The world is yours, it's at your feet, it's in your hands. And from that privileged position, what do you feel like doing?
Well, our advice is to move, discover, and experience it all. Today we're going to talk about a great place to start your great adventure: Dublin.
The Irish capital is a dynamic city, with a fantastic university atmosphere, plenty of places to discover, pubs to visit, and beers and whiskey to taste.
Excursions and trips for university students to Dublin
Airports and transportation in Dublin
You're landing in Dublin, but where exactly are you and how do you get to the city center? Well, the airport is not far from downtown Dublin, so connections are good, punctual, and fast.
To get to the city, we can use either of the two bus lines available: Dublin Express and Airlink Express. Dublin Express departs from Terminals 1 and 2 of the airport, and for just over €6, you'll be in the city center in no time.
Airlink Express has two lines, the 747 and the 757. They each have several stops along the way, so check their website to find out which one best suits your route.
The Luas tram operates from 5:30 a.m. and is a very common means of transportation, connecting both the airport and Dublin city center and getting around the heart of the city. The trip from Dublin Airport to the city center will cost you €3.
You can also take a taxi, which will cost between €25 and €35. It depends on you and your budget. And now that you've arrived in the center of Dublin, how do you get around?
It's true that the best thing is to be able to walk and enjoy everything, but there are times when a little help is appreciated. Here, both the commuter train and the tram are used equally. To a lesser extent, the bus, although it is also used quite a bit.
The culture of using public transportation is deeply rooted among Dublin residents and visitors. We recommend getting the "Leap Card," which will allow you to move freely using different transportation and in different areas.
Obviously, the more you move and explore, the more expensive it will be, but remember that you're a student. And being a student in Europe is truly amazing, because you have so many benefits. Among them, discounts on transportation.
And I'm not talking about saving a euro or two, but sometimes paying up to half the original price. Using the commuter train and tram combined can cost around €140 per month, the standard price. Inquire and ask the staff there for all the information.
Why is Dublin perfect for university trips and getaways?
The main reason is its atmosphere. Dublin is wonderful if you want to feel at home as soon as you arrive. There's a great student atmosphere, thanks to its universities, and they're constantly organizing events and parties.
Furthermore, the locals have a friendly, welcoming, and warm demeanor, so no matter who you talk to and wherever you go, you'll find nothing but good vibes and smiles.
Its daytime and nighttime atmosphere are equally important. It has good clubs, but its traditional pubs, where you can drink local beer and chat for hours, take the cake as a key activity.
So, if you're coming to discover Dublin, well thought out, and if you have time left over, you can also use Dublin as a base camp for other excursions or nearby cities, which will help you get the most out of your Dublin getaway.
Excursions and must-sees on your trip to Dublin
There's so much to see and do, so much. But we want to give you a brief summary of the most important or essential. Some are must-sees for their beauty, others for their cultural or historical significance. Whatever the reason, you can't leave Dublin without seeing the following attractions.
We'll start with Dublin Castle, which has been home to royalty and the powerful since the 12th century. Now it's there waiting for you to visit and soak up all its history. And if we're talking about important and historical sites, we can't leave out St. Patrick's Cathedral. A religious building of great importance to local Catholics, it's built in the 13th-century Gothic style.
If we're talking about museums, the National Museum of Ireland, the Museum of Dublin History, and Kilmainham Gaol should be at the top of your list. The latter is very interesting as it's a historic prison that has been converted into a museum, and its history is something you should know.
Has the sun come out by any chance? Run to the best outdoor spots to enjoy this small miracle. The 20-hectare National Botanic Garden of Ireland awaits you with open arms. And if you're hungry for more, or it seems too small, we've doubled the offer with the 40-hectare Phoenix Park.
To top it all off, you can't miss two places as different as they are iconic. Trinity College and its library are impressive and a must-see. Just as obligatory is a visit to the Guinness Brewery. Seven floors of history, beer, and tastings. A true national heritage site.
College Student Trips from Dublin
Let's look beyond Dublin, because Ireland's beauty seems endless. So we're sharing our favorite day trips with the best connections from Dublin.
Cliffs of Moher Day Trip from Dublin
Ireland's most famous cliffs stretch along 8 kilometers, reaching a height of 214 meters above sea level. The viewpoints on the northern route, Hag's Head or O'Brien's Tower, are a true delight for the senses.
If you want to make the most of it, you can book a tour that explains everything while showing you the most important and beautiful spots. To get to Galway, we recommend taking bus 250, but be aware that it takes about six hours. So this option is good as long as you spend the night there.
Belfast from Dublin
Belfast is a must-see if you're exploring Ireland, and within Belfast, don't forget its greatest natural monument: the Giant's Causeway. Declared a World Heritage Site, this formation, more than 60 million years old, is made up of more than 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns. As for the rest of Belfast, visit the Titanic Museum, the murals, and get lost in the historic city center.
By public transport, you'll be in Belfast in a couple of hours from Dublin, although the Giant's Causeway is a bit further away, and you'll need to plan your Belfast getaway carefully if you want to see everything you want.
Wicklow and Glendalough from Dublin
Heading south, we'll find Wicklow in an hour. A perfect place for a day trip, as it's one of the most beautiful counties in all of Ireland.
In "the garden of Ireland," as it's known, we'll find fairytale landscapes, with waterfalls, lakes, and beautiful trails. In the middle of this picture-perfect setting, we'll find a fantastic monastic complex called Glendalough, ruins dating back more than 14 centuries.
To get there, you can take bus 65, which will take you to the beautiful Blessington Lakes, one of Wicklow's most charming spots. If this option doesn't suit you, you can take the St. Kevin's Bus, which will take you to Glendalough.