Dublin: “Budget Travel” tips and Cheapo hints

Dublin's Liffey Boardwalk.

When we cracked open the June 2009 issue of Budget Travel magazine, we were happy to see a great “Trip Coach” article on Dublin. Writing to Trip Coach, Shana asks what she and her partner should do on a spur-of-the-moment trip to the Irish capital.

Budget Travel provides many good tips on where to eat, what to see, and what not to see (we appreciate that the magazine recommends skipping the Book of Kells in favor of exploring the grounds of Trinity College—there’s no need to spend extra Euros for a rushed, crowded experience, especially when there are plenty of free museums to enjoy in this town).

Here are some of the highlights from the article “Dublin on the Fly”:

Irish Pubs, People-Watching, and Day Trips

BT suggests hitting up the literary crowd’s favorite people-watching mecca, Metro Café, and the quintessential Irish pubs Library Bar and Neary’s. We especially like that they throw in some picks for vegetarian travelers, including the amazing-looking Café Fresh.

We also love that the magazine endorses a quick trip out of town. “Trip Coach” recommends a day trip to Howth, where you can soak in the picturesque cliffs and St. George’s Channel. “Trip Coach” also mentions Sandycove and Dalkey, cute seaside towns that are perfect for enjoying a cozy pint while looking out at the ocean. (We recommend day trips to Enniskerry and Newgrange in our Dublin city guide).
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A trip to Dublin isn’t complete without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse brewery, so we’ll be sure to follow BT’s advice and take the tour (tickets cost €15 and include a beer tasting plus a free pint) next time we’re in town.

But Don’t Forget the Freebies…

We’d love to throw in our own Cheapo cents and remind readers that the city is teeming with free activities. We’ve written about free admission to the Irish Parliament and the Dublin Castle. But there are many other Cheapo-friendly ways to spend a day in the city.

Don’t forget Dublin’s literary roots! There are plenty of unique little bookshops perfect for browsing or camping out over a copy of Ulysses for the afternoon. We especially like Cathach Books, which boasts a collection of rare Irish works, and The Secret Book and Record Store (because there’s nothing better than picking up an obscure, old-time record when you’re visiting a new city).

When the weather in Dublin is nice, take in the city surroundings with a nice walk along the river. Dublin’s Liffey Boardwalk is great for a scenic stroll. The boardwalk served as a commercial wharf before the O’Connell Bridge was built in 1795. Now, it’s a perfect spot for admiring the Liffey River. If you walk along the river’s left bank, the boardwalk will eventually bring you out near the Christ Church Cathedral in the city center.

Have any other Cheapo Dublin suggestions? Let us know by posting a comment below!