# Dublin, Ireland

> **Type:** City destination + confirmed event anchor
> **Confirmed dates:** August 30 (college football), August 31 (possible Bon Jovi concert)
> **Recommended stay:** 2–3 days at end of trip
> **Best for:** End-of-trip anchor; culture, pubs, events

## Confirmed Events

### College Football — Aviva Stadium, Saturday August 30
The Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Notre Dame vs Navy at Aviva Stadium (capacity 51,700), Lansdowne Road.
- **Book tickets early** — this sells out and is a major event drawing American visitors
- Stadium is in Ballsbridge, 3km from city centre; Luas Red Line or taxi
- Pre-match atmosphere in the pubs around Baggot Street and the city centre is excellent
- [aerlinguscollegefootballclassic.com](https://www.aerlinguscollegefootballclassic.com)

### Bon Jovi Concert — Sunday August 31 (possible)
Verify venue and tickets — likely Aviva Stadium or a major outdoor venue. Check [ticketmaster.ie](https://www.ticketmaster.ie).

## Must-See

- ⭐ **College Football — Aviva Stadium** — The Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Notre Dame vs Navy at Aviva Stadium (capacity 51,700), Lansdowne Road.
- ⭐ **Trinity College & Book of Kells** — Ireland's oldest university (1592). The Long Room of the Old Library is one of the most beautiful rooms in the world — barrel-vaulted ceiling, 200,000 ancient books, marble busts. The Book of Kells (9th-century illuminated manuscript) is displayed here.

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## Why Via Dublin (Arrival)
Arriving from the Wild Atlantic Way (coming south from Donegal/Galway/Kerry), Dublin is the natural end point. The Wild Atlantic Way terminates near Cork/Kinsale; from there it's 3h north to Dublin for the Aug 30 fixture.

**Timing:** Build your Wild Atlantic Way itinerary backward from August 29 in Dublin (day before the game). That gives you ~3 weeks of cycling/driving from a Belfast/Donegal start around August 7–10.

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## Must-See

### Trinity College & Book of Kells
Ireland's oldest university (1592). The Long Room library is one of the most beautiful rooms in the world — 65m barrel-vaulted ceiling, 200,000 ancient books. The Book of Kells (9th-century illuminated gospel) is displayed here.
- Book ahead: [tcd.ie/visitors](https://www.tcd.ie/visitors/)

### Kilmainham Gaol
The prison where the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were executed by firing squad. Essential to understanding modern Irish history. Guided tours only — book well ahead.
- [kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie](https://kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie)

### National Museum of Ireland — Archaeology
Free. World-class prehistoric gold collection and the Iron Age bog bodies (Clonycavan Man, etc.). Worth 1–2 hours.

### Temple Bar
Dublin's cultural quarter. Cobblestones, pubs, galleries. Touristy but genuinely alive at night. Skip the Temple Bar pub (overpriced) — try Mulligan's on Poolbeg St or The Long Hall on George's St for a proper pint.

### Phoenix Park
1,750-acre park with wild deer, the US Ambassador's residence, and the Irish President's house. Good for a morning run or cycle.

### Guinness Storehouse
Nine floors in the original fermentation plant; complimentary pint at the Gravity Bar with city views. Book ahead.

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## EV Charging in Dublin
Dublin has solid rapid charging infrastructure.
- **ESB ecars** network is widespread across the city (app: eCars)
- Rapid chargers at Merrion Road, Ballsbridge (near Aviva), and most major car parks
- **Aviva Stadium area:** ESB chargers on Serpentine Avenue and Merrion Road

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## Practical Info
- **Currency:** Euro (EUR)
- **Driving:** Left side
- **Getting around:** Luas tram (Red and Green lines), Dublin Bus, cycling. City centre is walkable.
- **Accommodation:** Book months ahead for the Aug 30 weekend — the college football game fills the city

## Onward: Return to Walldorf
See `08-return-via-france.md` for the Dublin → ferry to France → Walldorf leg (target: home by Sep 2).

## Links
- [Visit Dublin](https://www.visitdublin.com)
- [Aer Lingus College Football Classic](https://www.aerlinguscollegefootballclassic.com)
- [Ticketmaster Ireland](https://www.ticketmaster.ie)
- [ESB ecars charging](https://www.esb.ie/ecars)