This capital city is known as the heart beat of the beautiful country of Ireland. Combining rich history and beautiful architecture with a lively nightlife, there isn’t much this city doesn’t offer guests. Spend your vacation sampling the local brews in neighborhood pubs, picnic in Phoenix Park, or go castle and cathedral hopping with a guide. Getting to this Irish city as Dublin Airport is one of the busiest in Europe, with hundreds of daily flights providing a huge range of options to get there.

Best Times to Visit: The best time to visit Dublin is June through August when temperatures are warm and festivals fill the streets. This is also the most crowded and expensive time to visit, with high hotel rates and airfare prices. To avoid the crowds, plan to visit Ireland in April – June or September – October. Even though there are never any promises when it comes to Irish weather, spring and autumn tend to be relatively mild and have fewer crowds (and lower prices) than during the peak of summer.

Things to do:

Drink like an Irishman. It is no surprise that booze is very important to the Irish. Make sure to grab a pint at the iconic Temple Bar. Or sample more local brews at the Guinness Storehouse Factory or the Old Jameson Distillery!

Check out Dublin Castle. Over 800 years old, Dublin Castle spans over 11 acres and sits on the highest ridge. The property offers self-guided and guided tours of the grounds, including the Castle’s many rooms, gardens and museums such as the Chapel Royal, the Chester Beatty Library, and the Revenue Museum.

Take a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher. This is a can’t miss spectacle you truly can not miss while in Ireland. The Cliffs are about a 3.5 hour drive outside of Dublin, but many tour companies can coordinate a trip for you! Entrance costs range between €15 to €40.