With its infamous traffic, Dublin can be a chore to get around. However most of the sights, shops and restaurants are located within the city centre which can easily be explored on foot. If you are booking a hotel for a leisure trip be sure to try to stay within easy reach of the centre. Postal districts 2 and 1 include the centre so if you see "Dublin 2" in the address you are not going to be left out of action !
For longer trips taxis and public transport are the best options for visitors. Don't even think of renting a car while in Dublin unless you are prepared for drivers around you to drive aggressively, rarely give way, or allow for even small mistakes without a resulting cacophony of horns tooting. Although if you've driven in New York, Rome, etc, then you'll find it's all very polite and relaxed. However if you plan to travel to the more remote parts of Ireland a car is pretty essential - your best bet is probably to pick up a rental car when you leave the city.
When using a taxi there are a few things to remember. Hail one
whenever possible as there is generally a pickup charge included in the
fare if you order one. Also, if you are travelling more than 11 km,
possibly try negotiating a fare before departing. A new fare system
should have been set up to charge a max €40 - 45. However, some have
listed costs over 70 Euros (close to $100.00) for a one-way trip from
the airport to Killiney on arrival. Also, be sure to start up a
conversation if you can. Many drivers will give you inside information
that you cannot get from any travel guide. They also offer you great
historical and political background from their point of view. As a
general rule, though, mass transit is the cheapest form of travel -
especially in County Dublin and the Eastern Coast of Ireland.
You might try the "Hop On, Hop Off" tour buses while you are in the City. You can get all around town for one price and get on and off as much as you like. Several companies provide such a service, including Dublin Bus, for about €14 for a day pass, or even better value for 25 euro for a three-day pass covering all buses including airport transfers and all city buses, night buses and three-days open-top tours. While you are on the bus, the driver provides facts about points of interest and a map showing you where all you can get on/get off. You have to walk into town to begin the ride - or get the regular bus.
As in London, most of Dublin's regular city buses are double-deckers and the top deck offers some great views. See the public transport page for more details on city buses.
One of the nicest ways to see Dublin Bay is to take a trip on the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) suburban train and to travel from city center as far as Bray. It's not particularly expensive and you get to see some spectacular views of Dublin Bay. Heading south on the DART, you can stop off at some beautiful villages along the way. For example, Dun Laoire has a beautiful harbour and pier, Killiney has a beautiful stoney beach and is home to many of Dublin's rich and famous celebrities, Dalkey has a wonderful castle and a gentle village atmosphere, and Bray is a seaside holiday haunt for many generations of Irish families. To the north of the city, the DART terminates at Howth, a quiet fishing village, with some nice cliff walks, and if you're feeling energetic, you can go all the way to the Summit of Howth Head for a spectacular view. As DART is used by the plain people of Dublin, you may also get an entertaining insight into the cosmopolitan mix of the city's populace, from the varied and colourful atire of the commuters to the equally colourful and myriad accents: and that's just the Dubliners!
An alternative way of getting around is to catch the LUAS Light Rail Transit (LRT) Red or Green Tram - a relatively new mode of transport for Dublin City. It is quiet and efficient, and is also a great way to see some parts of Dublin City. There are only two lines so not of huge interest to tourists. Again, check the public transport page for more details on rail and tram services.
