Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
By Taxi:
Taxis are everywhere and easy to hail (cheaper for 3-4 people). In recent
years, Dublin has acquired a glut of new cabbies who are fiercely competing for fewer
customers due to the economic downfall. Cabbies are generally honest, friendly, and good
sources of information (€4.10 daytime minimum 8:00-20:00, €4.45 nighttime minimum
20:00-8:00, €1 for each additional adult, figure about €12 for most crosstown rides, €40/
hour for guided joyride).
While Dublin's physical treasures are lackluster by European standards, the gritty city has
a fine story to tell and people with a natural knack for telling it. It's a good town for walk-
ing tours, and the competition is fierce. Pamphlets touting creative walks are posted all
over town. Choices include medieval walks, literary walks, Georgian Dublin walks, tra-
ditional music pub crawls, and even a rock-and-stroll walk tracing the careers of contem-
porary Irish bands. Taking an evening walk is a great way to meet other travelers. The
Dublin TI also offers series of free, good-quality “iWalks” for travelers with smartphones
or tablets (download with maps at
www.visitdublin.com
). There's also a Visit Dublin app.
For help finding the departure points of the following recommended tours, see the map
▲▲▲
Historical Walking Tour
This is your best introductory walk. A group of hardworking history graduates—many
of whom claim to have done more than just kiss the Blarney Stone—enliven Dublin's
basic historic strip (Trinity College, Old Parliament House, Dublin Castle, and Christ
Church Cathedral). You'll get the story of their city, from its Viking origins to the present.
Guides speak at length about the roots of Ireland's struggle with Britain. As you listen
to your guide, you'll stand in front of buildings that aren't much to look at, but are lots
to talk about (May-Sept daily at 11:00 and 15:00, April and Oct daily at 11:00, Nov-
March Fri-Sun only at 11:00). All walks last two hours and cost €12 (get the €10 “stu-
dent” discount rate with this topic in 2014, free for kids under 14, departs from front
gate of Trinity College, private tours available, mobile 087-688-9412 or 087-830-3523,
