10 Days in Dublin

What You Should Know Before Going On A Dublin Tour

Dublin Weather & Best Time to Visit

The warmest time of year in Dublin are the summer months June through August. During these months, temperatures reach an average high of about 65 degrees Fahrenheit. This is also the time of year when the most Irish festivals occur, and the city is most lively.

Unfortunately, part of this livlieness is a result of the many tourists that flock to the city during this time, and as a result, hotel and air fares are at a high.

In the autumn, between September to November, the weather is mild an average highs are in the mid 50’s. This mild weather and lack of tourists makes the fall a great time to visit if you are traveling on a budget.

Similarly, prices are usually discounted in the spring. Temperatures in Dublin between March and May average at highs in the mid 50’s Fahrenheit.

In the winter months between December to February, it is expectedly the coldest. Temperatures average in the 30’s and 40’s, and as it is the year with the highest chances of precipitation, it’s also likely that you may see some snow!

This is a welcome change of landscape in Ireland, and despite the cold, it is still a popular time to visit. Holiday season in Dublin is renowned for being especially cheerful and bright, with warm pubs on every corner, and fantastic Christmas markets to visit.

What are "Dublin Doors?"

One popular activity in Dublin is to spot all the different doors on houses. Historically, many of the residential buildings in Dublin were built quickly and similarly to accommodate the masses of people flocking to the city as it industrialized.

In order to spice up their homes, and make them more recognizable, the inhabits of Dublin painted their doors bright colors. These doors are usually a prominent part of photography tours, as they make for beautiful photographs!

Irish Food and Beer

Irish food is known and beloved worldwide for its staples, and its newly developing foodie scene (which some Ireland culinary tours are already exploring!). The days of food made up of only the irish staples (potatoes, bread, and meat) are gone, and there are tons of options in Dublin to either get out of your comfort zone, or indulge in some of the tastiest comfort food.

What is Irish Food?
Ireland is probably best known for its pub food, but these are some Irish classics you have to try during your trip to Dublin:

1. Irish Soda Bread: this dark, hearty bread, sometimes filled with raisins, is an Irish staple. Slather it with a healthy amount of butter, and you’re good to go!
2. Black Pudding: often incorporated in a good English breakfast, black pudding is actually Irish, and made from mixing pork meat and blood in with suet and oatmeal. It’s a salty tidbit that goes well as a side to many dishes, and it’s delicious!
3. Coddle: This a dish that directly hearkens back to Dublin, and was a typical working-class dinner during its industrial age. It is essentially a stew made of leftover bits of bacon, potatoes, onions, and whatever else you have!
4. Boiled Cabbage: Often mixed with salted pork, the cabbage can also be coated in a tasty parsley sauce, and is another great side to your sandwich or dinner.
5. Colcannon: a mashed potato dish with scallions, milk and butter -- it’s a creamy side you can’t go wrong with.
6. Sunday Roast: This dish is an Irish classic, and well looked forward to by many. Take your traditional carved meat (typically roast beef), with a side of either mashed or roast potatoes, and some beans, roast carrots, peas, and gravy -- then you’re all set!

Irish Music & Cultural Tours

If you want to get a taste of traditional Irish, there is no better place to go than Dublin. On your culture tour of the city, you are sure to explore the traditional Irish music and dance scene. Whether you set out to attend a competition, a local festival, or even just go on a pub crawl, there are plenty of ways to get your fix of fiddle, flute, pipes, and drinking tunes.

If you are after a true Irish cultural experience, you will be glad to know that traditional music is typically played as people dance the reel, the jig, or more complicated performance-type dances.

You can get a taste of both of these things by starting your bar crawl at the Dublin Temple Bar, one of the most famous bars in Dublin. This bar is famous for its bright red facade, it age (it was built in 1840), and the multitude of famous guests it’s served. See who’s advertised to perform, then settle in with a nice Irish whiskey or a Guinness stout, and enjoy the show!