted artists like Ed Sheeran, Mumford & Sons, and George Ezra. It's a real hidden gem and very popular with locals.

The Project Arts Centre also runs excellent comedy and arts productions throughout the year.

Skip public transportation and get around on foot instead.

A train in Dublin passes a brick wall. — I think the best way to see Dublin is by foot or bike.
WayneDuguay/Shutterstock

Ample trams and buses run through Dublin day and night for those who need them, but in my opinion, the best ways to see the capital are by foot or rental bike.

For example, there's no better way to see the city's incredible streetscapes (my favorite is Henrietta Street), historical bridges (two dozen of them cross the River Liffey), and parks.

And while you're exploring, don't forget to look up. I find that many tourists keep their eyes locked in front of them. When in Dublin, though, be sure to glance up occasionally to witness the beautiful architecture.

Venture outside the boundaries of Grafton Street.

Shoppers walk down a brick street in Dublin lined with shops. — Grafton Street can get busy.
Roy Harris/Shutterstock

Grafton Street is a main tourist spot in Dublin, where the city's hustle and bustle is met with roars from flower sellers, street performers, and busy department store shoppers.

Although a walk down this pedestrianized street is on most tourists' lists, I recommend taking a swift left or right when you can, as a myriad of hidden treasures are near.

Less than five minutes away in one direction will bring you to Drury Street, a place full of vintage stores, top-class cafés, and George's Street Arcade, a haven for those with a penchant for old records, good cheese, fine jewelry, and more.

Less than five minutes the other way brings you toward Baggot Street, an area of national museums, quaint parks, and some of the best Guinness in the city.

Take a day trip to one of Ireland's beach towns.

Moss-covered cliffs near the sea, with flowers in the foreground. — I suggest visiting Howth for rugged coastal walks.
Roberta Barbero/Getty Images

One of the best things about living in Dublin is its proximity to great beaches. The DART is Dublin's light rail system that circuits Dublin Bay, linking the city center area to coastal suburbs in under 40 minutes.

Head north to Howth for fresh seafood and rugged coastal walks or south to Sandycove, where James Joyce set the first chapter of "Ulysses."

For those renting a car, venture toward the Vico Road for breathtaking views of Dublin Bay.

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