I’ve been a frequent visitor to Dublin over the last few years. My #1 piece of advice is to pack waterproof jackets with hoods and comfortable waterproof shoes. You never know when it might start raining, even on the sunniest days. Layers are always a good idea.
The Dublin buses and the Luas (trams) are the best way to get around. You have to buy a Leap Card and put money on it since public transportation doesn’t accept cash and has yet to let riders tap and pay with their phones.
Most museums in Dublin are free. Here are some of my favorites:
The National Museum of Archaeology is terrific. The bog bodies are not to be missed. There are free tours which are excellent. https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Archaeology
The National Gallery is worth popping in to see their Vermeer, Caravaggio, and Irish artists. It’s open late on Thursdays.
The Chester Beatty museum in Dublin Castle is a gem, filled with treasures from around the world. Their Silk Road cafe is lovely.
MoLI, the Museum of Literature of Ireland, is a must in this country that still treasures the written word. (This museum does charge admission.)
If you’re interested in whiskey, the Teelings tour is terrific.
Dublin is home to many fantastic bookstores. These are a few of my favorites:
Books Upstairs (don’t miss their lovely cafe on the top floor)
Hodges & Figgis(close to Trinity and owned by the same company that owns Foyles bookstores in the UK)
Chapters is north of the Liffey, close to Parnell Square.
If you’re theater people, get tickets to a production at the Abbey or Gate theaters.
Have a wonderful time. 