Dublin, Ireland, is a small, charming, and walkable city where visitors can find a pub on every corner and a warm welcome from locals.
From Guinness to Gaelic, here are the dos and don’ts you should know before your next trip to Dublin, Ireland...
Do check out the free entertainment provided by Dublin's buskers, or street performers Many successful musicians began their careers by busking on Dublin’s Grafton Street. You can find these artists throughout Grafton Street or Temple Bar Square - catch fire-eaters, limbo dancers, and madcap comedians, as well as your average guitar strummer.
Don't be daunted by Dublin's reputation for drinking. Drinking in Ireland is considered a social pastime, but it’s often leisurely and enjoyed over long conversations, music, and with a goal to enjoy each other’s company.
Do try Guinness—Ireland’s most famous beverage. There is no need to drink it for your entire stay, but if there is ever a place to try this delicious stout, it’s Dublin! If Guinness isn’t your suit, Kilkenny and Smithwicks are two other good beers, with the former harder to come by.
Don't assume all pubs are the same. If you want to get a good deal, check the drinks price list, displayed by law just inside the entrance of each bar. Be especially wary of prices at popular bars such as Temple Bar - Prices can vary wildly from pub to pub, and mixed drinks are generally more expensive.
Do purchase the Dublin Pass (https://www.dublinpass.com), advertised at a lot of tourist venues, but only after you have read the fine print. It may make sense if you want to pack a lot of sightseeing into a short time, but remember that the benefits of the card are limited.
Don't travel during morning or evening rush hours if you can avoid it. Getting stuck in Dublin's traffic gridlock is not a great way to spend your precious time. Despite express bus lanes, public transport will also be jammed with people traveling to and from work.
Do use the word "lift," not "ride," when asking someone to take you someplace in their car. "Ride" is the slang equivalent of the f-word.
Don't expect to hear much Gaelic in the city: English has long been the first language of Ireland, other than in some rural areas, and although most Dubliners have a basic grasp of the Irish language, some aren't too familiar with it. However, you could be lucky enough to meet some fluent Irish speakers. Some phrases you may encounter include:
Slainte (pronounced slawn-cha), which is a toast to good health
Cead mile failte (pronounced cade mee-la fawl-cha), which means "a thousand welcomes"
Go raibh mile maith agat (pronounced guh rev mee-la moh a-got), which means "a thousand thank yous"
Also, in public lavatories, you may see the words fir (men) and mna (women)
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