11 Mistakes Tourists Make When Visiting Dublin, According To A Local

Written By: Gail Clifford | Published By: Travel Awaits | June 27, 2023

Dublin — a city brimming with history, culture, and a vibrant atmosphere — continues to captivate visitors from around the globe. Those of us who live here become immersed in the rich tapestry of Irish life. People flock to Dublin for many reasons, drawn by its legendary pub culture, literary heritage, and welcoming locals. 

However, as with any popular destination, there are some common mistakes that tourists often make during their visit. To ensure you make the most of your time here, these are 11 mistakes worth avoiding in Dublin, allowing you to experience the true essence of Ireland and create memories that will last a lifetime.

1. Not Venturing Outside Of The City Center

Many tourists tend to stick to the city center and miss out on exploring some of the charming neighborhoods outside of the main tourist areas, such as Smithfield (aka Dublin 7) where the Jameson Distillery Bow Street tours take place. Or go further afield north to Skerries or south to Dalkey via DART for a step back in time that is easily handled afoot.

Skerries

Skerries, best known perhaps for the iconic windmills and watermill, remains notable for the legend that St. Patrick first stepped foot on this part of Ireland. Now, it’s not clear on which of his visits this happened, but on the beach by the Martello Tower, you can carefully shuffle down the slick rocks to make out the outline of his giant footprint. For thrill-seekers, this is also the place to go windsurfing and kayaking. If the currents allow, you can visit two or three of the outlying islands.

Dalkey

Dalkey, home of the late author Maeve Binchy and summertime home to George Bernard Shaw, remains of historic interest. The excellent visitor center hosts a tour that takes you back in time to Henry VIII, featuring interactions with professional actors who won’t break character. Check out the graveyard behind and marvel at how short the doorway is (there’s a reason for that). Once you’ve spotted each of the markers for the original castles, take lunch and stroll down to Coliemore Harbor. From there, you can motor over to Dalkey Island and participate in a cliff walk, or settle on a bench to watch the world go by while several lads jump off the sea wall into the chilly water below.

2. Focusing Only On The Big Attractions

While Dublin has plenty of famous attractions like the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle, and Trinity College, tourists should also consider visiting lesser-known sights like the Glasnevin Cemetery or Marsh’s Library. These hidden gems provide unique insights into Dublin’s history and culture.