4.1 KiB
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
Bon Jovi Concert — Sunday August 31 (possible)
Verify venue and tickets — likely Aviva Stadium or a major outdoor venue. Check 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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).