🇮🇪 Don’t Visit Dublin Without Watching This First! (Unknown Local Tips)

Summary

This video offers essential tips for visitors to Dublin, covering key aspects such as tipping culture, mobile phone options, and transportation. It explains how to manage cash and currency, offering advice on ATMs and card payments. For staying connected, it suggests mobile plans and apps, including the convenience of eSIMs. The video also highlights safety tips, navigating Dublin’s address system, and finding public restrooms and water refill stations. It wraps up with practical advice on transport from the airport, emphasizing the importance of avoiding renting a car. Ideal for tourists looking to make the most of their time in Dublin.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tipping in Ireland is appreciated but not mandatory. It’s common to tip in restaurants, cafes, or for services like buskers, though the amount may vary.
• 💳 Avoid currency exchanges with high fees. The best way to get cash is through ATMs owned by banks like Bank of Ireland, AIB, or Permanent TSB.
• 📱 When traveling to Ireland, it’s better to use an eSIM or a prepaid SIM card, but avoid purchasing SIM cards at the airport for the best deals and service.
• 🗺️ Download offline maps on Google Maps before traveling to avoid data issues and ensure you can navigate even without network access.
• 📍 Ireland uses a unique address system called air codes, which allows you to use a 7-digit code to find specific locations easily on Google Maps.
• 🧳 For luggage storage, Radical Storage offers affordable options in Dublin with secure drop-off locations at cafes, restaurants, and shops.
• 🚨 Dublin is relatively safe for tourists, but it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas like Talbot Street and the Liffey boardwalk after dark.
• 🚓 In case of emergencies, call 112 or 999 to reach fire, ambulance, or police services. Ireland’s police force, known as the Gardaí, are approachable and helpful.
• 💊 Pharmacies like Boots are widely available across Dublin for health-related issues, offering both pharmacy services and general self-care products.
• 🚻 Public toilets in Dublin are mostly located inside shopping centers, libraries, and tourist attractions. The P.I.ie website helps locate these bathrooms around the city.
• 💧 To stay hydrated, use the refill.e app to find locations where you can refill your water bottle for free at cafes, restaurants, and other public spaces.
• 🍔 For quick meals, use apps like Just Eat or Deliveroo to order takeaway food in Dublin, bringing a convenient dining experience right to your accommodation.
• 🚖 The most convenient way to get from Dublin Airport to the city center is by taxi, coach, or bus. Renting a car is not recommended due to expensive parking and difficult city navigation.

Q & A

What is the tipping culture like in Ireland?

In Ireland, tipping is appreciated but not expected to the same extent as in the US. It’s common to leave small tips in restaurants or give a little something to buskers on the street. However, it’s not a strict custom, and you don’t need to worry too much about making mistakes. For more detailed information, there's a blog post available on the dos and don’ts of tipping in Ireland.

What’s the best way to get cash in Ireland?

The best way to get cash in Ireland is by using ATMs, especially those owned by major banks such as Bank of Ireland, Permanent TSB, or AIB. Avoid currency exchanges, as they typically charge high fees. When using your card at an ATM, choose to be charged in euros, as it will provide a better exchange rate.

How should I handle my mobile phone while in Ireland?

For mobile phone usage in Ireland, it's not recommended to use your home phone plan due to high costs. Instead, you can either purchase a prepaid SIM card from local providers like Vodafone, Air, or Three Mobile. However, the best option is to use an international service like eSIMs, which provides coverage from all three providers and can be activated before you even arrive in Ireland.

What is Ireland’s address system, and how does it work?

Ireland uses a system called 'air codes,' which are seven-digit codes unique to each location. Instead of entering long addresses, you can simply input the air code in Google Maps to get directions directly to your destination. It’s a convenient way to avoid typing out long addresses.

Where can I store my luggage in Dublin on my first or last day?

For luggage storage in Dublin, consider using Radical Storage, which offers affordable options at various locations across the city. They partner with cafes, restaurants, and shops to securely store your bags for a flat rate of €5 per bag per day.

Are there any safety tips for tourists in Dublin?

While Dublin is generally safe, like any city, it’s important to be aware of petty crimes such as phone snatching. It’s best to keep a firm grip on your phone and stay aware of your surroundings. There are certain areas, such as Talbot Street and the boardwalk along the Liffey, that should be avoided at night or if you’re alone. In case of emergencies, you can call 112 or 999 for police, ambulance, or fire services.

What should I do if I feel sick while in Dublin?

If you feel unwell in Dublin, you can visit pharmacies like Boots, which has locations across the city. They provide general healthcare products and services. If you need further medical attention, the pharmacy staff can guide you to the appropriate care, including doctors or clinics.

Where can I find public restrooms in Dublin?

Public restrooms in Dublin are not as readily available as in other cities. They are usually located in shopping centers, libraries, and tourist attractions. One useful resource is the P.I.ie website, which maps out all public toilets in the city, making it easier to find a restroom when needed.

How can I refill my water bottle in Dublin?

Dublin is still catching up with refillable water stations, but there’s a useful app called Refill.ie that shows locations where you can refill your water bottle for free. These locations include cafes, restaurants, and public attractions. It’s a great way to stay hydrated without having to buy bottled water.

What is the most convenient way to get from Dublin airport to the city center?

There are several options to get from Dublin airport to the city center. The most common methods include taking a taxi (which can cost between €30-€65 depending on traffic), using a coach transfer like Dublin Express or Air Coach (about €10), or taking a bus (routes 16 and 41, with the 41 running 24 hours). However, renting a car is not recommended due to expensive parking and the challenges of navigating Dublin's one-way streets.